Rejection is a common part of academic publishing, especially in SCI and Scopus journals, which maintain high quality standards. Understanding the reasons for rejection helps researchers improve their manuscripts and increase acceptance chances in future submissions.
Mismatch With Journal Scope
One of the most common reasons for rejection is submitting a paper that does not align with the journal’s aims and scope. Even a well-written paper may be rejected if its topic is outside the journal’s focus area. Editors often perform an initial screening and reject unsuitable manuscripts without peer review.
Lack of Originality or Novelty
SCI and Scopus journals expect original research that contributes new knowledge to the field. Papers that present minor modifications, repeated studies without justification, or already well-established results are often rejected due to insufficient novelty.
Poor Quality of Research Methodology
Weak or inappropriate research methods can lead to rejection. If the methodology is unclear, data is insufficient, or experimental design is flawed, reviewers may question the validity of the results. Strong methodology is essential for acceptance.
High Plagiarism or Self-Plagiarism
Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Papers with high similarity scores, copied text, or reused content from the author’s previous work without citation are often rejected. Even well-cited papers may be rejected if paraphrasing is poor.
Weak Literature Review
A literature review that lacks depth, ignores recent studies, or fails to identify research gaps can weaken the paper. SCI and Scopus journals expect a critical and up-to-date review of relevant work.
Poor Language and Presentation
Manuscripts with grammatical errors, unclear sentences, or poor structure may be rejected even if the research idea is strong. Clear academic language and proper formatting are essential for effective communication.
Inadequate Results or Analysis
If results are unclear, poorly explained, or unsupported by data, reviewers may reject the paper. Incomplete analysis or lack of discussion comparing results with existing studies also affects acceptance.
Ethical Issues and Data Concerns
Ethical violations, such as missing approvals, manipulated data, or unclear data sources, can lead to immediate rejection. Journals take research ethics very seriously.
Failure to Follow Journal Guidelines
Ignoring journal-specific guidelines related to formatting, citation style, word limits, or submission requirements often results in desk rejection.
Poor Response to Reviewer Comments
If authors do not properly address reviewer comments during revision or respond unprofessionally, the paper may be rejected in later review rounds.
Conclusion
Rejection in SCI and Scopus journals is usually due to quality, relevance, or ethical issues rather than personal reasons. By selecting the right journal, improving originality, strengthening methodology, and following guidelines carefully, researchers can significantly improve their chances of acceptance.