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Article Processing Charges (APCs)

The Journal of Sustainable Technology in Agriculture (JOSTA) is committed to maintaining high standards of scholarly publishing while ensuring equitable access to authors and readers worldwide. To balance inclusivity with the practical requirements of timely publication, JOSTA adopts a two-tier publication system.

Standard Publication Route (No APC)

• Fee: No charges for Indian authors as well as International authors.

• Timeline: Manuscripts are processed within a maximum period of one month from submission to publication, depending on the review and production schedule.

• Process: Submissions follow the journal’s regular peer review workflow and are considered in the order received.

• Eligibility: Available to all authors, irrespective of affiliation, funding status, or geographical location.

This route ensures that high-quality research remains freely accessible without financial barriers to authors.

Fast Track Publication Route (APC Applicable)

• Fee:

  • ₹1,500 for Indian authors
  • US$25 for International authors

• Timeline: Decision and online publication are targeted within seven (7) calendar days of fast-track confirmation.

• Features:

  • Priority editorial and administrative handling
  • Expedited peer review through a dedicated reviewer pool
  • Accelerated copyediting, typesetting, and online release

• Conditions:

  • Manuscripts must pass the initial editorial screening (desk review) before being considered for fast track.
  • A limited number of fast-track slots are available for each issue to preserve review quality and editorial oversight.
  • The same rigorous peer review standards apply to both standard and fast track submissions.
  • If, for reasons attributable to the journal, the fast track timeline cannot be met, the APC will be refunded in full.

Editorial Integrity and Transparency

• Authors must select their preferred route (standard or fast track) at the time of submission.
• The choice of route has no bearing on editorial decisions, which remain solely grounded in the scholarly merit, originality, and relevance of the manuscript.
• APCs cover only the cost of accelerated processing; they do not influence acceptance outcomes.
• Waivers or partial reductions in fast track APCs may be considered, upon request, for early-career researchers or authors from under developed countries.

Commitment to Ethical Publishing

JOSTA reaffirms its commitment to maintaining fairness, transparency, and academic rigor across all stages of the publication process. Both routes—standard and fast track—adhere to the same principles of double-blind peer review, editorial independence, and international ethical standards in scholarly publishing.