Introduction
In India’s academic ecosystem, publications play a major role in faculty recruitment and promotions. For faculty in universities and colleges, especially those governed by the University Grants Commission (UGC), understanding which journals qualify for consideration is essential. Among the most debated topics is the need for UGC-approved publications. This blog unpacks the regulations, significance, and real-world implications of publishing in UGC-approved journals for faculty promotions.
UGC’s Role in Academic Standards
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is the primary regulatory body for higher education in India. It not only allocates funds but also sets the minimum academic standards for faculty appointments and promotions across central, state, deemed, and private universities.
To maintain research quality, UGC introduced the UGC-CARE (Consortium for Academicand Research Ethics) list — a dynamic list of journals deemed credible and ethical for academic publishing in India.
What Are UGC-Approved Publications?
UGC-approved publications typically refer to journals listed in the UGC-CARE List. These journals are vetted based on transparency, editorial policies, peer review mechanisms, and ethical practices. The list is divided into two groups:
- Group I: Journals recommended by UGC’s CARE members.
- Group II: Journals indexed in global databases like Scopus, Web of Science, etc.
Only publications in these journals are officially considered for promotions in many Indian institutions.
Requirements for Assistant, Associate, and Full Professors
According to the UGC’s regulations (often updated in 2010, 2018, and beyond), the publication requirements differ based on the faculty level:
- Assistant Professor: Usually no publication is required for entry-level positions, especially in teaching-oriented institutions. However, for promotion, research papers in peer-reviewed journals may be expected.
- Associate Professor: Often requires a minimum number of research papers published in UGC-approved journals, typically 5–7 depending on discipline and institutional type.
- Professor: Must demonstrate a significant body of research work, including 10+ publications in UGC-CARE or equivalent listed journals, along with research supervision experience.
Why UGC-Approved Journals Are Preferred
- Standardization: They ensure that faculty publications meet certain academic standards.
- Fair Evaluation: With a common list, institutions can fairly evaluate candidates across disciplines and regions.
- Control Over Predatory Journals: The UGC-CARE initiative was introduced in part to counter the rising number of low-quality, predatory journals that flourished after mandatory publication norms were introduced.
- Recognition: Publications in these journals are recognized nationally and often valued in accreditation processes like NAAC or NBA.
What Happens If You Publish Outside the UGC-CARE List?
Publications in non-UGC-approved journals are usually not counted for promotion purposes in public universities or colleges. Some institutions may still accept reputed journals not in the list, especially international ones indexed in Scopus or Web of Science, but such exceptions are rare and usually require committee approval.
Faculty who publish in predatory or delisted journals risk facing delays in promotions, rejection of API (Academic Performance Index) scores, or in some cases, academic scrutiny.
Private Universities vs. Government Norms
Many private universities have their own promotion policies. However, they too often align with UGC guidelines, especially if they seek accreditation or grants. Therefore, even in private institutions, publishing in UGC-approved journals is increasingly considered best practice.
Challenges in Finding Approved Journals
A common problem faculty face is the frequent updates to the UGC-CARE list. Journals may be removed due to quality concerns, so researchers must always verify the journal’s status at the time of submission and publication.
Additionally, some journals misuse the UGC-CARE label or falsely claim to be approved. Cross-verifying directly from the UGC-CARE portal before submitting is essential to avoid being misled.
What Else Matters Besides Journal Approval?
While publications in approved journals are important, UGC and institutional committees also consider:
- Citation count and research impact
- Research funding secured
- PhD supervision
- Participation in academic bodies
- Books, chapters, and patents
Thus, a holistic academic profile is expected, not just a checklist of journal articles.
Conclusion
Yes, UGC-approved publications are often mandatory for faculty promotions in India, particularly in government and UGC-regulated institutions. With the increasing scrutiny on academic quality and ethical publishing, sticking to the UGC-CARE list ensures that faculty meet institutional requirements and contribute meaningfully to their fields. Staying informed and publishing responsibly is now more important than ever for academic progression.