UGC CARE Journal List 2026: How to Find & Publish in Listed Journals
Meet the Expert
Vignesh Kumar
PhD Research Consultant & Academic Writing Specialist
- 10+ years guiding PhD scholars to publication in India and abroad
- Specialist in UGC CARE, Scopus, and Web of Science submissions
- Helped 400+ researchers identify the right journals for their research
The UGC CARE (Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics) journal list is maintained by India's University Grants Commission and contains approved journals for academic publication. All Scopus-indexed journals are automatically in Group 1. PhD scholars in India must publish in at least one UGC CARE journal before thesis submission at most universities. Search the list at ugccare.unipune.ac.in.
Publishing in a UGC CARE journal is a mandatory milestone for most Indian PhD scholars. But navigating the list — understanding which journals are genuine, which are Group 1 vs Group 2, and how to actually get published — is confusing without guidance.
This guide covers everything: what UGC CARE is, how to search the list, the Group 1 vs Group 2 difference, how to choose the right journal, and a step-by-step publishing process used by our scholars.
Need help identifying the right UGC CARE journal for your research? Chat with our PhD Consultants
What is UGC CARE and Why Does it Matter?
UGC CARE was established to replace the discontinued UGC-approved journal list and to combat predatory publishing in India. It evaluates journals against ethical and quality criteria and classifies them into two groups. Only journals on this list count toward PhD publication requirements, API score calculations for faculty, and promotion criteria at most Indian institutions.
UGC CARE Group 1 vs Group 2: Key Differences
For a full breakdown, see: UGC CARE Group 1 vs Group 2 Journals: Key Differences.
| Feature | Group 1 | Group 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Indexing | Scopus, Web of Science, or equivalent | Not necessarily in Scopus/WoS |
| International recognition | High | Moderate |
| API score weightage | Higher | Lower |
| Recommended for | PhD requirement + career advancement | PhD requirement only |
| Competition level | Higher | Lower |
How to Search the UGC CARE Journal List
- Go to the official portal: ugccare.unipune.ac.in
- Click on the 'UGC CARE List' tab
- Search by journal name, ISSN, or subject area
- Check the 'Group' column — Group 1 or Group 2
- Verify the date of last update to confirm the journal is still listed
Warning: Journals Are Removed Regularly
UGC CARE removes journals that fail quality standards or are found to be predatory. Always verify a journal's current status before submitting. A journal that was listed last year may not be listed today. Learn how to spot predatory journals: How to Identify and Avoid Predatory Journals.
Step-by-Step Guide to Publishing in a UGC CARE Journal
- Identify your target journal — Match your topic, methodology, and scope to the journal's aims
- Download author guidelines — Format your manuscript exactly to the journal's requirements
- Prepare your manuscript — See: How to Write a Research Paper Step by Step
- Run a plagiarism check — Use iThenticate; aim for <10% similarity
- Submit via the journal's online system — Upload all required files including cover letter
- Respond to peer review — See: How the Peer Review Process Works
- Proof and final acceptance — Review proofs carefully before publication
"Choose your journal before you start writing — not after. The best journals in your field shape how you frame your research question, the depth of your literature review, and the style of your methodology section."
— Vignesh Kumar, PhD Research Consultant, Thesis Ace Writers
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Frequently Asked Questions
Click a question to expand the answer.
UGC CARE (Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics) is a list of approved academic journals maintained by the University Grants Commission of India. PhD scholars must publish in UGC CARE listed journals for academic credit at most Indian universities.
Group 1 journals are indexed in internationally recognised databases like Scopus or Web of Science. Group 2 journals are recommended by UGC based on quality criteria but are not necessarily in Scopus or WoS. Group 1 carries more academic weight.
Visit the official UGC CARE portal (ugccare.unipune.ac.in) and use the search functionality to filter by subject, ISSN, or journal name. The list is updated periodically — always verify the current version before submitting.
Yes. All Scopus-indexed journals are included in UGC CARE Group 1. Publishing in a Scopus journal automatically satisfies the UGC CARE publication requirement for Indian PhD scholars.
Fast-track journals can publish in 4–8 weeks. Standard peer-reviewed UGC CARE journals typically take 3–6 months from submission to publication. Be cautious of journals promising instant or paid publication — these are often predatory.
Most Indian universities require at least one publication in a UGC CARE or Scopus journal before thesis submission. Some central universities and IITs require two. Check your university's research regulations for the exact requirement.