Peer Review Policy

The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences (IJIMS) employs a rigorous Double-Blind Peer Review process. This ensures that the identity of the authors is concealed from the reviewers, and vice versa, throughout the review process to maintain objectivity and minimize bias.

The OJS Editorial Workflow

Our review process is managed through the Open Journal Systems (OJS) platform, following these distinct stages:

1. Internal Desk Review (Submission Stage)

Every manuscript is first screened by the Managing Editor or a Section Editor.

  • Criteria: Scope fit, adherence to author guidelines, basic ethical compliance, and plagiarism check.
  • Outcome: Submission is either "Sent to Review" or "Declined" (Desk Reject).

2. Peer Review Assignment (Review Stage)

The Editor assigns a minimum of two independent subject matter experts to evaluate the manuscript.

  • Reviewers are selected based on their expertise in clinical research, biomedical sciences, or integrative medicine (Ayurveda).
  • Our database of reviewers is regularly updated to ensure high-quality, constructive feedback.

3. Reviewer Evaluation

Reviewers assess the manuscript based on:

  • Originality and scientific merit.
  • Methodological rigor and ethical standards.
  • Clarity of results and data interpretation.
  • Interdisciplinary relevance and impact on global health.

4. Editorial Decision

Based on the reviewers' recommendations, the Section Editor makes one of the following decisions:

  • Accept Submission: The paper is ready for formatting and publication.
  • Revisions Required: Minor changes are needed; the editor will verify the updates.
  • Resubmit for Review: Major revisions are required; the paper will undergo a second round of peer review.
  • Decline Submission: The paper does not meet the journal's standards for publication.

Review Timeline

IJIMS is committed to an efficient publication cycle without compromising quality:

  • Initial Desk Screen: 5–7 days.
  • Peer Review Process: 4–6 weeks.
  • Final Decision: Within 8 weeks of submission.

Policy for Reviewers

  • Confidentiality: Reviewers must treat all manuscripts as confidential documents.
  • Objectivity: Reviews must be conducted without personal bias.
  • Conflict of Interest: Reviewers must recuse themselves if they have a financial or professional conflict of interest with the authors or the research.

Appeals Process

Authors who feel their manuscript was unfairly rejected may submit a formal appeal to the Editor-in-Chief at editor@ijims.in . The appeal must provide a point-by-point rebuttal to the reviewers' comments. Only one appeal is permitted per manuscript.