Indian Journals Extend Open Calls for Papers in June 2026 Issues as Scholarly Publishing Continues to Expand
Academic researchers and faculty members across India are responding to a wave of open calls for papers targeting June 2026 issues in numerous peer-reviewed journals. These invitations arrive at a time when the country's scholarly publishing sector is demonstrating sustained expansion, driven by policy shifts, digital adoption, and rising research output from universities and institutes.
Multiple journals have announced submission windows closing in late May or early June 2026, with publication slated for the end of the month. Examples include the Indian Journal of Social Science and Literature, which is accepting submissions for its Volume 5, Issue 4 until May 30, 2026, with notification by June 15 and publication on June 30. Similarly, ANALISTA: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research is seeking contributions for its June 2026 edition, emphasizing multidisciplinary work and offering DOI assignment without article processing charges for accepted pieces.
India's Scholarly Publishing Landscape Shows Steady Growth
The broader publishing environment in India has recorded notable increases in both volume and value. Industry analyses indicate the overall publishing market reached approximately USD 16.4 billion in 2025, with projections pointing to USD 31.2 billion by 2033 at a compound annual growth rate of 8.3 percent. Academic and research-oriented segments form a significant part of this expansion, supported by higher literacy rates, an expanding higher education system, and government initiatives promoting research and innovation.
Research output from Indian institutions has risen substantially in recent years, with one assessment noting a 54 percent increase between 2017 and 2022. This growth aligns with efforts to strengthen the nation's position in global scholarly communication, including greater emphasis on open access models and international collaboration.
Regulatory Shifts Influence Journal Selection and Credibility
The University Grants Commission has introduced changes to how journals are evaluated for academic purposes. Following a public notice in late 2024 and subsequent clarifications, the UGC-CARE list of journals was discontinued. Institutions and researchers are now guided by suggestive parameters for selecting peer-reviewed or refereed journals. Many publications continue to highlight compliance with these updated expectations, focusing on transparent peer review processes, proper indexing, and ethical standards.
This transition encourages greater scrutiny by authors when choosing venues, while maintaining emphasis on quality and accessibility. Journals such as the Journal of Emerging Trends and Novel Research and the Indian Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews have positioned themselves as aligning with the new framework, inviting submissions for mid-2026 issues.
Specific Calls Highlight Multidisciplinary and Specialized Opportunities
Calls for the June 2026 cycle span a wide range of disciplines. The India Foundation Journal has set a submission window from June 15 to 30, 2026, for its July-August issue themed around India's energy security. Other outlets, including those focused on applied research, intellectual property law, and social sciences, maintain rolling or periodic deadlines that encompass June publications.
University-affiliated journals are also active. The annual journal from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University's University School of Humanities and Social Sciences, for instance, has invited papers for its 2026 volume on new paradigms in literature and criticality. These opportunities allow scholars to contribute to both established and emerging platforms.
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Digital Transformation and Open Access Drive Accessibility
Many Indian journals have embraced digital platforms and open access to broaden reach. Features such as DOI assignment, online submission systems, and rapid review timelines are common in current calls. This shift supports the goals of the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes multidisciplinary research, innovation, and global competitiveness in higher education.
Publishers note that open access models help Indian research reach international audiences more effectively, while hybrid options provide flexibility for authors and institutions. The combination of policy support and technological adoption is contributing to higher submission volumes and faster dissemination.
Perspectives from Researchers and Administrators
Faculty members and early-career researchers view these calls as timely avenues for building publication records ahead of academic evaluations and career milestones. Administrators at universities highlight the importance of guiding scholars toward credible, peer-reviewed outlets that meet evolving regulatory expectations.
Stakeholders note that the discontinuation of the previous journal list has prompted more deliberate choices, with emphasis on factors such as editorial board expertise, review transparency, and indexing in recognized databases. This environment rewards rigorous work while opening doors for diverse voices in multidisciplinary fields.
Challenges in Maintaining Quality Amid Expansion
With growth comes the need for vigilance around predatory practices and ensuring robust peer review. Journals responding to the current calls stress adherence to ethical guidelines, including proper conflict-of-interest disclosures and plagiarism checks. Researchers are advised to verify journal credentials through institutional resources and recent UGC guidance.
Capacity building for reviewers and editors remains a priority, particularly as submission numbers rise. Institutions are increasingly offering workshops on scholarly communication to support faculty and doctoral candidates in navigating these opportunities effectively.
Future Outlook for Indian Scholarly Publishing
Looking ahead, continued policy alignment with the National Education Policy, combined with investments in research infrastructure, is expected to sustain momentum. International partnerships and participation in global indexing services will likely enhance visibility for Indian journals and authors.
Emerging areas such as artificial intelligence applications in research, sustainability studies, and public policy are anticipated to feature prominently in upcoming issues. The June 2026 calls represent one snapshot in an ongoing expansion that positions India as an increasingly influential contributor to global academic discourse.
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Practical Steps for Prospective Authors
Researchers interested in responding to these calls should prepare manuscripts according to each journal's specific guidelines, paying close attention to deadlines and formatting requirements. Early submission allows time for revisions if requested during the review process.
Consulting with departmental mentors or research offices can help identify the most suitable venues. Tracking announcements from university libraries and professional associations provides additional leads on specialized calls. Maintaining records of submissions and outcomes supports long-term career planning in academia.
Implications for Higher Education Institutions
Universities stand to benefit from increased publication activity through enhanced rankings, stronger research profiles, and improved opportunities for funding and collaboration. Administrators are encouraged to integrate guidance on journal selection into faculty development programs.
The current environment also underscores the value of supporting open access initiatives and providing resources for article processing charges where applicable. Institutions that actively promote ethical publishing practices contribute to the overall credibility and growth of India's scholarly ecosystem.
