What challenges will researchers face in publishing after the UGC CARE List is discontinued?

The discontinuation of the UGC CARE List introduces several challenges for researchers in India, particularly those in universities that followed UGC guidelines for journal selection. The CARE List provided a centralized and vetted collection of journals, helping researchers avoid predatory publications while ensuring their work aligned with institutional and academic promotion requirements. With its removal, researchers will need to adapt to a more decentralized and potentially uncertain publishing landscape.

Challenges Researchers May Face

Difficulty in Identifying Legitimate Journals

• Without a standardized list, researchers may find it challenging to distinguish between reputable and predatory journals.
• The risk of falling into the trap of predatory publishers increases, potentially harming academic credibility.

Uncertainty in Meeting Institutional Requirements

• Many universities mandated publications in UGC CARE-listed journals for promotions, Ph.D. submissions, and research funding eligibility.
• Institutions may now develop their own evaluation criteria, leading to inconsistencies across different universities.

Increased Administrative Burden

• Researchers will have to independently verify journal authenticity by checking impact factors, peer review processes, and indexing in Scopus or Web of Science.
• This adds additional time and effort to the publication process.

Risk of Exploitation by Predatory Journals

• Some journals may take advantage of the lack of an official list by falsely claiming legitimacy.
• Unwary researchers might pay high publication fees without ensuring rigorous peer review.

Complications in Academic Career Progression

• Faculty promotions and research grants often require publications in recognized journals.
• The absence of a unified standard could lead to varied criteria across institutions, causing delays or rejections in academic career advancements.

How Researchers Can Navigate This New Publishing Landscape

Refer to Globally Recognized Indexes

• Use databases like Scopus, Web of Science, and DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) to verify journal credibility.
• Institutions may also adopt these indexes as new benchmarks.

Rely on Transparent Peer Review Systems

• Platforms like Scholar9 offer transparent peer review systems, where review comments are openly accessible.
• Journals that adopt transparent peer review practices enhance credibility and research integrity.

Consult Institutional Guidelines

• Universities are expected to introduce their own policies for journal selection.
• Researchers should stay updated with their institution’s evolving publication requirements.

Verify Journal Credentials

• Check for proper indexing, ISSN verification, and publisher reputation before submitting papers.
• Avoid journals that promise rapid publication with minimal or no peer review.

Engage in Researcher Communities

• Collaborate with peers and mentors to get recommendations for reputable journals.
• Participate in academic forums to discuss journal credibility and best practices.

1. Advocate for Institutional Clarity

• Academic bodies and universities should establish clear guidelines for journal selection to avoid confusion.
• Researchers can collectively push for a standardized evaluation system to replace the CARE List.

Final Thoughts

While the removal of the UGC CARE List presents challenges, it also provides researchers with the opportunity to be more proactive in ensuring journal credibility. By leveraging transparent peer review platforms like Scholar9, relying on internationally indexed journals, and staying informed about institutional policies, researchers can continue to publish with confidence in reputable journals.