Career in Journalism:

People often think that journalism is limited to the news channels, to the anchoring in the media houses, to wandering in the crowded streets to make absurd headlines, and to being a puppet of the government in power!

But no, there is much more to the story and much more which is taught to the students pursuing this strong intellectual subject. A journalism student is the most outspoken one who speaks with facts dripping from his mouth. And, the subject isn’t confined to being in the newsroom but from the newspapers and radio to the internet and YouTube, everything and anything works in this field.

Courses Offered:

1. Bachelors in Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC): A 3-year program including an overall development for the student by teaching him the basics and the history of the subject. It covers the print, electronics and web journalism. The practical part is a little less and the theory is often the main objective.
2. Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC): A 2-year program focusing more on the practical sessions than the theory part. The student can choose his specialization according to which he is prepared for job purposes.
3. PG Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations: A one year program in which students are prepared to work in advertising agencies or for the Public Relation department in organizations.
4. PG Diploma in Radio Production: A one-year program where students refine their skills about radio jockeying and production and can choose between excelling in the technical or executive department.

Top Exams:

1. BMMMC: Delhi University Mass Media and Mass Communication Entrance Exam come under the Delhi University. Conducted in June every year, you should have cleared class 12th from a recognized board which is the only eligibility criteria for the entrance exam.
2. PU CET: The Punjab University also conducts entrance for the Bachelors and Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication. There are usually 30-35 seats only which makes it a highly competitive exam. The exam is usually held in Mid-June but this time it will be conducted in October.
3. Symbiosis Entrance Test: SET is another entrance test conducted by Symbiosis University for undergraduate students. Conducted in the month of May every year, the paper consists of no negative marking which is an added advantage for the appearers.

Job Types:

1. Print Media: A student after completing his bachelor’s in Journalism and Mass communication can opt for working for the print. It includes working for Newspapers or Magazines. A person can go for Columnist, Editor in Chief, Report Writer, Critic, or Feature Writer.
2. Television: For the broadcast media, the options are broader like a reporter, anchor, producer, linear or nonlinear editor, TV Correspondent, or a PEX – Program Executive.
3. Radio: Most of the students opt radio journalism for becoming a radio jockey but apart from that, other options include Program Designer, Community volunteer, Program Executive, Data Entry Operator, Technical Operator, and Sound Operator.
4. Web: Nowadays the web journalism is on fire! The reason is simple, there is more freedom to speak and more listeners to respond. Being a web content creator is the best option for working online. Although you can go for editing and the shooting part too.

Top Colleges:

• IIMC – Indian Institute of Mass Communication (Delhi)

Ranked #1 by India Today and offers 5 courses for Journalism.

• Xavier Institute of Communications (Mumbai)

Ranked #2 by Outlook. Around 65 seats and offers 2 courses.

• Asian College of Journalism (Chennai)

Ranked #2 by The Week and offers 2 courses for Journalism.

• Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (Pune)

Ranked #3 by India Today and offers 3 courses in Journalism.

• Christ College (Bangalore)

Ranked #8 by India Today and offers 2 courses for Journalism.

• Amity School of Communication (Noida)

Ranked #8 by Outlook and offers 3 courses for Journalism.

A report by Shreya Kulsreshtha for IHOIK education desk