Pakistan has produced a number of world-renowned research journals. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan maintains a list of these recognised journals and contributions to the global academic community. It is known as the HEC Journal Recognition System (HJRS). It is updated on a regular basis to ensure that only the most reputable and high-quality journals are included. Thus, it provides valuable resources to scholars and researchers.
There are currently more than 200 journals on the HJRS, covering a wide range of disciplines. Graana.com has prepared a detailed guide on everything that you need to know about HEC-recognised journals in Pakistan.
What Is HEC?
First, it is important to know what HEC is and what role it plays in the digital collection of research publications.
The HEC is a legal body. It was established by the Government of Pakistan in 2002 under the Chairmanship of Atta-ur-Rahman. Its primary responsibilities include funding, supervising, regulating, and accrediting the nation’s higher education institutions.
It was first founded in 1974 as the University Grants Commission (UGC). After Atta-ur-Rehman’s reforms that were applauded all across the world, it took on its present form on September 11, 2002. The commission is in charge of developing higher education policies. It ensures that they adhere to international standards, awarding academic degrees, creating new institutions, and improving the existing universities in Pakistan.
Research Publications
In order to raise the academic and publication standards of registered entities (universities, departments of faculties of such entities, registered research institutions, or non-profit academic societies with a mandate for research), the HEC facilitates national research journals published by registered entities through financial support and capacity building.
To support and improve the academic and publication standards of scholarly publications, several measures have been taken. HJRS has been introduced for the recognition of research journals. Additionally, the publication of scholarly or research material through numerous other outlets is supported financially and through accreditation.
What Is HJRS?
HJRS is a digital collection of journals that are approved by the HEC. Launched in 2020, this system was introduced to promote standardised research in different fields of study.
HJRS divides HEC-recognised journals into three categories – W, X, and Y – based on their quality. These categories are assessed using the Journal Prestige Index (JPI), a set of benchmarked prestige metrics that is internationally recognised.
HJRS Website: https://hjrs.hec.gov.pk/
HJRS Categories and Medallions
The JPI metric is used by the HJRS to determine the relative position of HEC-recognised journals in the system and to categorise them into W, X, or Y categories.
It is significant to note that Category W is designated for HEC-recognised journals of the greatest quality. On the other hand, category Y is regarded as the lowest. It is simpler for academics and researchers to obtain the most reliable sources of information according to the classification of HEC-recognised journals by category.
HJRS also employs several indicators to conduct a predictive evaluation of HEC-approved journals that may be demoted to a lower category or elevated to a higher quality in the future. These medallions are given to each publication after researchers assess its calibre in a subject area and related subcategories to other journals concentrating on that field using a variety of metrics.
Let’s examine the descriptions of the medallions used by all national and international publications that are recognised by HEC in the HJRS.
Platinum
The chance of HEC-recognised journals with Platinum Medallions being demoted from Category W is quite unlikely.
Gold
The Gold Medallion indicates that there is extremely little chance of the journal being demoted from Category W.
Silver
The likelihood of downgrading HEC-approved journals with Silver Medallions from Category W is extremely unlikely.
Bronze
The Bronze Medallion-winning HEC-recognised research publications are expected to drop to Category W.
Honourable Mention
There is little chance that HEC research journals with the Honourable Mention Medallion will be promoted to Category W.
Clay
The Clay Medallion indicates very little chance of the journal being promoted from a lower category to Category W.
Null
A journal with the Null Medallion has little chance of being elevated to Category W.
How to Find the List of HEC-Recognised Journals in Pakistan
In order to find the list of HEC-recognised journals in Pakistan, just go to the HJRS site. Then, type the journal name in the search bar to view the most recent list of HEC-approved journals.
By selecting the ISSN button located above the search field, you can enter the International Standard Serial Number of the publication you are looking for if you don’t know its name.
Simply pick the “Discipline-Wise Search” link in the top navigation panel if you are unsure of the ISSN as well. This will take you to a page with a number of drop-down menus and forms. You can choose the “Area”, “Subject Area”, “Subject Sub-Area” and “HJRS” categories here.
When you locate the journal you’re looking for, click on its name to view details. This includes the HJRS category, medallion, and JPI score.
Lastly, you can visit the website of HEC if you have any further queries about the subject or would like to see the most recent list of HEC-recognised journals.
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