Introduction
In the Indian academic publishing landscape, UGC-CARE is a crucial term. Whether you’re a research scholar, early-career faculty, or an experienced academic, chances are you’ve been advised to publish only in UGC-CARE listed journals. But what exactly is UGC-CARE, and why is it so significant for Indian authors? This blog breaks down the relevance, framework, and implications of UGC-CARE in simple, academic language tailored for the Indian context.
Understanding UGC-CARE
UGC-CARE stands for the “University Grants Commission – Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics.” It was established in 2018 to promote high-quality research and prevent the proliferation of predatory journals in India. The list curated by UGC-CARE is now a standard for evaluating research output in Indian academia, especially in recruitment, promotions, and academic evaluations.
The list includes journals from four groups:
- Group I: Journals found qualified through UGC-CARE protocols.
- Group II: Journals indexed in Scopus or Web of Science.
- Group III: Journals recommended by statutory councils (e.g., ICSSR, AICTE).
- Group IV: Journals submitted by universities but reviewed by CARE members.
Only journals in Groups I and II are considered for direct recognition in academic assessments unless specifically mentioned otherwise.
Why UGC-CARE Matters
For Indian authors, UGC-CARE acts as a safeguard. It filters out fraudulent or low-quality journals that may charge hefty fees but offer no academic value. Publishing in such journals could damage an author’s credibility and reduce the academic impact of their work.
Moreover, the Academic Performance Indicator (API) score used for faculty promotions gives weightage to papers published in UGC-CARE journals. Hence, UGC-CARE is not just a recommendation; it’s a benchmark.
Quality Control and Journal Evaluation
UGC-CARE follows a strict selection process. Journals are evaluated based on:
- Peer review practices
- Editorial board transparency
- Publication ethics and plagiarism checks
- Regularity and consistency of publication
- Author guidelines and indexing
If a journal fails to maintain these standards, it can be delisted. This dynamic nature of the list urges authors to double-check a journal’s status before submitting their work.
Implications for Authors in India
UGC-CARE has reshaped the academic publishing culture in India in the following ways:
- Increased Awareness: Authors are more careful about where they publish.
- More Accountability: Universities and departments now scrutinize faculty publications.
- Shift in Strategy: Researchers now focus on writing for quality journals rather than quick acceptance.
This has led to a better understanding of peer-reviewed publishing, citation ethics, and research integrity among Indian scholars.
Challenges in Navigating UGC-CARE
Despite its benefits, UGC-CARE is not without challenges:
- Frequent Changes: Journals may be added or removed without wide communication.
- Limited Journals in Indian Languages: Researchers working in regional or vernacular subjects often find fewer options in the list.
- Subject Imbalance: Some disciplines may have fewer recognized journals, making it hard for scholars to publish without aiming for international outlets.
Hence, it’s important for authors to periodically check the official UGC-CARE website and consult their institutional research cell or librarian.
Using the UGC-CARE Portal
To verify a journal, authors can visit https://ugccare.unipune.ac.in and search by ISSN or title. It’s recommended to cross-check the publisher, frequency, and indexing status before submission. Don’t rely solely on a journal’s website or its claim of being UGC-approved.
Publishing Ethically and Strategically
Publishing in UGC-CARE journals should not be seen as a checklist item but part of a larger research ethic. Avoid submitting to journals solely based on quick review timelines or low APCs (Article Processing Charges).
Instead:
- Align your topic with the journal’s aims and scope
- Follow formatting and referencing guidelines strictly
- Ensure your data and citations are original and verifiable
- Maintain communication with mentors and co-authors for clarity
UGC-CARE is ultimately a tool to encourage Indian researchers to produce work of global relevance while adhering to high academic standards.
Conclusion
UGC-CARE is more than a list—it is a gatekeeper for quality in Indian academic publishing. For Indian authors, especially those navigating private universities or early in their careers, understanding and using UGC-CARE wisely is essential. It supports ethical publishing, elevates the quality of Indian research, and ensures your work gains recognition where it truly matters.