How to Check UGC Approved Journals
How to Check UGC Approved Journals
Your Complete Guide to Verifying UGC CARE Listed Journals for Research Publication in 2025
Submit Your Research Paper NowIn the rapidly evolving landscape of academic publishing in India, understanding how to check UGC approved journals has become absolutely essential for researchers, PhD scholars, and academicians. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has established the Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (CARE) to maintain a comprehensive database of quality journals across all disciplines. This authoritative guide provides you with detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to verify whether a journal is genuinely UGC approved, helping you make informed decisions about where to publish your valuable research.
The importance of publishing in UGC approved journals cannot be overstated. Whether you’re pursuing your PhD, applying for academic positions, or seeking career advancement, publications in UGC CARE recognized journals carry significant weight. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of the verification process, explain the different categories of UGC journals, and provide you with practical tips to avoid predatory publishers.
Understanding UGC CARE and Its Significance
What is UGC CARE?
The University Grants Commission’s Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (UGC CARE) was established to identify, monitor, and maintain a comprehensive list of quality journals across various academic disciplines. The primary objective of UGC CARE is to protect researchers from predatory publishing practices while promoting genuine scholarly communication. Understanding how to check UGC approved journals through the CARE portal is crucial for every researcher in India.
UGC CARE performs rigorous evaluation of journals based on multiple parameters including editorial board quality, peer review processes, publication ethics, indexing status, and overall academic standards. Only journals that meet stringent quality criteria are included in the UGC CARE list, making it a trusted resource for researchers nationwide.
Why UGC CARE Matters for Your Research Career
- PhD Requirements: Most Indian universities mandate publication in UGC CARE listed journals for PhD degree completion
- Academic Promotions: Publications in UGC approved journals are essential for faculty promotions under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS)
- Research Credibility: UGC CARE listing ensures your research appears in legitimate, peer-reviewed publications
- Funding Opportunities: Many research grants and fellowships require publications in UGC recognized journals
- Academic Recognition: UGC approved journal publications carry greater weight in academic evaluations
UGC CARE Group Classification
To better organize and categorize journals, UGC CARE divides approved journals into two distinct groups, each serving different research communities and disciplines. Understanding this classification is essential when learning how to check UGC approved journals effectively.
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UGC CARE Journal Groups Explained
Group I: UGC CARE Protocol Qualified Journals
Group I journals are those that have been evaluated and approved through the UGC CARE quality assessment protocols. These journals are maintained directly by the UGC CARE portal and are categorized based on academic disciplines. When you check UGC approved journals in this category, you’re accessing journals that have undergone rigorous evaluation by UGC appointed experts.
| Category | Subject Areas | Number of Journals |
|---|---|---|
| Science & Technology | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Computer Science | 450+ |
| Social Sciences | Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology | 380+ |
| Arts & Humanities | Literature, History, Philosophy, Languages | 320+ |
| Commerce & Management | Business, Finance, Accounting, Marketing | 250+ |
| Multidisciplinary | Interdisciplinary research across domains | 180+ |
Group II: Globally Indexed Journals
Group II journals comprise publications indexed in internationally recognized databases such as Scopus and Web of Science. These journals are automatically considered UGC approved due to their presence in these prestigious indexing services. Learning how to check UGC approved journals in this category involves verifying the journal’s indexing status in Scopus or Web of Science databases.
Key Categories in Group II
- Scopus Indexed Journals: Journals indexed in Elsevier’s Scopus database across all subject areas
- Web of Science Indexed: Journals included in Clarivate’s Web of Science Core Collection
- Subject Coverage: Engineering, Medical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Social Sciences, and more
- Quality Assurance: These journals meet international standards for peer review and publication ethics
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check UGC Approved Journals
Now that you understand the UGC CARE framework, let’s dive into the practical, step-by-step process of how to check UGC approved journals. This comprehensive guide will help you verify any journal’s UGC approval status accurately and efficiently.
1
Locate the Journal’s ISSN Number
The ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is an eight-digit unique identifier assigned to every periodical publication. You can find the ISSN number on the journal’s homepage, typically in the footer, about section, or on the journal cover. The ISSN format looks like this: 1234-5678. Some journals have separate ISSN numbers for print and online versions.
2
Access the UGC CARE Portal
Navigate to the official UGC CARE website at https://ugccare.unipune.ac.in. This is the authentic government portal maintained by the University Grants Commission. Bookmark this URL for future reference as you’ll frequently use it to check UGC approved journals throughout your research career.
3
Register and Login (First-Time Users)
If you’re accessing the portal for the first time, you’ll need to register with your email ID and create credentials. Existing users can directly log in. Registration is free and takes only a few minutes. Keep your login credentials secure as you’ll need them for future searches.
4
Navigate to Journal Search
Once logged in, locate the “Search Journals” option in the main menu. Click on this option to access the journal verification tool. The interface is user-friendly and designed specifically to help researchers verify UGC approved journals quickly.
5
Enter the ISSN Number
In the search field, carefully enter or paste the eight-digit ISSN number of the journal you want to verify. Double-check the number for accuracy as even a single digit error will produce incorrect results. You can search using either the print ISSN or the electronic ISSN (e-ISSN).
6
Click Search and Review Results
Click the search button and wait for the results. If the journal is UGC approved, detailed information will appear including journal name, publisher details, subject category, group classification (Group I or Group II), and indexing information. If no results appear, the journal is not UGC CARE listed.
Important Verification Tips
- Always use the official UGC CARE portal (ugccare.unipune.ac.in) – beware of fake or unofficial websites
- Verify both print and electronic ISSN if the journal has both versions
- Check the “Last Updated” date on the portal to ensure you’re viewing current information
- Save or screenshot the verification result for your records
- If a journal claims UGC approval but doesn’t appear in the search, contact UGC CARE directly for clarification
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Understanding Journal Verification Results
What Information Does the UGC CARE Portal Provide?
When you successfully check UGC approved journals through the CARE portal, you receive comprehensive information about the journal. Understanding these details helps you make informed publication decisions and ensures you’re submitting to legitimate, high-quality journals.
Journal Name & Publisher
Official registered name of the journal and complete publisher information including country of publication
ISSN Details
Both print and electronic ISSN numbers with verification of their authenticity
Subject Category
Academic discipline and subject area classification according to UGC CARE taxonomy
Group Classification
Whether the journal belongs to Group I (UGC CARE qualified) or Group II (Scopus/WoS indexed)
Indexing Information
Details about the journal’s presence in major indexing databases like Scopus, Web of Science, etc.
Website & Submission Link
Official journal website URL and direct link to the manuscript submission portal
How to Verify Scopus and Web of Science Indexed Journals (Group II)
For journals claiming to be in UGC CARE Group II, you need to verify their indexing status independently. Here’s how to check UGC approved journals in the Group II category:
Scopus Verification Process
- Visit the official Scopus Sources website: https://www.scopus.com/sources
- Use the “Title” search field to enter the journal name, or search by ISSN
- Review the search results to confirm the journal’s active indexing status
- Check the “Active” status indicator and note the subject area coverage
- Verify the journal metrics including CiteScore and SNIP values
Web of Science Verification Process
- Access the Web of Science Master Journal List: https://mjl.clarivate.com
- Enter the journal title or ISSN in the search box
- Verify the journal appears in the results with current indexing status
- Check which collection(s) index the journal (SCIE, SSCI, AHCI, ESCI)
- Note the journal’s Impact Factor if available
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When learning how to check UGC approved journals, researchers often make certain errors that can lead to publishing in non-approved or predatory journals. Here are critical mistakes to avoid:
- Relying solely on a journal’s website claims without independent verification
- Not checking both the UGC CARE portal and indexing databases
- Confusing journals with similar names
- Failing to verify ISSN accuracy
- Trusting third-party lists instead of official sources
Why Publish in UGC Approved Journals?
Understanding the benefits of publishing in UGC approved journals reinforces why learning how to check UGC approved journals is so crucial for your academic career. These advantages extend beyond mere compliance with university requirements.
PhD Compliance
Meet mandatory publication requirements for PhD degree submission and completion across Indian universities
Career Advancement
Essential for faculty promotions under Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) at all levels from Assistant Professor to Professor
Research Funding
Strengthen your grant applications and fellowship proposals with publications in recognized journals
Global Recognition
UGC approved journals, especially Group II, provide international visibility and citation opportunities
Quality Assurance
Rigorous peer review processes ensure your research meets high academic standards
Protection from Predatory Publishers
Avoid fraudulent journals that charge fees without providing legitimate peer review and publication services
The Impact on Your Research Profile
Publications in UGC approved journals significantly enhance your academic profile. They demonstrate your commitment to quality research, ethical publication practices, and scholarly excellence. When applying for academic positions, research grants, or international collaborations, reviewers specifically look for publications in UGC CARE listed or internationally indexed journals. Knowing how to check UGC approved journals ensures every publication contributes positively to your career trajectory.
“Publishing in UGC approved journals is not just about meeting requirements—it’s about contributing to the legitimate body of scholarly knowledge and building a credible research reputation that opens doors throughout your academic career.”
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Advanced Tips for Journal Selection and Verification
Beyond UGC Approval: Additional Quality Indicators
While knowing how to check UGC approved journals is fundamental, experienced researchers also evaluate additional quality indicators before submitting their manuscripts. These factors help you choose the best journal within the UGC approved category for your specific research.
- Impact Factor and Citation Metrics: Check the journal’s Impact Factor (JCR), CiteScore (Scopus), or h-index to gauge its influence in the academic community
- Editorial Board Quality: Review the editorial board members’ credentials, affiliations, and research reputation in your field
- Peer Review Process: Understand the journal’s peer review methodology—single-blind, double-blind, or open peer review
- Publication Timeline: Check average time from submission to publication to plan your research dissemination strategy
- Acceptance Rate: Lower acceptance rates often indicate more rigorous selection processes
- Indexing Breadth: More indexing databases increase your article’s discoverability and citation potential
- Open Access Options: Determine whether the journal offers open access, hybrid, or subscription-based publication models
- Publication Fees: Understand all costs involved—article processing charges, page charges, color figure fees, etc.
Red Flags: Identifying Predatory Journals
Even while checking UGC approved journals, it’s important to recognize warning signs of predatory publishing practices. Some journals may falsely claim UGC approval or manipulate their listings. Be vigilant for these red flags:
Warning Signs of Predatory Journals
- Unsolicited emails aggressively requesting manuscript submissions
- Promises of extremely rapid publication (within days)
- Lack of clear peer review process information
- Editorial board members without proper academic credentials
- Website contains grammatical errors and unprofessional design
- Journal claims multiple ISSN numbers or uses fake ISSN
- Unclear or hidden publication fees revealed only after acceptance
- Claims to be indexed in databases where they don’t actually appear
- Publisher operates numerous journals across unrelated disciplines
- No clear information about the publisher’s physical address
Using Multiple Verification Sources
To be absolutely certain about a journal’s legitimacy and UGC approval status, use multiple verification sources. This cross-referencing approach is particularly important for high-stakes publications like those required for PhD completion or faculty promotions.
Primary Verification
Always start with the official UGC CARE portal (ugccare.unipune.ac.in) as your primary verification source
Secondary Verification
For Group II journals, verify indexing status on Scopus.com or mjl.clarivate.com
Cross-Reference
Check the journal’s listing on ABCD Index or similar aggregator sites that compile UGC CARE data
Institutional Verification
Consult your university library or research office for their approved journal list
Staying Updated with UGC CARE Changes
The UGC CARE list is dynamic and regularly updated. Journals can be added or removed based on ongoing quality assessments. Therefore, understanding how to check UGC approved journals is not a one-time activity but an ongoing practice throughout your research career.
Best Practices for Staying Current
- Check the UGC CARE portal’s “What’s New” section regularly for updates and announcements
- Subscribe to UGC CARE notifications if available through the portal
- Verify journal status even if you’ve published there before—listings can change
- Before submitting to any journal, perform fresh verification regardless of previous knowledge
- Maintain a personal record of verified journals in your research area for quick reference
- Join academic networks and forums where researchers share information about journal quality
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Our Publication Advantages
- Rapid Publication: Manuscripts reviewed and published within 24-48 hours of acceptance
- Affordable Fees: Publication charges starting at just ₹500 or $14 USD—among the lowest in the industry
- High Impact Factor: Widely cited in academic research with growing international recognition
- Open Access: All articles freely accessible worldwide, maximizing your research impact
- Rigorous Peer Review: Double-blind peer review process ensuring academic integrity
- International Indexing: Working towards Scopus and other major database indexing
We Accept Research In
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Information Technology
- Electronics & Communication
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Management Studies
- Applied Sciences
- Multidisciplinary Research
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Original Research Submission Call for PapersFrequently Asked Questions About UGC Approved Journals
1. How frequently is the UGC CARE list updated?
The UGC CARE list is updated periodically based on continuous monitoring and evaluation of journals. New journals are added after assessment, and existing journals may be removed if they no longer meet quality standards. It’s recommended to verify journal status at the time of submission rather than relying on old information.
2. Can international journals be UGC approved?
Yes, absolutely. Many international journals, particularly those indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, automatically qualify as UGC CARE Group II journals. When you check UGC approved journals, you’ll find many prestigious international publications in the database.
3. What if a journal is not in the UGC CARE list but claims to be UGC approved?
If a journal claims UGC approval but doesn’t appear in the official UGC CARE portal search, do not submit your manuscript there. This is a major red flag indicating potential predatory practices. Always verify through official channels before submission.
4. Is there a difference between UGC approved and UGC recognized journals?
These terms are often used interchangeably to refer to journals listed in the UGC CARE database. However, “UGC CARE listed” is the most accurate terminology. When you check UGC approved journals, you’re accessing the official CARE list.
5. How long does it take for a new journal to get UGC CARE approval?
The evaluation process can take several months to over a year, depending on the journal’s compliance with quality parameters, completeness of application, and the evaluation workload. Journals must demonstrate consistent publication history and adherence to ethical standards.
6. Can I publish in non-UGC approved journals?
While you can publish anywhere, for PhD and faculty promotion purposes in India, publications in UGC CARE listed journals are mandatory or highly preferred. Non-UGC journals may not be counted toward these academic requirements, so it’s crucial to know how to check UGC approved journals before submission.
7. What should I do if my university doesn’t accept a particular UGC approved journal?
Some universities maintain their own approved journal lists that may be more restrictive than the UGC CARE list. Always consult your institution’s specific guidelines and the research committee before submission. UGC approval is necessary but may not always be sufficient for institutional requirements.
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Conclusion: Mastering Journal Verification for Academic Success
Understanding how to check UGC approved journals is an essential skill for every researcher in India’s academic ecosystem. This comprehensive guide has equipped you with the knowledge and tools to confidently verify journal legitimacy, avoid predatory publishers, and make informed publication decisions that advance your research career.
The UGC CARE portal serves as your primary resource for journal verification, while Scopus and Web of Science databases help confirm Group II journal status. By following the step-by-step verification process outlined in this guide, you can ensure that every publication contributes meaningfully to your academic profile and meets institutional requirements for PhD completion, faculty promotions, and research grant applications.
Remember that the journal landscape is constantly evolving. What’s approved today may change tomorrow, so make journal verification a standard practice before every submission. Stay informed about UGC CARE updates, maintain high publication standards, and choose journals that align with your research goals and ethical values.
Key Takeaways
- Always verify journals through the official UGC CARE portal at ugccare.unipune.ac.in
- Understand the difference between Group I (UGC CARE qualified) and Group II (Scopus/WoS indexed) journals
- Use the journal’s ISSN number for accurate verification
- Cross-reference with multiple sources for complete confidence
- Watch for red flags indicating predatory publishing practices
- Keep verification records for future reference and institutional submissions
- Choose journals that balance UGC approval with impact factor, reputation, and publication timeline
Whether you’re a PhD scholar, faculty member, or independent researcher, mastering how to check UGC approved journals empowers you to navigate the publication landscape with confidence. Your research deserves to be published in legitimate, high-quality journals that provide the recognition and visibility you’ve worked hard to achieve.
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