UGC CARE Group 1 vs Group 2 Journals: Key Differences Explained (2026)
Meet the Expert
Vignesh Kumar
PhD Research Consultant & Academic Writing Specialist
- 10+ years guiding PhD scholars to publication across India
- Specialist in UGC CARE, Scopus, and Web of Science submissions
- Helped 400+ researchers navigate journal selection and submission
UGC CARE Group 1 journals are indexed in internationally recognised databases such as Scopus or Web of Science, making them more prestigious and carrying higher academic value. Group 2 journals are quality-verified by UGC but are not necessarily indexed in global databases. For PhD pre-submission requirements, both count — but for career advancement and institutional rankings, Group 1 is strongly preferred.
When Indian PhD scholars ask which UGC CARE journal to target, the most important decision is not just which journal — it is which group. Choosing Group 2 when you are eligible for Group 1 is a missed opportunity that affects your academic career for years to come.
This guide explains the Group 1 vs Group 2 distinction clearly, so you can make the right choice for your research and your career. For a complete overview of the UGC CARE list, see: UGC CARE Journal List 2026: How to Find and Publish.
Not sure which UGC CARE journal is right for your paper? Chat with our PhD Consultants
UGC CARE Group 1 vs Group 2: Full Comparison
| Criteria | Group 1 | Group 2 |
|---|---|---|
| International indexing | Scopus, WoS, or equivalent | Not required |
| Global recognition | High | Limited to India |
| API score weightage | Higher | Lower |
| Peer review rigor | Double-blind, internationally refereed | Peer reviewed, national standard |
| Typical publication timeline | 3–9 months | 1–4 months |
| Acceptance rate | Lower (more competitive) | Higher (less competitive) |
| Counts for PhD pre-submission | Yes | Yes (check university norms) |
| Counts for IIT/central university tenure | Yes — preferred | Rarely |
Which Should You Target for Your PhD?
If your goal is only to meet the minimum PhD publication requirement and submit your thesis, Group 2 may be sufficient. However, if you plan an academic career — joining a university, applying for postdoc positions, or qualifying for promotions — targeting Group 1 (Scopus-indexed) journals is the stronger investment. The effort required to write a publishable paper is nearly the same; the long-term return on Group 1 is significantly higher.
For Scopus-specific guidance, read: How to Publish in a Scopus Indexed Journal: Complete Guide.
How to Verify a Journal's UGC CARE Group
- Visit ugccare.unipune.ac.in
- Search by journal title or ISSN number
- Check the 'Group' column in the search result
- Confirm the current listing date — journals are removed periodically
- Cross-check against Scopus (scopus.com/sources) to confirm Group 1 status
Watch Out for Predatory Journals Claiming UGC CARE Status
Some predatory journals falsely claim to be on the UGC CARE list. Always verify directly on the official portal. See: How to Identify and Avoid Predatory Journals.
"Never choose a journal based on how quickly you can get published. Choose it based on where your ideal readers are — the researchers, faculty, and industry professionals who need your findings."
— Vignesh Kumar, PhD Research Consultant, Thesis Ace Writers
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Frequently Asked Questions
Click a question to expand the answer.
Yes. Group 1 journals are indexed in internationally recognised databases like Scopus or Web of Science, carry more academic weight, and are preferred for faculty promotions, API score calculations, and PhD pre-submission requirements at premier institutions.
Most universities accept both groups for PhD publication requirements. However, central universities, IITs, and NITs often prefer or mandate Group 1 publications for pre-submission eligibility. Check your university's specific research regulations.
Yes. UGC periodically reviews and removes journals that fail to maintain quality standards, miss publication deadlines, or are found to exhibit predatory practices. Always verify current listing status on the official UGC CARE portal before submitting.
For most Indian universities, at least one publication in a UGC CARE or Scopus-indexed journal is a mandatory pre-submission requirement. Some institutions require two publications. Check your university's PhD regulations document.
Visit ugccare.unipune.ac.in and search by journal name or ISSN. Check the date of the last list update to confirm the information is current. The list is revised periodically — a journal listed previously may have been removed.
For faculty promotions under UGC's Academic Performance Indicator (API) system, Group 1 publications typically earn higher scores than Group 2. Exact scores vary by post level and institution — check UGC's latest API calculation guidelines.