UGC halts CARE journal list to boost academic freedom: What it means for academia
The University Grants Commission (UGC) announced on Tuesday that it will discontinue the UGC-CARE list of journals. This list, introduced in 2018, aimed to standardize the selection of reputable journals for faculty promotions, research funding, and academic evaluations. The decision comes after recommendations from an expert committee and aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The UGC had previously recommended using journals from the list for academic purposes, with publications from non-listed journals excluded from academic consideration. However, the list faced criticism for its centralizing approach and delays in updating the journals. Researchers also struggled with the pressure to publish in UGC-CARE listed journals for career growth. The sudden removal of journals from the list created uncertainty for those who had already published in them. Furthermore, respected Indian language journals were excluded, hindering researchers in these fields.
UGC Chairperson M. Jagadesh Kumar explained that the decision was based on a review by an expert committee formed in December 2023. This committee found that the UGC-CARE model introduced subjectivity, especially in assessing journals in non-STEM fields. As a result, the UGC now recommends that higher education institutions (HEIs) create their own mechanisms for evaluating journals and publications.
To assist in this process, the UGC has suggested parameters for selecting peer-reviewed journals, which are open for public feedback until February 25, 2025. The shift towards decentralization aims to provide more flexibility and transparency in journal selection while maintaining academic standards.
The decision reflects a broader shift in academic evaluation, where institutions and researchers will have more autonomy in determining the quality and relevance of publications. This move aligns with the NEP’s emphasis on a more decentralized and inclusive approach to academic governance.
