Before resubmitting a rejected research paper to an SCI or Scopus journal, use this checklist to identify and fix common issues. This checklist helps convert rejection into a stronger resubmission.
Journal & Scope Check
☐
Is the paper clearly within the aims and scope of the selected
journal?
☐
Have you read recent papers published by the same journal?
☐
Is the journal’s indexing status (SCI/Scopus) verified and
current?
Novelty & Contribution
☐
Is the research contribution clearly stated in the abstract
and introduction?
☐
Does the paper explain what is new compared to existing
studies?
☐
Is the contribution highlighted in the conclusion section?
Literature Review
☐
Are recent (last 5–7 years) studies included?
☐
Does the literature review clearly identify a research gap?
☐
Are comparisons with previous work properly explained?
Methodology & Data
☐
Is the research methodology clear and detailed?
☐
Are datasets, tools, and experimental procedures properly explained?
☐
Are results reproducible and justified?
Results & Analysis
☐
Are results presented clearly using tables or figures?
☐
Is there sufficient analysis and interpretation of results?
☐
Are results compared with existing literature?
Plagiarism & Ethics
☐
Is the similarity index within acceptable limits (usually
<15%)?
☐
Is there zero plagiarism in abstract, results, and conclusion?
☐
Are ethical approvals or declarations included (if required)?
Language & Presentation
☐
Is the paper written in clear academic English?
☐
Are grammar, spelling, and sentence flow corrected?
☐
Are figures, tables, and captions properly formatted?
Formatting & Guidelines
☐
Is the journal’s official template used?
☐
Are citation and reference styles followed correctly?
☐
Are word limits, figure limits, and file formats respected?
Reviewer Comments (If Available)
☐
Have all reviewer comments been fully addressed?
☐
Is there a point-by-point response document?
☐
Are responses polite, clear, and professional?
Resubmission Strategy
☐
Is the same journal suitable after revision, or should a new journal be chosen?
☐
Is the revised paper significantly improved compared to the
rejected version?
☐
Has the paper been rechecked before resubmission?
Final Confidence Check
☐
Does the paper clearly communicate its value to readers?
☐
Is the research contribution easy to understand?
☐
Would you confidently explain the novelty to a reviewer?