How to Check UGC Approved Journals – A Complete Guide

Publishing in a UGC approved journal is crucial for academic recognition and career advancement in India. Whether you’re a research scholar or a faculty member, knowing how to verify if a journal is on the UGC CARE list is essential. This guide walks you through simple and effective ways to identify valid journals and protect yourself from predatory or fake publications.

What is a UGC Approved Journal?

A UGC approved journal is a publication recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India. These journals are listed under the UGC CARE (Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics) list, ensuring quality academic content and ethical publishing practices.

Why Publishing in a UGC Approved Journal Matters

• Required for Ph.D. thesis submission and academic promotions.
• Enhances your profile and citation value.
• Meets criteria for NAAC and AICTE evaluations.
• Ensures publication credibility and global recognition.

Step-by-Step: How to Check if a Journal is UGC Approved

1. Visit the official UGC CARE website: https://ugccare.unipune.ac.in
2. Click on “Search Journals” and enter the journal name or ISSN.
3. Check if the journal appears in the CARE List Group I or II.
4. Verify details like publisher, indexing, and discipline match your domain.

Tips to Avoid Fake or Predatory Journals

• Never trust journals that promise instant publication with no peer review.
• Cross-check ISSN and publisher name on the UGC site.
• Look for transparent peer review and indexing info.
• Consult your guide, supervisor, or academic network.

Where Else to Check Journal Reputation

• Google Scholar – for indexing and citation history
• Web of Science Journal List
• Scopus Sources
• Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)

ISAR and UGC-Compatible Practices

While ISAR journals may not be in the UGC CARE list directly, we follow the academic and ethical guidelines recommended by UGC. Our peer-reviewed, open access platform ensures academic rigor and international reach. Read more about our indexing and publication ethics.