Peer Review Policy

1. Overview
The International Journal of Research & Social Sciences (IJRSS) follows a strict double-blind peer review process to maintain the highest academic standards. All submitted manuscripts are evaluated impartially by subject-matter experts, ensuring that the integrity, originality, and scholarly quality of the content are upheld.

2. Types of Peer Review
IJRSS employs a double-blind review model, where both the authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other. This ensures an unbiased and objective evaluation process.

3. Review Process Steps

• Initial Editorial Screening: The editorial office screens each submission to confirm that it aligns with the journal’s scope, adheres to formatting guidelines, and meets ethical standards.

• Plagiarism Check: Manuscripts undergo plagiarism detection using reliable software (e.g., Turnitin or iThenticate) to ensure the originality of the content.

• Assignment to Reviewers: Manuscripts are assigned to 2–3 independent reviewers who are experts in the relevant field.

• Review Timeframe: Reviewers are expected to submit their evaluations within 2 to 4 weeks.

4. Reviewer Evaluation Criteria
Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on the following criteria:

• Relevance to the journal’s scope

• Originality and contribution to the field

• Methodological rigor

• Clarity and coherence of writing

• Proper referencing and adherence to ethical standards

5. Editorial Decision
Based on the reviewers’ comments, the editorial team may make one of the following decisions:

• Accept the manuscript

• Accept with minor revisions

• Request major revisions

• Reject the manuscript

Authors will receive the reviewers' feedback, along with the editorial decision and recommendations for improvement, if applicable.

6. Revision and Resubmission
Authors invited to revise their manuscript must submit the revised version along with a point-by-point response to the reviewers’ comments within a specified deadline (typically 2 to 3 weeks). The revised manuscript may be re-evaluated by the same reviewers or assessed by the editorial board.

7. Reviewer Anonymity and Confidentiality
All manuscripts and review reports are considered confidential. Reviewers must not share, discuss, or disclose manuscript details outside the peer review process.

8. Reviewer Ethics and Responsibilities
Reviewers are expected to:

• Provide constructive, unbiased, and timely feedback.

• Disclose any conflict of interest they may have.

• Maintain confidentiality throughout the process.

• Report any instances of unethical practices such as plagiarism or data fabrication.

9. Appeals and Complaints
Authors who disagree with the editorial decision may submit an appeal in writing, including a detailed justification. Appeals will be reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief or an independent editorial board member.

10. Recognition of Reviewers
IJRSS values the contributions of peer reviewers and acknowledges them by providing certificates of reviewing. With their consent, reviewers may also be listed annually on the journal’s website.