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ISSN Number

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Overview

The ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is a unique eight-digit code used to identify a serial publication such as a research journal, magazine, newspaper, newsletter, annual report, or monographic/book series. It is written as two groups of four digits separated by a hyphen (for example, 1234-5678), where the final digit is a check digit that may also be the letter X.


In India, the ISSN is assigned by the ISSN National Centre, India, operated by the National Science Library, CSIR-NIScPR (formerly INSDOC / NISCAIR), New Delhi, which has served as the national centre since 1986 as part of the global ISSN network coordinated from Paris.


An ISSN is required by anyone who publishes a serial or continuing resource — in print or electronic form — including academic journals, periodicals, e-journals, magazines, and newsletters. It identifies the title uniquely, helps with cataloguing and indexing in libraries and databases, and is widely expected by authors, researchers, and academic bodies. As per current government norms, no charge is levied for processing and allotment of an ISSN in India.

Documents Required

Only PAN Card and Aadhaar Card are mandatory; the rest are optional.
  • PAN Card
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Passport-size Photograph
  • Address Proof (Utility / Electricity Bill)
  • Bank Statement
  • Cover Page of the Journal / Magazine
  • Editorial Board Details
  • First Issue or Sample Copy
  • Publisher's Declaration Letter
  • Title Page with ISSN Request mentioned
  • Soft Copy (PDF) of the Journal / Publication
  • Language Certificate or Translation (if in a regional language)

Apply for ISSN

Getting your ISSN Number through TaxoSure is simple and fully assisted. Just follow these steps:

  1. Visit TaxoSure. Go to taxosure.com and open this ISSN Number service page.
  2. Login or Register. Create your free TaxoSure account, or log in if you already have one.
  3. Upload your documents. Upload your documents on this page — your KYC documents (PAN & Aadhaar) are auto-filled from your account; simply upload the remaining documents for your publication as per the checklist.
  4. Submit your application. Submit your ISSN application in one click.
  5. Talk to our consultant. Our consultant connects with you on WhatsApp / Call to confirm the publication details, share the pricing and begin the work.
  6. Get your ISSN. Our experts complete the entire process and deliver your assigned ISSN and registration confirmation to you.

A serial should normally contain genuine, original content (for example, a minimum number of original articles) to qualify for assignment. Processing is currently free of cost as per government norms.

Benefits

  • Unique identity: Gives a serial publication a single, internationally recognised identifier that distinguishes it from all others.
  • Easy cataloguing: Simplifies listing, ordering, and tracking of the publication in libraries and databases worldwide.
  • Wider recognition: Adds credibility and is often expected by authors, researchers, and academic institutions.
  • Better discoverability: Helps the publication get indexed and located in citation and bibliographic systems.
  • Accurate referencing: Enables precise citation of the journal in research and academic work.
  • Print and electronic coverage: Separate ISSNs can be obtained for print and online versions of the same title.

Importance

An ISSN is important because it gives a serial publication a permanent, unambiguous identity that stays the same across every issue. Unlike a title, which may be shared or duplicated, the ISSN is unique to one publication, which prevents confusion between journals or magazines with similar names.


For publishers and editors, the ISSN is central to professional recognition — it is commonly required for indexing, for inclusion in academic and library databases, for postal registration of periodicals, and for building trust with contributors and subscribers. For researchers and institutions, it ensures that articles can be cited and located reliably. In short, the ISSN is a key element of the credibility and traceability of any serial publication.

Purpose of ISSN

The purpose of the ISSN is to uniquely and permanently identify a serial publication at the title level, independent of its country, language, or publisher. It serves the following objectives:

  • To distinguish each serial title from every other serial worldwide.
  • To support standardised cataloguing, indexing, and exchange of bibliographic information.
  • To make ordering, subscription management, and tracking of periodicals efficient.
  • To provide a reliable reference point for citing and locating journals and magazines.
  • To link print and electronic versions of a title through their respective ISSNs.

Note that the ISSN applies to serials (journals, magazines, newspapers, newsletters, series), whereas the ISBN is used for one-off publications such as books.

FAQs

What is an ISSN number?+
An ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is a unique eight-digit code that identifies a serial publication such as a journal, magazine, newspaper, or newsletter. It is written as two groups of four digits separated by a hyphen, with the last position being a check digit that may be the letter X.
Who issues the ISSN in India?+
In India, the ISSN is assigned by the ISSN National Centre, India, run by the National Science Library, CSIR-NIScPR (formerly INSDOC / NISCAIR) in New Delhi, which has acted as the national centre since 1986 within the global ISSN network.
Who needs an ISSN?+
Anyone publishing a serial or continuing resource — in print or electronic form — needs an ISSN. This includes research journals, academic periodicals, e-journals, magazines, newspapers, newsletters, annual reports, and monographic or book series.
Is there a fee for obtaining an ISSN in India?+
As per current government norms, no charge is levied for processing and allotment of an ISSN by the national centre in India. Applicants may, however, choose to use a professional service for assistance with documentation and the application.
What is the difference between an ISSN and an ISBN?+
An ISSN identifies serial publications that appear over time, such as journals, magazines, and newspapers, and stays the same across all issues of a title. An ISBN identifies individual books and one-off publications, with a different number for each edition.
Do print and online versions of a journal need separate ISSNs?+
Yes. The print and electronic versions of the same serial are treated as distinct media, so each version is assigned its own ISSN to identify it correctly.
How long does it take to get an ISSN?+
After the online application and supporting documents are submitted, the national centre verifies the details and assigns the ISSN once the publication is found eligible. The exact timeline varies depending on verification and the completeness of the submitted information.