Fact Check: Is IJRP approved by UGC?

Is IJRP Approved by UGC?

Introduction

The claim in question is whether the International Journal of Research Publications (IJRP) is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India. The UGC is responsible for maintaining the standards of higher education in India, and its approval is often sought by researchers for publishing their work in recognized journals. This claim requires careful examination of the UGC's current approval lists and the status of IJRP.

What We Know

UGC Approval Process: The UGC has transitioned from a traditional list of approved journals to the UGC-CARE (Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics) list, which aims to enhance the quality of academic publications in India. This change was implemented to streamline the approval process and ensure that only credible journals are recognized 1 2.
IJRP's Status: As of the latest updates, there is no direct mention of IJRP being included in the UGC-CARE list. Various sources discussing UGC-approved journals do not list IJRP among them. For instance, the comprehensive lists available on platforms like ResearchGate and other academic websites do not reference IJRP as an approved journal 4 9.
UGC-CARE List Updates: The UGC regularly updates its list of approved journals, and researchers are encouraged to verify the current status of journals through official UGC channels or the UGC-CARE website 2 5.
Other Journals: There are numerous journals that have been confirmed as UGC-CARE approved, such as IJRAR and IJREAM, which are actively listed and provide clear evidence of their approval status 6 7.

Analysis

The evidence regarding IJRP's approval status is limited and requires critical evaluation:

Source Reliability: The sources cited, such as UGC-CARE lists and academic blogs, vary in reliability. While official UGC communications would be the most credible, many of the sources are secondary and may not provide the most current information. For example, blogs and websites that aggregate information about UGC-approved journals may not always be updated promptly or accurately 1 2 3.
Potential Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have a vested interest in promoting certain journals, which could lead to biased reporting. For instance, journals that are part of specific academic networks may be more likely to be highlighted in discussions about UGC approval 6 8.
Methodological Concerns: The methodology for determining UGC approval is not always transparent. The UGC's criteria for journal inclusion are not fully disclosed, which can lead to confusion about why certain journals are approved while others are not. This lack of transparency complicates the verification process for researchers seeking to publish in UGC-approved journals.
Need for Official Confirmation: To definitively ascertain IJRP's status, it would be beneficial to refer directly to the UGC's official website or contact them for the most accurate and up-to-date information. This would eliminate ambiguity and provide a clearer picture of IJRP's standing.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the International Journal of Research Publications (IJRP) is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) is false. The evidence indicates that IJRP is not listed among the UGC-CARE approved journals, which are the current standard for academic publication approval in India. Multiple reliable sources, including academic platforms and UGC communications, fail to mention IJRP in their lists of recognized journals.

However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence. The sources consulted vary in reliability, and the UGC's approval process lacks transparency, which can complicate the verification of a journal's status. Researchers are encouraged to consult the UGC's official resources for the most accurate and updated information regarding journal approvals.

Readers should critically evaluate information themselves and remain aware that claims about journal approvals can change over time, necessitating ongoing verification.