1. Aims & Scope

PJARD is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal publishing original research, review articles, short communications and case-studies across all major disciplines of social sciences, commerce, humanities, sciences and interdisciplinary studies. The journal aims to provide a forum for high-quality research that contributes to theory, practice and policy in both national (India) and international contexts.

2. Article Types & Word Length

PJARD accepts the following types of submissions:

1. • Original Research Article: Reports of empirical, theoretical or experimental work with substantial contribution. Typical length: 3000-6,000 words (including abstract, references, tables, figures).
2. • Review Article: Comprehensive, critical reviews of established topics or emerging areas, identifying gaps and setting directions for future research. Typical length: 2,000-3,000 words.
3. • Case Study / Short Communication: Focused investigations or lessons-learnt reports relevant to practice, pedagogy or policy. Typical length: 2,000-3,000 words.
4. • Conceptual / Theoretical Paper: Papers presenting new frameworks, models or paradigms. Word length similar to original research.
5. Note: Word counts are guidelines; please contact the editorial office if your submission significantly longer.

3. Manuscript Preparation

3.1 File & Format

1. • Submit in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) format.
2. • Use Times New Roman, 12 pt, line spacing 1.5 (or double-spaced if requested).
3. • Margins: 1″ (2.54 cm) on all sides.
4. • All pages should be numbered.
5. • Use a single-column format (not two-column) for review.
6. • Include a separate Title Page (see section 4.2) and a separate blinded version for review (with no author names or affiliations).
7. • Use consistent formatting and style throughout.

3.2 Title Page

The title page should include:

1. • Title of manuscript: concise, descriptive, maximum ~12 words (or as agreed).
2. • Full names of all authors, institutional affiliations (department, institution, city, country).
3. • Corresponding author: name, full postal address, email & telephone number.
4. • A short “running title” (running head) of up to 50 characters.
5. • Declaration of any funding/support.
6. • Author contribution statement (who did what).
7. • Conflict of interest statement.
8. • Ethics approval statement (if human/animal subjects involved).

3.3 Blinded Manuscript Version

In the version submitted for peer review, remove all author names, affiliations, acknowledgements and any self-identifying references (e.g., “In our previous work (Smith 2023)” might be replaced by “In previous work (Author, 2023)”). The manuscript should still include title, abstract, keywords, main text, references, tables and figures.

3.4 Structure of Manuscript

The manuscript should ordinarily be organised as follows:

1. • Abstract: 250-3000 words (for original research) summarising purpose/aims, methodology, results/findings, limitations, and contribution.
2. • Keywords: 5-8 keywords (avoid general words; use terms likely to be used in search engines).
3. • Introduction: Background, rationale, research gap, objectives/aims of the study.
4. • Literature Review / Theoretical Framework: (for original research) review recent literature (preferably last 5 years) and identify the research gap.
5. • Hypotheses: To propose testable statements (predictions) derived logically from the reviewed literature and theory.
6. • Methodology: Describe research design, tools/instruments, sample/population, data collection, analysis methods, limitations.
7. • Results / Findings: Present key results (tables/figures as needed) clearly, without duplication of data.
8. • Discussion: Interpret results, link to literature, highlight significance/implications, and limitations.
9. • Conclusion: Summary of findings, practical/policy/academic implications, suggestions for future research.
10. • Acknowledgements: (optional) Recognise any assistance, funding agencies, institutions, or non-author contributions.
11. • References: List all works cited in the text, in alphabetical order (see section 4.5).
12. • Appendices: (optional) Include supplemental material if needed.

3.5 Citation & Reference Style

1. • Use APA (7th edition) for in-text citations and reference list. For example: (Smith, 2020) or (Smith & Jones, 2021).
2. • Reference list should be alphabetised by author surname.
3. • Examples:
   - Book: Lareau, A. (2004). Unequal childhoods: Class, race, and family life. University of California. hipatiapress.com+1 - Journal article: Smith, J., & Roberts, K. (2022). An analysis of… Journal of X, 15(2), 45-62. https://doi.org/…
4. • Ensure accuracy of references including DOIs (where applicable).
5. • Avoid use of footnotes or endnotes for citations except where essential; main information must appear in the reference list.

3.6 Tables & Figures

1. • Number tables (Table 1, Table 2…) and figures (Figure 1, Figure 2…) sequentially in the order of mention in the text.
2. • Each table/figure must have a clear title and, if required, a note explaining abbreviations.
3. • Place tables/figures within the text at the approximate location of discussion or at end of manuscript, depending on your preferred layout.
4. • Ensure high-quality resolution for figures (at least 300 dpi if possible) and embed them in the document.
5. • Avoid redundancy: data shown in tables should not be repeated in figures and vice-versa.

3.7 Submission Checklist

Before submission please ensure:

1. • ✅ Manuscript is original, unpublished and not under consideration elsewhere.
2. • ✅ Title page includes all required details (authors, affiliation, contact, funding, contribution, conflicts).
3. • ✅ Blinded manuscript version (no author names/affiliations) for peer review.
4. • ✅ Abstract (180-250 words) and Keywords (3-5) present.
5. • ✅ Manuscript formatted in Times New Roman 12 pt, 1.5 line spacing, with correct margins.
6. • ✅ All tables and figures are numbered and titled, with consistent citation in text.
7. • ✅ References follow APA 7th edition style, alphabetised and complete.
8. • ✅ Ethics statement, funding statement and conflict of interest disclosure included.
9. • ✅ Authors have checked for plagiarism and data accuracy.
10. • ✅ File named in a clear, logical manner (e.g., Kumar_PaperTitle_PJARD.docx).
11. • ✅ Corresponding author’s contact information is correct and active.

4. How to Submit

1. • Manuscripts should be submitted via the journal’s email {journal@prithvifoundation.in}in a single ZIP file comprising:
   1. 1. Title Page (with author details)
   2. 2. Blinded manuscript version (for peer review)
   3. 3. Any supplementary files (figures, tables, data files) if separate.
2. • Cover letter: A brief cover letter (one-page) stating the significance of the work, its fit for PJARD, authorship details, conflict of interest disclosure and affirming no prior publication or submission elsewhere.
3. • After submission, the corresponding author will receive an acknowledgement and manuscript ID.
4. • Manuscript tracking: Authors may track the status of their submission through by email.
5. • Revision process: If revisions are requested, authors should respond to each reviewer comment (point-by-point) and submit a revised manuscript. Track changes or highlight the modifications as per editorial instructions.

5. Post-Acceptance & Publication

1. • After acceptance, authors may be requested to revise the layout proofs. Corrections should be returned promptly within the stipulated timeframe.
2. • The final article will be published online and print and will be assigned a DOI.
3. • Authors will receive a publication certificate or proof of publication (as per journal policy).
4. • Any changes to author list after acceptance must follow formal journal policy and require agreement from all authors.

6. Contact & Support

1. For queries regarding submission, author guidelines, publication fees, or technical support, please contact:
   Email: editor@prithvifoundation.in
   Tel: +91-9470269454
   Website: www.prithvifoundation.in