Introduction
Academic publishing is governed by a strong ethical framework, and one of its core principles is exclusivity during review. Many Indian PhD scholars wonder if they can speed up the process by submitting the same paper to two journals at once — especially given how long review cycles can take. While the thought may seem logical from a time-management perspective, it raises serious concerns about research ethics and consequences.
This blog explores why simultaneous submissions are discouraged and what risks you take if you ignore this rule. We’ll also look at possible alternatives and what scholars in India need to be mindful of when navigating these academic decisions.
Why Simultaneous Submission Is a Problem
Simultaneous submission — sending the same manuscript to more than one journal at the same time — is widely considered unethical in academic publishing. Journals expect your submission to be exclusive while they invest time and resources into peer review.
Most reputable journals — both Indian and international — clearly state in their submission guidelines that simultaneous submissions are not allowed. This is not just a formality. It reflects a trust-based system where authors and publishers work collaboratively to maintain research integrity.
What Can Go Wrong?
If you submit to two journals at once and both accept the paper, you’re in violation of publishing norms. You might be forced to withdraw from both, and in some cases, face a publication ban or get blacklisted.
Here are a few common outcomes of violating this rule:
- Reputation Damage: Editors and reviewers often work across journals. A breach of trust in one can impact your chances elsewhere.
- Formal Retraction: If a paper is discovered to have been published in two places, one or both may retract it.
- Wasted Peer Review: The reviewing system relies heavily on goodwill and expert time. Misusing it is seen as academic misconduct.
- Institutional Consequences: In Indian universities, violations of research conduct can lead to disciplinary action, including delays in PhD submission.
Why Do Scholars Try This Anyway?
Most often, the motivation is not malice but frustration. Long delays in peer review, lack of communication from editors, and pressure from supervisors or university timelines can push scholars toward desperate measures.
In India, some universities also have rigid timelines for publication, which increase the temptation to submit the same paper to multiple journals hoping for a faster result.
But no matter the pressure, this shortcut almost always backfires.
Acceptable Alternatives
If you’re stuck waiting for a response or feel unsure, here are better options than dual submission:
- Preprint Servers: These platforms allow you to share your work publicly before journal submission. Some journals accept submissions that have appeared on preprint servers.
- Status Follow-Up: Journals usually accept a follow-up email after 8–12 weeks if you haven’t heard back. A polite inquiry is entirely acceptable.
- Withdraw Before Re-Submit: If you’re dissatisfied with a journal’s delay or response, formally withdraw your manuscript before submitting it elsewhere.
- Submit to Faster-Turnaround Journals: Some journals, especially in emerging fields, have quicker review cycles. You can research those beforehand.
- Talk to Your Supervisor: Senior scholars may have personal contacts with editors or may suggest realistic alternatives based on experience.
Journal Policies and Author Declarations
Always read the journal’s “Author Guidelines” or “Submission Policy” carefully. Many Indian and international journals now require authors to tick a box or sign a declaration stating that the work is not under consideration elsewhere. This is a formal agreement, and violating it can be seen as intentional dishonesty.
For example, some Indian UGC-CARE journals will ask for a no-conflict or single-submission statement, especially during the final submission stage.
When Is Dual Submission Allowed?
There are very few exceptions. In rare cases — such as interdisciplinary or co-authored papers written for multiple audiences — journals may allow a version of the same study to be published in two places, but only with full disclosure and approval from both editors.
However, this is extremely rare and must never be attempted without written permission. Simply changing the title or slightly modifying content is not enough to justify dual submission.
Conclusion
Submitting the same paper to two journals may seem like a practical workaround, especially for time-pressed Indian PhD students. But the risks — ethical, professional, and reputational — far outweigh any potential benefit.
Academic publishing works on trust and transparency. Violating those principles not only disrupts the system but also jeopardizes your academic future. Instead of seeking shortcuts, the best path is to learn how the system works and navigate it strategically — whether by following up on submissions, choosing journals wisely, or discussing your challenges with mentors.
Responsible publishing isn’t just about the paper — it’s about who you are becoming as a scholar. And that reputation is worth protecting.