ISSN Number

International Standard Serial Number for journals, magazines, newsletters, and periodicals

Validity: Permanent (no renewal required)

What is ISSN Number?

The ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is the internationally recognised identifier for serial publications — journals, magazines, newspapers, newsletters, and blogs. We compile the application and liaise with the ISSN National Centre in India (National Science Library, CSIR-NISCAIR) for assignment.

The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is an 8-digit code that uniquely identifies a serial publication — a journal, magazine, newspaper, newsletter, yearbook, or any periodical publication that continues over time. ISSNs are assigned by the ISSN International Centre in Paris through national centres; in India, the ISSN National Centre operates from CSIR-NISCAIR in New Delhi. A separate ISSN is assigned to each format (print ISSN vs. Online ISSN / eISSN) of the same publication. ISSNs are required for indexing in bibliographic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, DOAJ), for applying to UGC CARE listing for academic journals, for NAAS (National Academy of Agricultural Sciences) rating, and for library acquisitions. Government grants for journals and research funding often require the ISSN as a condition.

Who Needs ISSN Number?

Academic journal editors and publishers, university departments launching research publications, magazine and newsletter publishers, digital/online journal launches, newspapers, and government departments publishing periodical reports.

What's Included

Print ISSN and/or eISSN assigned by the ISSN National Centre
ISSN linked to the publication's bibliographic record in the international ISSN Portal
UGC CARE listing application supported with the assigned ISSN
Barcode and ISSN display guidelines for covers provided

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How It Works

1
Application preparation
We compile the ISSN application with all required bibliographic details and supporting documents.
2
Sample issue submission
A sample of the publication is submitted along with the application.
3
ISSN Centre review
CSIR-NISCAIR reviews the application and may request additional information.
4
ISSN assigned
The ISSN is assigned and registered in the international ISSN Portal. Print and online ISSNs are issued separately.

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Documents Required

Items marked Required are mandatory; others are situational.

Publication

Sample copy (at least 1 completed issue)Required
Publication title and frequencyRequired
Scope and subject area descriptionRequired
Editor and publisher detailsRequired
Website URL (for eISSN)

Fees & Pricing

Fees

Government fee

ISSN assignment by CSIR-NISCAIR is free for Indian publications

Nil

Professional fee

Quoted for application compilation and liaison

Varies

* Government fees may vary. GST applicable on professional fees. Final pricing confirmed after review.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ISSN, eISSN, and ISSN-L?

The ISSN identifies the print format, the eISSN identifies the online/electronic format, and the ISSN-L (Linking ISSN) is a single ISSN designated to link all formats of the same publication together.

Can an ISSN be obtained before the first issue is published?

In some countries, ISSNs can be applied for before publication using a proposed title and description. In India, CSIR-NISCAIR typically requires at least one completed issue or a final manuscript of the first issue.

Is an ISSN the same as a DOI?

No. The ISSN identifies the serial publication as a whole. A DOI (Digital Object Identifier) identifies individual articles or issues. Academic journals typically use both — an ISSN for the journal and DOIs for each article.

Is ISSN required for UGC CARE listing?

Yes. An ISSN (both print and online) is a mandatory prerequisite for applying to the UGC CARE (Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics) whitelist.

Does an ISSN expire?

No. An ISSN is a permanent identifier. If a journal ceases publication, the ISSN is retired (not reassigned). If a journal changes its title significantly, a new ISSN is assigned to the new title.

Is ISSN free?

ISSN assignment itself is free through CSIR-NISCAIR for Indian publications. There are no government fees. A professional fee applies for our compilation and liaison service.