Google Scholar is a key platform for making academic research widely accessible. However, there are times when a published paper needs to be retracted. In such cases, how can the retracted paper be removed from Google Scholar?

1. Clearly Mark the Paper as Retracted

If a paper has been retracted, the journal must clearly state this on the article’s webpage. The paper should be labeled as “retracted,” along with the reasons for retraction. Google Scholar updates its index based on the information provided by the content provider.

2. Update the Metadata

The journal or content provider must update the paper’s metadata with retraction information, including a retraction tag (e.g., Retracted). Google Scholar relies on this data to understand the paper’s status and reflect the changes accordingly.

3. Request a Google Scholar Recrawl

Even after a paper is marked as retracted, Google Scholar may not immediately reflect this change. Journal administrators can use Google Scholar’s Webmaster Tools to request a recrawl or submit updated metadata. This can expedite the process of removing or updating the paper in the index.

4. The Process Takes Time

Google Scholar’s indexing and updating process can take some time. Depending on the platform’s crawling frequency, it may take weeks for the paper to be fully removed or updated to reflect its retracted status. There is no fixed rule that papers are automatically removed within 14 days.

Conclusion

Removing a paper from Google Scholar or marking it as retracted depends on the steps taken by the journal. Clear labeling of the retraction, updating the metadata, and requesting a recrawl from Google Scholar are essential to ensure the retraction is properly reflected, though it may take some time.