Data Sources and Citation Metrics
The 5th edition of the Research.com Best Economics and Finance Scientists in India Ranking is founded on comprehensive bibliometric data aggregated from multiple reputable sources. The primary databases leveraged for collection include OpenAlex and CrossRef, supplemented by several additional trusted data repositories to ensure accuracy and breadth of coverage. The bibliometric data, encompassing publication and citation records, were collected on January 12, 2026. A researcher’s position in this ranking is determined by their D-index (Discipline H-index), which is a refined metric that accounts exclusively for papers and citation impact within the specific discipline under review, namely Economics and Finance.
Scope of Research and Inclusion Criteria
The ranking is derived from an extensive analysis covering 279,971 scientist profiles identified through diverse bibliometric data sources across all academic disciplines. For the field of Economics and Finance, data pertaining to the top scientists were specifically curated and examined.
To qualify for inclusion in the ranking, a scientist must have a D-index of at least 30, representing a substantial and impactful publication record in the discipline. Additionally, the majority of a candidate’s tier publications are required to be in Economics and Finance to demonstrate clear disciplinary focus. Consideration is also given to awards and professional achievements recognized within the field.
The D-index threshold is not uniform but scales in increments of 10 according to the estimated total scholar population within each discipline. This dynamic threshold ensures that the top 1% of leading experts are incorporated in every field. An important methodological check requires a proximity of 30% or less between the researcher’s overall H-index and their D-index, thereby confirming a strong disciplinary research alignment.
Verification and Validation Practices
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data alone cannot serve as an absolute measure of scholarly output, the Research.com team undertook extensive manual verification of scientist profiles. Each profile was cross-correlated against publications verified in a wide range of trusted academic journals, conference proceedings, and other authoritative sources to ensure authenticity and discipline specificity.
Although not directly factored into the ranking position, the volume of publications in prominent journals and conferences is considered a valuable secondary indicator of a researcher’s contribution to Economics and Finance. The primary metric underpinning the ranking remains the D-index, which is consistently computed based on data sourced from OpenAlex and CrossRef — two of the most prominent and widely respected bibliometric databases available to the global research community.
For those interested in the detailed statistical methodologies and verification protocols, further information can be found on our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Vision
The creation of this ranking reflects Research.com’s broader mission to inspire and empower researchers, academic institutions, companies, and policymakers worldwide. By providing a transparent and meticulously constructed overview of leading experts, the ranking serves as a powerful tool to highlight emerging trends and thought leadership in specific domains such as Economics and Finance.
Our goal is to facilitate awareness and understanding of where the forefront of expertise lies geographically and institutionally. This enables informed decisions, collaboration, and targeted investments that foster the continued advancement of scientific knowledge globally.
