Introduction
Introduction
For many Indian PhD students and early-career researchers, publishing in a journal is more than just an academic milestone it’s a requirement tied to doctoral submission, promotions, and recognition. But with the growing number of journals out there, many of which promise quick publication and international indexing, it’s easy to fall into the trap of predatory publishing. The blog “How to Check If a Journal Is Fake or Predatory” becomes essential reading for anyone navigating this academic maze. Most of us are familiar with the pressure to publish, especially in the private university system where timelines are tighter, and students often balance jobs or family responsibilities alongside research. Yet, the fear of delay or rejection can push even the most sincere researchers into questionable platforms without realizing the consequences.
The academic culture in India, particularly within private institutions, has increasingly focused on measurable outputs papers, citations, presentations. This environment, though motivating, sometimes lacks the mentorship needed to distinguish legitimate journals from exploitative ones. It’s not uncommon to hear of students who spend their savings on journal fees, only to realise later that the publication has no real academic standing. For many, the lesson comes too late with rejections from evaluators, revoked thesis submissions, or worse, loss of credibility. Understanding how to check the authenticity of a journal, therefore, is not just useful; it’s necessary.
Understanding the Predatory Journal Landscape
The term “predatory journal” has become common in research discussions, but many still misunderstand what it really means. A predatory journal typically presents itself as a reputable scholarly platform but lacks genuine peer review, editorial rigour, or proper indexing. For Indian researchers, particularly those pursuing a PhD in private university settings, the risk is higher due to a combination of limited guidance, high academic expectations, and a flood of unfamiliar publication names claiming credibility.
One of the first red flags is unsolicited emails. If you’re getting frequent messages inviting you to submit your paper “urgently” or offering rapid review and publication within days, that’s a sign to pause. Legitimate journals don’t chase authors with flattery or promise overnight processing. In India, where researchers are often trying to meet submission deadlines or departmental requirements, this offer of speed can seem attractive but it comes at a cost to academic integrity.
Another sign is the absence of transparent peer review processes. Journals that accept everything you submit without review or offer vague comments often lack academic seriousness. It’s also important to check whether the journal is part of recognised directories. While not all quality journals are in UGC-CARE or Scopus, these platforms do provide some assurance. However, even indexed journals can sometimes have clones fake versions of existing reputable journals that mimic their names or websites. This is why cross-verification through the official publisher’s site is crucial before submission.
Practical Checks and Cultural Awareness
One of the most grounded ways to verify a journal is to look at its editorial board. See if the names are familiar not just famous, but traceable through institutional websites or professional profiles. If the board is missing, vague, or full of international names without links or affiliations, that’s a warning sign. Indian students often hesitate to question such details, especially when the journal claims to be “international” or lists a foreign location. But international doesn’t always mean credible, and local doesn’t always mean inferior.
Another common confusion is over article processing charges (APCs). Many genuine open-access journals do charge APCs, but the fee structure is usually clear and not introduced last-minute. A fake or predatory journal often withholds fee details until acceptance or pressures authors into paying quickly, usually through personal accounts. In Indian academic circles, particularly for students from rural backgrounds or tier-2 cities, this financial aspect creates a real burden. Some feel compelled to pay simply to move forward with their thesis a situation that speaks more to systemic gaps than personal oversight.
For working professionals or mid-career researchers enrolled in doctoral programs, especially in the flexible modes that doctoral admission in India offers today, there’s an added challenge of time. With responsibilities at home or at work, the desire to “just get published” becomes stronger. But taking a pause to verify even small things the journal’s ISSN, publisher details, or the publication’s archive can save months of regret. Many universities now mandate the use of the UGC-CARE list for thesis-related publications, yet there remains confusion around what it means and how often it’s updated. Researchers must learn to navigate these tools rather than rely solely on guides or agents.
Conclusion
Navigating academic publishing is not about avoiding mistakes entirely but learning how to ask the right questions. There’s no shame in double-checking a journal with a supervisor, librarian, or even peers. In fact, that’s what a healthy research culture looks like collaborative, cautious, and well-informed. The concern around fake or predatory journals isn’t just theoretical anymore; it affects real lives, real timelines, and real academic futures in India.
Most importantly, the issue goes beyond journals it’s about the kind of research environment we are part of and the decisions we’re asked to make without always having full clarity. When a scholar publishes in the wrong place, it isn’t always due to negligence; often, it’s a result of haste, confusion, or lack of institutional support. A bit of patience and a few verification steps can offer not just academic safety but peace of mind.