India's academic freedom 'severely restricted', campus discourse stifled: Report

India's academic freedom severely restricted, claims report

A report by Scholars at Risk, 'Free to Think 2026', states that academic freedom in India is "severely restricted" due to increasing government influence over higher education, university governance, and curbs on student expression. India is listed among six countries in this category, with its Academic Freedom Index score sharply declining. The report cites instances of faculty dismissals, event cancellations, and pressure on student protests, …

India’s academic freedom ‘severely restricted’ under BJP government: report

A report reveals severe restrictions on academic freedom in India under the BJP government, impacting universities and scholarly expression.

India joins Ukraine, West Bank in ‘severely restricted’ academic freedom category; ranks above China

The report also referred to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said the University Grants Commission (UGC) had been used as a “primary vehicle for state influence” over higher education.

India's academic freedom 'severely restricted', campus discourse stifled: Report

According to the 2026 AFI, academic freedom declined significantly in 50 of the 179 countries analysed over the past decade, registering improvements in only 9.