Journal of Science and Technology Metrics P.G. Tadasad 7 1 2026 https://doi.org/10.6025/jstm/2026/7/1/1-14 https://www.dline.info/jstm/fulltext/v7n1/jstmv7n1_1.pdf The UGC CARE List was introduced in 2019 to replace the 'UGC List of approved journals' and serve as a reference for researchers and institutions to identify quality journals for publishing their work, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and promoting credible research. As time went on, the UGC CARE List faced many criticisms. Owing to many such criticisms, the list was withdrawn in February 2025, and a new set of suggestive parameters for peer-reviewed journals has been introduced. The paper discusses whether abolishing the list and introducing a set of suggestive parameters will risk the maintenance of ethical standards in academic research or lead to reforms in research.