Why do manuscripts get rejected in the discipline of education? An understanding of rejection from Indian researchers' perspectives

India has witnessed a significant increase in research output, with researchers across disciplines publishing in high-impact journals. However, educational research remains less visible in these outlets, raising questions about the challenges researchers face in getting their work published. This study explored the reasons for manuscript rejection among Indian researchers in top-tier education journals. Grounded in Gatekeeping Theory and a phenomenological design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with seventeen participants who had experienced manuscript rejection. The findings revealed that manuscript rejection is based on several interconnected factors identified during editorial screening and peer review. Major concerns included methodological rigor, theoretical grounding, scholarly engagement, and academic writing. The study offers empirical insights to help researchers in improving the quality and scholarly viability of their work. It also offers implications for institutions and funding agencies seeking to strengthen research quality and publication outcomes.