Scholars at Risk report finds academic freedom severely restricted in India

The ‘Free to Think 2026’ report by Scholars at Risk (SAR) states that academic freedom in India was “severely restricted” between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The report notes that India’s Academic Freedom Index score declined from 0.16 in 2024 to 0.14 in 2026.

According to the findings, the central government has expanded its authority over higher education, utilizing the University Grants Commission (UGC) as a primary instrument of influence. This interference affects university governance, leadership appointments, curricula, and administrative functions, thereby weakening institutional autonomy. Specific measures noted include relaxing academic qualification norms for vice-chancellors and increasing the use of non-permanent or contract faculty.

The report also documents direct repression, including police violence against student protests and university administrators canceling academic events or dismissing faculty to stifle campus discourse. India was identified as one of 22 countries exhibiting concerning trends in the academic domain.