The UGC scrapped the centralized UGC-CARE system due to inefficiency and lack of transparency, replacing it with a decentralized approach. Institutions now evaluate journals based on peer review, editorial expertise, and credibility. This system aims to empower institutions, promote Indian language journals, and align with the NEP 2020.
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Four months after scrapping the UGC-CARE (Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics) system of listing quality journals, the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced to follow a “decentralised approach”.
The UGC-CARE (Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics) system was introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2018 to combat the problem of predatory-journals.
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What are predatory journals? Predatory journals are low-quality or fraudulent publications that charge authors fees to publish their research without proper peer review or editorial oversight. These journals usually lack credibility and exploit researchers by offering quick publication in exchange for money. They undermine the quality of academic research and damage the reputation of institutions and scholars. |
To address the growing problem of predatory journals in India, which were harming the credibility of academic research.
To create a centralized list of credible journals for researchers to publish in.
To ensure that publications considered for faculty appointments, promotions, and research grants met high academic standards.
The selection process for journals lacked clear reasoning, leading to inconsistencies.
Journals were often removed from the list without prior notice, causing career-related difficulties for faculty members.
The process for adding high-quality journals was slow, with no clear feedback on pending or rejected applications.
Many reputed Indian language journals were left out, limiting opportunities for scholars to publish in regional languages.
The system struggled to evaluate journals in social sciences, law, and Indian languages effectively.
The system was criticized for being subjective, non-transparent, and inefficient.
The centralized approach conflicted with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes decentralization, academic freedom, and the use of Indian languages and knowledge systems.
Despite its purpose, low-quality journals still found their way into the UGC-CARE list.
The UGC has introduced a decentralized approach where higher education institutions are given suggestive parameters to identify suitable journals for themselves. These parameters include:
Institutions are not bound by these parameters but are encouraged to use them to evaluate journals.
Researchers and institutions can choose journals that best fit their disciplines.
Institutions are incentivized to maintain their reputation by ensuring faculty publish in credible journals.
The new system encourages the inclusion of Indian language journals, aligning with NEP 2020.
Institutions can adapt the parameters to their specific needs and disciplines.
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