Scopus, the leading abstract and citation database maintained by Elsevier, has removed 25 journals from its indexed list in its June 2026 update. The change took effect following the review released on 5 June 2026. This development directly affects researchers across India who rely on Scopus-indexed publications for career advancement, institutional evaluations, and funding applications.
Background on Scopus Journal Evaluation
Scopus maintains rigorous standards through its Content Selection and Advisory Board. Journals undergo periodic re-evaluation based on publication ethics, peer-review quality, citation patterns, and compliance with editorial policies. When titles fail these benchmarks, Scopus discontinues forward indexing. Previously published articles remain in the database for historical records, but new submissions after the cutoff date lose indexing benefits. Indian higher education institutions and funding agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology and the University Grants Commission place significant weight on Scopus metrics for promotions, PhD requirements, and national rankings.
The June 2026 Discontinuation Details
The latest cycle affected a mix of titles from various publishers and disciplines. Among the discontinued or policy-changed journals are Alexandria Engineering Journal (Elsevier), Case Studies in Thermal Engineering (Elsevier), Network: Computation in Neural Systems (Taylor & Francis), and ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts (Granthaalayah Publications and Printers). Other affected titles span engineering, environmental science, materials science, and humanities fields. Researchers can verify exact status through the official Scopus source title list, which Elsevier updates monthly.
Why Journals Lose Indexing
Common reasons include excessive self-citation, citation stacking, inadequate peer review, ethical concerns, or failure to maintain consistent publication quality. Open-access titles sometimes face additional scrutiny over business models and transparency. The process is not punitive but protective of the database’s overall integrity. Indian academics have noted that rapid-growth journals in emerging fields occasionally encounter these issues when scaling operations outpaces editorial oversight.
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Impact on Indian Researchers and Institutions
For faculty members seeking promotions under University Grants Commission norms, publications in discontinued journals after the cutoff no longer count toward Scopus-based requirements. PhD scholars submitting theses or applying for postdoctoral positions may face delays if their work appeared in affected titles. Institutions participating in the National Institutional Ranking Framework see potential effects on research output metrics, which contribute to overall scores. Universities such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and central universities have internal policies that cross-reference Scopus status before crediting publications.
Broader Implications for Academic Publishing in India
The change underscores the need for proactive journal verification. Many researchers previously relied on quick-turnaround titles that later lost indexing. This pattern has prompted greater emphasis on established, high-impact outlets. The University Grants Commission and National Assessment and Accreditation Council encourage institutions to maintain updated lists of approved journals. Researchers are also exploring complementary databases such as Web of Science and the Indian Citation Index to diversify their publication portfolios.
Case Examples from Indian Academia
Consider a mid-career faculty member at a state university in Maharashtra who published two papers in one of the affected engineering journals in early 2026. Those articles remain indexed, but any follow-up work submitted after June will not appear in Scopus searches or citation counts. Similarly, research groups at the Indian Institute of Science have begun auditing their recent submissions to ensure compliance. Such cases illustrate how individual decisions aggregate into institutional performance indicators.
Strategies for Navigating the Change
Researchers should routinely check the Scopus source title list before submission. Tools provided by Elsevier and institutional library portals help confirm current status. Diversifying across multiple indexing services reduces risk. Collaborations with colleagues at institutions that maintain internal journal watchlists can provide early warnings. Training workshops on publication ethics and journal selection, often organized by university research cells, have gained popularity following recent updates.
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Future Outlook and Recommendations
Scopus continues its monthly review cycle, and further adjustments are expected. The emphasis remains on quality over quantity. Indian higher education bodies are likely to strengthen guidelines around journal selection in the coming academic year. Early-career researchers benefit from mentorship programs that stress long-term citation impact rather than short-term publication counts. Institutions investing in open-access agreements and diamond open-access models may see advantages as the landscape evolves.
Resources for Verification and Support
Official guidance appears on the Elsevier Scopus content policy page. The University Grants Commission website offers circulars on journal standards for academic promotions. National Institutional Ranking Framework methodology documents detail how research metrics factor into rankings. University libraries across India maintain subscription access to Scopus and can assist with status checks.
