Delhi University has updated its guidelines for academic publications, introducing a minimum threshold of 120 points out of 150 for peer-reviewed journals. This revision aims to ensure higher standards in research publications considered for academic purposes across various faculties.
- The minimum score for peer-reviewed journals is now 120 points out of 150.
- A new assessment process has been introduced for journals seeking inclusion in the university's approved list.
- Changes apply to faculties such as arts, social sciences, commerce, education, law, management, and music.
- Science and related faculties maintain existing guidelines requiring indexing in recognized databases like Web of Science or Scopus.
- The assessment committee composition at faculty and university levels has been revised to include senior professors and administrative nominees.
What are the new publication guidelines introduced by Delhi University?
The university now requires publications to score at least 120 points out of 150 for peer-reviewed journals to be considered for academic purposes. This update applies mainly to faculties including arts, social sciences, applied social sciences, humanities, commerce, business studies, education, law, management studies, and music departments.
Additionally, a fresh assessment process has been established for journals seeking inclusion in the university's approved list. This process involves evaluation by committees at both faculty and university levels to maintain quality and relevance.
Which faculties are affected by these changes?
The revised guidelines impact faculties of arts, social sciences, applied social sciences, humanities, commerce, business studies, education, law, management studies, and music. However, faculties of science, interdisciplinary and applied sciences, mathematical sciences, technology, and medical sciences continue with existing publication rules.
What are the existing guidelines for science and related faculties?
For faculties related to science and technology, publications must appear in journals indexed in recognized databases such as the Web of Science (including Science Citation Index Expanded, Arts and Humanities Citation Index, or Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, or other equivalent indexing databases approved by the university. These guidelines remain unchanged.
How has the assessment committee structure changed?
At the faculty or department level, the assessment committee now includes the dean of the faculty, the head of the department, three senior-most professors, two senior-most associate professors, and two senior-most assistant professors. Members from these three faculty categories serve on a rotation basis for two years.
At the university level, a committee reviews recommendations. This committee consists of the vice-chancellor's nominee, the director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), two subject experts nominated by the vice-chancellor, and a joint, deputy, or assistant registrar of IQAC.
When were these changes approved?
The updated guidelines were approved by the university's executive council during meetings held on April 29 and July 30, 2026, as stated in the official notification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the minimum point threshold for journals under the new guidelines?
A: The minimum threshold is 120 points out of 150 for peer-reviewed journals.
Q: Do these changes apply to science faculties?
A: No, science and related faculties continue with existing guidelines requiring indexing in recognized databases.
Q: Who is part of the assessment committees?
A: Faculty-level committees include the dean, head of department, and senior professors, while the university-level committee includes the vice-chancellor's nominee, IQAC director, subject experts, and IQAC registrar representatives.
