Introduction
One of the most frequently asked questions by Indian PhD scholars is: “How many journal papers should I publish during my PhD?” The answer isn’t uniform, and it often depends on your university regulations, subject discipline, and career aspirations. This blog addresses the expectations, variations, and practical recommendations relevant to Indian research scholars.
UGC Guidelines and Institutional Norms
The University Grants Commission (UGC) does not mandate a specific number of publications for the award of a PhD.
However, many Indian universities now require:
- At least one publication in a UGC-CARE listed journal before thesis submission
- Proof of publication or acceptance letter at the time of viva
- Conference presentations in some departments
State universities, private deemed-to-be universities, and central institutions may have internal research ordinances setting higher standards, especially in technical fields.
Varies by Discipline
The number of papers expected also depends on your academic domain:
- Engineering and Technology: 2–3 Scopus or SCI-indexed papers are commonly expected
- Sciences (Life, Physical, Chemical): 1–3 papers in reputed journals; impact factor often matters
- Social Sciences and Humanities: 1–2 papers in UGC-CARE journals are typical
- Law, Commerce, and Management: Even 1 quality publication may suffice
So, while a general expectation exists, there’s no single national benchmark across all disciplines.
When Quantity Becomes Necessary
Publishing multiple papers becomes important in these situations:
- Applying for postdoctoral positions
- Competing for faculty positions in central or Tier-1 universities
- Seeking international fellowships or internships
- Qualifying for research grants from ICSSR, DBT, DST, or CSIR
In these cases, having 2–4 strong publications can significantly strengthen your application.
Quality Over Quantity
In recent years, quality has overtaken quantity as a key metric. Instead of focusing on the number of publications, scholars are advised to:
- Target indexed journals (UGC-CARE, Scopus, SCI)
- Avoid predatory or fast-track journals
- Align publications with thesis themes
- Prioritise first-author publications
Academic and selection committees increasingly assess where and how you published, not just how often.
First Author vs. Co-Author
Being first author indicates you led the research and wrote the manuscript.
This matters when:
- Evaluating your individual research capability
- Applying for faculty roles
- Competing for fellowships or awards
While co-authorship also has value, especially in interdisciplinary work, a PhD scholar should ideally have at least one first-author paper.
Conference Papers vs. Journal Articles
Some departments (especially in Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics) may value conference papers—particularly if they’re peer-reviewed and indexed in IEEE, Springer, or ACM proceedings.
However, most Indian PhD committees and UGC norms give more weight to journalpublications, especially those listed in UGC-CARE or Scopus.
International vs. National Journals
There’s no blanket preference for international journals.
What matters more is:
- Peer review process
- Indexing
- Relevance to your discipline
- Acceptance criteria
A national journal listed in UGC-CARE can be more valuable than an unindexed international journal with poor review standards.
Practical Targets
If you’re unsure about your university’s expectations, here’s a reasonable plan for most Indian PhD scholars:
- Minimum: 1–2 UGC-CARE/Scopus-indexed journal articles
- Ideal: 2–3 articles, with at least one first-author paper
- Optional: 1–2 conference papers, depending on your field
This level of output generally supports a strong thesis submission and positions you well for post-PhD opportunities.
Aligning Papers with Thesis Chapters
PhD scholars often develop their journal papers directly from thesis chapters. This helps:
- Avoid duplication of work
- Ensure relevance
- Maintain thematic consistency
However, journals may require rewriting, reformatting, or expanding certain chapters to meet article standards.
Supervisor Expectations
Discuss publication plans early with your guide or supervisor.
Some supervisors may:
- Require joint authorship
- Expect regular writing milestones
- Prioritise indexed publications
- Encourage submission to journals in your specialization
Establish clarity on authorship, timeline, and target journals at the start of your second year.
Conclusion
There is no universal number of papers a PhD scholar must publish in India—but expectations are real. Aim for 1–3 quality journal articles in UGC-CARE or Scopus-listed journals. Focus on aligning your work with your thesis, understanding your university’s requirements, and avoiding shortcuts like predatory journals. Remember: one well-written, well-placed paper is better than five forgettable ones. Publications are not just about meeting rules—they are your first contribution to your academic community.