Last Updated on July 16, 2026 by Dr. Bhagat
Research Guides·Updated June 2026
UGC CARE Group 1 vs Group 2 Journals: Key Differences Explained
For Indian researchers, the UGC-CARE List defines which publications count for promotion. Here is what each group means — and why the distinction matters.
BackgroundWhy the UGC-CARE List was created
Before 2018, UGC maintained a “White List” of approved journals that had grown to include thousands of titles of widely varying quality — including many later identified as predatory. The CARE List (Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics) was created to:
Provide a curated, quality-verified list of journals acceptable for API score purposes. Eliminate predatory and low-quality journals from official academic assessment. Align Indian academic publishing standards with international norms.
Group 1Higher-verification journals
Group 1 journals are those with external quality verification. They are typically indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, or other databases recognized by UGC as having rigorous inclusion standards.
Publications in Group 1 journals generally receive the highest API scores and are treated as the strongest evidence of research quality in CAS (Career Advancement Scheme) evaluations.
Group 2Basic-quality journals
Group 2 journals meet UGC’s basic quality criteria but may not have the same level of external indexing or verification. They are legitimate, peer-reviewed journals, but they lack the additional quality signals that Group 1 journals possess.
Publications in Group 2 journals are accepted for API scoring, but they typically receive lower weighting than Group 1 publications. Some institutions may require a minimum number of Group 1 publications for promotion.
Visit the official UGC-CARE portal at ugccare.unipune.ac.in. Search by journal name or ISSN. The result will show whether the journal is in Group 1, Group 2, or not listed. Do not rely on a journal’s own claims about UGC-CARE status.
| Feature | Group 1 | Group 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Quality standard | High (verified indexing) | Basic (meets UGC criteria) |
| Typical indexing | Scopus, Web of Science | May not be in major indexes |
| API weighting | Higher | Lower |
| CAS acceptance | Strong evidence | Accepted but less weight |
| Verification | External database confirmed | UGC review only |
Source: UGC-CARE List guidelines, 2025. Specific API weighting varies by institution.
AdviceWhat Indian researchers should do
When choosing a journal, always verify its UGC-CARE status before submitting. Target Group 1 journals for maximum API and CAS benefit. If Group 1 is not feasible, ensure the journal is at least in Group 2 — never submit to a journal not on the CARE List if you need the publication to count for official evaluation.
Key Takeaways
- Group 1 journals have verified external indexing (Scopus, WoS).
- Group 2 journals meet basic UGC standards but lack external verification.
- Group 1 publications receive higher API weighting in most institutions.
- Always verify UGC-CARE status on the official portal before submitting.
- Do not rely on a journal’s own claims about UGC-CARE inclusion.
FAQPeople also ask
How do I check if a journal is UGC-CARE listed?
Visit the official UGC-CARE portal at ugccare.unipune.ac.in and search by journal name or ISSN. The result will show the group and any notes.
Can a Group 2 journal be promoted to Group 1?
Yes. If a Group 2 journal achieves indexing in Scopus or Web of Science, it may be moved to Group 1 during UGC’s periodic review.
Do all Indian universities use UGC-CARE?
Most public universities and colleges under UGC follow the CARE List. Some autonomous institutions and private universities may have their own criteria, but CARE is the national standard.
What happens if I publish in a non-CARE journal?
Publications in non-CARE journals generally do not count toward API scores or CAS requirements. Some institutions may count them at reduced weight or not at all.
Is the UGC-CARE List updated regularly?
Yes. UGC periodically reviews and updates the list. Journals may be added, moved between groups, or removed. Always check the current list before submitting.
SourcesReferences & further reading
- UGC-CARE Portal — Official journal search and verification.
- University Grants Commission (UGC) — Official guidelines and updates.
- How to Identify Predatory Journals — Avoid journals that are not CARE-listed.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions About UGC CARE
What is the difference between Group 1 and Group 2 journals?
Group 1 journals are indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, or other internationally recognized databases. Group 2 journals meet UGC’s basic quality criteria but lack the same level of external verification. Group 1 publications carry more weight in API/CAS scoring.
How often is the UGC-CARE List updated?
The UGC-CARE List is updated quarterly. New journals are added, and existing entries are re-evaluated. Researchers should always check the latest version before submitting manuscripts.
Do I need to publish only in UGC-CARE listed journals?
For Indian academic promotions under the API/CAS system, publications in UGC-CARE listed journals are required or strongly preferred. Check your institution’s specific guidelines for exact requirements.
For Indian ResearchersHow to Navigate the UGC-CARE System
Step 1: Visit the official UGC-CARE portal and search for your target journal in both Group 1 and Group 2 lists.
Step 2: Prioritize Group 1 journals for maximum API/CAS scoring weight, especially for promotion applications.
Step 3: Keep screenshots or printouts of the UGC-CARE listing page as documentation for your promotion file.
Step 4: Check the journal’s current status close to your submission date, as the list is updated quarterly and journals can be removed.
Sources
- UGC CARE List
- University Grants Commission, India