ABSTRACT:
The evolving research ecosystem in higher educational institutions (HEIs) necessitates a strategic reassessment of research contributions and evaluation metrics. Traditional approaches focusing on the number of publications are no longer sufficient to measure academic impact. This paper examines the current challenges in academic publishing, including NAAC accreditation changes, the removal of UGC CARE journals as acceptable norm, lengthy publication timelines of reputed journals and the increasing prevalence of unethical publishing practices. By proposing a revised framework incorporating citation-based metrics, interdisciplinary collaboration, and alternative quality research contributions embracing h-index, g-index et al. This paper aims to suggest ways and means of enhancing institutional research quality by providing norms which need new benchmarks. The recommendations emphasize the use of NIRF’s per capita research productivity, citation impact and faculty engagement in high-impact research, ensuring alignment with global academic standards.