Article Processing Charge

There is no fast-track option for the article publication. However, the accelerated editorial and peer review processes may take at least two months to accept and publish an article. Acceptance of an article is based on editorial considerations, an independent peer review, and ensuring that the highest standards are maintained. As an Open Access Journal, NASIJ has a policy for the Article Processing Charge (APC) as follows:

1. Pre-Acceptance Stage (Pre-Publication Stage)

After submitting the manuscript, the editorial process involves a desk review and peer review. The pre-acceptance fee includes a 5,000 PKR submission and processing fee after the desk review. 

2. Post-Acceptance Stage (Publication Stage)

The post-acceptance production process includes copy-editing, language editing, reference setting, proofreading, layouts, indexing, archiving, etc. The post-acceptance fee consists of an editing and publication fee of 20,000 PKR after the acceptance.

3. Fee Waiver and Discounts

The post-acceptance fee is subject to a discount if any one of the authors (including students) or the manuscript qualifies the following criteria:

3.1. Foreign author from the UN list of least developed countries (50%); so 5k submission and 10k publication fee; total APC@15,000

3.2. Foreign author or Pakistani author affiliated with a foreign university/institute (40%); so 5k submission and 12k publication fee; total APC@17,000

3.3. International topic or comparative study of Pakistan with other countries (30%); so 5k submission and 14k publication fee; total APC@19,000

3.4. Local author who is special person/differently-abled person (20%); so 5k submission and 16k publication fee; total APC@21,000

3.5. Local author affiliated with QS World Ranking Pakistani university (10%); so 5k submission and 18k publication fee; total APC@23,000

3.6. Author(s) not eligible for any of the above discount; so 5k submission and 20k publication fee; total APC@25,000

4. Fee Return (upon withdrawal and decline)

The APC is accepted only through the banking channels. If the manuscript is declined at any stage of the editorial process, ninety-five percent (95%) of the submission and processing fee is returned to the author(s). However, if the author(s) withdraw the manuscript, the NASIJ reserves the right to charge a partial submission and processing fee on a case-to-case basis.

There is no fee for the production and publication services if the manuscript is rejected at any stage of the editorial process. However, due to the costs incurred, the NASIJ reserves the right to a partial charge/fee if the author withdraws the manuscript (with a valid reason only).

5. Article Processing Charge Explained

We are committed to making the costs of publishing as clear as possible. The article processing charge covers the costs of turning a manuscript into a finished article and hosting, distributing, and promoting an article. 

When a manuscript is submitted, it passes through different sections at NASIJ to ensure the quality checks, peer review, production and promotion of articles are carried out on time and to a high standard:

  • An editorial screening team performs the initial technical and ethical checks;
  • An editorial team helps the journal's Academic Editors manage the review process.;
  • A proofing team coordinates the proofing process;
  • An editorial quality assurance team gives a final check to ensure that the manuscript and its review process adhere to the journal's guidelines and policies;
  • A marketing and communication team ensures that the article receives the attention it deserves;
  • The technology team builds and maintains the systems and develops new systems;

The work these teams do contributes to the requirement of an APC, so the actual amount payable may vary with time according to the publisher's policy. 

 

[Last updated: October 26, 2024]