What system can replace the UGC CARE List?

With the discontinuation of the UGC CARE List, Indian academia must adopt or develop alternative frameworks to ensure the credibility and quality of research publications. Several internationally recognized indexing and accreditation systems already exist, but a structured national-level approach may also be necessary to maintain academic integrity and standardization.

Potential Alternatives to the UGC CARE List

1. Internationally Recognized Indexing Systems

• Scopus (by Elsevier) – Covers peer-reviewed journals with rigorous evaluation criteria.
• Web of Science (WoS) – Indexes high-impact journals and conference proceedings.
• DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) – Lists credible open-access journals with strict quality controls.
• PubMed (for life sciences and medical research) – Ensures medical journals meet stringent standards.
• IEEE Xplore, Springer, and Elsevier Journals – High-impact platforms for engineering, technology, and science fields.
• Scholar9 Transparent Peer Review System – A new approach that ensures open peer review, where review comments and editorial decisions are publicly accessible, promoting transparency and research integrity.

1. Institutional and University-Based Accreditation

• Leading Indian universities may create their own journal accreditation frameworks, ensuring alignment with their research priorities.
• Universities could adopt a peer-driven validation system where faculty committees assess journal credibility.

1. National-Level Journal Indexing System

• The UGC or another academic body (such as AICTE, ICSSR, or ICMR) could develop a new centralized, transparent, and AI-driven journal evaluation system to replace the CARE List.
• This system should be publicly accessible, transparent, and updated regularly to remove predatory journals and include only those that meet strict quality benchmarks.

Key Considerations for a New Indian Journal Indexing Framework

• Transparent Peer Review Requirement – Journals following open peer review systems like Scholar9 should be prioritized.
• Periodic Review & Dynamic Listing – Unlike the static CARE List, an AI-driven system should continuously assess journal quality.
• Alignment with Global Standards – Any new system should integrate Scopus, WoS, and DOAJ indexing criteria to maintain international credibility.
• Institutional Collaboration – Universities should be involved in maintaining the list, ensuring academic community participation.

Final Thoughts

Rather than relying solely on existing international indexes, India could develop a next-generation national-level journal accreditation system with a focus on transparency, peer validation, and continuous quality assessment. Integrating transparent peer review platforms like Scholar9 could further enhance credibility by making peer review openly available.