Introduction
For many Indian PhD scholars, publishing in an international journal is seen as the ultimate academic achievement. The perception that foreign journals are more prestigious or trustworthy than Indian ones has deep roots — often tied to institutional rankings, supervisor expectations, or job prospects. But are international journals always better? Or is that simply an assumption we’ve internalised over time?
This blog unpacks the question with nuance, especially for Indian researchers who are balancing visibility, affordability, and institutional requirements.
The Prestige Problem: Where the Assumptions Begin
A major reason international journals are seen as superior is their global reach. Names like Nature, Elsevier, Springer, or IEEE carry authority, and many are indexed in globally recognised databases like Scopus or Web of Science. These journals often come with high impact factors, stringent peer-review standards, and long editorial histories — all of which signal credibility.
But prestige isn’t always equivalent to suitability. A high-impact physics journal in Europe, for example, may not be the right venue for an Indian researcher working on a hyper-local, applied engineering problem. The mismatch of focus and context can lead to unnecessary rejections.
Indian Journals: The Underestimated Value
India is home to thousands of journals, across both UGC-CARE and other recognised platforms. Many Indian journals cater specifically to issues, data sets, or methods that are contextually relevant to Indian research. For example, journals focusing on Indian legal reforms, agricultural models, or regional languages are unlikely to find space in foreign journals — but that doesn’t make the work less valuable.
Several Indian journals are peer-reviewed, indexed in Scopus or Web of Science, and led by respected scholars. Their editorial boards often understand Indian methodologies, social realities, and educational constraints. For early-career PhD students, this familiarity can translate into more supportive and timely reviews.
The Indexing Game: International ≠ Indexed
One dangerous assumption is that all international journals are automatically well-indexed. This is not true. There are hundreds of so-called “international” journals that are not indexed in any reliable database. Many are run from non-Indian servers, carry foreign names, and charge high fees — but are still predatory in nature.
Meanwhile, some Indian journals — especially those listed in UGC-CARE, Scopus, or DOAJ — are entirely legitimate and free or low-cost. What matters more than the origin of the journal is its indexing status, peer-review process, and editorial transparency.
Institutional and Career Considerations
Some Indian universities, particularly private ones, explicitly require scholars to publish in Scopus-indexed or international journals. Others offer more flexibility. If you’re in a situation where publishing in an international journal is expected, consider journals that are not just international by name, but also recognised by Scopus or Web of Science.
However, if your research is highly local or applied, a well-reviewed Indian journal may offer better exposure to the right audience. For example, work on Indian tribal education models might be more valued in an Indian education journal than a European sociology journal.
Also, many Indian PhD evaluators and faculty members are now familiar with indexing platforms and can differentiate between low-quality foreign journals and solid Indian ones. Trust their judgment.
The Cost Factor: Who Pays More?
International journals, especially those with open-access options, often charge significant publication fees — sometimes upward of ₹1–2 lakh. While waivers exist, they are not always granted. Indian journals, especially university-affiliated or government-supported ones, tend to be more affordable and often free for submission.
For a self-funded PhD scholar, this can be a decisive factor. It’s better to publish in a credible Indian journal than waste money on a mediocre, unindexed international one.
Citations, Visibility, and Actual Impact
One reason scholars aim for international journals is visibility. But visibility depends on your field. If you’re working on a topic of international relevance — AI algorithms, environmental policy, global healthcare models — publishing in a journal with global readership may boost your citations.
But if your research speaks mainly to Indian contexts, publishing in a respected Indian journal can bring more relevant citations from peers in India. Remember, real academic impact is not just about how many people read your paper, but who reads it and why.
Conclusion
The idea that international journals are inherently better than Indian journals is not only outdated — it’s risky. It leads scholars to chase names over substance, and to overlook the richness of India’s academic ecosystem. The decision should not be driven by assumptions, but by alignment: of topic, audience, indexing, cost, and career goals.
For Indian PhD students, the real win lies in publishing in a credible, peer-reviewed, and indexed journal — whether it is Indian or international. The choice isn’t binary. It’s strategic. And the most strategic scholars are those who publish where their work can thrive — not just where it can impress.