Scopus has released its latest database update—and March turned out to be a record month in terms of the number of journals removed.
Sixteen magazines. All at once. From different countries, covering different topics, and with varying levels of «authority.».
Among them are publications from Greece, Jordan, Slovenia, Nigeria, Iraq, Italy, the United States, and other countries. Journals on philosophy, medicine, cybersecurity, mycology, computer science, signal and image processing, surgery, and antennas.
Important to note: Among those excluded are publications from major players such as Springer Nature and Wiley. It’s important to realize that even a prestigious publisher is no guarantee of permanent indexing.
Magazines We Didn't Predict—and Why It Matters
In the section «Journals at Risk of Being Removed from Scopus,» we systematically analyze publications that show signs of risk. We had not previously reviewed any of the 16 journals included in the March update.
This proves one simple thing: monitoring cannot cover all journals at the same time. Some publications disappear quietly—without public warnings or high-profile scandals. One day, the database is updated—and the journal is gone.
But when we issue a warning—we’re spot on. Between 2024 and 2026, 37 of the 44 journals we featured in our «Candidates for Delisting» section were officially removed. Accuracy — 84%. The highest rate among teams that monitor scientific journals.
Official List of Excluded Journals (March 2026)
ISSN: 2653-9373 | E-ISSN: 2459-3842
Publisher: NKUA Applied Philosophy Research Laboratory
Country: Greece
Cause: Discontinuation
Scopus link: View in Scopus
ISSN: 1026-3721 | E-ISSN: 2663-6190
Publisher: University of Jordan, Office of the Dean of Scientific Research
Country: Jordan
Cause: Discontinuation
Scopus link: View in Scopus
ISSN: 1560-2745 | E-ISSN: 1878-9129
Publisher: Springer Nature
Cause: Journal Change Policy
Scopus link: View in Scopus
ISSN: 1098-3511 | E-ISSN: 1522-6662
Publisher: Forum Multimedia Publishing LLC
Cause: Journal Change Policy
Scopus link: View in Scopus
ISSN: 0350-5596 | E-ISSN: 1854-3871
Publisher: Slovenian Informatics Society
Country: Slovenia
Cause: Discontinuation
Scopus link: View in Scopus
ISSN: 2158-0510 | E-ISSN: 2158-0529
Publisher: International Medical Research and Development Corporation
Cause: Discontinuation
Scopus link: View in Scopus
E-ISSN: 2971-8317
Publisher: RITHA Publishing House
Cause: Journal Change Policy
Scopus link: View in Scopus
ISSN: 1310-4772
Publisher: Scientific Bulgarian Communications
Country: Bulgaria
Cause: Discontinuation
Scopus link: View in Scopus
E-ISSN: 2958-6542
Publisher: Mesopotamian Academic Press
Country: Iraq
Cause: Discontinuation
Scopus link: View in Scopus
E-ISSN: 2582-2659
Publisher: Society for Communication and Computer Technologies
Country: India
Cause: Discontinuation
Scopus link: View in Scopus
ISSN: 2734-2352 | E-ISSN: 2682-5821
Publisher: Nigerian Institute of Professional Engineers and Scientists
Country: Nigeria
Cause: Discontinuation
Scopus link: View in Scopus
ISSN: 0029-6236
Publisher: Dante Alighieri Publishing Company
Country: Italy
Cause: Journal Change Policy
Scopus link: View in Scopus
ISSN: 1090-3941
Publisher: Universal Medical Press
Country: USA
Cause: Journal Change Policy
Scopus link: View in Scopus
Conclusions
Sixteen journals in a single month—this isn’t just a record for the sake of a record. It reflects how Scopus continues to purge its database of journals that no longer meet standards or have simply ceased publication.
Twelve journals have been designated as “Discontinuation”—they no longer exist as active publications. Four more—designated as “Journal Change Policy”—have changed their editorial policies to such an extent that Scopus cannot confirm their compliance with its criteria.
What this means in practical terms for virtually every author:
- An article submitted or accepted before the journal was removed from the list may not be counted toward certification;
- Publication in a retracted journal may serve as grounds for rejection during the dissertation defense;
- Grants and honors tied to Scopus publications are also at risk.
The March update is yet another confirmation of a simple but uncomfortable truth: checking a journal before submission is neither paranoia nor excessive caution. It is basic professional hygiene for a modern scientist. Those who make decisions based on current data, rather than on trust in «well-known» names, are incomparably better protected.
Use Qalam AI to check the journal right now—before you spend time and money publishing in a risky journal.
If you don’t want to take any risks and end up in a predatory journal, contact «Academy of Articles»: we’ll write your article, select a reputable journal, and guarantee publication in Scopus-indexed journals with a percentile of 35+ or 50+ as specified in the contract, including a risk assessment and support through the indexing process.
