If you plan to publish a book, start a magazine, or launch a research journal, you will soon meet two similar-looking codes: ISSN and ISBN. Many first-time publishers think they are the same, or that one can replace the other. They are not. This guide explains the difference between ISSN and ISBN, who needs which, and how to apply for them in India.
Quick answer: An ISBN identifies a book, one number for each edition and format. An ISSN identifies a serial publication, such as a journal, magazine or newspaper, as a whole. Books use ISBN, and periodicals use ISSN.
What Is ISBN?
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a unique number given to a specific edition and format of a book. Since 1 January 2007, ISBNs have 13 digits, and older books carry a 10-digit ISBN. Publishers, bookstores, libraries and online marketplaces use it to order, list and track books accurately.
A 13-digit ISBN is made of five parts: a prefix (978 or 979), a registration group that shows the country or language area, the publisher (registrant) element, the publication element, and a final check digit. For India, the group codes 81 and 93 are commonly seen, for example 978-81-XXXXX-XX-X.
What Is ISSN?
ISSN stands for International Standard Serial Number. It is an 8-digit number, written as two groups of four digits joined by a hyphen, for example XXXX-XXXX. The last character is a check digit, and it can be the letter X. The number itself carries no meaning about the country or publisher.
It is assigned to serial or continuing publications: journals, magazines, newspapers, newsletters, annual reports, and certain online resources and websites that are published over time. The ISSN stays with the title, even if the publisher or place of publication changes.
Difference Between ISSN and ISBN: Comparison Table
| Point | ISSN | ISBN |
|---|
| Full form | International Standard Serial Number | International Standard Book Number |
| Used for | Journals, magazines, newspapers, periodicals | Books and book-like products |
| Length | 8 digits (two groups of four) | 13 digits (10 digits before 2007) |
| Identifies | The title as a whole | A specific edition and format |
| Print vs online | Separate ISSN for each medium | Separate ISBN for each format |
| New edition | Same ISSN stays with the title | New ISBN for each new edition |
| Meaning in number | No meaning, only a check digit | Contains publisher and group elements |
| Issued in India by | Indian ISSN centre, National Science Library (CSIR-NIScPR) | Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN |
| Who applies | Journal, magazine or newspaper publisher | Book publisher or self-publishing author |
Key Differences Explained
1. Book versus serial
A book is a one-time publication, while a serial continues over time with issues or volumes. That is the core reason for two systems. A monthly magazine gets one ISSN for the title, but a novel gets an ISBN.
2. Edition and format
Each new edition of a book needs a new ISBN. The paperback, hardcover and e-book of the same title each get their own ISBN too. For a serial, the ISSN does not change with each issue. However, if the same journal is published in print and online, each version normally gets a different ISSN, linked together by a linking ISSN (ISSN-L).
3. Structure of the number
The ISBN tells you something about the publisher and country group. The ISSN does not. Some websites wrongly say that the first four digits of an ISSN represent the country, but that is not true.
4. Where both are used together
Some publications use both. A book series published every year, or a conference proceeding, can carry an ISSN for the series and an ISBN for each volume.
ISBN and ISSN in India: Who Issues Them?
- ISBN: Issued by the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN, under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. Indian publishers apply through the agency's online portal.
- ISSN: Issued by the Indian ISSN centre at the National Science Library, CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi, which works with the ISSN International Centre in Paris.
Rules and charges can change, so check the official portals before applying. In India these numbers have generally been issued free for Indian publishers, while some other countries charge for ISBNs.
How to Apply for an ISBN in India
- Register as a publisher: Create an account on the national ISBN portal with your name or publishing house details.
- Submit publisher details: Provide address, identity proof and contact information, and wait for approval.
- Receive a publisher prefix: The agency gives you a publisher prefix and a block of ISBNs.
- Assign ISBNs to titles: Use one ISBN for each title and format, and enter the book details such as title, author, language, price and format.
- Print the ISBN: Put it on the copyright page and as a barcode on the back cover.
How to Apply for an ISSN in India
- Check eligibility: The publication must be a serial with a fixed title and a plan to continue.
- Prepare the details: Title, publisher name and address, frequency, language, editorial board and, for online journals, the website address.
- Prepare samples: Keep the cover, title page, contents page and an issue or sample ready.
- Apply to the Indian ISSN centre: Submit the application and documents as per the current process on its portal.
- Receive your ISSN: Print it on the cover and on the website of the journal or magazine.
Benefits of ISSN and ISBN
- Accurate identification: Libraries, bookstores and databases find the exact title.
- Retail and distribution: Most bookstores, wholesalers and online platforms ask for an ISBN.
- Library and indexing: Many libraries, indexing databases and academic platforms expect an ISSN for journals.
- Credibility: It shows that your publication follows international practice.
- Tracking sales and subscriptions: Numbers make orders and subscriptions easy to manage.
Be clear about what these numbers do not do. They do not give you copyright protection, they do not prove ownership, and they do not mean your content is quality-checked. Copyright is protected under the Copyright Act, 1957, and you can register your work separately with the Copyright Office.
Where to Print the Numbers
Print the ISBN on the copyright page, on the back cover above the barcode, and in the book's online listing. For a serial, print the ISSN on the cover or masthead, usually near the top or at the bottom of the front page, and on the journal's website. Always write the prefix, such as "ISBN" or "ISSN", before the number. Also keep a record of every number you assign, with the title, edition and date, so you never use one twice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using one ISBN for both paperback and e-book.
- Reusing the ISBN of an old edition for a revised edition.
- Applying for an ISSN for a single book, or an ISBN for a regular magazine.
- Believing that an ISBN or ISSN protects your work from copying.
- Buying numbers from unofficial sellers. Use the official agencies so the number is registered correctly.
Which One Do You Need?
- You are publishing a book: ISBN.
- You are starting a journal or magazine: ISSN.
- You publish a yearly book series: ISSN for the series and ISBN for each volume.
- You run a blog or newsletter: It may qualify for an ISSN if it meets the centre's rules, but it is optional.
Need help protecting and registering your publication? Our team assists with trademark and copyright registration for your brand and titles. Register your trademark with Raj Startup or call +91 9999385617. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between ISSN and ISBN?
ISSN identifies a serial publication such as a journal or magazine as a whole. ISBN identifies a specific edition and format of a book.
How many digits are in ISSN and ISBN?
An ISSN has 8 digits. An ISBN has 13 digits for books published since 2007, and 10 digits before that.
Does ISBN or ISSN give copyright protection?
No. They are only identification numbers. Copyright protection comes from the Copyright Act, 1957, and registration is separate.
Do print and online versions get the same ISSN?
No. Each medium normally gets its own ISSN, and an ISSN-L links them together.
Does every format of a book need a new ISBN?
Yes. Paperback, hardcover and e-book each need their own ISBN, and a new edition also needs a new one.
Who issues ISBN and ISSN in India?
ISBN is issued by the Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency for ISBN. ISSN is issued by the Indian ISSN centre at the National Science Library, CSIR-NIScPR.
