When registering for an international academic conference, you are often presented with two choices: "Presenter (Abstract Only)" or "Author (Full Paper)". The price difference is usually significant, and the workload for writing a full paper is much higher.

This leads to a common question for budget-conscious researchers: "Can I just submit an abstract and still get my work indexed in Scopus?" The short answer is: Generally, No.

In this guide, we clarify the difference between a Book of Abstracts and Conference Proceedings, and why choosing the "Full Paper" option is essential for your academic career and graduation requirements.

The Core Difference: Presentation vs. Publication

To understand indexing, you must distinguish between participating in an event and publishing a record.

1. Abstract Only

• What it is: You submit a 200–300 word summary of your research.
• The Output: Your abstract is printed in the conference program or a "Book of Abstracts."
• The Scopus Verdict: Not Indexed. Scopus rarely indexes standalone abstracts from conferences because they do not contain enough data, methodology, or references to be cited scientifically.
• Purpose: Ideal for getting feedback, networking, or if you plan to submit the full work to a journal later (to avoid self-plagiarism).

2. Full Paper

• What it is: You submit a complete 4–8 page manuscript with introduction, methods, results, and references.
• The Output: Your paper is published in the official "Conference Proceedings" (often by publishers like IEEE, Springer, IOP, or AIP).
• The Scopus Verdict: Indexed. These proceedings are treated as serial publications. They are sent to Scopus, reviewed, and added to the database as a "Conference Paper."
• Purpose: Ideal for graduation requirements, increasing your H-index, and permanently archiving your research.

The "Book of Abstracts" Trap

This is a common pitfall for PhD students. Some conferences will give you a nice-looking PDF called "Book of Abstracts" and it might even have an ISBN number. This leads many to believe it is a formal publication.

Do not be misled. An ISBN simply means it is a registered book. It does not mean it is a Scopus-indexed source.
Scopus indexes content, not just books. Without a full text, there is no content to index.

Key Takeaway: If your university requires a "Scopus Indexed Publication," a Book of Abstracts will not count. You must submit a Full Paper.

Comparative Overview

When Should You Choose "Abstract Only"?

Despite the lack of indexing, choosing "Abstract Only" is the right move if:

• Work in Progress: Your data isn't complete yet, but you want to test your hypothesis with an audience.
• Journal Strategy: You intend to publish the full study in a high-impact journal later. (Journals often reject work if the full text is already in a conference proceeding, but they accept work if only the abstract was presented).
• Budget/Time Constraints: You just want to attend the conference for networking and don't need the publication credit.

When Must You Choose "Full Paper"?

You should definitely choose the Full Paper option if:

• Graduation Requirement: You need a Scopus record to defend your thesis.
• Funding Requirement: Your grant requires a tangible, indexed output.
• Career Growth: You want to increase your citation count and visibility in the Scopus database.

Ready to Publish Your Full Paper?

Don't settle for a presentation that leaves no trace. Ensure your hard work is recognized and indexed globally.
Check our list of International Conferences that publish Full Conference Proceedings indexed in Scopus.