Do UGC-CARE Publications Matter for Guide Recognition?

Introduction

In the Indian academic landscape, recognition as a PhD guide is not merely a designation but a mark of credibility, scholarly standing, and responsibility. Universities and regulatory authorities like the University Grants Commission (UGC) lay down specific eligibility requirements for faculty members aspiring to guide PhD scholars. Among these, research publications are one of the most critical components. With the UGC-CARE (Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics) list gaining prominence in recent years, the question often arises: Do UGC-CARE publications matter for guide recognition?

This blog examines the relevance of UGC-CARE indexed publications, the role they play in guide recognition, and their wider implications for faculty across India.

Understanding UGC-CARE Publications

The UGC-CARE initiative was launched in 2019 to address growing concerns about predatory journals and unethical publishing practices in India. Its goal was to create a curated, high-quality, and transparent list of journals across disciplines. Publications in these journals are considered credible, peer-reviewed, and ethically sound.

The CARE list is now the benchmark for assessing faculty research output in India, particularly in academic promotions, faculty evaluations, and research recognition. By curating journals that follow strict peer-review and ethical practices, UGC aims to enhance the integrity of research in Indian higher education.

Eligibility Requirements for Becoming a PhD Guide

UGC regulations specify certain eligibility conditions for faculty to be recognized as PhD supervisors. Some of the key requirements include:

1. Minimum Academic Qualification – A PhD degree in the relevant discipline.
2. Teaching/Research Experience – A certain number of years of experience, usually 2 years post-PhD for Assistant Professors, with some flexibility for Associate Professors and Professors.
3. Research Publications – A proven track record of research output, which is where the role of UGC-CARE publications becomes significant.

Traditionally, the emphasis was on “refereed journals” or “peer-reviewed journals.” With the introduction of UGC-CARE, these terms now largely translate into journals indexed in the CARE list.

Do UGC-CARE Publications Count for Recognition?

The straightforward answer is: Yes, UGC-CARE publications do matter significantly for guide recognition.

Most universities in India have revised their PhD regulations to align with UGC guidelines, which explicitly prioritize publications in UGC-CARE listed journals. Faculty members aspiring to be recognized as PhD supervisors are usually required to demonstrate research output in such journals. The rationale is that publications in CARE-listed journals validate the scholarly merit and ethical quality of research.

For example:

• State Universities often make it mandatory for faculty to have at least two UGC-CARE publications after completing their PhD to qualify as guides.
• Private Universities tend to adopt similar criteria, though with slight variations, sometimes also recognizing Scopus or Web of Science-indexed journals.
• Central Universities strictly adhere to UGC-CARE norms, treating them as the benchmark for quality.

Why UGC-CARE Publications Are Prioritised

1. Credibility and Peer Review – CARE journals ensure that research is peer-reviewed, original, and ethically produced.
2. Avoidance of Predatory Practices – Many faculty members previously published in low-quality or predatory journals for career progression. The CARE initiative filters out such outlets.
3. Uniform Benchmark – Having a common list helps universities apply uniform criteria when assessing faculty for guide recognition.
4. Policy Compliance – Aligning with UGC-CARE is mandatory for universities that wish to maintain compliance with UGC regulations, especially in the context of NAAC or NIRF evaluations.

Beyond CARE: Other Recognised Indexes

While UGC-CARE has become the default in India, it is not the only recognized benchmark. Faculty with publications in Scopus, Web of Science, or ABDC-listed journals are often considered equally or even more competitive. Many universities in India treat publications in these databases as equivalent or superior to UGC-CARE.

For instance:

• A law professor with publications in reputed international law journals indexed in Scopus may still qualify for guide recognition, even if those journals are not in the CARE list.
• Similarly, in professional disciplines like management, ABDC rankings are widely accepted.

Thus, while CARE is crucial, universities often adopt a hybrid approach, recognising multiple indexing platforms.

Challenges and Grey Areas

Despite its importance, reliance on UGC-CARE publications for guide recognition is not without challenges.

1. Disciplinary Gaps – Some niche areas of study may not have sufficient representation in the CARE list, making it difficult for faculty in emerging or interdisciplinary fields.
2. Time Factor – Faculty who published extensively before the CARE list was introduced may find their older, non-CARE publications discounted.
3. Quality vs. Quantity Debate – Merely publishing in CARE journals may not always reflect groundbreaking or impactful research. Some CARE journals are criticized for being slow-moving or regional in scope.

Institutional Variations

It is also important to note that while UGC provides the overarching framework, individual universities have some flexibility in implementing recognition rules. For example:

• State Public Universities may strictly require two to three CARE publications.
• Deemed-to-be Universities often adopt a broader criterion, allowing Scopus and Web of Science publications as substitutes.
• Private Universities may relax publication requirements slightly to encourage faculty participation, particularly in newer institutions.

Hence, faculty must always check their university’s PhD regulations in addition to UGC guidelines.

Implications for Faculty Career Progression

For faculty members, UGC-CARE publications not only matter for guide recognition but also influence:

• API Scores for promotions under the Academic Performance Indicator system.
• Eligibility for Research Grants from UGC, ICSSR, or ICAR.
• Professional Reputation within academic circles.

Therefore, building a portfolio of publications in CARE-listed or equivalent reputed journals is both a necessity and a strategy for long-term academic growth.

Conclusion

To sum up, UGC-CARE publications play a pivotal role in determining whether a faculty member can be recognized as a PhD guide in Indian universities. While alternative databases like Scopus and Web of Science are also acknowledged, CARE remains the UGC’s preferred benchmark.

Faculty members aspiring to become recognized supervisors must pay close attention to their research output, ensuring that publications are in credible and UGC-approved journals. Although debates around quality, representation, and flexibility persist, UGC-CARE has undoubtedly raised the bar for research integrity in India.

In essence, yes—UGC-CARE publications do matter for guide recognition, and they will likely continue to shape the academic pathways of Indian faculty in the years to come.