Why many universities do NOT consider UGC CARE journals and prefer SCI / Scopus journals
Why Universities Prefer SCI and Scopus Journals Over UGC CARE Journals
Many researchers question why some universities do not accept publications in UGC CARE listed journals and instead insist on publications in SCI or Scopus indexed journals. This difference arises due to variations in quality control, global recognition, and academic credibility.
1. Purpose of UGC CARE Journals
The UGC CARE list was created to:
- Eliminate fake and predatory journals
- Provide a basic quality filter for Indian academic publishing
- Help universities recognize acceptable journals for promotions
UGC CARE ensures that a journal meets minimum standards, but it does not always guarantee high international research impact.
2. Why SCI and Scopus Journals Are Preferred
SCI (Web of Science) and Scopus are international indexing databases with strict selection criteria. Journals indexed in these databases must satisfy:
- Rigorous peer-review process
- Strong editorial board
- High citation performance
- Ethical publishing practices
- Regular publication schedule
Therefore, publications in SCI and Scopus journals indicate:
- Higher research quality
- Global academic visibility
- Better acceptance of novelty
3. Limitations of UGC CARE Journals
Although UGC CARE journals are useful, they have certain limitations:
- Many UGC CARE journals are locally focused
- Some journals have weak peer review
- Lower international visibility
- Lower citation impact
Because of this, some universities feel that UGC CARE journals alone do not sufficiently prove international-level research quality.
4. University Policies and Global Ranking
Universities aim to improve their:
- Global rankings
- Research reputation
- International collaborations
Publications in SCI and Scopus indexed journals contribute more strongly to these goals because they are widely recognized and cited internationally.
5. Impact Factor and Citation Metrics
SCI and Scopus journals provide:
- Impact Factor (Web of Science)
- CiteScore, SJR, SNIP (Scopus)
These metrics help universities evaluate:
- Research influence
- Journal reputation
- Scholarly impact
UGC CARE journals generally do not provide such globally standardized metrics.
6. Common Misunderstanding
Many scholars believe:
“UGC CARE journals are equal to Scopus journals.”
This is not always true. While UGC CARE journals meet minimum academic standards, SCI and Scopus journals undergo more stringent international evaluation.
Conclusion
Universities do not reject UGC CARE journals because they are useless, but because they aim to maintain high research quality and international academic standards. SCI and Scopus indexed journals are preferred due to their strict review processes, global recognition, and strong citation-based evaluation. UGC CARE journals remain useful for national-level academic compliance, but they are often not sufficient for high-level research evaluation or doctoral degree requirements.