Publication in a journal indexed by Scopus is one of the most recognised markers of a scientist's academic activity, taken into account when defending a dissertation and assessing grant applications. However, not every journal that claims to be indexed actually meets this status in practice. We look at how the Scopus list is formed and how to check a journal's status before publication.
What is the Scopus database?
Scopus is an international abstract and citation database administered by the publisher Elsevier. It brings together journals, books and conference proceedings, and is used to calculate citation counts and the h-index. For a scientist, having an article indexed in Scopus confirms that the work was peer-reviewed in a journal meeting international publishing standards.
The decision to include a journal in the database is made by an independent expert panel – the Content Selection & Advisory Board (CSAB). The board reviews applications from publishers, so the list of indexed journals is updated periodically.
Scopus journal selection criteria
When evaluating a title, the CSAB looks at a number of parameters. These include:
- peer review that is conducted properly, with a publicly available description of the process
- regular publication schedule and a registered international ISSN
- content that matches the journal's stated scope
- abstracts and keywords in English for an international audience
- a transparent policy on publication ethics and conflicts of interest
Previously, titles could only apply for review after two years of continuous publication, but this condition was removed in August 2024. The substantive selection criteria themselves have not changed.
Why are journals excluded from Scopus?
The CSAB regularly reviews already indexed journals for deviations in citation patterns and the quality of published material. If suspicious signs are found, the flow of content from that journal into the database is suspended until the re-evaluation is complete.
Exclusions happen almost every month and affect titles with a long publishing history too: in the May–June 2026 update, more than two dozen journals were removed from the database, including titles published by Elsevier itself. Before submitting an article, it is therefore worth checking a journal's current status rather than relying on its previous reputation.
Dissertations and publication in Scopus
The doctoral degree is awarded under the third-cycle model of the Bologna system: doctoral studies conclude with the defence of a dissertation before a university's dissertation council. To obtain the qualification of Doctor of Philosophy, a candidate must earn at least 180 credits, with completion of a master's degree required for admission.
There is no single, nationwide list of publication requirements for doctoral candidates in Georgia – the specific conditions are set by each university under standards agreed with the National Centre for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE). In most doctoral programmes, however, having at least one article in a journal indexed by Scopus or Web of Science is among the conditions for admission to the defence, so the exact requirements are worth confirming with the doctoral school directly, while dissertation assistance can help with preparing the work itself.
How to check a journal's status before publication?
Before submitting a manuscript, it helps to follow a short verification routine.
- Find the journal in the official Scopus source list and confirm that it is marked as active.
- Check the journal's name, ISSN and publisher against the information on its official website.
- Check the journal's quartile and CiteScore through Scimago Journal Rank.
- Review the journal's editorial policy and the requirements for formatting an article.
Indexing in Scopus remains a significant but not a static marker: the composition of the database is updated almost every month, and the criteria apply equally to new and already listed journals. When choosing a journal for publication, it is worth relying on current CSAB data rather than on a journal's reputation from several years ago.
Planning a publication in a Scopus journal? The specialists at Scientific Publications can help you choose a suitable journal, check its current status in the database and prepare your article for submission. Leave the form below for a free consultation, and our manager will contact you shortly. Onwards to new academic achievements!
