For many early-career researchers, publishing an EI paper is often described as a "must-do" milestone—yet the actual process is rarely explained in a clear, structured way.
As a result, first-time authors frequently ask:
- Where does an EI paper get submitted?
- Who decides whether a paper is EI indexed?
- Why does indexing take so long after publication?
The confusion usually comes from one issue: EI publishing is not a single action, but a multi-stage process involving different organizations. Once this process is understood, the path becomes far more manageable.
This guide walks through the EI paper publication process step by step, with practical explanations tailored to first-time authors.
Step 1: Ensure Your Research Fits EI's Scope
Ei Compendex focuses on engineering and applied research. Papers outside this scope—no matter how well written—are unlikely to be indexed.
What EI Papers Typically Emphasize:
- Engineering or technology-driven problems
- Practical or applied methodologies
- Clear technical contributions
- Reproducible results
From a structural perspective, most EI Compendex papers follow a standard academic format:
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methodology
- Results and discussion
- Conclusion
- References
Step 2: Decide Where to Publish (Journal vs Conference)
Publishing Route 1: EI-Indexed Journals
EI-indexed journals (often called EI-JA) usually involve:
- Multiple rounds of peer review
- Extensive revisions
- Longer decision cycles
This route works best if:
- The research is complete and polished
- Time pressure is low
- Long-term academic impact is the priority
Publishing Route 2: EI-Indexed Conferences
EI-indexed conference papers (EI-CA) are published in official conference proceedings and later indexed by Ei Compendex.
They are often preferred because:
- Review cycles are shorter
- Publication timelines are predictable
- Engineering fields widely recognize conference outputs
For many graduate students and first-time authors, EI conferences provide a practical and accessible entry point.
For more information, please check: EI Conference vs. EI Journal: A Comprehensive Guide for Research
Step 3: Submission and Peer Review
After choosing a suitable journal or conference, the submission enters peer review.
How Peer Review Typically Works
- Reviewers assess originality, relevance, and technical quality
- Authors may be asked to revise the paper
- Acceptance is never guaranteed
Legitimate EI venues always apply peer review. A fast or easy process should not be confused with low standards.
Be cautious if a venue claims:
- Guaranteed acceptance
- Guaranteed EI indexing
- Extremely short review times without revisions
Step 4: Acceptance Does Not Mean EI Indexing
Once accepted, your paper will be:
- Formally published in a journal issue or conference proceedings
- Assigned page numbers and bibliographic data
At this stage, the paper is published, but EI indexing has not happened yet.
This delay is normal and often misunderstood.
Step 5: How EI Indexing Happens After Publication
EI indexing is handled entirely between the publisher and Elsevier.
The Post-Publication Workflow
- The publisher compiles publication metadata
- Metadata is submitted to Ei Compendex
- Elsevier reviews records for eligibility
- Approved papers are indexed
Authors cannot submit papers directly to EI or request faster indexing.
Typical Indexing Timeline
- Most papers appear in EI 3–6 months after publication
- Timing varies by publisher and workload
Patience is part of the EI publication process.
Common Pitfalls First-Time Authors Should Avoid
Many unsuccessful EI attempts stem from misconceptions rather than weak research.
Frequent Mistakes：
- Attempting to submit directly to EI
- Confusing "EI recommended" with "EI indexed"
- Ignoring the publisher's role in indexing
- Trusting indexing guarantees in advance
Recognizing these risks early can save months of effort.
Final Thoughts
Publishing an EI paper is not about shortcuts or guarantees—it is about choosing the right venue, following the process, and managing expectations.
Looking for a conference with a reliable track record? Check out our Upcoming EI Conferences list to find reputable venues for your research.
