Evolution of Research Ethics in Indian Higher Education: Historical Trajectories and Contemporary Challenges

Research ethics is a cornerstone of academic integrity and scientific progress. This paper explores the evolution of research ethics in higher education in India, tracing its historical development, examining current practices and anticipating future trends. The study highlights key milestones in the establishment of ethical standards, such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines, the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) guidelines and the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations and discusses contemporary challenges like data privacy, artificial intelligence and global collaboration. Using a qualitative research approach, the paper analyses case studies, policy documents and scholarly literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of research ethics in the Indian context. The findings emphasize the importance of adapting ethical frameworks to address emerging issues while maintaining core principles of integrity, accountability and respect for human dignity. The paper concludes with recommendations for fostering ethical research practices in Indian higher education.