The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India has recently announced the discontinuation of its Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (CARE) list of approved journals. Established in 2018, the UGC-CARE list aimed to ensure that academic publications met certain quality standards, thereby safeguarding against predatory journals. However, the system faced criticism for its centralized approach, delays in updates, and the inadvertent inclusion of low-quality journals. In response to these challenges, the UGC has decided to decentralize the journal evaluation process. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are now encouraged to develop their own mechanisms for assessing the quality of journals and publications. To assist in this transition, the UGC has provided suggestive parameters, including ethical publishing practices, impact factors, and citation records, to guide faculty members and students in selecting appropriate peer-reviewed journals.
UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar highlighted that this move aims to restore academic freedom and autonomy to HEIs, allowing them to tailor their evaluation processes to their specific needs. He emphasized that this shift encourages institutions to foster a culture of academic integrity, accountability, and excellence. While some academics have expressed concerns about potential inconsistencies in research quality and the risk of predatory journals proliferating under this decentralized model, others believe that institutions are well-positioned to uphold rigorous standards. The UGC’s decision underscores a commitment to enhancing the quality and credibility of academic research in India.
UGC CARE Journals notification from Feb 11, 2025: https://encr.pw/g1Fsy