From journal validation to quality governance: a policy analysis of India's transition from UGC-CARE to quality-oriented research assessment and its implications for medical and dental education

India's University Grants Commission (UGC) is discontinuing its UGC-CARE Reference List, effective February 11, 2025, a decision made at its 584th meeting on October 3, 2024. This change signifies a move from a centralized journal validation system, initially established in 2019 to combat predatory publishing, towards a new framework emphasizing quality-oriented research assessment. The new approach prioritizes publication ethics, peer review integrity, editorial transparency, and institutional accountability. The implications for research integrity and health professions education require further exploration.

This policy change represents a fundamental shift in how research quality is evaluated and governed within India's higher education system. It has widespread implications for academic institutions, researchers, and funding bodies, influencing publication strategies, research conduct, and educational standards across various disciplines. The transition underscores a global move towards greater accountability and ethical practices in scholarly communication.

The UGC-CARE Reference List will be discontinued by the University Grants Commission effective February 11, 2025.

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