How to Get Your Journal Indexed in Scopus – Scopus is a trusted abstract and citation database that covers a wide range of disciplines, including Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Health Sciences. Many academic universities and publishers trust Scopus; however, at the same time, some universities do not.
If you are looking to get your journal indexed in Scopus, then you are in the right place. In this blog, i am going share some important details and guidelines about Scopus that can help you in the indexing process.
First, let’s talk about why it matters to have your journal indexed in Scopus. Since many universities trust Scopus, journals indexed in this database can gain significant advantages. Scopus provides global visibility for your journal because many universities and academic institutions use it as one of the most authentic academic resources. If your journal is indexed in Scopus, it can easily gain wider visibility, ultimately helping it grow and improve its impact factor.
If you are a journal editor or publisher aiming to get your journal indexed in Scopus, this guide will walk you through the essential steps.
Understand Scopus Selection Criteria
Before applying for Scopus indexing, your journal must meet Scopus’s minimum technical criteria:
- Peer Review: The journal must follow a rigorous peer-review process.
- English Titles & Abstracts: Even if the full articles are in another language, titles, abstracts, and keywords must be in English.
- Regular Publication: Journals must have a consistent publishing schedule.
- Roman Script References: The references in articles should be in Roman script for global accessibility.
- Ethical Standards: The journal should follow ethical publishing practices, ideally aligned with COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics).
Strengthen Your Journal’s Editorial Standards
Scopus has an independent Content Selection & Advisory Board (CSAB) that evaluates journals. Here’s what they look for:
- Editorial Policy: Clearly defined aims, scope, and submission guidelines.
- International Representation: Editors and authors should be from diverse geographic backgrounds.
- Academic Contribution: The journal should make a significant impact in its field.
- Abstract Clarity & Article Readability: Ensure well-written abstracts and high-quality research articles.
- Citation Performance: Existing articles should be cited in other reputable sources.
Tip: Having experienced researchers and professors on your editorial board increases credibility.
Prepare a Strong Online Presence
Your journal must be available online with a well-maintained website that includes:
- A professional homepage with journal details and ISSN.
- Author guidelines, editorial board, and publication ethics policies.
- Open access or subscription-based model details.
- Digital archives (Clockss and Portico) of past issues with DOIs and metadata.
Tip: Having a responsive, user-friendly website improves journal discoverability and trustworthiness.
Submit Your Journal for Scopus Evaluation
- Once you meet all the criteria, apply via the Scopus Title Suggestion Form
- Check the current Scopus Title List to ensure your journal is not already indexed: check here
- Review Scopus selection criteria and ensure full compliance.
- Submit your application via the official Scopus Suggestion Portal: Title Suggestion form
Note: The review process can take several months to a year. Be patient and continue improving your journal.
Post-Evaluation & Continuous Monitoring
Scopus continuously evaluates indexed journals to maintain high quality. If a journal underperforms, it may be flagged for re-evaluation and even delisted.
To maintain your Scopus status, focus on:
- Increasing citation impact.
- Attracting high-quality research papers.
- Avoiding predatory publishing practices.
Tip: Stay updated with Scopus policies and engage in ethical publishing practices.
Final Thoughts
Getting indexed in Scopus is a challenging but rewarding process. By ensuring high-quality content, international visibility, and ethical publishing, your journal stands a strong chance of Scopus acceptance.
If you need further assistance, consider consulting Scopus’s Pre-Evaluation Service to assess your journal’s readiness.
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