Note:
- AI tools like ChatGPT can be used to support the writing of a research paper, but the paper should not be entirely written by AI. Any AI assistance used must be properly acknowledged in the paper.
- Use headings as needed in the manuscript.
- Do not use too many sub-headings.
- The manuscript must be written in proper paragraph form and should not be presented in bullet points or note-style format.
General Formatting:
1. Font Size and Style:
- Article Title: The title of the article should be in font size 16.
- Heading: All headings and subheadings should be formatted in bold, with a font size of 12, and in title case. Capitalise the first letter of each major word in English headings.
- Main Text: The font size for the entire paper, excluding the title, is 12.
- Font Type: Use Times New Roman for English text and a readable Unicode Devanagari font for Hindi text.
- Page Layout: All pages must be in A4 size and portrait orientation, using a single-column layout.
- Margins: Set page margins to 1 inch on all sides.
2. Paper Format:
Manuscripts must follow a scholarly structure appropriate to the contribution type: an original research article, review article, case study, or policy paper. The structure below should be adapted to the nature of the manuscript.
- Title of the Paper
- Author Details: Author(s) name(s), affiliation(s), and corresponding author’s email address.
- Abstract: The abstract should contain 200–250 words and must clearly summarise the main points of the research paper.
- Keywords: Provide 5–7 keywords that best represent the main themes of the paper. Keywords should be listed in lowercase and appear immediately after the abstract. Retain necessary capitalisation for proper nouns and abbreviations.
- Introduction: Introduce the research topic, its significance, and the problem or question being addressed. Provide background context, state the objectives, and outline the paper’s structure. Keep it engaging and relevant, typically 1–2 pages.
- Main Body: Organise the content into logical sections with clear headings, such as Literature Review, Methodology, Results, and Discussion, as appropriate to the paper.
- Conclusion: Summarise the key findings, restate the significance of the research, and suggest implications or directions for further research.
- References: List all sources cited in the paper using a consistent citation style appropriate to the subject, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or OSCOLA. Ensure accuracy and completeness. Provide sufficient details to identify any legislation, judgments, and other legal authorities cited.
Example (APA):
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), page range. DOI or URL
Do not use blogs or non-authoritative general websites in the reference list. Use credible books, research papers, academic sources, legislation, judgments, official reports, and authoritative institutional websites.
3. File Format:
- Manuscripts must be submitted in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) format.
4. Word Count:
- Recommended manuscript length: 2,500–5,000 words. Manuscripts exceeding 5,000 words may be considered up to a maximum of 25,000 words, subject to the additional charges stated on the Publication Fee (APC) page. Manuscripts exceeding 25,000 words will not be considered.
5. Plagiarism Check:
- All submitted manuscripts will be checked for plagiarism. Papers with a high similarity percentage (above 15%) may be rejected. Similarity is assessed in accordance with the journal’s Plagiarism Policy.
6. Submission Process:
- Ensure that the manuscript is formatted according to the guidelines above before submission.
- Follow the specific submission instructions provided by the journal.
7. Additional Instructions:
- Ensure that all tables, figures, and charts are numbered and titled appropriately.
- All references should follow the selected citation style consistently.
- The paper should be proofread for grammatical and typographical errors before submission.
Formatting Checklist:
- Article Title: Font size 16
- Text: Font size 12
- Headings: Bold, 12 pt; title case for English headings
- Margins: 1 inch on all sides
- Page Layout: A4, portrait orientation, single column
- Abstract: 200–250 words
- Keywords: 5–7
- Recommended manuscript length: 2,500–5,000 words; maximum 25,000 words, with additional charges for manuscripts exceeding 5,000 words.
- File Format: .doc or .docx
- Originality: No plagiarism; similarity within the limit specified in the Plagiarism Policy
Authors should follow these guidelines when preparing their manuscripts for submission to IJLBS.