Scopus has released its February 2026 database update—and this time, seven journals lost their indexing status.
Seven. From different countries. On different topics. And each of them was, until recently, considered a “safe” choice for publication.
This is yet another reminder that Scopus is not a static list. The database is dynamic, constantly changing, and from time to time removes publications from its index without prior notice to authors whose articles have already been submitted or even accepted. Among those removed this month are journals in economics, education, mathematics, mining, and perinatal medicine.
The journal we warned about has been officially removed from Scopus
In the “Journals at Risk of Being Removed from Scopus” section, we systematically analyze high-risk journals. This month, Scopus confirmed the removal of one of the journals we had previously analyzed in detail:
Educational Process: International Journal — Analysis in Issue No. 9 "Candidates for Removal from Scopus"
The Q2 education journal was indexed in Scopus in 2021. Until 2025, it published high-quality content and strictly adhered to the peer-review process—it had every chance of advancing to Q1. But starting in January 2025, it changed course dramatically: it began sending mass emails to authors promising to publish articles within 1–2 months, with a publication fee of 1,100 euros.
Typical “warning signs” that we have observed:
- a threefold increase in the number of publications over a short period;
- shorter publication times: from 6 months to 1–2;
- decline in quality: short, superficial texts of 5–6 pages each;
- mass mailings to authors inviting them to submit manuscripts;
- active promotion through intermediaries as "Fast Q2."
At the time of our analysis, the journal was still being actively indexed. We noted that the probability of exclusion from Scopus was 100%. The February update confirmed this.
📊 84% Forecast Accuracy Between 2024 and 2025, 37 of the 44 journals we had flagged in the “Candidates for Removal from Scopus” section were officially removed from the database—the highest rate among teams that monitor scientific publications.
Official List of Excluded Journals (February 2026)
1. Educational Process: International Journal
- ISSN: 2147-0901
- E-ISSN: 2564-8020
- Publisher: University Park
- Reason: Discontinuation
- Scopus link: View in Scopus
ℹ️ This journal was analyzed in our Issue No. 9, “Candidates for Removal from Scopus”—its exclusion was anticipated.
Journal Profile Quartile: Q2 | Subject Area: Education | Accepted by Scopus: 2021 | Publication Fee: 1,100 EUR
Main violations: — a threefold increase in the number of publications — a reduction in turnaround time from 6 months to 1–2 — a decline in quality: superficial 5–6-page articles — mass mailings to authors — promotion through intermediaries as “fast Q2”
2. Financial and Credit Activity: Problems in Theory and Practice
- ISSN: 2306-4994
- E-ISSN: 2310-8770
- Publisher: Fintech Alliance LLC
- Country: Ukraine
- Reason: Discontinuation
- Scopus link: View in Scopus
3. International Journal of Accounting and Economics Studies
- E-ISSN: 2309-4508
- Publisher: Science Publishing Corporation, Inc.
- Reason: Discontinuation
- Scopus link: View in Scopus
4. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy
- E-ISSN: 2146-4553
- Publisher: Econjournals
- Reason: Discontinuation
- Scopus link: View in Scopus
5. Journal of Mathematics and Computer Science
- ISSN: 2008-949X
- Publisher: International Scientific Research Publications
- Reason: Discontinuation
- Scopus link: View in Scopus
6. Journal of Mines, Metals, and Fuels
- ISSN: 0022-2755
- Publisher: Informatics Publishing Limited
- Reason: Discontinuation
- Scopus link: View in Scopus
7. Perinatal Journal
- E-ISSN: 1305-3124
- Publisher: Perinatal Medicine Foundation
- Reason: Journal Change Policy
- Scopus link: View in Scopus
AI-Based Journal Risk Analysis (Scopus) in 60 Seconds
Publishing in a "high-risk" journal can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars!
To avoid guessing — check the journal before submission:
– enter the journal name / ISSN / E-ISSN
– the bot will provide a quick risk screening and advise what to check additionally
Scan the QR code or click the button below
Conclusions
The February Scopus update is not an anomaly. It is the norm that every researcher who publishes in international journals has to deal with.
Six journals have been discontinued, and another has changed its editorial policy to such an extent that Scopus can no longer confirm its compliance with its standards. Among those excluded are journals in the fields of economics, finance, education, mathematics, medicine, and the mining industry.
What this means in practical terms for every author:
- A course that has been submitted or approved for withdrawal may not be counted toward graduation;
- a publication in a removed journal may serve as grounds for rejection at a dissertation defence;
- grants and academic titles linked to Scopus publications are also at risk.
Our monitoring data confirm this: between 2024 and 2025, 37 of the 44 journals we identified as at risk in the “Candidates for Removal from Scopus” section were officially removed from the database. This is the highest rate among teams that monitor scientific publications.
The February update shows once again that checking the journal is not paranoia. It is a mandatory step before every submission. In today’s academic environment, the authors who survive are those who make decisions based on data, not on hopes.
