Introduction
For Indian PhD students and early-career researchers, a journal rejection can feel discouraging. After months of writing, formatting, and careful submission, receiving a rejection email is disheartening. But journal rejections are common, even among experienced scholars. What matters more is how you respond.
This blog explains what steps to take when your submission is rejected, how to learn from the feedback, and how to improve your chances the next time.
Understand the Type of Rejection
Journal rejections come in various forms. Understanding the type can help you decide your next move.
- Desk Rejection: The editor rejects your manuscript without sending it for peer review. Common reasons include poor fit with the journal’s scope, formatting issues, or weak writing.
- Rejection After Peer Review: The paper is reviewed but not accepted due to issues like weak methodology, lack of novelty, or poor data analysis.
- Conditional Rejection: Some rejections offer a chance to revise and resubmit. While technically a rejection, this is a positive sign—your work has potential.
Read the decision letter carefully to identify what kind of rejection you received.
Don’t Take It Personally
It’s natural to feel hurt or frustrated. But remember: rejection is part of academic life. Even well-known researchers have faced multiple rejections. Many prestigious papers were initially turned down by journals.
Try to separate your personal feelings from professional feedback. Give yourself a day or two to process before revisiting the editor’s comments.
Carefully Read the Reviewer Feedback
If your paper went through peer review, you will likely receive detailed comments. These may seem harsh, but they are valuable for improving your work.
Identify:
- Major criticisms: Structural flaws, theoretical gaps, weak results.
- Minor criticisms: Grammar issues, formatting errors, missing references.
Make a list of changes required. Even if you submit to a different journal later, this feedback will help refine your paper.
Discuss With Your Co-Authors or Guide
If you have co-authors or a PhD supervisor, discuss the feedback with them. Indian research culture values hierarchy, so it’s common to consult seniors before taking major decisions.
They may offer suggestions on how to revise the paper, which journal to approach next, or whether to challenge the rejection (in rare cases).
Revise Your Manuscript
Based on the feedback, start working on improvements.
This can include:
- Rewriting the abstract or introduction
- Adding new data or improving analysis
- Clarifying your arguments or methodology
- Rechecking citations and formatting
This step is crucial if you want to resubmit to another journal soon. Don’t rush—take your time to strengthen the work.
Consider a Different Journal
Many Indian scholars make the mistake of resubmitting the same paper without understanding the target journal’s scope.
Use this opportunity to:
- Re-evaluate your journal choice
- Look for journals better aligned with your topic and approach
- Consider UGC-CARE listed journals, especially if you’re working toward academic promotions
Remember, each journal has its own expectations. Tailor your manuscript to fit the next journal’s guidelines.
Should You Appeal the Decision?
Appealing a journal rejection is possible but rare.
Only consider it if:
- You believe the reviewers misunderstood key points
- There were factual errors in the review
- You can provide a calm, evidence-based argument
Otherwise, it’s best to revise and submit elsewhere. Journals rarely reverse rejection decisions unless there’s a clear editorial oversight.
Keep a Record of All Submissions
Maintain a submission tracker:
- Journal name and submission date
- Type of rejection (if any)
- Reviewer comments
- Revisions made
This helps avoid accidental resubmissions to the same journal and keeps your publication planning organised.
Stay Motivated and Try Again
Many Indian researchers, especially first-generation PhD scholars, face additional pressure—family expectations, teaching loads, or funding limitations. A rejection can feel like a setback, but it’s also a chance to improve your academic writing and strategy.
Keep writing, keep revising, and keep submitting. Persistence matters as much as brilliance in academic publishing.
Conclusion
Journal rejection is not the end of your research journey—it’s a step in the process. By understanding the reasons, learning from feedback, and revising strategically, you increase your chances of success in future submissions. For Indian PhD scholars navigating the complex world of academic publishing, resilience and clarity are your best tools.