Metrics, Rankings, Publishing

UGC CARE Journal List 2026 | Updated Group 1 & 2 Guide

UGC CARE Journal List 2026:

Complete Guide with New Policy, Group 1 & 2, Subject-Wise List

& 8 Suggestive Parameters for Journal Verification

Last Updated: March 2026  |  By ResearchJournalRank Team

⚠️ Major Policy Update: UGC CARE List Has Been Restructured in 2026

Before diving into the journal list, every researcher in India must understand the most significant policy change in recent years: the UGC has officially moved from a Fixed Centralized CARE List to a Decentralized Evaluation System.

In its 584th meeting on October 3, 2024, the UGC decided to discontinue the traditional UGC-CARE listing model. Instead of maintaining a single centralized list, UGC has now introduced 36 suggestive parameters under 8 broad criteria that individual universities and Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) will use to evaluate and verify journals independently.

What this means for you: While the existing CARE list journals (Group 1 and Group 2) remain valid references, individual universities may now develop their own approved journal lists based on UGC’s suggestive parameters. Always check with your specific university or institution to confirm which journals they accept for PhD submission, faculty promotion, and research funding applications.

This guide covers both the existing CARE list journals AND the new 2026 suggestive parameters to give you the most complete picture for making smart publishing decisions.

What is UGC CARE?

UGC CARE stands for University Grants Commission – Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics. It was established in 2018 by India’s University Grants Commission to combat the growing problem of predatory journals and to ensure high-quality research publications across Indian academia.

Why Was UGC CARE Created?

1. Combat Predatory Journals: Thousands of dubious journals were charging Indian researchers fees to publish without proper peer review, damaging the credibility of Indian academic research.

2. Standardize Quality: UGC needed a uniform benchmark for evaluating which journals are legitimate for academic purposes like PhD thesis submission, faculty appointments, and promotions.

3. Promote Research Ethics: CARE was designed to promote publication ethics, prevent plagiarism, and ensure that only genuinely peer-reviewed research is published.

4. Global Competitiveness: By ensuring publications in quality journals, UGC aimed to improve India’s standing in global academic rankings.

Why Does UGC CARE Matter for Researchers?

• PhD Submission: Publications in UGC CARE-listed journals are required (or strongly preferred) for PhD thesis submission at most Indian universities.

• Faculty Recruitment: Academic positions at Indian universities require publications in recognized journals. UGC CARE serves as the benchmark.

• Promotions: Faculty promotions under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) require publications in CARE-listed journals.

• Research Funding: Many Indian funding agencies use CARE status as a criterion for evaluating research grant applications.

UGC CARE Groups Explained: Group 1 vs Group 2

Group 1: Journals Qualified Through UGC-CARE Protocols

Group 1 journals are those that have been evaluated and approved directly through UGC’s internal CARE protocols. These journals went through a rigorous vetting process by the UGC Cell and were found to meet quality criteria for peer review, editorial standards, publication ethics, and academic contribution. Group 1 includes journals across Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities, and Multidisciplinary categories.

Group 2: Journals Indexed in Globally Recognized Databases

Group 2 journals are automatically included in the CARE list because they are indexed in internationally recognized databases. This includes journals indexed in Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate) – specifically SCIE, SSCI, AHCI, and ESCI. If a journal is in Scopus or WoS, it is considered Group 2 by default.

Key Difference: Group 1 journals are vetted by UGC directly. Group 2 journals inherit their credibility from Scopus/WoS indexing. Both are valid for academic purposes.

Previous Classification (Pre-2021): Groups A, B, C, D

Before the current Group 1 & 2 system, UGC classified journals into four groups. Group A included Scopus/WoS journals, Group B included journals from the previous UGC approved list, Group C was recommended by CARE council members, and Group D was submitted by universities. This system was simplified into the current Group 1 & 2 structure.

UGC CARE Journal List: Subject-Wise Breakdown

Subject Category	Group 1 Journals	Group 2 (Scopus/WoS)	Total	Example Disciplines
Sciences	480	Scopus/WoS indexed	480+	Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Earth Sciences
Social Sciences	410	Scopus/WoS indexed	410+	Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Education
Arts & Humanities	350	Scopus/WoS indexed	350+	History, Philosophy, Literature, Languages, Fine Arts
Multidisciplinary	216	Scopus/WoS indexed	216+	General Science, Interdisciplinary Studies, Regional Journals
Total	1,456+	All Scopus/WoS	1,456+	Across all disciplines

Note: Journal counts are based on the latest available CARE list data. Exact numbers may vary as UGC updates the list periodically. Group 2 includes all Scopus and WoS indexed journals automatically.

New 2026 Policy: 8 Suggestive Parameters for Journal Verification

With the transition from a centralized CARE list to a decentralized system, UGC has introduced 36 suggestive parameters organized under 8 broad criteria. Universities and HEIs are expected to use these parameters to develop their own journal evaluation frameworks. Understanding these parameters is crucial for researchers in 2026.

#	Parameter Category	What It Covers
1	Journal Identity & Registration	Valid ISSN, consistent title, regular publication frequency, uninterrupted publication history
2	Editorial Board & Governance	Well-qualified board with relevant expertise, transparent listing of members with affiliations
3	Peer Review & Author Guidelines	Clear peer review process, detailed author guidelines, publication ethics statement (COPE)
4	Content Quality & Integrity	Plagiarism checks, citation metrics, compliance with UGC guidelines, AI-content policies
5	Access & Archival Policy	Clear access model (OA or subscription), integration with national/international repositories
6	Website & Contact Transparency	Professional website, clear contact details, editorial office information, ISSN verification
7	Indexing & Database Presence	Indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, DOAJ, or other recognized databases
8	Ethical Publishing Standards	Anti-plagiarism policy, retraction policy, conflict of interest disclosure, GenAI policy (new 2026)

Important: These parameters are "suggestive" not mandatory. However, HEIs are expected to adopt them as a baseline. The new 2026 policy also includes AI-content policies as a new criterion.

How to Check if a Journal is in UGC CARE List

Method 1 – Official UGC CARE Portal: Visit ugc.ac.in/care and search by journal title, ISSN, subject, language, publisher, or Group (1/2). This is the most authoritative source.

Method 2 – Download the Official PDF: The complete UGC CARE list PDF is available at ugc.gov.in. Download and search using Ctrl+F for your journal.

Method 3 – Check Scopus/WoS for Group 2: If a journal is indexed in Scopus (verify at scopus.com/sources) or Web of Science, it automatically qualifies as Group 2.

Method 4 – Use ResearchJournalRank.com: Our database of 31,000+ journals includes Scopus indexing status, SJR, quartile, and H-Index. All Scopus-indexed journals on our site qualify as UGC CARE Group 2.

Method 5 – Verify ISSN: Always cross-check the journal’s ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) on the official portal. Many predatory journals use fake or stolen ISSNs.

Method 6 – Ask Your University: Under the new 2026 decentralized system, your specific university may have its own approved journal list. Check with your department or research office.

How to Avoid Predatory Journals Claiming UGC CARE Status

One of the biggest risks for Indian researchers is falling prey to predatory journals that falsely claim to be UGC CARE listed. Here are critical warning signs:

⚠ False CARE Claims: Many journals display “UGC CARE Listed” on their website but are NOT actually in the official list. ALWAYS verify on the official UGC portal.

⚠ Fake ISSN Numbers: Some predatory journals use ISSNs that belong to other legitimate journals. Cross-verify on issn.org.

⚠ Acceptance in 1–3 Days: No legitimate peer-reviewed journal can complete genuine review in 1–3 days. This is a hallmark of predatory operations.

⚠ Very Low Publication Charges: Journals charging INR 500–1,500 for “UGC CARE publication” are almost certainly predatory. Legitimate free journals exist, but fraudulent low-cost journals are a trap.

⚠ Aggressive Email Solicitation: Legitimate journals do not send unsolicited emails asking you to submit papers urgently.

⚠ No Identifiable Editorial Board: If board members have no Google Scholar profiles or verifiable academic affiliations, the journal is likely fraudulent.

⚠ “Guaranteed Publication” Claims: No legitimate journal can guarantee publication before peer review. This is a clear sign of a predatory operation.

Verification Checklist: (1) Check UGC CARE official portal, (2) Verify ISSN on issn.org, (3) Check Scopus/WoS indexing on ResearchJournalRank.com, (4) Look up on DOAJ.org, (5) Check Cabells predatory reports.

Tips for Publishing in UGC CARE Journals in 2026

1. Check Your University’s Policy First: Under the new decentralized system, your university may have specific requirements beyond the general CARE list. Confirm before submitting.

2. Aim for Scopus/WoS Indexed Journals: Group 2 journals (Scopus/WoS indexed) carry both UGC CARE status AND international recognition. This gives your publication dual value.

3. Use ResearchJournalRank.com for Comparison: Compare journals by SJR, H-Index, quartile, and open access status to find the best fit within CARE-listed options.

4. Prioritize Q1/Q2 Journals When Possible: For maximum career impact, target Q1 or Q2 journals from the CARE list. Use SCImago or our site to check quartile status.

5. Avoid Last-Minute Submissions: CARE journals have genuine peer review that takes 3–6+ months. Plan your submission timeline well in advance of PhD deadlines.

6. Keep Records: Save the acceptance email, publication confirmation, and ISSN verification. You may need these for university records and promotion files.

7. Stay Updated: The CARE list and university policies may change. Check the official UGC website periodically and subscribe to ResearchJournalRank.com for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the UGC CARE list still valid in 2026?

The existing UGC CARE list (Group 1 and Group 2 journals) remains a valid reference. However, UGC has transitioned to a decentralized evaluation system where individual universities use 36 suggestive parameters to evaluate journals independently. The previously listed journals continue to be recognized, but universities may also add journals that meet the new criteria.

Q2: What is the difference between UGC CARE Group 1 and Group 2?

Group 1 journals were evaluated and approved directly through UGC’s internal CARE protocols. Group 2 journals are automatically included because they are indexed in Scopus or Web of Science (SCIE, SSCI, AHCI, ESCI). Both groups are valid for PhD submission, promotions, and academic recognition.

Q3: Are Scopus indexed journals automatically UGC CARE listed?

Yes. All journals indexed in Scopus fall under UGC CARE Group 2. Similarly, journals indexed in Web of Science (SCIE, SSCI, AHCI) are also Group 2. You can verify Scopus indexing on ResearchJournalRank.com or scopus.com/sources.

Q4: How many journals are in the UGC CARE list?

The UGC CARE Group 1 list contains approximately 1,456 journals across Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities, and Multidisciplinary categories. Group 2 includes all Scopus and Web of Science indexed journals, adding approximately 43,000+ additional titles. The combined total is one of the largest approved journal databases for any country.

Q5: Can I publish in a journal not on the CARE list?

Under the new 2026 decentralized system, universities can evaluate journals using the 36 suggestive parameters even if they are not on the traditional CARE list. However, publishing in journals that are neither CARE-listed nor Scopus/WoS indexed carries significant risk of non-recognition. Always confirm with your university before submitting to a non-listed journal.

Q6: How do I download the UGC CARE list PDF?

Visit the official UGC website at ugc.gov.in and navigate to the CARE section. You can download the complete list as a PDF. The file is typically titled “Final_list_of_UGC-CARE_journals.pdf.” You can also access the searchable database on the UGC CARE online portal.

Q7: What is the new decentralized evaluation system?

In October 2024, UGC decided to move from a centralized CARE list to a decentralized system. Under this system, individual universities and HEIs use 36 suggestive parameters (organized under 8 criteria) to evaluate journals independently. This gives institutions flexibility while maintaining quality standards. The parameters cover journal identity, editorial board quality, peer review process, content integrity, and ethical publishing standards.

Q8: Are UGC CARE journals valid for NET/SET/JRF purposes?

Yes. Publications in UGC CARE-listed journals are recognized for UGC NET, SET, and JRF eligibility, as well as for faculty recruitment under CAS (Career Advancement Scheme). Both Group 1 and Group 2 publications count.

Q9: How do I find UGC CARE journals in my specific subject?

You can search by subject category on the official UGC CARE portal. Alternatively, use ResearchJournalRank.com to filter journals by subject area, quartile, and Scopus indexing status – all Scopus-indexed journals qualify as CARE Group 2.

Q10: Is there a GenAI policy requirement for journals in 2026?

Yes. Under the new 2026 criteria, UGC recommends that journals have a dedicated GenAI (Generative AI) policy that addresses the use of AI tools in manuscript preparation, peer review, and publishing. This is a new requirement reflecting the rapid adoption of AI in academic research.

Conclusion

The UGC CARE journal landscape in 2026 represents a significant evolution from the original centralized list. With the introduction of the decentralized evaluation system and 36 suggestive parameters, Indian researchers now have both more flexibility and more responsibility in choosing where to publish. The existing CARE list (Group 1 and Group 2) remains a strong foundation, while the new parameters provide a forward-looking framework for evaluating emerging journals.

For the safest and most impactful publishing strategy, prioritize Scopus and Web of Science indexed journals (which automatically qualify as CARE Group 2) and verify all journals through the official UGC portal before submitting. Use ResearchJournalRank.com to compare journals by SJR, H-Index, quartile, and open access status – ensuring your publication meets both UGC requirements and international academic standards.

Stay informed, verify carefully, and publish wisely. Your research deserves a genuine, quality journal – and the tools in this guide will help you find it.