Journal indexing refers to the inclusion of academic journals in recognized scholarly databases and bibliographic services. When a journal is indexed, its articles are catalogued in major systems that help researchers find and access published research more easily.

Indexed journals are typically reviewed and selected based on quality standards such as peer review, editorial practices, and publication consistency.

Some of the widely recognized indexing databases include:

• Web of Science Core Collection – Includes sub‑indexes like Science Citation Index (SCI) and Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI).
• Scopus – A large abstract and citation database covering thousands of peer‑reviewed journals across disciplines.
• PubMed/MEDLINE – A primary biomedical journal index maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
• Other databases, including discipline‑specific, regional, and open‑access indexing services such as DOAJ or subject‑specific resources.

Indexing increases a journal's discoverability and impact by helping researchers and institutions find published articles efficiently. Indexed journals are often seen as more credible and reliable because they meet established editorial and peer‑review standards.

Being indexed can also support accurate citation tracking and help authors and institutions evaluate research impact and performance.

Journals are typically evaluated for indexing based on multiple quality indicators, such as:

• Peer Review Process: Rigorous and transparent review standards.
• Editorial Quality: Clear editorial policies and ethical guidelines.
• Publication Regularity: Consistent publishing schedule.
• International Scope: Diverse author base and readership from multiple regions.

Each indexing database has its own review process and timeline, and acceptance is based on evaluation by the database's selection committee.

Generally, indexing involves:

1. Preparation: Journals prepare detailed documentation including their policies and publication history.
2. Submission: An application is submitted to the indexing service.
3. Evaluation: Committees assess the journal against quality and publication standards.
4. Ongoing Monitoring: Even after indexing, journals are periodically reviewed to ensure standards are maintained.

• N‑WAPA provides support and guidance for manuscript preparation and journal submission, but the decision to index a journal is made independently by the indexing service.
• Authors should verify a journal's indexing status on official index websites (e.g., Scopus Source List or Web of Science Master Journal List) before submission to ensure accurate information.