UGC Discontinues CARE Journal Listing, Seeks Feedback on New Parameters

Once feedback is reviewed, UGC may refine the parameters before finalizing them. Workshops and awareness programs are also expected to help the academic community adapt to the new system.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided to discontinue the UGC-Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (UGC-CARE) journal listing and instead introduce suggestive parameters to help faculty members and students choose credible peer-reviewed journals.

The decision, taken during the UGC’s 584th meeting on October 3, 2024, follows recommendations from an expert committee aiming to improve research quality and prevent reliance on a static list. The newly proposed parameters have been developed by a panel of experts and academicians and are now available for public feedback until February 25, 2025.

What Changes for Researchers?

Instead of relying on a UGC-approved list of journals, faculty and students will need to evaluate journals based on key parameters such as:

Transparency: Clear editorial policies and peer review processes.

Indexing & Impact: Presence in reputed databases like Scopus and Web of Science.

Ethical Standards: Policies on plagiarism, conflicts of interest, and open-access practices.

Review Quality: Rigorous and unbiased peer review mechanisms.

Call for Feedback

UGC has invited stakeholders—including HEIs, faculty, researchers, and students—to provide feedback on the draft parameters via email at journal@ugc.gov.in by February 25, 2025.

Implications for Indian Academia

As per the UGC, this shift aligns India’s research ecosystem with global best practices by encouraging researchers to evaluate journals independently rather than relying on a predefined list. The move aims to curb predatory publishing and promote quality-driven academic research.

Once feedback is reviewed, UGC may refine the parameters before finalizing them. Workshops and awareness programs are also expected to help the academic community adapt to the new system.