Peer Review Policy

Peer Review Policy

Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality and Culture (IJHSC)

1. Purpose of Peer Review

The Indian Journal of Health, Sexuality and Culture (IJHSC) follows a rigorous peer review process to ensure the quality, originality, relevance, and ethical integrity of published research.

2. Type of Peer Review

IJHSC adopts a double-blind peer review system, in which the identities of authors and reviewers are concealed to ensure impartial and unbiased evaluation.

3. Review Process

  1. Initial Editorial Screening
    The editorial office evaluates submissions for scope, originality, ethical compliance, and plagiarism.

  2. Reviewer Selection
    Manuscripts that pass initial screening are sent to at least two independent expert reviewers.

  3. Evaluation Criteria
    Reviewers assess manuscripts based on:

    • Originality and significance

    • Methodological rigor

    • Ethical compliance

    • Clarity and structure

    • Relevance to the journal’s scope

  4. Editorial Decision
    Based on reviewer reports, the editor makes one of the following decisions:

    • Accept

    • Minor revision

    • Major revision

    • Reject

  5. Revision and Final Decision
    Authors must respond to reviewer comments. The editor makes the final publication decision.

4. Reviewer Responsibilities

Reviewers must:

  • Maintain confidentiality of manuscripts.

  • Provide objective, constructive, and timely feedback.

  • Declare conflicts of interest.

  • Avoid personal bias and misuse of unpublished information.

5. Author Responsibilities

Authors must:

  • Cooperate with the review process.

  • Respond to reviewer comments professionally.

  • Ensure originality and ethical compliance of their work.

6. Editorial Responsibilities

Editors must:

  • Ensure fairness, transparency, and confidentiality in the review process.

  • Avoid conflicts of interest.

  • Handle ethical issues in accordance with international standards.

7. Ethical Considerations

All parties involved in the peer review process must adhere to principles of academic integrity and publication ethics. IJHSC follows COPE guidelines in handling disputes or misconduct.

8. Transparency and Timelines

IJHSC strives to complete the peer review process within a reasonable timeframe and maintains transparency throughout the evaluation process.

9. Policy Updates

This policy is reviewed periodically to reflect best practices in scholarly publishing.