If you enjoy writing, asking questions and following the news, journalism courses can lead you into reporting, editing, broadcasting, digital media and public relations. The good news is that you can join after class 12 from any stream. The honest news is that starting pay is low and the field rewards skill and hard work more than a certificate. Below I explain the main courses (BJMC, BA Mass Communication, MA and PG diplomas), fees, entrance tests, the kinds of jobs, journalist salary at each stage and how to build a career step by step.
What journalists and media professionals do
Journalism is about finding facts, checking them and telling them clearly to the public. Mass communication is the wider field that also covers advertising, public relations, films and corporate communication. Common roles include:
- Reporter: covers a beat such as crime, courts, city, politics, business, health or sports, meets sources and files stories.
- Sub-editor or copy editor: checks facts, fixes language, writes headlines, lays out pages.
- TV and radio: anchor, producer, video journalist, scriptwriter, camera and editing staff.
- Digital journalist: writes for news websites, makes short videos, podcasts and social media posts, studies audience data.
- Public relations and corporate communication: press releases, media relations, internal newsletters.
- Advertising and content: copywriter, content writer, brand content roles.
Good journalists follow ethics: they verify before publishing, protect sources and correct mistakes. In India, the Press Council of India sets norms of journalistic conduct for print media.
Journalism courses after 12th: BJMC and mass communication
Most students start with a three-year bachelor's degree. Here is a quick comparison of the main journalism and mass communication course options.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication) | 3 years; 4 years in some universities under the new four-year system | Class 12 in any stream, often with a minimum of about 45 to 50 percent | Reporting, editing, TV, radio, digital, PR, advertising |
| BA Mass Communication / BA Journalism | 3 to 4 years | Class 12, any stream | Similar to BJMC; some colleges add more theory |
| BA with Journalism as one subject | 3 years | Class 12, any stream | Low-cost option in many government colleges |
| Diploma or certificate courses | 6 months to 1 year | Class 12 or graduation, depends on the institute | Short skill training, such as video editing or news writing |
The BJMC course full form is Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication. BJMC course details vary by university, but the BJMC course subjects usually include:
- Introduction to communication and media history
- Reporting and news writing, editing and page design
- Media law and ethics
- Radio and TV production, photojournalism
- Digital and online journalism, data basics
- Advertising and public relations
- Internship and a final project or portfolio
Many universities also offer specialised journalism course subjects such as sports journalism, business reporting, development communication and documentary making in the later semesters.
Entrance exams and admission
Central universities and many state and deemed universities admit to BJMC and BA journalism through CUET, run by NTA. Other universities and private colleges hold their own written test and interview, or admit on class 12 marks. The written tests usually check general awareness, current affairs, English or Hindi language, and a short writing task. Reading a newspaper daily for a year is the best preparation.
For a PG diploma or master's, admission is through university entrance tests, CUET PG at some universities, or the institute's own test. The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, runs well-known PG diploma courses in English journalism, Hindi journalism, radio and TV journalism, and advertising and PR, plus some regional language programmes. Check the latest admission notice on the official website for eligibility and test pattern.
Journalism courses fees
Fees vary widely. Government colleges and central universities charge the least, often from a few thousand rupees to around ₹50,000 a year. Private colleges and private universities often charge ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh a year or more for BJMC, because of studio and equipment costs. Mass communication course fees for a one-year PG diploma at a government institute are moderate; private PG programmes cost much more. Always ask about hostel, equipment and internship costs too, and look for scholarships.
Journalism masters courses and higher study
After graduation (in any subject), you can do:
- MA in Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC): 2 years, good for those who want depth, research or teaching.
- PG diploma in journalism: usually 1 year, very practical, popular for newsroom jobs.
- Specialised courses: sports journalism courses, business journalism, data journalism, documentary film.
- PhD and UGC NET: for assistant professor posts, after a master's and clearing UGC NET in mass communication and journalism.
Mass communication online courses and free online journalism courses can teach mobile journalism, fact-checking or video editing. They are good add-ons, but newsrooms hire on the basis of your published work and internships.
Journalist salary in India
Let me be direct about money. The journalist salary in India starts low, especially in regional language print and small digital outlets. It grows well for people who build a beat, a strong network or skills in video and data. These are broad ranges, not quotes.
| Stage | Typical roles | Journalist salary per month (rough) |
|---|---|---|
| Intern or trainee | Trainee reporter, intern | Stipend, from nil to about ₹15,000 |
| Fresher, 0 to 2 years | Reporter, sub-editor, content writer, PR executive | About ₹12,000 to ₹35,000 |
| 3 to 7 years | Senior reporter, producer, senior sub-editor, PR manager | About ₹35,000 to ₹90,000 |
| 8+ years | Editor, bureau chief, senior anchor, communication head | From about ₹1 lakh to several lakh |
What changes the figure: language (English national outlets often pay more than regional ones), city, TV versus print versus digital, and your beat. Mass communication salary in PR, advertising and corporate communication is often higher at the start than newsroom pay. A sports journalist salary or travel journalist salary follows the same pattern, but these beats are small and competitive, and many people in them work freelance. For take-home pay from a CTC offer, try the CTC to in-hand calculator.
Journalism jobs and mass communication jobs
Where graduates work:
- Newspapers and magazines, in English, Hindi and regional languages
- TV news channels and radio stations
- News websites, podcasts and video news
- PR agencies and corporate communication teams
- Advertising agencies and brand content teams, linked to digital marketing
- NGOs, research bodies and international organisations (communication officers)
- Freelance writing, translation and fact-checking
Mass communication govt jobs
Government options exist too. The Indian Information Service (Group A) is filled through the UPSC Civil Services exam; its officers run government media and information offices. State information and public relations departments recruit Information Officers and PROs through state PSC exams. Public broadcasting, government universities and PSUs also hire for communication roles. Check each notice for qualification and age limit.
Is journalism a good career in India
| Good points | Hard points |
|---|---|
| Meaningful work that informs the public | Low starting pay in many places |
| Open to all streams after class 12 | Long and irregular hours, night shifts, field work |
| Many paths: news, PR, ads, content, teaching | Job cuts happen when media budgets shrink |
| Strong skills in writing, speaking and research | Pressure, deadlines, sometimes risky assignments |
A career in journalism and mass communication suits curious, patient people who write and speak clearly and can handle pressure. If you are unsure, take our career counselling test.
How to start a journalism career
- Read at least one newspaper daily and write short summaries in your own words.
- After class 12, pick BJMC, BA Mass Communication or BA with journalism, through CUET or the college's test.
- Start a simple portfolio: college magazine stories, local reports, short videos.
- Do two or three internships before you graduate; they matter more than marks.
- Learn one extra skill well: video editing, data, photography or a second language.
- Consider a one-year PG diploma or an MA if you want a sharper start.
For more choices in arts, see courses after 12th arts and jobs after BA.
Questions students ask
What is the BJMC course full form and duration?
BJMC means Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication. It is usually a 3-year course, and some universities now offer a 4-year version. Students from any stream can apply after class 12.
What is the journalist salary per month for freshers?
Most fresh journalists earn about ₹12,000 to ₹35,000 a month. Pay is higher in English national outlets, in big cities and in TV and digital roles with video skills. It rises after 3 to 7 years of good work.
Which is better, BJMC or BA Mass Communication?
Both cover similar ground. BJMC is usually more practical and newsroom-focused, while some BA Mass Communication courses add more theory. Check the syllabus, studio facilities and internship support of each college before choosing.
What are the mass communication course fees?
Government colleges and central universities usually charge from a few thousand rupees to around ₹50,000 a year. Private colleges often charge ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakh a year or more. Check the fee notice of each college.
Are there government jobs after mass communication?
Yes. The Indian Information Service Group A is filled through the UPSC Civil Services exam. State information and PR departments hire Information Officers and PROs through state PSC exams. Public broadcasting and universities also hire communication staff.
Is journalism a good career in India?
It is a good fit if you love writing, news and meeting people, and can handle long hours and low early pay. Those who build a strong beat or digital and video skills grow well. Many also move into PR and corporate communication.
Sources and official websites
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources. Rules change with each notification, so always read the latest one before you apply.
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication
- Press Council of India (norms of journalistic conduct)
- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
- National Testing Agency (CUET, UGC NET)
- Union Public Service Commission (Civil Services, Indian Information Service)
Last checked on 11 October. Spot an error? Tell us on the contact page.