This page explains, step by step, how a manuscript moves from submission to publication in CIJFMR. The Journal publishes six issues a year and considers manuscripts throughout the year; each accepted manuscript appears in the next available issue. You can follow every step on the Track a manuscript page.
Step 1: Submission
The corresponding author submits an anonymised Word manuscript, with author details on a separate title page, through the online submission form. No account is needed and nothing is payable. An acknowledgement email with a manuscript reference number follows immediately.
Step 2: Plagiarism check (within 3 working days)
The editorial office checks originality with similarity-detection and AI-content reports. A manuscript with a similarity index below 20% and AI-generated content below 25% normally passes. One slightly above either limit is returned to the author for correction; one with a similarity index above 25% is normally declined. An editor reviews every report: software supports the decision but does not take it.
Step 3: Review 1, the editorial guideline check (within 7 working days)
An editor checks that the manuscript falls within the Journal's aims and scope, follows the Instructions to authors (structure, word limit, citation style and formatting), is properly anonymised and includes the required declarations. The editor may return it for correction or decline it, with reasons.
Step 4: Review 2, double-blind peer review (normally 2 to 4 weeks)
The manuscript is sent to an independent reviewer with expertise in the subject. Reviewers do not know who the authors are, and authors do not know who the reviewers are. The reviewer assesses originality, significance, method, argument, use of sources and clarity, and recommends a decision. Where the report is inconclusive or the subject requires it, the editor invites a further reviewer.
Step 5: Decision
- Accept: the manuscript proceeds to the formalities stage.
- Revision: the author receives the reviewer's comments and uploads a revised manuscript through a private link. Minor revisions are due within 14 days and major revisions within 30 days. The revision returns to the reviewer.
- Reject: the author receives the reasons and the reviewer's comments.
Step 6: Copyright and processing charge
The corresponding author receives an acceptance email with a private link to accept the author licence agreement on behalf of all authors and to pay the article processing charge, unless a waiver applies.
Step 7: Production (normally 1 to 2 weeks)
The editorial office copy-edits the manuscript for consistency, accuracy of citations and house style, and formats it in the Journal's layout. If a query arises, the corresponding author is asked to reply within 72 hours.
Step 8: Publication
The article appears online in the current issue on cijfmr.com, with its own page, full text and PDF, free to read under CC BY-NC 4.0. The corresponding author receives an email with the article link, volume and issue.
Step 9: Certificates of publication
A certificate of publication is issued for every author. All the certificates are sent to the corresponding author, who forwards them to the co-authors. Each certificate carries a unique number and QR code and can be checked at any time on the certificate verification page.
Summary timeline
| Stage | Target time |
|---|---|
| Acknowledgement | Immediate |
| Plagiarism check | Within 3 working days |
| Review 1: guideline check | Within 7 working days |
| Review 2: peer review | Normally 2 to 4 weeks |
| Production after acceptance | Normally 1 to 2 weeks |
| Publication | In the next available issue |
These are targets, not guarantees: reviewer availability, revision rounds and the volume of submissions affect timelines, and the Journal never shortens peer review to meet a deadline. CIJFMR will publish its actual average turnaround times once enough manuscripts have completed the process. The Journal does not offer paid or guaranteed fast-track publication.