Submission Guidelines

Open Access Policy

The Open Access Policy of the the Journal of South Asian Exchanges ensures that all research articles published are freely available to the readers immediately upon publication. This policy promotes the dissemination of knowledge and supports a greater global exchange of information. Here are the key aspects of the Open Access Policy:

  • Free Access: All articles are freely accessible to everyone, without subscription or payment barriers. This means that readers can read, download, and share the articles without restrictions.
  • Creative Commons License: Articles are published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. This allows users to copy, use, distribute, transmit, and display the work publicly. Users can also create derivative works, provided the original work is properly cited.
  • Author Rights: Authors retain the copyright of their work and grant the journal the right to publish it. Authors also grant users a free, irrevocable, worldwide, perpetual right of access to their work.
  • Repository Deposit: A complete version of the work and all supplemental materials are deposited in at least one online repository that supports open access, unrestricted distribution, interoperability, and long-term archiving.
  • Increased Visibility: Open-access articles are more frequently cited due to their high visibility and availability. This increases the impact of the research and promotes collaboration among researchers worldwide.
  • Support for Underdeveloped Regions: Open access publication makes research findings available to scholars from all over the world, particularly those in underdeveloped regions, thereby promoting interdisciplinary study and knowledge sharing.

Article Processing Charge

  • For Indian Authors: INR 3000
  • For Foreign Authors: USD 50
  • The Article Processing Charge encompasses all publication expenses, including web hosting and administration, editorial and review processes, formatting, indexing, marketing and publicity, permanent archiving and preservation of content, DOI registration, and post-publication care. This charge will only be applied once an article is recommended for publication.
  • The APC will be effective from January 2025

Aims and Scope of the Journal

The Journal of South Asian Exchanges (JSAE) is a peer-reviewed, open-access, interdisciplinary journal that publishes scholarly research articles, article reviews, case studies, and book reviews on a wide range of subjects related to South Asia. The journal aims to foster dialogue and exchange of ideas among scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and students who are interested in the interdisciplinary studies of the emerging research areas of South Asia.      

Aims

The primary aims of the Journal of South Asian Exchanges are:

  • To promote critical perspectives on the social, economic, and cultural domains of South Asian countries.
  • To globalize the anthropocentric activities of the South Asian nations.
  • To empower the (g)local South Asian regions to challenge the privileging neo-colonial forces of the present era.
  • To encourage innovative and interdisciplinary research that explores the interactions and intersections of various disciplines within the context of South Asia.
  • To facilitate the exchange of ideas and promote collaboration among academics, policymakers, and practitioners working on South Asian topics.
  • To provide a platform for scholars, researchers, and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to share their insights and findings on South Asian issues.
  • To contribute to the global discourse on South Asia by disseminating high-quality, peer-reviewed research.

Scope

The Journal of South Asian Exchanges welcomes interdisciplinary research findings and insights on various aspects of “South Asian Studies” in selected focus areas, which are determined periodically by the Editorial Board. The scope of a journal on South Asian Studies encompasses a wide range of topics and disciplines, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the region. The journal welcomes submissions that address the following areas:

Politics and Governance:

  • Political systems and institutions in South Asian countries
  • Governance, policy-making, and public administration
  • Political movements, parties, and elections
  • Regional and international relations

Economics and Development

  • Economic growth and development in South Asia
  • Trade, investment, and economic policies
  • Poverty, inequality, and social development
  • Sustainable development and environmental issues

Culture and Society:

  • Social structures, norms, and practices in South Asia
  • Ethnicity, identity, and diversity
  • Gender studies and women’s rights
  • Cultural heritage, traditions, and contemporary practices

History and Heritage:

  • Historical events, movements, and figures in South Asia
  • Archaeology, anthropology, and historical studies
  • Preservation and interpretation of cultural heritage
  • Colonial and post-colonial studies

Literature and Arts:

  • Literary traditions and contemporary literature in South Asia
  • Visual and performing arts, including music, dance, and theater
  • Film, media, and popular culture
  • Art history and criticism

Religion and Spirituality:

  • Major religious traditions and practices in South Asia
  • Interfaith dialogue and religious pluralism
  • The role of religion in society and politics
  • Spirituality, philosophy, and theology

Science and Technology:

  • Scientific research and innovation in South Asia
  • Technology adoption and its impact on society
  • Science education and policy
  • Indigenous knowledge and traditional practices

Education and Health:

  • Education systems, policies, and reforms in South Asia
  • Health care delivery, public health, and health policy
  • Social determinants of health and well-being
  • Education and health disparities

Subjects Covered by the Journal

Journal of South Asian Exchanges covers a wide range of subjects related to South Asia, such as but not limited to:

  • Sustainable Development Goals
  • Politics and Governance
  • Economics and Development
  • Trade Relationship
  • Culture and Society
  • History and Heritage
  • Religion and Spirituality
  • Literature and Arts
  • Environment and Sustainability
  • Security and Cooperation
  • Diaspora and Migration
  • Education and Health

Journal of South Asian Exchanges welcomes submissions from various disciplines and perspectives, such as:

  • Area Studies
  • International Relations
  • Comparative Politics
  • Development Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • History and Philosophy
  • Literature and Linguistics
  • Art and Media
  • Science and Engineering
  • Law and Human Rights
  • Public Health and Medicine
  • Education and Pedagogy

 Types of Content Published in the JSAE

The following types of contents are published in the Journal of South Asian Exchanges:

  • Original Research Articles
  • Review Articles
  • Case Studies
  • Short Communications
  • Editorials
  • Book Reviews
  • Conference Proceedings
  • Commentaries

Editorial Policies

 Peer Review Process

The Journal of South Asian Exchanges (JSAE) is committed to maintaining high standards of academic integrity and quality through a rigorous peer review process. The journal follows a Double-Blind Peer Review Process, ensuring that the identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed throughout the review process. The steps followed by the Journal of South Asian Exchanges in the Peer Review Process are:

  • Submission of the Article: Authors submit their manuscripts to the Managing Editor of the journal at editor@saexchanges.com following the submission guidelines of the journal.
  • Editorial Assessment: Submitted articles undergo evaluation by the editors to assess their alignment with the aims and scope of the Journal of South Asian Exchanges. Articles failing to meet the primary criteria will be promptly rejected, and the author will be notified of the decision.
  • Submission to the Reviewers: If the editors find the submission satisfactory, they select external reviewers, who are experts in the field, to evaluate the manuscript. Reviewers assess the manuscript’s quality, originality, methodology, and significance. They provide detailed feedback and recommendations.
  • Communication of the Decision: Within two months, authors will receive communication regarding the decision on their submitted article, along with reviewers’ comments.
  • Revisions: The editors may provide guidance to authors for revising the article before publication. If revisions are requested, the author revises the manuscript and resubmits it.
  • Final Decision: After reviewing the revised manuscript, the editors make a final decision. Authors, whose manuscripts are accepted for publication get Acceptance Letter from the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of South Asian Exchanges.

Declaration by Author/s:

Author/s need to complete the Declaration by Author/s, print it out, sign it manually, and then scan the signed copy. They can then share the scanned document with other authors via email for their signatures. Finally, attach the scanned copy and send it to us via email.

Publication Policies

Publication Ethics

As a publisher, Pine Press is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of scholarly publication ethics. We diligently follow the norms and guidelines established by various scholarly societies to achieve international excellence in our publications. By continually updating our publication system, we strive to ensure quality. We encourage all stakeholders associated with our journal to adhere to the norms outlined on our website. Find the details of the Publication Ethics of the Journal of South Asian Exchanges.

Authorship

All published materials, including articles, book reviews, poems, and art pieces, must include proper attribution of authorship. Authorship should accurately reflect the individuals who have made significant contributions to the research. Ghostwriting, honorary authorship, and plagiarism are unethical. Individuals must have made a significant intellectual contribution to the research to qualify for authorship. This includes involvement in the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research. As we operate in an online medium, it becomes the sole responsibility of the corresponding author to uphold the integrity of publication ethics by adhering to the following guidelines:

Appropriate attribution and acknowledgement

The corresponding author should ensure

  • That the submitted manuscript is genuine research work produced by the author/s,
  • That all the other authors are made aware of the submission,
  • That permission is taken from other authors for publication
  • That the contribution of the authors is appropriately acknowledged,
  • That the contribution of other persons or parties, who/which add value to the work in any way is sufficiently acknowledged,
  • That the Conflicts of Interests document is signed properly and sent to us in time.

Change in Authorship

Authors can submit requests for changes to authorship to the Editor-in-Chief of the journal providing a detailed explanation for the proposed changes. The Editorial Board of the journal retains the authority to make the final decision on such requests based on the following criteria:

  • Changes will be implemented only if there is a valid reason and unanimous agreement among the authors.
  • All authors, including those being added or removed, must agree to the changes. Written consent from all authors should accompany the request.
  • In the event of any post-publication modifications, public notification may be issued.

Ghost,’ ‘guest,’ or ‘gift’ authorship

We condemn the unethical practice of ‘Ghost,’ ‘guest,’ or ‘gift’ authorship (or anything that does not have any proper contribution to an article) and take appropriate steps against such practices.

Publication Process

Pine Press expects all individuals involved in the publication of journals and magazines—editors, reviewers, and website managers—to adhere rigorously to international norms. Our ongoing efforts aim to elevate the standards of our publications. We anticipate authors to demonstrate a similar level of commitment by adhering to ethical norms outlined in our guidelines. Submission While submitting with our journals and magazines authors should strictly follow our guidelines. We reserve the right to take action against any of the practices mentioned blow:

  • Simultaneous Submission to Other Publication Agency:

We accept manuscripts with the understanding that they have not been submitted elsewhere or will not be submitted to other journals during the review process. Authors who engage in simultaneous submissions during the peer review period may face appropriate consequences.

  • Plagiarism

Plagiarism, a pervasive issue in scholarly circles, undermines the integrity of academic work. Authors submitting to our journal are required to demonstrate a thorough grasp of plagiarism concerns. Here are the key guidelines:

  • Originality: Authors must create entirely unique content. If they draw upon existing work or use others’ words, proper citation and acknowledgment are essential.
  • Permission and Acknowledgment: Authors should seek permission when using material from other sources. Additionally, they must acknowledge the contributions of others appropriately.
  • Copyright Responsibility: The journal does not initiate any process related to copyright violations. Authors bear the responsibility for ensuring compliance with copyright laws.
  • Defamation or Promotion We do not expect authors to include anything that may turn out to be defamatory or promotional.
  • Gender, Racial and Language Bias

Steps against Misconduct

We may take any one or all of the following steps against unethical practices:

  • The published content is retracted via notification.
  • A modified content is published with justification for modification.
  • The author is blacklisted and barred from future submission.
  • Notification along with evidences of misconduct is communicated to an author’s institution, superior, and/or any concerned authority.

Conflict of Interest

Ensuring transparency in scholarly publications is crucial, and we actively promote this principle. Authors, editors, reviewers, and all parties engaged in the publication process are urged to steer clear of conflicts of interest.

  • Authors

Authors with our journals and magazines need to be careful of any kind of conflict of interest—be it financial, promotional or honorary. The corresponding author is responsible for sending us the Conflict of Interest document agreed to and signed by other authors.

  • Editors and reviewers

Ensuring transparency in scholarly publications is crucial, and we actively promote this principle. Editors and reviewers of our journals and magazines play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of our publication ethics and elevating the journal’s standards. Here are the key points:

  • Conflict of Interest (COI) Avoidance: We strongly encourage editors and reviewers to steer clear of any potential conflicts of interest while fulfilling their roles. This ensures unbiased decision-making and upholds the journal’s credibility.
  • Guidelines and Communication: Editors and reviewers receive clear guidelines via email communication. These guidelines outline expectations and emphasize the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest.
  • Internal COIs: Any internal conflicts of interest are handled confidentially by the Chief Editor. Privacy is maintained, and appropriate measures are taken to address such situations.
  • Editorial Independence: The publisher ensures that editorial board members enjoy full autonomy in their scholarly duties. There is no interference from the publisher regarding editorial decisions.

Submission Process

We accept only electronic submissions via e-mail as attached documents. Authors are requested to preserve one copy of the soft file and send the same file as attachment to the Managing Editor at editor@saexchanges.com with a CC to the Chief Editor at chiefeditor@saexchanges.com.

Formatting

File Types: We process the following doc (text) and image files:

    • Text formats: MS Word 97—2007, Open Office Documents.
    • Image format: Jpeg.

Format of the Articles: We want authors to follow strictly the APA style (http://www.apastyle.org) while preparing the articles (Quick guidelines can be found here).

    • Authors need to prepare the formatting of the articles following this Template or get it done with the help of some other agency.
    • If needed, we can process the formatting for a fee through a third-party agency.
  • Authors can also arrange for the formatting after final acceptance of their papers.

Language

The journal is published in the English language and we accept both UK and US spellings. Authors should refrain from using racist and sexist terms.

Visual Images We encourage authors to incorporate visual elements such as diagrams, maps, and pictures in their writings to enhance the reader’s multimedia experience. All visual images should be treated as ‘Figures,’ and if feasible, authors are requested to present these figures in a hyperlinked format. Authors should be aware that they must obtain permission from the relevant individuals or authorities before submitting visual images for reproduction. We will not be held responsible for any copyright violations committed by the authors.

Authors are requested to include the following in the primary format of their articles:

    • Full Title with subtitle, if any.
    • An abstract of the article of not more than 250 words.
    • Heading, sub-headings, and illustrations should be well accommodated within the main body of the article.
  • Please use Endnotes and not Footnotes. Referencing must follow APA style.

Best Practices for Authors:

    • Send your submission with a proper cover letter clearly stating your submission to a particular volume and issue an agreement to the terms and conditions of the journal.
    • Send mail from institutional email ID.
    • Include a link to your profile on your institutional website.
    • In the Reference section, avoid including long URLs. Use DOI whenever available. Do not keep the links in the blue underlined state. Remove the underlined state and the color.
  • Not to send any extra mail pressing for promotion or any degree award keeping in mind the true purpose of research and publication.

Word Limit

Journal of South Asian Exchanges accepts submissions in the following categories:

    • Research articles: Original, empirical, or theoretical research papers that make a significant contribution to the field of South Asian studies. Research articles should be between 6,000 and 10,000 words, including references and appendices.
    • Review articles: Critical and comprehensive reviews of the existing literature on a specific topic or theme related to South Asia. Review articles should be between 4,000 and 8,000 words, including references.
    • Book reviews: Concise and evaluative reviews of recently published books on South Asia or relevant to South Asian studies. Book reviews should be between 1,000 and 2,000 words, including references.
  • Commentary and opinion: Short and insightful pieces that offer a personal or professional perspective on a current or emerging issue related to South Asia. Commentary and opinion pieces should be between 1,000 and 2,000 words, including references.

Plagiarism Policy and Article Removal Policy

We strongly condemn plagiarism. If any article is discovered to be plagiarized before publication, the author will be blacklisted. Even after publication, if an article is found to be plagiarized or reported as such by anyone, we will promptly remove the article and issue a notice regarding the author’s misconduct.

Appeals and complaints

Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions. If you wish to do so, kindly reach out to the Managing Editor of the journal, furnishing detailed specifics on why you believe the initial decision warrants reconsideration. Rest assured, each appeal will receive a timely response. During this process, please refrain from resubmitting your manuscript. For any grievances related to non-editorial matters, the Journal encourages you to contact us. We take complaints seriously and adhere to Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines and procedures. Appropriate sanctions will be applied if necessary.