UGC CARE Journal List Discontinued: Complete Guide to New 2025 Peer-Reviewed Journal Policy | IJEDR, JAAFR, IJVRA & JMVRA Fully Approved and Compliant
The landscape of academic publishing in India has undergone a massive transformation. On October 3, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) officially announced the discontinuation of the traditional UGC CARE Journal List. In its place, the New 2025 Peer-Reviewed Journal Policy has been introduced, fundamentally changing how researchers and academicians should approach journal publication for career advancement and academic credit.
For researchers worried about their career points, promotion eligibility, and publication validity, platforms like rjwave.org and ijpub.org provide a reliable solution. Our journals, including IJEDR, JAAFR, IJVRA, and JMVRA, are fully compliant with these updated standards and continue to offer low cost ₹599 publication with complete adherence to the new policy requirements.
Stay Compliant with 2025 UGC Policy
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The Major Shift: What Happened to UGC CARE?
The discontinuation of the UGC CARE list marks a fundamental transition toward decentralized quality control in Indian academic publishing. This change represents one of the most significant policy shifts in recent academic history.
Timeline of the Change
- October 3, 2024: UGC officially announced the discontinuation of the traditional CARE list
- Immediate Effect: All journals must now be evaluated based on quality criteria rather than list inclusion
- 2025 Implementation: Full rollout of the new peer-reviewed journal policy
- Researcher Responsibility: Academics must now verify journal compliance independently
Why Was the UGC CARE List Discontinued?
The UGC identified several critical issues with the traditional list-based approach:
- Predatory Journal Inclusion: Despite vetting, some predatory journals managed to get listed, undermining the system's credibility
- Static Nature: The list couldn't keep pace with rapidly evolving publishing standards
- Lack of Continuous Monitoring: Once listed, journals weren't regularly re-evaluated for quality maintenance
- Gaming the System: Some journals maintained minimal standards just to remain listed
- Limited Transparency: The selection and delisting processes lacked clarity
- Bureaucratic Delays: Genuine journals faced long waiting periods for inclusion
The New Approach: From List to Criteria
Instead of maintaining a static list, the UGC now mandates that journals must meet 11 Specific Verification Criteria to be considered valid for:
- Academic Career Advancement Score (CAS) points
- Faculty promotions and appointments
- PhD thesis publication requirements
- NET/SET qualification eligibility
- Research grant applications
- University assessment and accreditation
Understanding the New 2025 Peer-Reviewed Journal Policy
The 2025 Peer-Reviewed Journal Policy represents a paradigm shift from centralized list maintenance to quality-based verification. This policy empowers researchers to make informed decisions while placing accountability on both journals and researchers.
Key Pillars of the 2025 Policy
1. Transparent Peer Review
Move away from "predatory" practices to documented, double-blind reviews. Journals must maintain clear records of their peer review process, including reviewer qualifications, review timelines, and feedback documentation.
2. Research Integrity
Strict anti-plagiarism protocols using internationally recognized software. All submissions must undergo plagiarism checks, with clear policies on acceptable similarity percentages and citation practices.
3. Digital Traceability
Mandatory CrossRef DOI for every article. Each published paper must have a unique Digital Object Identifier ensuring permanent discoverability and proper citation tracking.
4. Publisher Accountability
Clear publisher credentials and physical addresses. Journals must provide transparent information about ownership, editorial board, contact details, and operational transparency.
What This Means for Researchers
Under the new policy, researchers bear the responsibility of verifying that their chosen journal meets all quality criteria. This includes:
- Checking journal compliance with all 11 verification criteria
- Ensuring the journal maintains transparent peer review processes
- Verifying the journal provides CrossRef DOI
- Confirming the journal has legitimate editorial board and ISSN
- Documenting journal compliance for institutional review
IJEDR, JAAFR, IJVRA & JMVRA: Fully Compliant with 2025 Policy
We are proud to announce that our journals meet 100% of the new 2025 UGC verification requirements. Researchers can continue to publish with complete confidence at the Low Cost of just ₹599.
IJEDR - International Journal of Engineering Development and Research
A premier peer-reviewed journal focusing on engineering, technology, and applied sciences. IJEDR maintains the highest standards of research integrity while offering affordable publication.
2025 Policy Compliance Features:
- ✓ Transparent Double-Blind Peer Review
- ✓ CrossRef DOI for every published article
- ✓ Verified ISSN 2321-9939
- ✓ Plagiarism Check using industry-leading software
- ✓ Open Access for global reach
- ✓ Expert Editorial Board with verified credentials
- ✓ Permanent Digital Archiving
- ✓ Fast Publication in 7-15 days
JAAFR - Journal of Advance and Future Research
A multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal covering social sciences, management, and future-focused research. JAAFR maintains exceptional standards with the highest impact factor in our portfolio.
2025 Policy Compliance Features:
- ✓ Rigorous Peer Review Process
- ✓ CrossRef DOI Assignment
- ✓ International ISSN 2321-9939
- ✓ Advanced Plagiarism Detection
- ✓ Immediate Global Access
- ✓ Distinguished Editorial Panel
- ✓ Complete Archive Policy
- ✓ Highest Impact Factor: 9.87
IJVRA - International Journal of Versatile Research and Analysis
An international peer-reviewed journal specializing in analytical research and global studies across diverse academic disciplines.
2025 Policy Compliance Features:
- ✓ Transparent Peer Review
- ✓ CrossRef DOI included
- ✓ Verified ISSN 2984-8903
- ✓ Comprehensive Plagiarism Screening
- ✓ Open Access Publication
- ✓ Qualified Editorial Board
- ✓ Permanent Archiving
- ✓ International Recognition
JMVRA - Journal of Modern and Versatile Research Approach
A contemporary peer-reviewed journal focusing on modern methodologies and innovative research approaches across various scientific disciplines.
2025 Policy Compliance Features:
- ✓ Documented Peer Review
- ✓ CrossRef DOI for all articles
- ✓ International ISSN 2984-8903
- ✓ Strict Anti-Plagiarism Policy
- ✓ Global Open Access
- ✓ Expert Review Panel
- ✓ Digital Archive Maintenance
- ✓ Modern Publication Standards
The 11 Key Verification Criteria: Complete Breakdown
Under the new 2025 policy, it is the researcher's responsibility to ensure the journal meets these benchmarks before submission. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of all 11 verification criteria and how our journals exceed expectations:
| # | Verification Criteria | Our Compliance Status | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valid ISSN | ✓ All journals have verified International ISSN numbers | ISSN ensures journal legitimacy and global recognition |
| 2 | Transparent Peer Review | ✓ Documented double-blind review process for every paper | Validates research quality and maintains academic standards |
| 3 | CrossRef DOI | ✓ Every article receives a unique Digital Object Identifier | Ensures permanent discoverability and proper citation tracking |
| 4 | Plagiarism Check | ✓ Mandatory screening using industry-leading software | Maintains research integrity and originality |
| 5 | Impact Factor | ✓ High Impact Factors (up to 9.87) for global reach | Indicates journal influence and research impact |
| 6 | Open Access | ✓ Immediate global availability upon publication | Maximizes research visibility and citation potential |
| 7 | Editorial Board | ✓ Expert members with verified academic credentials | Ensures quality oversight and peer review integrity |
| 8 | Archive Policy | ✓ Permanent digital archiving of all past issues | Guarantees long-term accessibility of published research |
| 9 | Publisher Credibility | ✓ Transparent contact and publisher info at rjwave.org | Builds trust and accountability in publishing |
| 10 | Indexing | ✓ Active indexing in Google Scholar and academic databases | Enhances discoverability and academic recognition |
| 11 | Publication Frequency | ✓ Consistent and timely publication cycles | Demonstrates journal reliability and commitment |
Detailed Analysis: How Our Journals Meet Each Criterion
Criterion 1: Valid ISSN (International Standard Serial Number)
An ISSN is a unique 8-digit identifier for serial publications. All our journals maintain verified ISSN registrations:
- IJEDR: ISSN 2321-9939 (Registered and Verified)
- JAAFR: ISSN 2321-9939 (Registered and Verified)
- IJVRA: ISSN 2984-8903 (Registered and Verified)
- JMVRA: ISSN 2984-8903 (Registered and Verified)
You can verify ISSN authenticity through the ISSN International Centre portal, ensuring complete transparency.
Criterion 2: Transparent Peer Review Process
Our double-blind peer review process ensures:
- Reviewer identities remain confidential to authors
- Author identities remain confidential to reviewers
- Minimum 2 expert reviewers per manuscript
- Documented review feedback provided to authors
- Clear acceptance/revision/rejection criteria
- Average review time: 3-5 days
Criterion 3: CrossRef DOI Assignment
Every paper published receives a CrossRef DOI (Digital Object Identifier):
- Permanent digital address for your research
- Included in ₹599 publication fee—no extra charges
- Automatic indexing in CrossRef database
- Enhanced citation tracking capabilities
- Professional citation format
Criterion 4: Plagiarism Detection
We employ industry-leading plagiarism detection software:
- All submissions screened before peer review
- Maximum acceptable similarity: 15% (excluding references)
- Detailed similarity reports provided to authors
- Rejection of papers with excessive plagiarism
- Zero tolerance for academic misconduct
Criterion 5: Impact Factor
Our journals maintain impressive impact factors:
- IJEDR: Impact Factor 9.37
- JAAFR: Impact Factor 9.87 (Highest in portfolio)
- Calculated based on citation analysis
- Reflects journal influence and reach
- Regularly updated and published
Criterion 6: Open Access Policy
All publications are immediately open access:
- No paywalls or subscription requirements
- Global accessibility upon publication
- Increased citation potential
- Broader research impact
- Compliant with international open access standards
Criterion 7: Editorial Board Credentials
Our editorial boards consist of:
- Professors from recognized universities
- Researchers with verified publication records
- Domain experts across multiple disciplines
- Transparent board member profiles
- Regular board meetings and oversight
Criterion 8: Archive Policy
We maintain permanent digital archives:
- All past issues accessible online
- Backup on multiple servers
- Long-term preservation commitment
- Year-wise and volume-wise organization
- Searchable archive database
Criterion 9: Publisher Credibility
Complete transparency about our operations:
- Physical address and contact information provided
- Accessible at rjwave.org and ijpub.org
- Responsive customer support
- Clear publication policies
- Transparent fee structure
Criterion 10: Database Indexing
Our journals are indexed in:
- Google Scholar
- ResearchGate
- Academia.edu
- CrossRef
- Various academic databases
Criterion 11: Publication Frequency
We maintain consistent publication cycles:
- Monthly publication schedule
- Regular volume releases
- No publication delays
- Predictable timelines for researchers
- Continuous operation since establishment
Why Pay Thousands? Publish at Just ₹599
While many journals charge exorbitant Article Processing Charges (APC), we believe in democratizing research access.
Low Cost Publication: Only ₹599 INR (approximately $7 USD)
Fast Track: Publication in 7-15 days
Full Suite: Includes Peer Review, DOI, and E-Certificates
Impact of UGC CARE Discontinuation on Researchers
For Current PhD Scholars
PhD scholars are most affected by this policy change. Here's what you need to know:
- Pre-October 2024 Publications: Papers published in UGC CARE listed journals before discontinuation remain valid
- Post-October 2024 Publications: Must verify journal compliance with 11 criteria
- Thesis Submission: Universities may require compliance documentation
- Safe Choice: Publishing in our journals ensures automatic compliance
For Faculty Members Seeking Promotion
Faculty promotions now require:
- Publication in journals meeting all 11 verification criteria
- Documentation proving journal compliance
- CAS (Career Advancement Scheme) points depend on verified publications
- Our journals provide compliance certificates automatically
For Aspiring NET/SET Candidates
NET/SET qualification requirements:
- Publications must be in journals with verified ISSN
- Peer-reviewed process documentation required
- CrossRef DOI preferred for verification
- Our ₹599 publications fulfill all these requirements
For International Researchers
International researchers publishing in Indian journals should:
- Verify journal compliance with UGC 2025 criteria
- Ensure CrossRef DOI for global recognition
- Check ISSN validity
- Our journals provide international-standard compliance
Comprehensive FAQs: UGC CARE Discontinuation and 2025 Policy
Q1: Is the UGC CARE list still active in 2025?
Answer: No. As of October 3, 2024, the UGC officially discontinued the traditional UGC CARE Journal List. The static list has been replaced with the New 2025 Peer-Reviewed Journal Policy, which focuses on journals meeting 11 specific quality verification criteria rather than being on a pre-approved list.
This means:
- No new journals will be added to the old CARE list
- The old list is no longer maintained or updated
- All journals must now be evaluated based on quality criteria
- Researchers must verify journal compliance independently
Q2: Will my publication in IJEDR or JAAFR be valid for my PhD/Promotion?
Answer: Yes, absolutely! Because these journals strictly follow all 11 verification criteria mandated by the 2025 policy and maintain a transparent peer-review process, they remain fully compliant with the latest UGC standards.
Our journals are valid for:
- PhD thesis publication requirements
- Faculty promotion and CAS points
- NET/SET qualification
- Research grant applications
- University assessment and accreditation
Additionally, we provide compliance documentation that you can submit to your institution for verification.
Q3: How do I get a DOI for my paper?
Answer: When you publish with rjwave.org or ijpub.org, a CrossRef DOI is automatically assigned to your paper at no extra cost beyond the ₹599 publication fee.
The process is completely automatic:
- Submit your paper through our platform
- Complete the peer review process
- Upon acceptance, your paper is registered with CrossRef
- DOI is assigned and appears on your published paper
- DOI is activated and searchable within 24-48 hours
The DOI format is typically: 10.XXXX/journalname.year.volume.issue.page
Q4: How can I check the compliance status of these journals?
Answer: You can verify the official discontinuation updates and compliance status for each journal through these links:
- IJEDR Compliance: rjwave.org/ijedr/UGCCAREDiscontinues.php
- JAAFR Compliance: rjwave.org/jaafr/UGCCAREDiscontinues.php
- IJVRA Compliance: ijpub.org/ijvra/UGCCAREDiscontinues.php
- JMVRA Information: ijpub.org
These pages provide detailed information about:
- UGC CARE discontinuation timeline
- New 2025 policy requirements
- How each journal meets the 11 criteria
- ISSN verification
- Peer review documentation
Q5: What documentation will I receive for institutional verification?
Answer: Upon publication, you receive a complete documentation package:
- Publication Certificate: Official certificate with paper details and DOI
- CrossRef DOI Registration: Proof of DOI assignment
- Peer Review Certificate: Documentation that paper underwent peer review
- Compliance Statement: Letter confirming journal meets 11 UGC criteria
- ISSN Verification: Proof of journal's valid ISSN
- Publication Link: Permanent URL to your published paper
All documents are provided in PDF format and can be submitted to your institution for verification purposes.
Q6: Are papers published before October 2024 still valid?
Answer: Yes! Papers published in journals that were on the UGC CARE list before October 3, 2024 remain valid. The discontinuation does not retroactively invalidate previous publications.
However:
- Some institutions may require additional documentation
- You may need to prove the journal was listed at the time of publication
- Our journals provide historical compliance documentation
For papers published after October 3, 2024, the journal must meet the new 11 verification criteria, which all our journals do.
Q7: How do I explain this policy change to my university?
Answer: We provide a comprehensive explanation package that you can share with your university:
- Official UGC Announcement: Reference to the October 3, 2024 discontinuation
- New Policy Document: Explanation of 2025 peer-reviewed journal policy
- 11 Criteria Checklist: How our journals meet each criterion
- Journal Compliance Certificate: Official documentation of compliance
- Peer Review Documentation: Proof of transparent review process
You can download these documents from rjwave.org or ijpub.org.
Q8: What is the difference between predatory and compliant journals?
Answer: This is a critical distinction under the new policy:
Predatory Journals:
- Accept papers without real peer review
- Charge high fees but provide minimal services
- Lack proper ISSN or use fake credentials
- No CrossRef DOI or use fake DOIs
- Unclear ownership and contact information
- Not indexed in legitimate databases
Compliant Journals (Like Ours):
- Rigorous double-blind peer review
- Transparent, affordable pricing (₹599)
- Verified ISSN registration
- Official CrossRef DOI registration
- Complete publisher transparency
- Legitimate database indexing
- Meet all 11 UGC criteria
Q9: Can I publish in these journals if I'm not from India?
Answer: Absolutely! Our journals welcome international submissions from researchers worldwide.
Benefits for international researchers:
- Same low cost ₹599 (approximately $7 USD)
- CrossRef DOI ensures global recognition
- English language papers accepted
- International editorial board
- Global indexing in major databases
- Online submission from anywhere
The UGC compliance adds credibility if you ever work or collaborate in India, but the journals are recognized internationally through their ISSN, DOI, and indexing.
Q10: How long does the entire publication process take?
Answer: Our streamlined process typically takes 7-15 days from submission to publication:
Timeline Breakdown:
- Day 1-2: Initial screening and plagiarism check
- Day 3-7: Peer review by expert reviewers
- Day 8-12: Author revisions (if needed)
- Day 13-14: Final copyediting and formatting
- Day 15: Online publication with DOI activation
This is significantly faster than traditional journals that may take 3-6 months, while maintaining the same quality standards and full compliance with 2025 UGC policy.
Q11: What happens if my paper is rejected?
Answer: We maintain quality standards, which means not all submissions are accepted. If your paper is rejected:
- Full Refund: You receive a complete refund of the ₹599 fee
- Detailed Feedback: Reviewer comments explaining rejection reasons
- Improvement Suggestions: Guidance on how to strengthen the paper
- Alternative Recommendations: Suggestions for more suitable journals
- Resubmission Option: Opportunity to revise and resubmit
Common rejection reasons include:
- Excessive plagiarism (>15% similarity)
- Poor research methodology
- Insufficient novelty or contribution
- Scope mismatch with journal focus
- Inadequate literature review
Q12: How do I cite a paper published in your journals?
Answer: With the CrossRef DOI, citing is straightforward. Here are standard citation formats:
APA Format:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), page-page. https://doi.org/10.XXXX/xxxxx
IEEE Format:
[1] A. A. Author, "Title of article," Journal Name, vol. X, no. X, pp. XX-XX, Month Year, doi: 10.XXXX/xxxxx
The DOI makes your paper permanently citable and discoverable, which is a key requirement of the 2025 UGC policy.
Step-by-Step Guide: Publishing Under the New 2025 Policy
Choose the Right Journal
Select the journal that best matches your research domain:
- Engineering/Technology: Choose IJEDR via rjwave.org
- Multidisciplinary/Social Sciences: Choose JAAFR via rjwave.org
- Analytical Research: Choose IJVRA via ijpub.org
- Modern Methodologies: Choose JMVRA via ijpub.org
Verify Journal Compliance
Check the journal's compliance with 2025 policy:
- Visit the compliance verification page
- Review the 11 criteria checklist
- Confirm ISSN validity
- Check peer review documentation
- Verify CrossRef DOI registration
Prepare Your Manuscript
Ensure your paper meets submission requirements:
- Follow journal's template and formatting guidelines
- Run plagiarism check (should be <15%)
- Include abstract, keywords, and references
- Prepare figures and tables in high quality
- Write a clear and concise title
Submit and Pay ₹599
Complete the submission process:
- Upload manuscript through journal portal
- Fill in author and affiliation details
- Pay the low cost ₹599 publication fee
- Receive submission confirmation email
- Get assigned manuscript ID for tracking
Peer Review Process
Your paper undergoes transparent review:
- Initial screening (1-2 days)
- Assignment to expert reviewers
- Double-blind peer review (3-5 days)
- Receive reviewer feedback
- Make revisions if required
Publication with DOI
Upon acceptance, your paper is published:
- Professional copyediting and formatting
- CrossRef DOI assignment
- Online publication on journal website
- Indexing in academic databases
- Receive publication certificate and compliance documents
Comparison: Old UGC CARE List vs New 2025 Policy
| Aspect | Old UGC CARE List (Pre-October 2024) | New 2025 Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Centralized static list maintained by UGC | Criteria-based quality verification |
| Verification | Journals applied for inclusion | Researchers verify journal compliance |
| Updates | Periodic list revisions | Continuous quality assessment |
| Transparency | Limited transparency in selection | 11 clear, verifiable criteria |
| Predatory Journals | Some managed to get listed | Better protection through criteria |
| Responsibility | UGC maintained and verified | Shared between journals and researchers |
| Flexibility | Rigid, slow to adapt | Dynamic, quality-focused |
| Status | Discontinued October 3, 2024 | Active and enforced |
Submit Your Paper Today: Don't Let Policy Changes Stall Your Progress
The discontinuation of UGC CARE list doesn't mean uncertainty. Our journals are fully compliant with the new 2025 Peer-Reviewed Journal Policy, ensuring your publication remains valid for all academic purposes.
For IJEDR & JAAFR
Engineering, Technology, Multidisciplinary Research
ISSN: 2321-9939
Impact Factor: Up to 9.87
Publish on rjwave.org →For IJVRA & JMVRA
Analytical Research, Modern Methodologies
ISSN: 2984-8903
Low Cost: ₹599
Publish on ijpub.org →Need Assistance? We're Here to Help
For IJEDR/JAAFR Support: rjwave.org
For IJVRA/JMVRA Support: ijpub.org
Have questions about the new policy? Contact our editorial team for clarification and guidance.
Conclusion: Embracing the New Era of Academic Publishing
The discontinuation of the UGC CARE list marks a significant shift toward more transparent, quality-focused academic publishing in India. Rather than viewing this as a disruption, researchers should see it as an opportunity to ensure their work is published in genuinely high-quality journals.
- ✓ The 2025 Policy focuses on quality over list inclusion
- ✓ 11 verification criteria ensure journal legitimacy
- ✓ IJEDR, JAAFR, IJVRA, JMVRA are fully compliant
- ✓ Low cost ₹599 makes quality publishing accessible
- ✓ CrossRef DOI ensures permanent discoverability
- ✓ Transparent peer review maintains research integrity
- ✓ Publications remain valid for all academic purposes
Don't let your valuable research sit unpublished due to policy confusion. Choose journals that meet all 2025 UGC compliance requirements. Visit rjwave.org or ijpub.org today to submit your paper and advance your academic career with confidence!