UGC discontinues CARE Journal Listing, suggests new parameters to ensure quality, transparency, and relevance

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially announced the discontinuation of its UGC-Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (CARE) journal listing. This significant shift marks a transition toward a more decentralized and flexible framework for evaluating academic journals.

Introduction of Suggestive Parameters for Journal Selection

In lieu of the UGC-CARE list, the UGC has developed a set of suggestive parameters aimed at guiding faculty members and students in selecting credible and peer-reviewed academic journals for research and publication. These parameters were meticulously crafted by a panel of experts and academicians and have now been made publicly available for feedback. Stakeholders, including Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) and faculty members, are invited to share their opinions by February 25, 2025, via email at journal@ugc.gov.in.

This decision follows the recommendations made by an expert committee and was formalized during the UGC’s 584th meeting on October 3, 2024. The new guidelines are intended to replace the previous CARE system outlined in the Public Notice dated November 28, 2018.

Focus on High-Quality Research and Institutional Review Mechanisms

To foster high-quality research, HEIs are encouraged to adopt these suggestive parameters and customize them based on their academic requirements. The UGC recommends that institutions establish internal review committees to ensure compliance with these evolving quality benchmarks. This move aims to empower institutions to take ownership of journal evaluation processes while promoting scholarly excellence.

Rationale Behind Discontinuing the UGC-CARE List

Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of the UGC, explained that the UGC-CARE list was initially introduced in 2018 to address concerns over the proliferation of predatory journals and to ensure that only reputable publications were recognized for faculty selections, promotions, and research funding applications. However, the system faced numerous challenges, including:

• Over-centralization and bureaucratic delays in updating the journal list.
• Lack of transparency in decision-making processes.
• Exclusion of respected journals, particularly those in Indian languages, while less credible ones were included.
• Pressure on researchers to publish exclusively in UGC-CARE listed journals.

NEP 2020 and the Shift Toward Decentralization

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 highlighted the need to reduce heavy regulation in academic publishing. In response, the UGC formed an expert committee in December 2023 to review the UGC-CARE scheme. Based on its recommendations, the UGC decided to discontinue the central list and encourage HEIs to develop their own robust mechanisms for evaluating journals.

“This new approach provides institutions with greater flexibility,” stated Prof. Kumar. “It allows them to develop models that align with academic norms and the specific needs of various disciplines. Researchers will no longer be bound by a centralized list of journals.”

Combating Predatory Journals and Protecting Academic Standards

Under the new system, HEIs will bear the responsibility for combating predatory journals by establishing credible evaluation mechanisms. This will help protect the academic reputation of institutions and maintain scholarly integrity. Experienced faculty members are expected to mentor younger researchers in identifying legitimate journals and avoiding predatory ones.

A Step Toward Academic Freedom and Autonomy

The discontinuation of the UGC-CARE list is seen as a step toward restoring academic freedom and institutional autonomy. “By transferring the responsibility for journal evaluation back to HEIs, the UGC has empowered institutions and researchers to make publication choices that best suit their disciplines and target audiences,” Prof. Kumar emphasized.

HEIs will also need to accommodate emerging and interdisciplinary fields by creating dynamic evaluation models that recognize journals beyond traditional indexing frameworks. This adaptability is crucial to addressing the rapidly evolving landscape of academic publishing.

Stakeholder Engagement and Feedback

The UGC encourages stakeholders to carefully review the proposed parameters and provide their feedback before the deadline. This inclusive approach aims to foster a collaborative environment for enhancing academic publishing standards.

For further information, stakeholders are advised to refer to the UGC’s official communications and actively participate in shaping the future of academic journal evaluation in India.