Undergraduate
Journalism & Mass Communication
A complete guide to the Journalism & Mass Communication programme in India: eligibility, top colleges, career outcomes, and frequently asked questions.
Course Overview
Journalism and Mass Communication is a three-year undergraduate programme that covers print journalism, broadcast media, digital content creation, public relations, advertising, media law, and communication theory. India's media landscape is one of the most diverse in the world, with over 900 TV news channels, thousands of newspapers in dozens of languages, and a rapidly growing digital news ecosystem. This creates substantial demand for trained journalists, content creators, and communications professionals. Admission to top programmes at IIMC Delhi, Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Xavier Institute of Communications, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Manipal Institute of Communication happens through entrance exams that test English, general knowledge, and current affairs. The curriculum emphasises practical skills: students write for campus publications, produce video and radio content, complete newsroom internships, and build a portfolio of published work by the time they graduate. Career paths include reporter and correspondent roles at newspapers and TV channels, digital content roles at online publications and social media teams, PR and corporate communications at agencies and companies, advertising copywriting, and increasingly, independent content creation through newsletters and YouTube. Some graduates pursue an MA in Journalism from institutions like ACJ Chennai for deeper specialisation. Starting salaries in media range from 2.5 to 5 lakh rupees per year, with experienced journalists at major publications and senior communications professionals earning significantly more.
Duration
3 years
Eligibility
10+2 from any stream; minimum 50% aggregate; entrance test at some institutions
Career Outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do after Journalism and Mass Communication?
Graduates work as reporters and correspondents at newspapers and TV channels, digital content creators at online publications, PR and corporate communications professionals at agencies and companies, advertising copywriters, and increasingly independent content creators through newsletters, YouTube, and podcasts.
Which are the best journalism colleges in India?
Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) Delhi, Asian College of Journalism (ACJ) Chennai, Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication Pune, Jamia Millia Islamia Delhi, and Xavier Institute of Communications Mumbai are among the top institutions. Admission typically involves entrance exams and interviews.
What is the salary of a journalist in India?
Entry-level journalists typically earn 2.5 to 5 lakh rupees per year at most publications. Mid-level journalists with 5 years of experience earn 5 to 10 lakh rupees, while senior editors at major publications and top correspondents at business outlets can earn 25 to 35 lakh rupees or more.
Is journalism a good career in 2026?
It depends on your expectations. Traditional newspaper jobs have shrunk, but digital-first publications, niche outlets, and independent creators through Substack and YouTube have opened new opportunities. Success requires willingness to build a personal brand, adapt to multiple formats, and develop strong reporting skills over time.
Can I become a journalist without a journalism degree?
Yes. Many successful journalists in India have degrees in history, political science, economics, literature, and other disciplines. What matters most is your ability to write well, report accurately, and get stories published. Starting with college publications and digital outlets builds the portfolio that publications actually evaluate during hiring.
Last updated: April 2026