If you’re planning to publish a research paper in 2025, you might be wondering — what’s the difference between UGC Approved Journals and UGC CARE Journals?
This confusion is common among students and faculty because of recent UGC (University Grants Commission) updates. Let’s break down the difference, explain the new 2024–2025 framework, and see how journals like JOIREM (Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering and Management) comply with the UGC CARE guidelines for ethical publishing.
1. Background: What Was “UGC Approved Journal”?
Before 2019, the UGC Approved List was used to recognize research journals where faculty and students could publish papers for academic credit or promotion.
However, over time, many predatory and fake journals made it into that list. As a result, UGC replaced it with a stricter framework called UGC CARE (Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics).
2. What Is the UGC CARE List?
Introduced in 2019 and updated regularly, the UGC CARE List includes authentic, peer-reviewed, and ethical journals only.
Its goal is to:
✅ Maintain academic integrity
✅ Remove fake or non-reviewed journals
✅ Promote quality Indian journals
✅ Protect researchers from unethical publishers
UGC CARE now serves as the official standard for recognized publication in India.
3. Key Difference Between UGC Approved and UGC CARE Journals (2025)
| Aspect | Old UGC Approved Journal (Before 2019) | UGC CARE Journal (Now) |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | UGC maintained list directly | Managed by UGC + Universities under CARE Consortium |
| Verification | Minimal screening | Verified quarterly by subject experts |
| Ethics Check | Not mandatory | Mandatory publication ethics verification |
| Peer Review | Often missing | Strictly required (blind or expert review) |
| Indexing | Not essential | Must be indexed in approved databases |
| Transparency | Many fake claims | Full transparency in fees & editor info |
| Recognition (2025) | No longer valid | Only CARE-listed journals recognized by UGC |
| Example | Old discontinued list (till 2018) | UGC CARE Group I & II journals |
💡 In short: “UGC Approved” is an outdated concept. “UGC CARE” is the current and valid quality benchmark for 2025.
4. What Does “Following UGC CARE Guidelines” Mean?
Some journals may not yet be officially on the CARE list but still follow the same ethical framework.
Such journals (like JOIREM) ensure:
✅ Peer review by qualified editors
✅ Plagiarism screening (Turnitin/Grammarly)
✅ Transparent publication fee (₹599 only)
✅ Indexing in Google Scholar & ResearchGate
✅ Proper DOI and certificate issuance
✅ Publication ethics compliance (COPE principles)
That’s why JOIREM is widely accepted by colleges for internal evaluations and mid-semester publications — even while maintaining fast timelines.
5. JOIREM’s Compliance Checklist (Updated Oct 2024)
| UGC CARE Criterion | JOIREM Practice |
|---|---|
| Peer Review | All papers reviewed by subject-matter professors |
| Plagiarism Control | Verified before acceptance |
| Indexing | Google Scholar, ResearchGate |
| Author Transparency | Full author & reviewer acknowledgment |
| Ethical Policy | Based on COPE & CARE Code of Conduct |
| Fee Structure | Fixed ₹599 / no hidden cost |
| Editor Credentials | Verified academic professionals |
📅 Updated: October 2024 — JOIREM re-audited its editorial process to align with UGC CARE 2025 guidelines.
6. Simple Infographic (Conceptual Representation)
| OLD SYSTEM (UGC APPROVED) | NEW SYSTEM (UGC CARE) |
|---|---|
| Outdated List | Ongoing Verification |
| Weak Peer Review | Expert Review Panel |
| Limited Ethics | Strong Ethical Oversight |
| No Quarterly Update | Regular Quarterly Updates |
| Discontinued 2019 | Active 2025 Framework |
7. Steps to Publish in a UGC CARE-Compliant Journal
Prepare your paper as per academic standards.
Check the UGC CARE list at https://ugccare.unipune.ac.in.
Choose a verified or compliant journal like JOIREM.
Submit your paper online at joirem.com/submit-paper.
Undergo editor review & approval.
Receive publication certificate + DOI within 24 hours (Express Mode).
8. Why JOIREM Is Trusted for UGC-Standard Publishing
🔍 Meets UGC CARE ethics criteria
📚 Indexed for visibility
🧑🏫 Reviewed by Indian professors
⚡ Fast 24-hour express option
💰 Affordable ₹599 only
📑 Transparent publication policy
📝 Start your publication today:
👉 joirem.com/submit-paper
9. Final Thoughts
The UGC CARE List 2025 has become the foundation of ethical academic publishing in India.
While “UGC Approved” journals no longer hold value, UGC CARE-compliant journals like JOIREM continue to maintain academic integrity, peer review, and transparency — giving students and faculty the recognition they deserve.
JOIREM – Fast, Affordable, and UGC CARE–Standard Peer Reviewed Journal in India.