Scopus is one of the most recognized and respected abstracting and indexing platforms in scholarly publishing, indexing over 40,000 journals across the scientific, medical, technical, and social science domains. Inclusion in Scopus enhances a journal’s academic visibility, boosts its reputation, and often plays a role in institutional rankings, funding decisions, and author trust.
This guide outlines a clear and practical framework for journal editors, publishers, and institutions seeking Scopus inclusion, based on established best practices and the review criteria of the Scopus Content Selection and Advisory Board (CSAB).
Foundational Requirements Before Applying
Scopus prioritizes journals that demonstrate editorial transparency, technical robustness, and consistent publishing discipline. Prior to applying, ensure your journal meets the following criteria:
Editorial Integrity and Quality
- Establish a qualified editorial board with academic and geographic diversity
- Implement a transparent peer review process (e.g., single- or double-blind) and make it publicly visible
- Maintain academic rigor and publish work aligned with your journal’s stated scope
Technical Infrastructure
- Obtain a valid ISSN through the ISSN International Centre
- Host the journal on a stable, secure, and accessible online platform
- Ensure abstracts and metadata are available in English to support global reach
Publishing Discipline
- Maintain a consistent publication frequency with properly dated issues
- Archive all past issues in an accessible format to support citation history
Preparing a Scopus Application
Applications are reviewed by the Scopus CSAB, an independent board of subject experts. Proper preparation is essential for success.
Fulfill All Technical Requirements
Journals must meet the following baseline criteria:
- Be peer-reviewed, with a documented and accessible review policy
- Hold a valid ISSN
- Maintain a consistent publishing schedule (minimum of two issues per year)
- Provide content that is relevant and accessible to an international audience
- Include a public statement on publication ethics and malpractice
Submit a Complete and Accurate Application
Your application should include:
- Journal title, scope, and aims
- ISSN(s) and publication timeline
- Editorial board details and peer review methodology
- Copyright and licensing policies
- Recent articles and archival access
- English-language homepage link
Note: Applications cannot be edited after submission. Review all materials carefully prior to submitting.
Understand the Review Timeline
- The review process typically takes 4–6 months
- Communication is limited unless clarification is needed
- Continue regular publishing during this period to demonstrate ongoing activity
Publication Ethics and Best Practices
A clear publication ethics and malpractice statement is essential. It should address:
- Roles and responsibilities of editors, reviewers, and authors
- Conflict of interest, plagiarism, and research misconduct procedures
- Policies on retractions, corrections, and transparency in editorial practices
Refer to guidance from recognized bodies such as COPE, ICMJE, WAME, and CONSORT.
Policy on Generative AI (Recommended)
Scopus encourages transparency regarding the use of generative AI tools in publishing. Journals are advised to:
- Indicate whether AI tools were used in manuscript creation or peer review
- Follow ethical AI policies aligned with publisher and indexing standards
How Scopus Evaluates Your Journal
Once a journal passes the initial technical review, the CSAB assesses five quality dimensions:
| Category | Evaluation Criteria |
|---|---|
| Journal Policy | Editorial transparency, review model, diversity of board and authors |
| Content Quality | Originality, clarity, relevance, and alignment with scope |
| Journal Standing | Editorial reputation, citations in Scopus, author recognition |
| Publishing Regularity | Consistency in issue release and article flow |
| Online Presence | Website quality, English accessibility, and open availability |
Strategic Recommendations
- Encourage ORCID integration and complete author metadata
- Promote the journal through academic networks and conferences
- Apply SEO and structured metadata for better discoverability
- Focus on publishing quality content consistently
- Maintain detailed, current editorial and ethical policies
Conclusion
Achieving Scopus indexing marks a journal’s advancement into global academic visibility and quality assurance. While the process is competitive, it is fully attainable with careful planning, editorial diligence, and adherence to international publishing standards.
WebTa Publishing supports journals throughout this process, from policy development and XML conversion to submission guidance and indexing consultancy. Whether preparing your first application or improving after a previous rejection, our team can help you meet the criteria with confidence and clarity.