Other Indexing Databases Besides SCI and Scopus and How Universities Consider Them
Other Indexing Databases Besides SCI and Scopus and Their Acceptance by Universities
SCI (Web of Science) and Scopus are the most well-known indexing databases used for evaluating research quality. However, several other indexing databases exist. Universities may or may not accept these indexings depending on their academic regulations and purpose (PhD submission, promotion, or project evaluation).
Major Indexing Databases Other Than SCI and Scopus
1. PubMed / MEDLINE
Mainly used in medical and life sciences. Highly respected in healthcare research.
2. DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals)
Indexes quality open-access journals after strict review.
3. Embase
Used for biomedical and pharmaceutical research.
4. INSPEC
Focused on physics, electronics, and computer science.
5. ERIC
Education research indexing database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education.
6. MathSciNet
Specialized for mathematics research.
7. Zentralblatt MATH
Another major indexing database for mathematics.
8. Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)
Standard database for chemistry-related research.
9. BIOSIS
Life science research indexing service.
10. ProQuest
Indexes journals, dissertations, and theses.
11. EBSCO
Indexes multidisciplinary journals and magazines.
12. CrossRef
Provides DOI registration and citation linking (not a quality index).
Low-Level or Non-Academic Indexings (Usually Not Accepted)
- Index Copernicus
- Cosmos Impact Factor
- Global Impact Factor
- J-Gate
- CiteFactor
- DRJI
These are often used by predatory journals and are generally not recognized by reputed universities.
How Universities Consider These Indexings
1. For PhD Award
- SCI / SCIE – Highly preferred
- Scopus – Widely accepted
- PubMed, INSPEC, CAS – Accepted in domain-specific cases
- Low-level indexings – Mostly rejected
2. For Faculty Promotion
- SCI / SCIE – Top priority
- Scopus – Accepted
- DOAJ – Sometimes accepted
- Others – Depends on university policy
3. For Research Projects
- SCI / Scopus preferred
- Subject-specific databases accepted
- Predatory indexings not accepted
Why Universities Prefer SCI and Scopus
- Strict journal quality evaluation
- Peer-review standards
- Global recognition
- Reliable citation metrics
How to Check Indexing Validity
- Web of Science Master Journal List
- Scopus Source List
- PubMed or MEDLINE official sites
- DOAJ official website
Conclusion
Besides SCI and Scopus, several indexing databases exist, such as PubMed, INSPEC, CAS, and DOAJ. Universities mainly accept SCI and Scopus because of their strict quality standards. Other indexings may be accepted only in specific disciplines or as per university guidelines. Researchers should always verify indexing and university regulations before publishing.