🛡️ Double-Blind Peer Review Process

Tamilmanam International Research Journal of Tamil Studies (TIRJTS)

To ensure the highest standards of academic integrity and objectivity, Tamilmanam employs a Double-Blind Peer Review process. In this system, the identity of the authors is concealed from the reviewers, and vice-versa, throughout the entire evaluation period.

🔄 Step-by-Step Workflow

1. Initial Submission & Internal Screening 📥

  • Action: The Editorial Office receives the manuscript.
  • Check: Verification of formatting, language (Tamil/English), and scope.
  • Ethics: A mandatory Plagiarism Check is conducted (Max 10% similarity).
  • Anonymization: All author details (names, affiliations, bios) are removed from the file before it is sent to reviewers.

2. Assignment to Subject Experts 🕵️‍♂️

  • Action: The Chief Editor assigns the anonymized manuscript to at least two external reviewers.
  • Selection: Reviewers are chosen based on their expertise, Ph.D. qualifications, and research history in the specific sub-field of Tamil Studies.

3. Evaluation Phase 📝

Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on:

  • Originality: Does the work contribute new knowledge?
  • Methodology: Is the research design robust and ethical?
  • Citations: Are references correctly cited (MLA 8th/APA/Chicago)?
  • Clarity: Is the argument logical and the language precise?

4. Editorial Decision ⚖️

Based on the reviewer reports, the Editor-in-Chief makes one of the following decisions:

  • ✅ Accept: The paper is ready for publication.
  • 🟡 Minor Revision: Small changes required; no further review needed.
  • 🟠 Major Revision: Significant changes required; the paper will be re-evaluated.
  • ❌ Reject: The paper does not meet the journal’s standards or scope.

5. Final Approval & DOI Assignment 🔗

  • Once accepted, the paper moves to production.
  • Crossref DOI is assigned to ensure permanent digital traceability.

🛡️ Why Double-Blind Review?

  • Eliminates Bias: Prevents prejudice based on an author’s gender, country, or institutional prestige.
  • Focus on Quality: Ensures that the research is judged solely on its merit and contribution to Tamil studies.
  • Honest Feedback: Allows reviewers to provide critical, constructive feedback without fear of personal or professional repercussions.

📅 Estimated Timeline

  • Preliminary Screening: 3–5 Days
  • Review Period: 2–4 Weeks
  • Final Decision: 1 Week after review completion

For more information on our ethical standards, please visit our Conflict of Interest Policy.