Journal Selection Criteria
RJRIndex evaluates journals through a comprehensive, multi-dimensional assessment process designed to identify and promote quality scholarly publishing.
Submission
Publisher submits journal details through our online portal.
Initial Screening
We verify basic eligibility: ISSN, website, publication history.
Detailed Review
Full evaluation against all criteria by our review team.
Decision
Journal is approved, sent for revisions, or declined with feedback.
Evaluation Criteria
Journals are assessed across the following key dimensions
1. Basic Journal Information & Identity
Essential identification and registration requirements
Valid ISSN (Print and/or Online) registered with the ISSN International Centre
Clear and unique journal title reflecting scope and subject area
Dedicated journal website with professional domain and accessible content
Identified publisher with verifiable contact information
Minimum of 2 published issues or 1 year of active publication
Clearly defined scope, aims, and subject area on the journal website
2. Editorial Quality & Governance
Editorial board composition and management practices
Qualified Editor-in-Chief with verifiable academic credentials
Editorial board with diverse, qualified members and listed affiliations
Geographic and institutional diversity within the editorial board
Transparent editorial process with clear author guidelines
3. Peer Review Process
Rigor and transparency of the manuscript review system
Documented peer review policy clearly described on the journal website
Structured peer review (single-blind, double-blind, or open review)
Minimum of two independent reviewers per manuscript
Reasonable review timeline clearly communicated to authors
4. Publication Ethics & Malpractice
Adherence to international publishing ethics standards
Published ethics statement aligned with COPE guidelines
Clear plagiarism detection and prevention policy
Retraction and correction policy for addressing published errors
Conflict of interest disclosure for authors, reviewers, and editors
Copyright and licensing terms clearly defined (Creative Commons preferred)
Authorship guidelines and data sharing policies
5. Content Quality & Standards
Academic quality and presentation of published content
Original research contributions relevant to the journal's stated scope
Articles include proper abstracts, keywords, and structured references
Content in clear, grammatically correct language (English or with English abstracts)
Author diversity — articles from various institutions and countries
Consistent publication schedule and regular issue frequency
Adequate number of articles per issue (minimum 5 recommended)
6. Digital Standards & Accessibility
Technical requirements for digital publishing and metadata
DOI (Digital Object Identifier) assigned to each article via CrossRef or equivalent
Full-text articles available in PDF and/or HTML format
Metadata registered with CrossRef, including references and abstracts
Website secured with SSL/TLS (HTTPS)
Long-term digital archiving strategy (LOCKSS, CLOCKSS, or equivalent)
Mobile-responsive journal website accessible from all devices
7. Business Practices & Transparency
Financial transparency and publishing model
Transparent Article Processing Charges (APCs) if applicable
No hidden fees or misleading pricing structures
APC waivers for researchers from developing countries (if applicable)
No aggressive marketing, spam solicitation, or misleading claims
Common Reasons for Rejection
The following issues may result in a journal application being declined
No valid ISSN or unregistered ISSN
Insufficient publication history (fewer than 2 issues)
No documented peer review process
Missing or inadequate ethics/malpractice policy
Evidence of plagiarism or duplicate publication
Misleading claims about impact factor or indexing
Journal website is inaccessible or non-functional
No DOI registration for articles
Lack of editorial board transparency
Aggressive or spam-based marketing practices
Submit Your Journal for Indexing
RJRIndex evaluation is free of charge. Register as a publisher and submit your journal for review today.