Top 10 Journalism Courses in India in 2024
Journalism happens to be one of the most sought-after professions in recent times. As public awareness is growing rapidly, the popularity of media is gaining momentum as compared to past years, especially among the younger population. I have listed here the top journalism courses in India for you.
In today’s world where everything is connected, Journalism acts as a bridge between people and the real world. Be it politics, entertainment, business, technology, health, or beauty, journalists provide the audience information in the most creative and quickest way possible.
It is, however, a demanding job. Journalists need to be inquisitive, alert, quick-witted, and responsive towards their surroundings. They are hardworking and talented individuals who present us with news from around the world, which otherwise would not be available to us.
Journalism is not just limited to print and visual media. As most of the younger generation is connected to the outside world through social media, the inclusion of digital media has further spread the scope of journalism.
If you are a passionate individual who aspires to become a journalist then let us walk you through a few important aspects of the profession along with the top journalism courses in India, which might help you find the right option for you.
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Types of Journalism
Before going into details about the top journalism courses in India, let talk a little about the various forms of journalism. To make it simpler, we can categorize the different forms based on certain related groups.
Based on the type of News
News is classified mostly on the kind of information: Hard and Soft
Hard news includes factual information like that of business, crime, politics, etc.
Business Journalism
Being a business journalist does not only require having the skill set of a pressman but also the acumen of a businessman. The economy of a country depends heavily on its businesses and the interaction among the several companies operating under the country’s economic guidelines.
Business journalists keep the public informed about the events of the business world. They have extensive knowledge of business scenarios such as the stock market, mergers and acquisitions, product launches, and corporate meetings.
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Crime Journalism
Crime journalism, as the name suggests, involves the investigation of criminal events. Crime journalists research and write about criminal offenses, attend court hearings, conduct interviews of perpetrators as well as victims, and inform the public on the proceedings of criminal cases.
Any offense ranging from murder to embezzlement- crime journalists cover them all. It is a high-risk job as, more often than not, vocal journalists get caught in undesirable situations as the people that have to be dealt with in cases are mostly wrongdoers and do not have a reputation of being the best of individuals.
Political Journalism
Political journalism can be further divided into 3 types: International, National, and Local. Political journalists need to have in-depth knowledge of political events, groups, individuals, campaigns, and the effects these events have on the general population.
It is a risky profession because the reputation of a political journalist lies in his/her unbiased presentation of information to the public. He/she can not let personal opinions hinder the quality of news they present.
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Investigative Journalism
Investigative journalists are purely into uncovering facts and scandals that can be related to any person, organization, or any matter of importance. It requires a great deal of study and effort to gather deep knowledge of a certain case, which generally takes months to years to solve based on its complexity. One must be ready to work under pressure and carry a lot of persistence and perseverance to become an investigative journalist.
Based on Soft News, journalism is of the following types:
Art Journalism
Art is a popular interest among many people nowadays, and art journalists cater to those who are into various forms of art. They explore and probe into art forms such as films, music, literature, paintings, and many more.
Celebrity Journalism
Celebrities are some of the most sought-after individuals in the world. Their lives and actions have a huge influence on their fans. Celebrity journalists, who are more popularly known as the ‘Paparazzi’, gather news on the daily lives, achievements, and work of celebrities.
They keep track of all the gossip and drama happening around celebrities and keep their fans up to date on the lives of their favorite star.
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Sports Journalism
Sports journalists cover news related to sports series, events, and sportsmen. This profession is quite enjoyable as it comes with numerous opportunities like attending live sports events, matches, interacting with renowned athletes, and traveling to different locations all over the world.
Lifestyle Journalism
People have become increasingly conscious about lifestyle-related topics such as health, beauty, nutrition, home décor, yoga, etc. Lifestyle journalists cater to this need of the people by informing them about the recent trends in such areas and offers various tips and suggestions towards leading a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Education Journalism
Education journalists keep the public, especially students and their guardians, informed of the recent developments in the world of education. They help the audience to remain up to date about the ever-changing education system and motivate students to go for the higher education of their choice.
Based on the medium of delivery, here are the three types of Journalism
Print Journalism
In print journalism, the news is distributed through newspapers, magazines, and tabloids. We are already aware of how much information a newspaper of just a few pages can hold. Print journalism also offers the flexibility to work in other forms of media while working as a print journalist.
Digital Journalism
The most popular form of media nowadays is digital media. Digital journalism delivers news through several digital platforms on the internet. Many news agencies today start their journey through simple YouTube and Facebook channels or Instagram pages. Even big names in the TV/Broadcasts media have a presence in digital media to broaden their horizon and reach more audiences.
TV/Radio/Broadcast Journalism
As the name suggests, broadcast journalism delivers news through visual and audio devices such as television and radio. Broadcast journalism has more audience than print journalism as it provides more engaging content than simple print media. News channels incorporate a huge budget for the production of programs and in turn gather more and more audience.
How to study for a journalism course?
Several institutes offer top journalism courses in India, and most of these institutes accept students either through entrance tests or based on merit. A candidate eyeing for enrolling in a journalism course needs to prepare to score above the cut-off marks for such examinations.
A prospective candidate should be up-to-date with current affairs. Reading newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, The Hindustan Times, etc, and magazines such as The Outlook, The Frontline, and India Today is one way to stay updated on the recent news. Apart from reading newspapers, watching news channels and television shows like the Grammy, Oscars, etc is going to keep updated on international events.
It is important to develop a reading habit (if you don’t already). There are books available online and offline that you can refer to during your preparation for any Mass Communication entrance exam. A few of such books are:
| Books | Publisher/Author |
| Mass Communication in India | Keval J Kumar |
| Mass Communication: Principles and Concepts | Seema Hasan |
| Manorama Year Book | Manorama |
Which journalism course is best?
Here comes the actual question, ‘Where can I study journalism in India?”
Let’s have a look at the 10 best colleges that offer top journalism courses in India and how you can book yourself a seat in one in 2021.
Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi
Ranked no 1 by prestigious sources like India Today and Outlook, IIMC, New Delhi is currently the best amongst colleges that offer top journalism courses in India. Established in 1965, IIMC is regulated by an autonomous body named the IIMC Society, registered under the Society Act, 1867.
IIMC provides an array of postgraduate diploma programs in Radio and TV journalism, Advertising and Public Relations, as well as journalism courses in regional languages like Hindi, Odia, and Urdu. It is also the training center for Indian Information Services, armed forces, police, and para-military forces. With the main campus located in New Delhi, IIMC has branches in the states of Odissa, Maharashtra, Mizoram, J&K, and Kerala as well. IIMC also provides a diploma in Development Journalism, which is an internal program.
The minimum eligibility for applying to the PG courses is a bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline. Admission to the one-year postgraduate diploma courses is granted only after clearing the entrance exam, which is followed by group discussions and personal interviews. Application to the courses can be filled both online and offline.
The course fee is Rs 95000 for the one-year PG diploma course, which is one of the lowest in the market. IIMC witnesses reputed recruiters like Discovery, ABP News, NDTV, etc, taking active participation in campus placements. You can visit IIMC official website for more information on the admission procedure.
AJK Mass Communication Research Center, New Delhi
Established in 1982 by Anwar Jamal Kidwal, former Vise Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University, AJK Mass communication, and Research Center (AJK MCRC) is one of the most reputed media institutes, which provides top journalism courses in India.
AJK MCRC offers a one-year PG Diploma in Journalism (in both Hindi and English), Still Photography and Visual Communication, Acting, and Broadcast Technology. The intake of each course is 60 with the course fees ranging from Rs 60820 to Rs Rs 74320.
The minimum qualification required for eligibility is a graduation certificate in any discipline. Candidates are shortlisted based on scores obtained in the JMI Entrance Exam, which is a national level entrance exam.
AJK MCRC offers great internship as well as placement opportunities to students with media giants such as ZEE, STAR, and other PR and advertising firms coming for placements every year.
Visit JMI University website to know more about their programs and admission procedure.
Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media (IIJNM) Bangalore
One of the leading institutes that offer top journalism courses in India, IIJNM provides one-year PG diploma courses in journalism and new media, namely PG diploma in Print Journalism, Online/ Multimedia Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Print Journalism, and many more. Course fees range from 4 Lacs to 4.5 Lacs.
Established in the year 2001, IIJNM has the reputation of offering an excellent curriculum with great infrastructure and modern facilities for imparting both theoretical as well as practical knowledge to the students.
With an intake of 100, the selection is done based on the merit of the candidates. Admission tests and PI is held online and results are sent through email or post within 10 days of conducting the tests. Both national and international candidates can apply with no limit on age.
Placement is one of the best with reputed companies like Times Now, Economic Times, Cogencis, etc., taking part in campus placements. As per students’ review, even those who are not fortunate enough to secure a job at placements, receive help from the strong alumni network of the college. To know more about IIJNM visit its website.
Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC), Pune
Established in 1990 and affiliated with Symbiosis International University, Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication is ranked amongst the best institutes which offer top journalism courses in India. SIMC offers full-time courses in two streams namely MBA in Communication Management and PG Diploma in Mass Communication and Media. Being a private institute with a high reputation, the course fees are kept at an average of 5 Lacs.
Admissions are based on an online test conducted by the institute. Selection is done based on merit before which students need to have a minimum of bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline.
Placement is one of the best amongst all colleges with top media giants such as CNN IBN, Zee, and Times Now recruit students from campus every year. For more information on the admission process visit the SIMC website.
Savitri Phule Pune University
Popularly known as the Oxford of the East, Savitri Phule Pune University (UNIPUNE) was established in 1949 through the Poona University Act. With a 411 Acre campus, UniPune houses 46 departments and offers courses in a variety of streams such as Engineering, Sciences, Humanities, Accounting, and Commerce as well as PG Diploma in Mass Communication and Media. It is one of the finest government-owned institutes to offer top journalism courses in India.
Course fee for the full-time PG Diploma Courses, which includes PG diploma in Journalism and PG Diploma in Mass Media is kept at an affordable rate of Rs 10990 and Rs 8500 respectively. The total intake for both courses is 40 each. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is required for fulfilling the minimum eligibility criteria.
Admission to any program at UniPune is granted after clearing an online entrance test conducted by the university. The university has an impressive infrastructure and well-equipped classrooms. Leading media agencies and dailies like Times of India, Maharashtra Times, E-TV, etc, take active participation in campus placements every year.
Visit the UNIPUNE website for more information on courses and admission.
Christ, Bannerghatta Campus, Bangaluru
Located at a distance of 25 km from the main campus, Christ, Bannerghatta Road Campus (A deemed-to-be university (BRC) is one the most reputed institutes that offer top journalism courses in India. The university offers full-time BA Honours in Journalism and Media Studies. The fee stands at Rs 2.56 lacs for each of the undergraduate programs.
Candidates have to apply online for both courses. Eligible candidates then have to go through an aptitude test held by the university, followed by a personal interview. Placements at the university are good with companies conducting interviews quite early in the curriculum.
Although the campus is limited to a single building, the institute houses a modern library and facilities like a fully equipped gym and separate hostels for boys and girls. Visit the Christ University website for more information.
Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai
A unit of St Xaviers’ College Autonomous, Xavier Institute of Communication (XIC) was established in 1969. One of the most reputed schools in the media sector that offer top journalism courses in India, XIC offers 6 full-time PG Diploma Courses including Journalism and Mass Communication and Film, Television & Digital Video Production, and 7 part-time certification courses. Courses fees range from Rs 2.49 Lacs to 3.77 Lacs for PG Diploma and Rs 16000 for certification courses.
Admissions are based upon screening of applications of candidates and clearing of an online entrance test (XIC-OET) and personal/Skype interview. XIC boasts of a great reputation for being a part of the highly recognized Xavier’s Group of Colleges. The institute offers good placements where graduates are placed at prominent agencies like MSL, Adfactors, etc.
With qualified experienced and experienced faculty and modern infrastructure, XIC Mumbai offers great learning opportunities for passionate candidates. Visit XIC Mumbai’s official site for more details on their course and admissions.
Manorama School of Communication, Kottayam
Manorama School of Communication (MASCOM) was founded in the year 2002 by Dr. K. M Mathew and ever since then has earned its rightful fame for adding skilled and experienced personnel in the media industry. Affiliated with Mahatma Gandhi University, MASCOM has earned its rightful place amongst institutes offering top journalism courses in India and offers 2 full-time PG Diploma courses in Print and Broadcast Journalism. Course fees for both stand at 1.5 Lacs each.
The minimum qualification required to be eligible for MASCOM is an undergraduate degree in any discipline. Selection is done based on a written test and an interview is conducted by the institute. Admission forms are available over the counter at the institute and also downloadable at the website.
Reputed organizations in the likes of Forbes, Reuters, DNA, and The New Indian Express visit MASCOM for campus placements where nearly all of the students get placed.
For more information on the institute, its courses, and admission procedure, visit the MASCOM website.
Amity School of Communication, Noida
Amity School of Communication was established in 1986 and has become a huge name in the education sector. A popular brand in India, Amity University, Noida is one of the best private institutes that offer top journalism courses in India. Amity School of Communication offers a full-time bachelor’s course in Journalism and Mass Communication and an MBA degree in Mass Media. The fee for the 3-year course BA and the 2-year MBA courses is 2.69 Lacs and 3.5 Lacs for the 1st year, respectively.
While the eligibility for undergraduate programs requires candidates to be of 10+2 stage, the entrance to the MBA course requires an undergraduate certificate in any discipline. Selection for the BA course is done based on a written test conducted by the institute. MBA candidates are selected based on their score in national-level entrance tests including CAT, MAT, XAT, etc.
The infrastructure of Amity is one of the best amongst private colleges and students are provided with numerous other facilities on campus to make learning a fun process. The university offers impressive placements to its students and boasts of hosting reputed companies like News24, NDTV, etc during its campus drive. Go through the official website to know more about the Amity School of Communication.
Madras Christian College (MCC)
The final name in the list for colleges offering top journalism courses in India is Madras Christian College. Established in the year 1837 and affiliated with the University of Madras, MCC has added many talented individuals to the world of media. It offers a full-time one-year PG Diploma course in Journalism and Mass Medi the total fee of which is Rs 20000 only.
The minimum qualification required to be enrolled in the PG Diploma program is an undergraduate degree from a recognized institute. Selection is based on the merit list of the candidates announced by the college. Application forms for all the courses have to be submitted online.
The institute has an efficient faculty and impressive campus with modern facilities like a library, laboratories, hostels, canteen, etc, for its students. Placement is great with companies like Google, HP, HSBC, etc coming for recruitment every year.
To know about the college and the courses it offers, visit its website.
