92 views||Release time: Jun 23, 2025
When preparing to publish research, especially in engineering or applied sciences, many scholars face the question:
“Should I submit to an EI journal or an SCI journal?”
While both are respected in academic evaluation, their value, difficulty, and recognition differ significantly.
This article will help you understand the key differences between EI and SCI papers, their respective advantages, and how iconf.com can help guide you to the right publication strategy.
An EI paper refers to a publication indexed in Engineering Index (EI Compendex). It includes:
Conference papers
Journals in engineering and technology
EI is highly recognized in technical fields like mechanical engineering, computer science, and electronics, especially in Asia-Pacific countries.
However, EI does not assign impact factors, and its academic weight is generally considered lower than SCI, especially in global rankings.
An SCI paper is a journal article indexed in the Science Citation Index or SCI-Expanded, managed by Clarivate Analytics. These journals:
Are peer-reviewed with strict quality standards
Have impact factors
Are widely accepted as core publications for international academic recognition
SCI papers are usually more difficult to publish, but offer higher visibility, citations, and prestige.
| Criteria | EI Papers | SCI Papers |
|---|---|---|
| Indexing System | EI Compendex (Engineering Index) | Web of Science (SCI/SCI-E) |
| Publication Type | Journals and conference proceedings | Peer-reviewed journals only |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | High (rigorous peer review) |
| Impact Factor | No | Yes |
| Recognition | Strong in applied fields (Asia) | Global academic standard |
| Use in Evaluation | Widely accepted in engineering evaluation | Preferred in research funding and promotion |
| Typical Fields | Engineering, computer science, tech | Natural sciences, biomedicine, engineering |
You are in engineering or applied sciences
You need a faster publication cycle
Your institution recognizes EI for graduation or evaluation
You prefer publishing in conferences or Scopus-level journals
You aim for international academic recognition
You’re applying for funding, postdoctoral, or overseas programs
You are in basic sciences or high-impact research areas
Your goal is to build a strong citation and impact factor record
Choosing between EI and SCI isn’t always easy. That’s why platforms like iconf.com are valuable:
It lists verified EI and SCI-indexed conferences and journals
Offers filters by subject area, index type, and region
Helps match your research with suitable publication levels
Warns you about non-reputable or misleading events
With clear indexing information, iconf.com helps you avoid wasting time and maximize your academic impact.
Both EI and SCI papers play important roles in academic publishing. If you seek fast, practical exposure, EI may be the right fit. If you want long-term recognition and scholarly impact, SCI is the better choice.
Use platforms like iconf.com to plan your submission path based on your research goals, timeline, and career stage—ensuring every paper counts.
