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What is SCI? What is SSCI? What is AHCI? What is ABDC? What is Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4? What is Scopus? What is Open Access / Subscription / Hybrid? What is IF (Impact Factor)?

Explanation of Journal Categories Used in PhD Publication Requirements In PhD thesis submission rules, different journal categories are mentioned such as SCI, SSCI, AHCI, ABDC, Scopus, Q1, Impact Factor, Open Access, etc. Understanding these terms is very important because your points depend on them. 1. SCI – Science Citation Index SCI is a database of high-quality science and engineering journals maintained by Clarivate (Web of Science). Includes journals in Engineering, Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc. Only reputed and peer-reviewed journals are included. Very difficult to get published compared to Scopus journals. Meaning: SCI = Top-level science journals. 2. SSCI – Social Science Citation Index SSCI is also part of Web of Science and covers social science subjects. Includes Economics, Management, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Law, etc. Used mainly for Arts & Commerce related PhD scholars. Meaning: SSCI = High-quality social...

detailed Article - explaining the PhD Thesis Submission Minimum Requirements - Example

PhD Thesis Submission Minimum Requirements FPhD scholars must collect a minimum of 12 points from research publications and patents to become eligible for thesis submission. Older batches may follow either the old scheme or the new scheme. This system is introduced to ensure that PhD students publish their research in quality journals and not in fake or low-standard journals. 1. SCI / SSCI / AHCI / ABDC A – Q1 Journals (High Quality Journals) These are the top-level international journals . Q1 means the journal is in the top 25% of its field. a) Subscription Based or Open Access with IF > 4 → 8 Points If you publish in a Q1 journal which is subscription-based OR open access with Impact Factor above 4, you will get 8 points . This is the highest scoring category because such journals have strict review process and high reputation. b) Open Access or Hybrid Open Access with IF < 4 → 4 Points If your Q1 journal is open access or hybrid open access but has Impact F...

Publication types - for Research Scholars

1. SCI Q1 Subscription-based SCI Q1 subscription-based journals belong to the highest quality group of journals indexed in the Science Citation Index. These journals are ranked in the first quartile based on impact factor and citation performance. They are considered prestigious and highly competitive for publication. Access to articles is restricted to subscribers or institutions with paid access. Authors usually do not pay article processing charges in most cases. The review process is strict and takes more time due to high standards. These journals require strong novelty and technical contribution. They focus on theoretical and experimental rigor. Acceptance rate is generally low. They help in improving academic reputation. They are useful for PhD, postdoctoral, and faculty career growth. Such publications are preferred by universities for promotions. They enhance research visibility within academic institutions. They increase citation potential indirect...

Is a School Student Eligible to Publish a Research Paper?

Yes, a school student is eligible to publish a research paper. Academic publishing does not impose any age limit or minimum qualification. What matters is the originality, quality, and ethical conduct of the research work. Is There Any Age Restriction? No. Journals and conferences do not specify age limits. If the paper meets academic standards, it can be accepted regardless of whether the author is a school student, college student, or professional researcher. What Type of Work Can a School Student Publish? Simple experimental studies (science projects) Survey-based or review papers Small software or hardware projects Mathematical or logical problem-solving papers Innovative ideas or models with basic validation Role of Mentor or Teacher Most school student papers are published with the guidance of: School teachers College professors Research mentors The mentor usually acts as a co-author or supervisor to ensure academic quality and ethical ...

How Faculty, Students, Scholars, and Industry Professionals Can Improve Research Work ?

Research quality depends not only on individual effort but also on collaboration among faculty, students, scholars, and industry professionals. Each group plays a unique role in improving research work through knowledge sharing, innovation, and practical application. 1. Role of Faculty Guide students in selecting meaningful research problems Provide strong theoretical foundation Encourage ethical research practices Support publication in reputed journals Mentor scholars in methodology and writing skills 2. Role of Students Develop curiosity and research mindset Learn literature review techniques Practice data collection and analysis Participate in projects and internships Present work in conferences and seminars 3. Role of Research Scholars Identify research gaps and novel problems Design new methodologies and models Perform experiments and simulations Write high-quality research papers Collaborate with national and internat...

Paid vs Free Journals in SCI and Scopus: Which Is Best and Why Journals Charge Fees?

In SCI and Scopus indexed journals, both paid and free publication options are available. Some journals are open access (free to read), while others are subscription-based (paid to read). This creates confusion among scholars about which type of journal is best for publishing their research work. Types of Journals Based on Payment 1. Free to Publish Journals No article processing charge (APC) Usually subscription-based Reader or institution pays for access Examples: Many IEEE, Springer, Wiley subscription journals 2. Paid (APC) Journals Author pays Article Processing Charge (APC) Paper becomes open access Anyone can read and download freely Types of Journals Based on Access 1. Open Access Journals All published papers are freely available to everyone. 2. Subscription Journals Readers or institutions must pay to access the papers. 3. Hybrid Journals Authors can choose: Pay APC → Open access No APC → Subscription access Whic...

How Journals Mislead Scholars to Publish Their Papers ?

Many scholars, especially beginners, become victims of misleading or predatory journals. These journals use attractive messages and false claims to convince authors to submit and publish their research papers. Understanding these tactics helps researchers avoid academic and financial loss. 1. Fake Indexing Claims Some journals claim they are indexed in: SCI Scopus Web of Science But in reality, they are indexed only in low-quality databases such as Index Copernicus or fake impact factor sites. 2. False Impact Factor They advertise fake metrics like: Global Impact Factor Universal Impact Factor Cosmos Impact Factor These are not recognized by universities or reputed institutions. 3. Unrealistically Fast Publication Promises such as: Publish in 3 days Guaranteed acceptance No rejection Real journals take weeks or months for peer review. 4. Spam Emails to Scholars Predatory journals send bulk emails like: “Dear esteemed author” ...