How academic profiles are validated using API Score?
The UGC API (Academic Performance Indicator) Score is a key component of the
performance evaluation criteria established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in
India for faculty at higher education institutions. The Academic Performance Index (API)
scores are utilized for promotions under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) and for
determining the eligibility of candidates for teaching and other academic roles. In the broader
educational context, the API score is used to assess the performance of schools, teachers, or
students. However, the specific interpretation of an 'API score' may differ depending on the
country, institution, or educational system
Topics of content
Categories of API Score
How the API Score Works?
API Score Calculation
Minimum Requirements
Specific to Engineering and Management
API Scores for Publications in Web of Science and SCOPUS Journals
API Scores for Q1 and Q2 Category Journals
API Scores for Conferences
FAQ regarding API
Categories of API Score
The API score is classified into three broad categories:
Category I: Teaching, Learning, and Evaluation-Related Activities
Engineering and Management Faculty: This category encompasses activities
such as lectures, practicals, tutorials, seminars, design projects, student mentoring,
and evaluation.
Max API Score: The maximum score varies based on workload and institutional
norms.
Category II: Professional Development, Co-Curricular, and Extension Activities
Engineering and Management Faculty: This includes participation in
conferences, workshops, delivering guest lectures, organizing seminars, extension
activities, and community service.
Max API Score: Specific points are assigned to each activity, with the
cumulative score considered for evaluation.
Category III: Research,Publications, and Academic Contributions
Engineering and Management Faculty: This covers published research papers ,
books, book chapters, sponsored projects, consultancy, and patents.
Max API Score: Points are assigned based on the quality and impact of the
research and publications.
How the API Score Works?
For Promotions: Faculty members must accumulate a minimum score in each category over a specified period to be eligible for promotion.
Category I: Focuses primarily on teaching-related activities.
Category II and III: Emphasize research output, publications, and professional development.
API Score Calculation
Scoring Method: The score is calculated based on specific metrics provided by the UGC, with each activity assigned a predefined score.
Example for Category III: Points are awarded based on the type of publication (e.g., peer-reviewed journals, conferences), the faculty member’s role (e.g., author, co-author), and the journal's impact factor.
Minimum Requirements
Different Academic Positions: API score requirements vary for Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, and Professors, with updates provided periodically by the UGC.
Specific to Engineering and Management
Research and Publications: Emphasis is placed on publications in reputable journals, patents, and industry collaboration projects.
Professional Development: Faculty are encouraged to engage with industry, attend and present at conferences, and contribute to curriculum development.
This system ensures that faculty members focus not only on teaching but also on research, industry engagement, and overall academic development.
API Scores for Publications in Web of Science and SCOPUS Journals
Research publications in high-impact, reputable journals indexed in the Web of Science and SCOPUS are highly valued. These journals are recognized for their quality and impact, significantly influencing the API score, particularly in Category III: Research, Publications, and Academic Contributions.
Research Papers Published in Referred Journals:
Category III (Research and Academic Contributions): Points are awarded based on the journal type and impact factor. Publications in Web of Science and SCOPUS-indexed journals are considered prestigious and thus receive higher API scores.
Higher impact factor journals (e.g., above 1 or 2) may earn more points based on institutional norms.
Exact points vary based on impact factor, reputation, and institutional guidelines.
Important Notes:
Single Author vs. Multiple Authors: Points may be divided among co-authors, but the first or corresponding author usually receives the full score, with co-authors receiving a proportionate share.
Cumulative Impact Factor: Additional points may be awarded if the cumulative impact factor of all publications during a period meets a certain threshold. Publishing in multiple Web of Science and SCOPUS-indexed journals can significantly enhance the API score.
Journal Reputation: Journals with higher impact factors may receive the maximum points (e.g., 25), while those with lower impact factors receive fewer points (e.g., 20). Peer-reviewed journals may receive additional points for credibility.
Weightage Across Academic Positions:
For Assistant Professors, publications in Web of Science and SCOPUS-indexed journals are crucial for meeting promotion requirements.
For Associate Professors and Professors, a strong record of such publications is essential for advancing in the academic hierarchy.
Example Calculation:
Web of Science
SCOPUS
4 papers x 25 points = 100 points.
3 papers x 20 points = 60 points.
Institution-Specific Adjustments:
Institutions may have specific guidelines for point allocation based on journal nature, impact factor, and author role.
API Scores for Q1 and Q2 Category Journals
Journals classified into Q1 and Q2 categories are based on their impact factor and ranking within a specific field, determined using databases like SCOPUS and Web of Science. Q1 journals represent the top 25%, while Q2 represents the next 25%.
Points Allocation:
Q1 Category Journals (Top 25%)
Q2 Category Journals (Top 26% to 50%)
Typically, 25 points per publication.
Typically, 20 points per publication.
Important Considerations:
Authorship:
Points may be divided among co-authors, with the first or corresponding author typically receiving the full score.
Journal Classification: Classification is based on impact factor and ranking from indexing databases like SCOPUS or Web of Science.
Institution-Specific Criteria:
Institutions may adjust scoring based on the specific journal’s impact factor or academic discipline.
Example Calculation:
Q1 Journals:
2 papers x 25 points = 50 points.
Q2 Journal: 1 paper x 20 points = 20 points.
Total API Score:
70 points.
Weightage Across Academic Positions:
Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, and Professors
benefit from publishing in Q1 and Q2 journals, as these publications are crucial for meeting API score requirements for promotions and evaluations.
API Scores for Conferences
Participation in and contributions to academic conferences are recognized under Category III: Research, Publications, and Academic Contributions. Points are awarded for presenting papers, organizing events, and similar activities.
Points Allocation:
Paper Presentation at Conferences:
International Conference:
Typically, 10 points per paper.
National Conference:
Typically, 7.5 points per paper.
Regional/State-Level Conference:
Typically, 5 points per paper.
Local/University-Level Conference:
Typically, 3 points per paper.
Invited Lectures or Presentations:
International Level:
Typically, 10 points per lecture.
National Level: Typically, 5 points per lecture.
Conference Organization:
International Conference:
Typically, 15 points per event.
National Conference: Typically, 10 points per event.
Regional/State-Level Conference:
Typically, 7.5 points per event.
Local/University-Level Conference:
Typically, 5 points per event.
Participation Without Presentation:
Typically, no API points are awarded for mere attendance.
Important Considerations:
Single or Multiple Authors:
Points are usually shared among authors, with the presenting author receiving the full score.
Quality and Impact of the Conference:
Points may be adjusted based on the conference’s reputation and impact.
Conferences in Engineering and Management:
High-quality conferences are prioritized, especially those recognized by industry and academic bodies.
Example Calculation:
International Conference Paper Presentation:
10 points.
National Conference Organization:
10 points.
Total API Score:
20 points.
Institution-Specific Adjustments:
Institutions may have specific criteria for how points are awarded, depending on the conference’s nature and scope.
FAQs
Calculating the API (Academic Performance Indicator) score for an Assistant Professor online usually involves using an institution-specific or standardized online tool or calculator. These tools allow faculty members to enter their academic activities and automatically compute their API scores according to predefined criteria
To increase your API (Academic Performance Indicator) score, you need a strategic approach that enhances your contributions in teaching, research, and academic activities.
Calculating the API (Academic Performance Indicator) score involves a systematic assessment of a faculty member's academic activities, generally categorized into three areas: Teaching, Research, and Academic Contributions