In the realm of academic research, the credibility and quality of published work are paramount. Researchers and scholars rely on reputable journals to disseminate their findings, ensuring that their work is recognized and respected within the academic community. To uphold these standards, the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India has established the Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (CARE) List. This list serves as a vetted collection of quality journals across various disciplines, providing researchers with a trusted source for their publication needs.

For publishers, having their journals included in the UGC-CARE List signifies a mark of distinction, affirming that their publications meet rigorous academic and ethical standards. The process of inclusion, however, requires adherence to specific criteria and a commitment to best practices in scholarly publishing. This guide aims to assist publishers in understanding these requirements and navigating the submission process effectively.

By following the outlined steps and ensuring compliance with the UGC-CARE guidelines, publishers can enhance the reputation of their journals and contribute to the integrity of academic research. This document provides detailed information on the essential criteria for submission, the definition and risks of predatory publishing, and the procedures for recommending and submitting journals for inclusion in the UGC-CARE List.

Introduction

The UGC-CARE (Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics) List plays a vital role in ensuring that researchers in India publish in reputable and high-quality journals. If you are a publisher looking to have your journal included in this esteemed list, it is crucial to meet specific criteria and adhere to best practices. This guide outlines the essential steps and requirements for successful inclusion.

Essential Criteria for Submission

Before you submit the journal information form to UGC-CARE, ensure that the following details are accurately verified:

1. Journal Title

• Accurate Title: Verify that the journal’s title, including any subtitles, is correctly stated.

2. ISSN / E-ISSN (Required Criteria)

• Verification: The journal must possess a valid and verifiable ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) and/or E-ISSN.

3. Publisher Information

• Complete Details: Provide the full postal address, phone number(s), and email address of the publisher.

4. Editorial Information

• Editorial Team: List the full names and affiliations of the editors and editorial board members.
• Contact Information: Ensure the editorial office address, phone number, and email addresses are accurate.
• URL and Publications: Provide a URL to the editorial board’s page, including the publications of editors and board members.

5. Journal Website

• Detailed Information: The journal’s website should comprehensively detail the journal’s aims, scope, editorial board, submission guidelines, and publication ethics.

6. Accuracy of Information

• Truthfulness: Any misleading or false information on the journal’s website or within its pages will render the journal ineligible for the UGC-CARE list.

Adherence to Best Publishing Practices

To meet high standards of scholarly publishing, it is recommended to follow the guidelines from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The COPE guidelines, titled “Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing,” provide a thorough framework for maintaining transparency and integrity. These guidelines can be accessed at: COPE Guidelines.

By meticulously following these criteria and adhering to best practices, publishers can enhance the credibility of their journals and increase their chances of being included in the UGC-CARE list. Maintaining transparency, accuracy, and integrity in journal publishing is essential not only for inclusion in the UGC-CARE list but also for earning the trust and respect of the academic community.

Additional Information on UGC-CARE

Predatory/Dubious/Questionable Journals or Publishers?

According to the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), predatory publishing refers to for-profit open-access journal publication of scholarly articles without peer review by experts in the field or editorial oversight. (Source)

UGC-CARE List Update Frequency

The UGC-CARE List is updated quarterly, on the first of January, April, July, and October (or on the next working day if there is a public holiday) each year.

Who Can Recommend Journals for Inclusion?

Anyone, regardless of nationality, can recommend journals for inclusion in the UGC-CARE List by following the prescribed submission process available at UGC-CARE Submission Portal.

Submission Timing for New Journals

Publishers can submit new journals for inclusion in the UGC-CARE List three years after the journal begins publication.

Submission Process for Publishers

Publishers can submit journal titles through the IQAC Cell of any affiliated college/university, following the prescribed submission process with the recommendation of teaching faculty along with the duly signed declaration form by the competent authority. If a university is the publisher, the declaration form should be signed by teaching faculty from other universities.

Reasons for Non-Inclusion

Exclusion Criteria for Journals

Journals may not be considered for inclusion in the UGC-CARE List if they exhibit any of the following criteria:

• Cronyism in publishing: Institutional/society publication with an in-house editorial board, with more than 5% of articles published by editorial board members or in-house researchers/faculty members.
• Editorial board credentials: Research credentials of the editorial board are not up to the mark.
• False Information: Misleading or false metrics displayed anywhere on the journal’s website or its pages render the journal ineligible for inclusion in the UGC-CARE List.

By adhering to these criteria and best practices, publishers can enhance the credibility of their journals and increase the likelihood of inclusion in the UGC-CARE List.

UGC-CARE: A Quality Mandate for Indian Academia

To match global standards of high-quality research across all academic disciplines, the University Grants Commission (UGC) launched the “Quality Mandate” on November 28, 2018, establishing the Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (CARE). The UGC-CARE aims to promote quality research, academic integrity, and publication ethics in Indian universities by identifying and maintaining a list of reputable journals, thereby preventing publications in predatory or sub-standard journals which tarnish the academic image of India.

Objectives of UGC-CARE

Promote quality research and academic integrity.
Encourage high-quality publications in reputable journals for higher global rankings.
Develop a methodology for identifying good quality journals.
Prevent publications in predatory/dubious/sub-standard journals.
Maintain the “UGC-CARE Reference List of Quality Journals” for academic purposes.
Need for UGC-CARE List
The credibility of research publications is crucial as it represents the academic image of individuals, institutions, and the nation. The number of research articles published in reputable journals is a key indicator for institutional ranking, faculty promotions, and other academic purposes. Predatory journals have become a global concern, and their high prevalence in India has adversely affected its academic reputation.

Scope of the UGC-CARE List

UGC-CARE prepares and maintains the “UGC-CARE Reference List of Quality Journals,” including Indian journals in disciplines like Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (UGC-CARE Group I) and globally indexed journals in databases like Scopus and Web of Science (UGC-CARE Group II).

Organization of UGC-CARE

UGC-CARE Empowered Committee (UGC-CARE EC): Supervises the functioning of UGC-CARE.
UGC-CARE Council Members: Representatives from statutory councils, academies, and government bodies.
UGC-CARE Universities: Jawaharlal Nehru University, M.S. University of Baroda, University of Hyderabad, and Tezpur University.
UGC Cell for Journal Analysis
Located at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), the UGC Cell for Journal Analysis at the Centre for Publication Ethics (CPE) creates and maintains the UGC-CARE List, supported by INFLIBNET Centre, Gandhinagar.

UGC-CARE List

The UGC-CARE List is divided into two non-hierarchical groups:

Group I: Journals qualified through UGC-CARE protocols.
Group II: Journals indexed in globally recognized databases.

Find the link here to access the UGC-CARE Journal list: UGC-CARE JOURNAL List

Conclusion

Ensuring that your journal meets the UGC-CARE List criteria requires meticulous adherence to submission guidelines, transparency, and ethical publishing practices. The UGC-CARE List is updated quarterly, and anyone can recommend journals for inclusion. Publishers must wait three years after the initial publication to submit their journals. By following the steps outlined in this guide and avoiding common pitfalls such as predatory practices, publishers can enhance their chances of inclusion, thereby contributing to the integrity and credibility of academic research in India.