How to Publish a Research Paper in an Indian Law Journal: International Author’s Guide

If you are based outside India and want to publish legal or policy research in an Indian journal, the process is largely the same as submitting anywhere else, with a few India-specific points worth knowing in advance.

1. Check the journal is genuinely peer-reviewed

India has a large number of journals, and quality varies widely. Before submitting anywhere, check whether the journal states a real editorial and review process, publishes an ISSN, and does not promise guaranteed or near-instant acceptance. A journal that accepts almost everything it receives is not doing you a favour.

2. Understand the fee structure

Many Indian open-access journals charge an article processing charge (APC) only after acceptance, not to be considered. At LJLPS (Lexfolio Journal of Law, Policy and Social Sciences), Issue 1 is free, and from later issues the APC is charged only once a paper has passed peer review.

3. Pick the right citation style

Law papers submitted to Indian journals are usually expected in Bluebook or OSCOLA; other social-science papers in APA. Confirm which the specific journal accepts — LJLPS accepts either Bluebook or OSCOLA for law papers, kept consistent throughout.

4. Prepare your manuscript

Original, unpublished work; a clear abstract; a stated research question or thesis; proper footnoting of statutes and case law with pinpoint citations. Avoid submitting the same paper to multiple journals at once unless the journal explicitly allows it.

5. Submit and track

Most Indian journals, including LJLPS, use an online submission form rather than email-only submission. You should receive a manuscript ID and an acknowledgement; use this to follow up if you don’t hear back within the stated review window.

See our step-by-step LJLPS submission guide, or go straight to the submission page.