Peer Review Policy

IJMAT Strong Policy: Rigorous Double-Blind Peer Review

The International Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic Research and Trends (IJMAT) is fiercely committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and publishing quality. Our robust peer review policy is the essential gatekeeper, ensuring that every piece of research we disseminate is valid, original, methodologically sound, and relevant to the global discourse. We guarantee a fair, confidential, and constructive review experience rooted in scholarly merit.

1. The Double-Blind Model: Ensuring Impartiality

IJMAT mandates a Double-Blind Peer Review Model to eliminate bias and ensure that manuscripts are judged strictly on intellectual substance.

• Authors’ Identity: Absolutely concealed from the reviewers.

• Reviewers’ Identity: Absolutely concealed from the authors.

This strong policy ensures decisions are free from influence related to author reputation, institutional prestige, or personal factors, maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record.

2. The Multi-Stage Review Pipeline

Every submitted manuscript must successfully navigate a rigorous, multi-stage process designed for maximum quality control:

Stage 1: Initial Editorial Assessment (Internal Vetting)

1. Compliance Check: The Editorial Assistant verifies adherence to all formatting guidelines, scope alignment, and required documentation (e.g., fully anonymized manuscript, separate title page).

2. Plagiarism Vetting: Manuscripts are subjected to rigorous screening via advanced detection software. Any submission with an unacceptable level of similarity (including self-plagiarism) will be immediately desk-rejected without external review.

3. Editor-in-Chief Review: The Editor-in-Chief evaluates the manuscript’s originality, significance, overall quality, and suitability for the journal’s strategic vision. Manuscripts failing to demonstrate sufficient novelty or quality are rejected at this stage.

Stage 2: External Peer Review and Decision

1. Assignment: Manuscripts passing Stage 1 are assigned to a qualified Section Editor or Associate Editor with deep subject matter expertise.

2. Reviewer Invitation: The assigned editor identifies a minimum of one independent expert reviewer. Reviewers must accept based on competence and must declare the absence of any Conflict of Interest (COI).

3. Review and Feedback: Reviewers objectively assess the work against criteria including originality, methodology, clarity, and contribution. Reviewers are expected to submit their constructive, objective feedback within 3–5 days (extensions are rare).

4. Final Decision: The Associate Editor evaluates all feedback. The Editor-in-Chief issues the final, authoritative decision:

   • Accept: Ready for publication.

   • Minor Revisions: Minor changes required; decision likely pending author response.

   • Major Revisions: Substantial changes and potential re-review required.

   • Reject: Unsuitable for publication; clear reasons provided.

3. Non-Negotiable Ethical Responsibilities

For Reviewers: The Integrity Shield

Reviewers are the core of our quality control and must adhere strictly to COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines:

• Confidentiality Mandate: All manuscript content must be treated as strictly confidential and cannot be discussed or used for personal gain.

• Competence and Objectivity: Only accept reviews for manuscripts within your true expertise, and deliver feedback that is constructive, objective, and respectful.

• Timeliness and COI: Must meet deadlines and immediately disclose any potential conflict of interest that could compromise an impartial assessment.

For Authors: The Commitment to Originality

Authors submitting to IJMAT must guarantee:

• Originality and Exclusivity: The work is original and not currently under consideration by any other journal or publisher.

• Data Accuracy: Results are accurate, fully reported, and supported by sufficient detail for potential replication.

• Full Disclosure: All financial, personal, or institutional Conflicts of Interest must be clearly declared.

• Ethical Compliance: Compliance with all applicable research regulations (including ethical board approvals for human/animal studies) is mandatory.

4. IJMAT’s Institutional Commitment

IJMAT is committed to clear, transparent, and fair practice:

• We guarantee timely editorial decisions and transparent communication.

• We maintain strict adherence to double-blind anonymity.

• We will promptly and decisively address any allegation of misconduct in full compliance with COPE standards.

For all inquiries regarding our Peer Review Policy, contact the Editorial Office at editor@ijmat.org.

Updated on 13th October, 2025 at 07:45 PM.