All about publishing in Scopus Q1–Q2 journals
Introduction
In the modern scientific world, publishing an article in a journal indexed in Scopus and included in the Q1 or Q2 quartile is an important step for a researcher’s career growth. This is especially true for scientists from the Republic of Kazakhstan, where such publications play a key role in defending dissertations, obtaining academic titles, participating in grants, and improving the international ranking of universities.
A journal's quartile is often taken as an indicator of its quality, but is it really so? In this article, we explain how the quartile system in Scopus works, what the Q1 and Q2 labels actually mean, and share practical tips to help researchers more effectively move towards publication in leading scientific journals.
Why Q1–Q2 articles are desirable for a scientific career in Kazakhstan
In Kazakhstan, publications in journals indexed in the Scopus database are a key criterion for assessing scientific activity. To obtain a PhD degree, formally, an article in a journal with a percentile of 35% and above, which corresponds to the third quartile (Q3), is sufficient. However, in practice, academic supervisors often insist on publication in Q1–Q2 journals in order to increase the academic weight of the work and the reputation of the university.
In addition, to be awarded an academic title (associate professor, professor), the requirements are even stricter - the article must be published in a journal of at least the second quartile (Q2). Therefore, publication in Q1–Q2 editions is considered not only as a prestigious achievement, but also as a necessary condition for the development of a scientific career in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
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How the Scopus Quartile System Works
The quartile system in Scopus is is a ranking division of scientific journals into four groups (Q1–Q4) depending on their citation rate and influence in a particular field. This is determined on the basis of special metrics such as SJR (SCImago Journal Rank) and CiteScore.
CiteScore formula:
CiteScore = Total number of citations in the last 3 years / Number of documents published in the same period.
📌 Example:
In 2023, the journal received 1000 citations for articles published in 2019–2022.
During this period, 200 documents were published.
CiteScore = 1000 / 200 = 5.0
The quartile is determined based on the journal's ranking within a particular subject category, comparing its CiteScore to others.
📌 Important: same CiteScore ≠ same quartile
A journal with a CiteScore of 5.0 may belong to different quartiles in different disciplines:
- In education (where there are generally fewer journals and lower citation rates), a CiteScore of 5.0 may correspond to Q1.
- In computer science (where competition is higher and there are more journals with high metrics), the same figure can only be achieved by Q2.
This is because a quartile is determined not by its absolute value, but by the position of a journal among others within the same category.
The more magazines there are, the tougher the competition and the higher the “entry threshold” into Q1.
How the Scopus Quartile System Works
As you can see, the quartile itself is not a guarantee of quality. It only reflects the position of the journal in its field in terms of citation level, which can be relative.
Moreover, any journal under certain conditions can accumulate a large number of citations (even artificially) and end up in Q1 or Q2. Therefore, the quartile itself does not guarantee a high level of peer review or quality of publications.
Why are Q1–Q2 considered prestigious?
The answer is simple: about 80% journals from Q1–Q2 are publications of the world's leading publishers:
Elsevier, Springer Nature, Wiley, Oxford University Press, Taylor & Francis, etc.
These publishers have strict requirements for manuscript quality, professional peer review, strong editorial boards, and a solid scientific reputation. They are the ones who shape the prestige of the Q1–Q2 quartiles as the “elite” of scholarly communication.
Why is it difficult to publish in Q1–Q2 journals
High competition
Q1–Q2 journals receive thousands of manuscripts from all over the world, but only accept a small percentage. The acceptance rate is usually around 5%.Strict requirements for research novelty
The article is expected to offer a unique approach, new data, or insightful analysis. Duplicated studies without novelty, even if done well, are often rejected.The advantage of original research
Q1–Q2 prioritise empirical studies over reviews (unless they are high-quality systematic reviews or meta-analyses).Academic English at Native Level
Vague or weak language is a reason for rejection already at the desk reject stage.Complex review system
The process can take months or even years, involving several rounds of revisions.Formal requirements
Incorrect formatting of the list of references, structure of the abstract, documents on research ethics, etc. is a common reason for refusal.Financial barrier (sometimes)
Some Q1–Q2 journals operate on an open access basis and require APC payment, ranging from USD 1,000 to USD 4,000.
Lifehacks for publishing in Q1–Q2
Choose a journal based on the level of research
If the research is not breakthrough, submit to less demanding publications: MDPI, Frontiers, Walter de Gruyter, university or private publishing houses.Use the journal template
Format violation is a common cause of desk-reject.Only quality sources
Original research – about 50 sources. Reviews – from 80 to 150. Use recent (last 3-5 years) and relevant ones.Impeccable English is a must
If the language is weak, they may require editing (300-500 USD). It is better to prepare well right away or contact a specialist.Explore the magazine archives
Compare your article with those already published. If it doesn't measure up, revise it or choose another journal.Catch the Q4 Magazines That Are About to Grow
Follow the CiteScore Tracker: journals with growth potential until Q2–Q1 are a chance to publish early.
Conclusion
Publication in Scopus Q1–Q2 journals — This is not just prestige, but an important stage in a scientific career in the context of the academic system of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This is the path to defending a dissertation, participating in international projects, career growth and improving the university's rating.
But this requires investment: financial, intellectual and time. Competition, requirements for novelty, English and design - all this makes the path difficult even for experienced scientists.
The main thing to remember:
The quartile is an assessment tool, but not a guarantee of quality.
Publication success is the result of a realistic strategy, careful preparation and careful journal selection.
Even imperfect studies can be published in Q1–Q2 if you choose the right journal and meet all the conditions.
🔹 Publishing in Q1–Q2 is difficult. But with experts, it’s much easier.
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