Quick answer: An ISSN is an 8-digit identifier given to a continuing publication, and it is requested from the national ISSN centre of the country where the journal is published. A journal's print and online editions normally get separate numbers. The ISSN names a title; it says nothing about quality, peer review or indexing status. Treat it as a basic identification check, nothing more.
What ISSN Is
The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is an 8-digit code that identifies a serial publication — a journal, magazine or other continuing resource — at the level of its title. Libraries, databases and citation managers rely on it to be sure that two references to "the same journal" really point to one publication.
ISSN vs ISBN vs DOI
| Identifier | Identifies | Assigned by |
|---|---|---|
| ISSN | A continuing serial title, such as a journal | National and international ISSN centres |
| ISBN | One particular edition of a book | National ISBN agencies |
| DOI | A single digital item, such as an article or chapter | Registration agencies like Crossref |
How to Apply
Confirm readiness
A working journal website that shows a genuine publisher identity and contact details.
Get in touch with your national centre
Or approach the ISSN International Centre if your country has no national centre.
Provide title & details
The exact title, publisher and frequency, plus whether you are applying for print, online or both.
The print and online versions of one journal are normally given different ISSNs — a print ISSN and an eISSN — since each medium is registered on its own.
Ways to Verify an ISSN
Look up the ISSN on the ISSN Portal and make sure the registered title, publisher and country are an exact match for the journal. A different title, a different publisher or a missing record is a serious warning sign.
It only identifies a title. It tells you nothing about the quality of peer review, ethical conduct, or whether the journal appears in any index, so assess those points separately.
Submit Your Paper to JMVRA
Peer-reviewed, open access, ISSN 2984-8911 — which you can check on the ISSN Portal. Go through the call for papers and then submit.
Submit Paper Online Call for PapersCommon Search Terms
Practical Tips for Handling a Journal's ISSN
An identifier is only helpful when it is used correctly and consistently. These pointers help editors and authors avoid common slips when applying for, displaying and quoting a serial number.
- Prepare the application evidence. Gather a working website, a masthead, a publisher name and a sample of content before applying. Registration offices usually want proof that a genuine serial publication exists.
- Keep formats separate. If a journal appears both online and in print, record each version's number separately and label which is which. Mixing them confuses catalogues and citation tools.
- Display it where readers look. Place the number in the website footer, on the about page and on each article page. Consistent placement lets readers and librarians verify it without searching.
- Check it against the official record. After publishing the number on your site, compare it with the register entry for title, publisher and country. Any mismatch should be fixed quickly with the registering centre.
- Notify the centre about changes. A change of title or publisher may require updated registration information. Inform the issuing office early, rather than letting records drift out of date.
Treat the identifier as a record to maintain: apply with evidence, display it consistently, and update it when the journal changes.
Situations Requiring a New ISSN
Title change
A major change of title generally calls for a fresh ISSN.
New medium
Each of the print and online editions carries its own ISSN.
Merger or split
A brand-new title receives a brand-new ISSN.
Unchanged title, different publisher
Normally retains the existing ISSN.
Showing an ISSN the Right Way
- Display it throughout — in the website footer and on article pages
- Add a label — ISSN (Online) or ISSN (Print)
- Follow the precise format — 0000-0000
- Agree with the ISSN record — the title and publisher
The ISSN of JMVRA is 2984-8911.
Questions Researchers Often Ask
What is an ISSN?
The International Standard Serial Number, an 8-digit code that identifies a continuing publication by its title.
How can I obtain an ISSN for an online journal?
Apply to the national ISSN centre of the country where the journal is published, or to the ISSN International Centre, and supply the title, publisher and access details.
Are separate ISSNs needed for print and online journals?
Usually yes — a print ISSN and an eISSN are normally assigned individually for each medium.
What is the way to verify an ISSN?
Look it up on the ISSN Portal and check that the registered title, publisher and country match precisely.
Is an ISSN a sign that a journal is legitimate?
No. It identifies a continuing publication, and it does not prove peer-review quality, ethical practice or indexing.
Is indexing assured by having an ISSN?
No. Scopus, Web of Science and DOAJ each use their own separate process of evaluation and selection.
Which ISSN does JMVRA have?
ISSN 2984-8911, which can be checked on the official ISSN Portal.
If a journal goes online, does it need another ISSN?
The online edition requires an ISSN of its own.
Is an ISSN free?
The fees are set by the national ISSN centre.
Key References
At-a-Glance Checklist
- Right formatTwo blocks of four digits
- Correct mediumPrint and online ISSNs differ
- Portal record reviewedTitle and publisher agree
- Not a measure of qualityAssess review and ethics on their own
- Shown properlyAcross each issue and article
Anatomy of a JMVRA DOI
Resolver → prefix 10.5555 (an example Crossref prefix) → suffix: journal, volume 14, issue 9, article identifier. A format example: doi.org/10.5555/12345678
Run a JMVRA DOI through Crossref Search, or consult the Crossref journal record, to confirm it for yourself.
Ready to Publish? Submit to JMVRA
JMVRA is aligned with UGC's Suggested Parameters for Choosing Peer-Reviewed Journals.
JMVRA is a Transparent, Peer-Reviewed, Open Access Journal (Refereed Journal). Following the discontinuation of the UGC and UGC-CARE journal listing, and in alignment with the latest UGC-CARE recommendations and guidelines, JMVRA is aligned with UGC’s Suggested Parameters for Choosing Peer-Reviewed Journals.
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