The NAAS Journal Rating 2026 is an important benchmark for researchers, academicians, and institutions working in agriculture and allied sciences. Every year, thousands of authors rely on this rating system to decide where to submit their research papers and how to evaluate journal credibility. The updated NAAS list for 2026 reflects changes in journal performance, citation impact, indexing status, and editorial quality.
In this article, you will find complete information about the NAAS rating system, how the 2026 list is structured, what the scores mean for authors, and how to use the ratings effectively for academic growth.
The NAAS Journal Rating is published by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences. It is designed to assess journals that publish research related to agriculture, veterinary sciences, fisheries, horticulture, forestry, biotechnology, environmental sciences, and rural development.
Unlike commercial ranking systems, NAAS focuses on academic quality and relevance to agricultural research. The rating system helps universities, research organizations, and funding agencies evaluate publication standards.
The 2026 update includes revisions based on:
Some journals have seen score upgrades due to improved impact and indexing, while others have experienced score reductions because of irregular publishing schedules or quality concerns.
Researchers should always consult the latest list before finalizing journal selection.
You can view the complete updated NAAS Journal Rating 2026 list below:
This embedded list provides official journal names, assigned scores, and category classifications.
NAAS ratings are assigned using a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators. The evaluation considers multiple academic performance parameters.
NAAS assigns scores on a numeric scale that reflects journal academic standing.
High NAAS Score (8.0 and Above)
These journals usually have strong international visibility, rigorous peer review systems, and high citation impact.
Medium NAAS Score (5.0 to 7.9)
These journals are recognized for quality publishing and stable academic performance but may have moderate citation reach.
Entry-Level NAAS Score (Below 5.0)
These journals are often developing publications that are improving editorial standards and research visibility.
Authors should select journals based on both rating and subject relevance. For more guidance, see our article on how to publish agriculture research quickly & efficiently.
NAAS ratings directly affect academic growth and research recognition.
Career Advancement
Many institutions consider NAAS-rated publications for faculty promotions and academic assessments.
Research Visibility
Publishing in higher-rated journals improves article discoverability and citation potential.
Funding Opportunities
Grant committees often give preference to research outputs published in recognized journals.
Institutional Reputation
Universities and research centers use NAAS ratings to measure departmental publication performance.
Selecting a journal should not be based on rating alone. Authors should consider additional factors.
Match Research Scope
Always verify that your manuscript topic aligns with the journal's scope and aims. Explore top trending research topics in agriculture for inspiration.
Review Publication Timeline
Some journals offer faster review cycles while maintaining quality standards.
Check Open Access Policy
Understand article processing charges and copyright policies.
Verify Authenticity
Ensure the journal is listed in the official NAAS document and not using misleading claims.
Many researchers make avoidable errors when selecting journals.
Careful verification helps protect research credibility. Learn about common mistakes to avoid when submitting articles.
NAAS ratings differ from global citation metrics such as Impact Factor and CiteScore.
| Parameter | NAAS Rating | Impact Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Focus Area | Agriculture and allied sciences | Multidisciplinary |
| Coverage | Selective discipline-based | Broad global coverage |
| Purpose | Academic evaluation in India | International citation measurement |
| Update Frequency | Periodic updates | Annual updates |
Researchers should use NAAS scores alongside other indicators for better decision-making.
Using the latest list offers several advantages:
Always rely on the newest edition to avoid outdated information.
The NAAS Journal Rating 2026 plays a crucial role in shaping academic publishing decisions in agricultural sciences. Using the updated list responsibly helps researchers maintain publication quality, improve academic recognition, and align with institutional evaluation standards.
Before submitting your next research paper, carefully review the embedded NAAS list, verify journal authenticity, and choose a publication outlet that matches your research goals.
For more details, visit the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS):
Below are common questions about the NAAS Journal Rating 2026 and official journal list.
1. What is the NAAS Journal Rating system?
The NAAS Journal Rating system is an academic evaluation framework developed by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences to assess journals publishing research in agriculture and allied sciences. It helps researchers, institutions, and evaluators understand journal quality and academic credibility.
2. How many categories are there in NAAS Journal Ratings 2026?
For the 2026 update, NAAS classifies journals into two official categories:
This simplified structure improves transparency and ease of understanding.
3. Does a higher NAAS rating guarantee article acceptance?
No. A higher NAAS rating does not guarantee manuscript acceptance. Acceptance depends on factors such as research quality, originality, relevance to journal scope, and peer review evaluation.
4. Are Category 2 journals recognized by NAAS?
Yes. Category 2 journals are officially listed and recognized by NAAS. They contribute to research dissemination, especially in specialized, regional, and emerging research areas.
5. How often are NAAS Journal Ratings updated?
NAAS periodically reviews and updates journal ratings based on performance indicators such as citation impact, editorial quality, publication consistency, and indexing status.
6. Can a journal move between categories in future updates?
Yes. Journal ratings and categories may change in future updates depending on improvements or declines in academic performance, editorial practices, and citation activity.
7. Should researchers publish only in Category 1 journals?
Not necessarily. Journal selection should be based on research relevance, journal scope, audience, and institutional requirements. Both Category 1 and Category 2 journals serve important academic purposes.
8. How can authors verify NAAS journal authenticity?
Authors should verify journal names using the official NAAS rating list and avoid relying on promotional claims made by publishers. Always cross-check journal details before submission.
9. Are international journals included in NAAS ratings?
Yes. Many international journals related to agriculture and allied sciences are included in the NAAS evaluation framework, provided they meet assessment criteria.
10. Is NAAS rating mandatory for academic promotions?
The requirement depends on institutional and university policies. Many agricultural universities consider NAAS-rated publications during faculty evaluation, but policies may vary across organizations.
11. Does NAAS rating affect research funding applications?
In many cases, funding agencies consider publication quality during project evaluation. NAAS ratings can support academic credibility, but funding decisions also depend on project merit and research impact.
12. Can students publish in NAAS-listed journals?
Yes. Students, research scholars, and early-career researchers can publish in NAAS-listed journals provided their work meets the journal's submission standards and peer review requirements.
13. Is NAAS rating the same as Impact Factor?
No. NAAS rating and Impact Factor are different evaluation systems. NAAS focuses on agriculture-related journals and academic performance, while Impact Factor measures citation frequency at an international level.
14. How should authors use NAAS ratings responsibly?
Authors should use NAAS ratings as a reference tool, not as the only decision factor. It is important to evaluate journal scope, peer review process, ethics policy, and publication transparency.
15. Where can researchers access the latest NAAS Journal Rating 2026 list?
Researchers can access the latest NAAS list through official NAAS publications and institutional portals. Many academic websites also provide embedded PDF versions for easy reference.
NAAS Rating: 4.23
December 2025 Issue
Impact Factor: 6.69
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Citation Indices
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All
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Since 2020
|
|
Citation
|
6164
|
5117
|
|
h-index
|
31
|
29
|
|
i10-index
|
201
|
165
|
|
Acceptance Rate (By Year)
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|
Year
|
Percentage
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|
2024
|
11.09%
|
|
2023
|
15.23%
|
|
2022
|
12.81%
|
|
2021
|
10.45%
|
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2020
|
9.6%
|
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2019
|
14.3%
|
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2018
|
17.65%
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2017
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16.9%
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2016
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22.9%
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2015
|
26.1%
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