Empowering Scholarly Excellence: HEC Opens Applications for Pakistan-Based Research Journal Accreditation (CY 2026)

Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan – Research Journal Section, R&D Division
(Application Deadline: December 4, 2025)

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, as the apex regulatory body for higher education, is committed to elevating the quality and global visibility of national research outputs. Through its robust accreditation framework, HEC ensures that Pakistan-based scholarly journals adhere to international benchmarks, fostering credible dissemination of knowledge across disciplines. This annual call targets journals published by higher education institutions (HEIs), public sector R&D organizations, and non-profit academic societies/NGOs, aligning with the nation’s push for evidence-based innovation and academic integrity.

For Calendar Year (CY) 2026, this accreditation cycle introduces refined criteria under the updated Journals and Publications Policy 2024 (amended November 2025), emphasizing transparency, peer-reviewed rigor, and ethical publishing. Accredited journals gain prestige, eligibility for HEC funding, and recognition in faculty promotions, tenure tracks, and PhD evaluations—driving Pakistan’s research ecosystem toward sustainable growth.

Overview of HEC Journal Accreditation

HEC’s accreditation process, managed via the Journal Recognition System (HJRS), categorizes journals into tiers (W, X, Y) based on impact, editorial standards, and citation metrics. It supports diverse fields like social sciences, STEM, medicine, and humanities, promoting open-access models while combating predatory publishing. Key benefits include:

Enhanced credibility for authors, boosting citation rates and international collaborations
Access to HEC’s financial incentives, such as publication grants and indexing support
Alignment with global databases like Scopus and Web of Science for broader reach

This initiative underscores HEC’s role in nurturing a vibrant knowledge economy, with over 200 journals accredited in previous cycles, contributing to Pakistan’s rising QS rankings.

Eligibility Criteria for CY 2026

To qualify, journals must demonstrate unwavering commitment to scholarly excellence. Criteria are drawn from the Journals and Publications Policy 2024 (as amended November 2025), available at HEC’s official portal. Journals currently listed with HEC must reapply afresh.

Core Requirements

Ownership and Publication: Exclusive title ownership by a university, DAI, R&D entity, or non-profit society/NGO; published by registered Pakistani entities
Editorial Oversight: Board comprising qualified academics with relevant PhDs; policy compliance for medical journals (FCPS/MCPS via FRCS/PMC)
Publication Volume: At least five original research articles per issue in the preceding calendar year
Ethical and Indexing Standards: At least two peer-reviewed articles per issue; exclusion from CABELL’s predatory list; registration of non-profit societies with SECP or Registrar Joint Stock Companies
Open Access Mandate: Compliance with HEC’s open-access guidelines, including DOIs and updated metadata

Non-compliance in any area results in automatic disqualification, ensuring only high-caliber outlets proceed.

Application Process

Streamlined for efficiency, the process leverages HEC’s digital infrastructure to minimize paperwork and accelerate reviews.

Step-by-Step Guide

Portal Registration: Access the HEC Journal Management System (HJMS) and create an account using institutional credentials
Document Upload: Submit journal profile, including ISSN, ownership proofs, editorial board details, and sample issues
Fee Payment: Remit non-refundable processing charges online (integrated payment gateway)
Submission Confirmation: Receive instant acknowledgment; track progress via dashboard
Review and Feedback: HEC panel evaluates within 60–90 days; revisions may be requested

All submissions must be electronic—postal or email entries will not be processed.

Selection Procedure

HEC employs a multi-tiered, merit-driven evaluation to uphold impartiality and quality.

Preliminary Screening: Automated check for completeness and basic eligibility
Expert Panel Review: Domain-specific academics assess content quality, peer-review processes, and ethical compliance
Metrics Verification: Analysis of citation data, indexing status, and anti-plagiarism adherence
Provisional Accreditation: Shortlisted journals receive conditional approval pending final audit
Final Endorsement: Publication in HJRS list for CY 2026; appeals limited to procedural errors
Monitoring Phase: Post-accreditation audits ensure ongoing standards

Terms & Conditions

Fee Structure: Rs. 25,000 for private sector HEIs/R&D; Rs. 50,000 for others (non-refundable; covers administrative costs)
Reapplication Mandate: Existing HEC-listed journals must apply anew—no automatic renewals
Exclusions: Predatory or CABELL-listed journals ineligible; foreign-owned titles not considered
Confidentiality: Applicant data protected under HEC’s privacy policy
Amendments: HEC reserves rights to modify criteria or reject without explanation
Timeline: Decisions communicated via portal; no individual notifications

Location and District-Wise Accessibility

Accreditation is managed centrally from HEC’s Islamabad headquarters (Sector H-8/1), with virtual submissions eliminating travel needs. For queries, regional HEC offices provide support.

District-Wise Details Table (Islamabad Capital Territory & Major Cities)

District/City	Key HEC Connectivity	Commute/Query Time (Approx.)	Notable Features for Applicants
Islamabad (H-8)	On-site at HEC HQ; walking from G-9	0–10 mins	Central hub for R&D institutions; direct access to RJ Section
Rawalpindi	Via IJP Road; shuttle from Saddar	20–30 mins	Proximity to military academies; high volume of defense journals
Lahore	Virtual via portal; regional office in Egerton Road	Email response: 24–48 hrs	Major university cluster (PU, LUMS); focus on social sciences
Karachi	Online submission; HEC sub-office in Clifton	Portal access: Instant	Tech/medical journal concentration; SECP registration ease
Peshawar	Digital only; KP regional center	Query resolution: 2–3 days	Emphasis on tribal area research; support for Pashto/Urdu titles
Quetta	Portal-based; Balochistan office	Virtual: Immediate	Regional studies focus; incentives for underrepresented fields

Note: Fully online process; physical visits optional for clarifications.

Key Points

Policy Update: November 2025 amendments strengthen anti-predatory measures and open-access requirements
Inclusivity: Prioritizes diverse disciplines, including emerging areas like AI ethics and climate studies
Impact: Accredited status mandatory for HEC-funded research and faculty evaluations
Support Resources: Free webinars and templates available on HEC site for first-time applicants
Global Alignment: Criteria harmonized with DOAJ and COPE for international compatibility

Application Deadline

December 4, 2025
Portal closes at midnight PST—submit early to avoid peak-hour delays and ensure processing.

Summary Information Table

Aspect	Details
Program	Accreditation of Pakistan-Based Research Journals for CY 2026
Organizer	Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan – R&J Section
Eligibility	Owned by HEIs/DAIs/R&D/non-profits; 5+ articles/issue; SECP registration
Fee	Rs. 25,000 (private HEIs); Rs. 50,000 (others) – non-refundable
Application Mode	Online via HJMS portal
Duration	Annual cycle; decisions by Q1 2026
Contact	Ph: 051-9040952 / 051-9040931; Email: rj@hec.gov.pk
PID No.	PID(II)464-25

Official Website and Apply Link

Navigate to full guidelines and initiate applications at:
https://research.hec.gov.pk/
(Access HJMS for secure uploads; scan QR code on HEC site for direct entry.)

Cautionary Notice on Queries and Complaints

Limit communications to official channels—rjs@hec.gov.pk or helpline; no third-party agents
Beware of fraudulent “accreditation services” charging extras—HEC processes are free beyond fees
Incomplete submissions auto-rejected; no refunds or extensions granted
Report irregularities to HEC’s vigilance cell; track status solely via portal to avoid misinformation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can international co-owned journals apply?
A: No—strictly Pakistan-based ownership required for national prioritization.

Q2: What if my journal has fewer than five articles last year?
A: Ineligible; build volume in 2025 for future cycles.

Q3: Is reapplication needed for accredited journals?
A: Yes—fresh applications mandatory annually to maintain standards.

Q4: How long does review take?
A: 60–90 days; provisional lists published quarterly.

Q5: Are Urdu/Pashto journals eligible?
A: Yes, with English abstracts and bilingual compliance.

Conclusion

HEC’s CY 2026 accreditation call is a golden gateway for Pakistan’s research journals to claim their place on the global stage, amplifying voices in academia and innovation. By meeting these elevated standards, publishers not only secure recognition but also propel the country’s scholarly footprint forward. Journal editors and societies, act decisively—file your application by December 4, 2025, and invest in a legacy of excellence that resonates worldwide.

High-Search Volume Keywords (Full Details):

HEC Journal Accreditation 2026 (High: 15K+ monthly; spikes in Nov-Dec for annual cycles, targets university admins)
Pakistan Research Journals List 2025 (Medium: 8K+; linked to PhD thesis requirements and faculty promotions)
HJRS HEC Recognized Journals (Rising: 12K+; core query for MS/MPhil students checking publication outlets)
HEC Journals Policy 2024 PDF (Niche: 6K+; downloads peak post-amendments for policy compliance)
Apply for HEC Journal Recognition (Broad: 10K+; intent-driven for new journal launches)
Accredited Pakistani Scholarly Journals (Trending: 9K+; from academic conferences and Scopus integrations)
HEC Research Journal Management System (Professional: 7K+; for R&D orgs navigating HJMS portal)