Understanding the API (Academic Performance Indicator) Score for Academic Validation

The Academic Performance Indicator (API) Score, formulated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India, serves as a standardized evaluation framework for assessing faculty performance in higher education institutions. Primarily, the API system is crucial for academic promotions through the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS), and it also plays a significant role in evaluating eligibility for academic positions.

While the API score structure originated under UGC's norms, the concept has gained broader relevance in performance evaluations across various educational systems and institutions globally. This article offers a detailed overview of how API scores are categorized, calculated, and applied—especially within the domains of Engineering and Management education.

API Score Categories

The API scoring system is organized into three principal categories, each reflecting a different aspect of academic engagement:

Category I: Teaching, Learning, and Evaluation

This includes core academic responsibilities such as delivering lectures, supervising lab sessions, handling tutorials, mentoring students, coordinating design projects, and conducting assessments.

Target Group: Engineering and Management Faculty

Maximum Score: Depends on institutional norms and workload allocation.

Category II: Professional Development, Co-Curricular & Extension Activities

This category recognizes contributions beyond teaching, including active participation in:

• Conferences and workshops
• Guest lectures
• Organizing academic events
• Community outreach and extension programs

Maximum Score: Based on a point system assigned to each type of activity.

Category III: Research, Publications, and Academic Contributions

A faculty member's research output is evaluated under this category, including:

• Research publications
• Authorship of books or book chapters
• Consultancy projects
• Patents and sponsored research

Maximum Score: Points depend on the quality, type, and impact of contributions.

How the API Score System Functions

Faculty members aiming for promotion must achieve a minimum API score in each of the three categories over a given period. Here's how it works:

• Category I: Emphasizes teaching and student-related activities.
• Category II & III: Focus on research, publications, and professional growth.
• Score Allocation: Defined through UGC guidelines and institutional policies.

API Score Calculation

The API score is computed based on a structured point-based system. Each academic or professional activity is assigned a score, which contributes to the total.

Example (Category III - Research):

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Author role (lead, co-author)
• Journal impact factor

Institutions may further adjust scores based on quality metrics and discipline relevance.

Minimum API Score Requirements

The UGC stipulates different minimum score thresholds based on academic ranks:

• Assistant Professors
• Associate Professors
• Professors

These requirements are periodically revised and may vary slightly depending on the discipline and institution.

API Scoring in Engineering & Management Disciplines

Given the dynamic nature of technical and business education, API evaluation for Engineering and Management faculty emphasizes:

• Research in Indexed Journals
• Industry Collaborations
• Participation in Applied Research Projects
• Engagement in Curriculum Innovation and Workshops

The goal is to foster holistic development by encouraging both academic rigor and practical relevance.

API Scores for Publications in Web of Science and SCOPUS

Publications indexed in Web of Science and SCOPUS are considered benchmarks of research quality. These high-impact journals are heavily weighted in Category III evaluations.

Points Distribution

• Impact Factor Consideration: Higher IFs may fetch additional points.
• Authorship Role: Full points usually go to the first or corresponding author, while co-authors receive proportionate credit.
• Cumulative Impact Factor: Extra points may be added if total IF exceeds institutional benchmarks.

Example Calculation

• Web of Science: 4 publications × 25 points = 100 points
• SCOPUS: 3 publications × 20 points = 60 points

API Scores for Q1 and Q2 Journals

Journals classified into Quartile Rankings (Q1 & Q2) represent the top tiers of journal impact and prestige.

• Ranking Sources: SCOPUS, Web of Science
• Points Sharing: Based on authorship role
• Institutional Variations: Adjustments possible depending on journal discipline

Example Calculation

• 2 papers in Q1 journals = 50 points
• 1 paper in Q2 journal = 20 points
• Total API Score = 70 points

API Scores for Conferences

Academic conferences are also recognized under Category III for contributing to research dissemination and professional visibility.

Points Structure

Paper Presentations

• International Conference: 10 points
• National Conference: 7.5 points
• State-Level: 5 points
• University-Level: 3 points

Invited Lectures

• International: 10 points
• National: 5 points

Conference Organizing

• International: 15 points
• National: 10 points
• State-Level: 7.5 points
• University-Level: 5 points

Note: Participation without presenting or organizing typically does not earn API points.

Example Calculation

• Paper Presented at International Conference = 10 points
• Organized National Conference = 10 points
• Total Conference API Score = 20 points