Whether artificial intelligence is a blessing or a curse remains a matter of debate, but its presence is undeniable. As concerns grow over AI’s impact on education, many teachers argue that students are no longer studying or writing independently, relying instead on tools like ChatGPT or Gemini. Amid rising worries about the unethical use of AI in academic spaces, Calcutta University has made it clear that it is not inclined to treat AI as untouchable,at least at the PhD level.
The university's new PhD guidelines have clearly stated that there is no objection to the selective use of AI. The condition is that wherever AI has been used in PhD research papers or theses must be identified. Its use should not exceed 10 percent of the thesis.
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To ensure this, just as all these are checked through special software to prevent copying from others' research or books or plagiarism, powerful software has been purchased to check how much of the thesis has been written using AI. If AI is used beyond the desired percentage, the university can cancel the thesis altogether. As a result, many believe that by keeping arrangements to kill the snake without breaking the stick, a university in the state has given AI a place in the educational field for the first time.
Many of the university's professors are in favour of accepting this policy.
For instance, Physics Professor Sudipta Bandyopadhyay says, "We are no longer in a position to deny AI. The way we collected data during our student days, if we try to collect data for research using that method now, the research might not be completed in five years or perhaps even in 14 years. Therefore, AI is essential in the field of big data analysis. Many institutions around the world have accepted this."
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Many professors' view is that there is no objection if AI assistance is taken when help is needed. But if the entire work is done by AI, that is unethical.
Sanskrit Department Professor Mou Dasgupta has reservations, "Now AI can be used to humanise writing so that it cannot be detected as AI-written. In that case, extremely high-capacity software is needed."
However, Zoology Professor Ena Roy Bandyopadhyay adds with a smile, "That's exactly why we, meaning the teachers, are here. We know which student can write how much or cannot. AI has not yet been able to replace teachers."
