ISSN Number Registration for Magazines and Journals
Get an ISSN for your magazine, journal or e-journal with a correctly prepared application for the national centre.
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An ISSN, or International Standard Serial Number, is an eight-digit code that identifies a serial publication such as a magazine, newsletter, journal or e-journal. In India it is assigned by the Indian National Centre for ISSN. Publishers, societies, universities and companies that bring out a periodical on a continuing basis use it so that libraries, indexing services and distributors can identify the title without confusion. An ISSN is different from an ISBN, which identifies a single book edition. Our team prepares the application, checks the title and publisher details for consistency and helps you respond to any query from the centre.
Who provides this service: our team of Company Secretaries and compliance specialists.
Who Needs ISSN Number?
- Magazine and newsletter publishers
- Universities and research bodies launching academic journals
- Societies and associations that publish a periodical for members
- Companies starting a regular online publication or e-magazine
- Independent publishers who want their titles to be indexed by libraries and databases
Key Benefits
- Confirmation of whether your publication qualifies as a serial and which format needs an ISSN
- Title and publisher details checked for consistency before the application is sent
- Clear advice on separate numbers for print and online versions of the same title
- Preparation of the sample issue, cover and masthead material the centre usually asks for
- Handling of follow-up questions so a small mismatch does not stall the application
- Guidance on printing the ISSN correctly on the cover and in the digital edition
How It Works
Check whether a serial qualifies
We review your publication plan to confirm it is a serial issued in successive parts under one title, and whether print, online or both versions need separate ISSNs.
Finalise title and publisher details
The exact title, frequency, language, place of publication and publisher name are fixed and cross-checked so that every document and the application show identical information.
Prepare supporting material
We help assemble the masthead, cover page or sample issue, an editorial note and proof of the publisher identity so that the centre can verify the publication properly.
Submit the application
The application is filed with the Indian National Centre for ISSN in the prescribed format, with the supporting files arranged in the order requested.
Respond to clarifications
If the centre asks about the title, frequency or publisher, our team prepares a concise reply so the file moves forward without repeated back-and-forth.
Print the ISSN correctly
After allotment, we advise on placing the ISSN on the cover, title page and website, and on reporting later changes of title or publisher.
Documents Required
- Application form with title, frequency and language of the publication
- Publisher identity proof such as registration certificate, trust deed or institution letter
- Cover page or masthead of the publication
- Sample issue or draft of the first issue
- Editorial board details for journals
- Website address or platform details for e-journals
- Authorisation letter of the person signing for the publisher
Timeline and Fees
Indicative timeline: Preparation takes a few working days; allotment depends on the national centre and may take from a few weeks onwards.
Professional fee: Our fee depends on the number of titles, whether print and online versions both need numbers and how much preparation of sample material is needed. Any charge levied by the national centre is separate and should be confirmed from the official source.
What Can Go Wrong if This Is Missed or Done Incorrectly
- Printing an ISSN that has not actually been allotted can mislead libraries and distributors and harm the credibility of the publication
- Inconsistent titles between the application and the printed issue are a common reason for queries and delays
- Changing a title after allotment without informing the centre may require a fresh number
- Using an ISSN for a book or one-off publication is a misuse of the identifier and can lead to cataloguing errors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ISSN number used for?
An ISSN identifies a periodical across libraries, databases and distribution systems worldwide. It makes your magazine or journal easier to catalogue, cite and index. It does not give copyright protection or prove quality, and it is not a licence to publish.
Who issues ISSN in India?
The Indian National Centre for ISSN is the national body that assigns the code for serial publications published in India. It acts as part of the international ISSN network, so a number allotted in India is recognised internationally.
Is ISSN the same as ISBN?
No. ISSN is for serials that continue over time under one title, such as a monthly magazine or a journal. ISBN is for individual books and each edition or format of a book. A one-time publication or a book needs an ISBN, not an ISSN.
Do print and online editions need different ISSNs?
Generally yes. A serial published in print and in electronic form usually receives a separate ISSN for each medium, with a linking number connecting them. If you plan both versions, mention it in the application so both are handled correctly.
Can I get an ISSN before the first issue is published?
The national centre sets its own rules on whether a planned title, a draft issue or a published issue must be supplied. Requirements can change, so we check the current guidelines and prepare the sample material in the format the centre accepts.
Official Sources
Rules, forms and fees change. Check the current position on the official portal:
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Speak with a qualified professional about your issn number registration for magazines and journals requirements.
Last reviewed: . Laws, fees and procedures change; check the official portal before you act.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, tax or compliance advice. Requirements vary by situation. Please consult a qualified CA or CS for advice specific to your needs. Government fees and timelines are subject to change; verify with the relevant authority before proceeding.