In June 2026, a new version of the requirements for scientific publications recommended by CQASHE was approved. Here is what has changed and how it affects authors preparing a publication.
Which document governs journal inclusion in the CQASHE list?
The main document is still Order No. 20 of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 12 January 2016 “On approving the requirements for scientific publications for their inclusion in the list of publications recommended for the publication of the results of scientific activity”. It sets out the criteria for including a journal in List 1, 2 or 3 – the three tiers that make up the list maintained by the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education (KOKSNVO) of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The document is amended regularly, and the latest changes were introduced in June 2026.
The criteria for publications were updated in 2026
Order No. 290 of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 16 June 2026 introduced amendments that take effect from 12 July 2026. Some of the adjustments are technical in nature, while two changes affect the substance of the criteria and have a direct bearing on which journals remain on the list.
How has the journal distribution criterion changed?
Previously, one of the requirements for a publication was that the journal be present in foreign citation systems or have an impact factor under the Kazakhstan Citation Index. Under the new wording, this criterion has been set out differently: a journal must now be represented in digital electronic libraries or repositories, or have an impact factor under the Kazakhstan Citation Database (KazBTs). The wording is broader and less tied to foreign resources, which widens the pool of publications able to demonstrate their reach.
The requirement for editorial staff qualifications has been updated
A separate clause now sets out a requirement for a publication's staff: at least 80% of editorial staff must have relevant competencies and experience.
The areas concerned are:
- publishing and printing
- finance
- design
- philology or journalism
- information technology
- at least five years' experience working in academic publishing
This means that assessment now covers not only the content of publications, but also the professional level of a journal's editorial team.
How will these changes affect authors?
For an academic planning a publication, the updated requirements mean that the composition of the CQASHE list of publications may change: some journals will confirm compliance with the updated criteria, while others may not. The Committee updates the list on its official portal on a regular basis – as of June 2026, the list was last updated on 19 June. It is therefore worth checking the current version of the list before submitting a manuscript, rather than relying on data from previous years.
Before submitting an article, several points are worth checking
Before choosing a publication for the results of scientific activity, it is worth considering the following points:
- Make sure the journal is included in the current list of publications recommended by CQASHE.
- Check which list – 1, 2 or 3 – the publication belongs to, depending on the purpose of the publication.
- Check whether the journal has an impact factor under the Kazakhstan Citation Database or is listed in an electronic library.
- Review the journal's editorial policy and the composition of its editorial board.
Updating the requirements for scientific publications is part of the Committee's ongoing work to maintain the quality of the list of recommended journals. It is worth periodically checking the current version of the requirements and the status of a specific publication, especially when planning publications for 2027.
Need help with publishing a scientific article in a journal from the CQASHE list? The specialists at Scientific Publications will check whether a publication meets the Committee's current requirements and help you select a journal in line with the updated criteria. To get a free consultation, fill in the form below, and our manager will contact you shortly. Onwards to new scientific achievements!
