Index Copernicus: What You Need to Know

Index Copernicus (IC) is a Poland-based platform that indexes and evaluates scientific journals, assigning an "Index Copernicus Value" (ICV) based on parametric criteria. While used by some journals to demonstrate quality metrics, Index Copernicus has faced significant criticism and should be understood in context before being pursued as an indexing goal.

What is Index Copernicus?

Index Copernicus is an online platform offering several services:

ICI Journals Master List

The primary database indexing scientific journals worldwide. Journals meeting evaluation criteria receive an annual ICV (Index Copernicus Value) indicator.

ICI World of Journals

A broader database collecting information about all operating scientific journals, including those not evaluated for ICV.

What IC Provides

• Journal Indexing: Inclusion in the ICI Journals Master List
• ICV Score: Parametric quality indicator (not a citation index)
• Journal Passport: Online profile for indexed journals
• Evaluation Reports: Feedback on areas for improvement

Understanding the ICV (Index Copernicus Value)

What ICV Measures

The ICV is calculated based on 41 evaluation criteria in two components:

1. Quality of the Journal (max 100 points for non-WoS/Scopus journals):

• Standards (editorial presentation, formatting)
• Stability (publishing regularity)
• Digitalization (online presence, accessibility)
• Internationalization (editorial diversity, author reach)

2. Journal's Impact (only for WoS/Scopus-indexed journals):

• Citation metrics from Web of Science or Scopus
• Citation dynamics over time

Critical Understanding

Controversy and Criticism

Index Copernicus has faced substantial criticism from the academic community:

Academic Criticism

• Jeffrey Beall's Assessment (2013): Characterized ICV as "a pretty worthless measure" due to alleged high proportion of predatory journals and suspect methodology
• Misleading Metrics Classification: IC remains on lists of misleading metrics
• Predatory Journal Concerns: Criticism that many journals displaying IC metrics may be predatory
• Some university libraries advise avoiding journals displaying IC metrics

Ethical Concerns Raised

• Previously offered paid "Evaluation on Request" option for faster processing
• Questions about evaluation methodology transparency
• Self-reported data basis for scoring

What IC Says

Index Copernicus states it has implemented policies against predatory journals (since 2017) and that journals providing false information are refused indexation.

Minimum Requirements for ICI Journals Master List

To be considered for indexation, journals must meet:

• Active Website: Dedicated journal website or publisher page with journal section
• Current ISSN: Registered ISSN (print or electronic)
• Minimum Content: At least 5 scientific articles per year and average of 2 per issue
• Publication History: At least one full year of publishing (meeting stated frequency)
• Published Review Procedure: Documented peer review process

Application Process

Registration

1. Register email at journals.indexcopernicus.com
2. Log in and click "My account" → "Add new journal"
3. Enter journal title and ISSN
4. Complete the ICI Journals Master List Survey

Evaluation Timeline

• Standard Evaluation: Free, submitted by specified deadline, results in autumn
• Evaluation on Request: Paid option for late submissions, results within 14 days

Annual Renewal

ICV is valid for one year only. Journals must complete a new evaluation survey annually to maintain their ICV rating.

Should Your Journal Pursue Index Copernicus?

Potential Benefits

• Lower barrier to entry than Scopus or Web of Science
• Provides structured feedback on journal quality areas
• May be recognized in some regional contexts
• Free standard evaluation option

Significant Concerns

• Reputation Issues: Academic criticism may reflect poorly on journals displaying ICV
• Not Citation-Based: ICV does not measure actual research impact or citations
• Limited Recognition: Not widely accepted as quality indicator in many academic contexts
• Self-Reported Data: Based on editorial office declarations, not independent verification
• Annual Renewal Required: Ongoing effort to maintain

Recommendation

For most journals, resources are better directed toward:

1. DOAJ: Established open access verification (if applicable)
2. Scopus: Widely recognized citation database
3. Web of Science: Premier citation index
4. Subject-specific indexes: Discipline-relevant databases (MEDLINE, ERIC, PsycINFO, etc.)
5. Google Scholar: Maximum free discoverability

Index Copernicus may be considered as a supplementary step after establishing presence in more widely recognized databases.

Verifying Journal Claims

If a journal claims Index Copernicus indexing:

1. Search the journal's ISSN at: journals.indexcopernicus.com/search/form
2. Verify the ICV is current (valid for one year only)
3. Check if listed in ICI Journals Master List vs. just ICI World of Journals
4. Remember: IC inclusion alone does not verify journal quality

Comparison with Other Indexes

How Altechmind Can Help

Rather than focusing on secondary indexes, we help journals build infrastructure supporting applications to established, widely-recognized databases:

• DOAJ-Ready Setup: Policy documentation and metadata for open access verification
• Scopus Preparation: Professional infrastructure meeting CSAB expectations
• Web of Science Readiness: Quality standards supporting evaluation
• Google Scholar Optimization: Proper metadata for discovery