Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication is a three-year undergraduate program equipping students with the technical skills and social understanding to write about and convey information - to the general public - involving business, history, culture, budget issues, governmental matters, entertainment, and sports, through the means of mass communication such as TV, radio, and web-based social networks. As the field of journalism is established on truth, autonomy, and transparency, the course provides a holistic knowledge at both theoretical and practical level.
Know More About Journalism Courses
Predominant subjects included in this course are Communication Theories and Models, Public Relations, Design and Graphics, Digital Media, Reporting and Editing for Print Media, Radio Production, Data Journalism, Photo-Journalism, Event Management, and Media Law and Ethics. The program also offers choices for various elective courses like Entrepreneur Development, Business Communication, Foreign Language (French or German), Human Resource Development, Socio-cultural History of India, Organizational Behaviour, Fashion Communication, and Leadership Development and Team Building.
The curriculum may also include seminars, computer-based learning, guest lectures, workshops, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), industry certification-training, and numerous individual and group project works such as live projects, incubation projects, community projects, and projects with NGOs.
Candidates who have completed their 10+2 schooling or equivalent, in any stream, from a recognised board with an aggregate of 50% marks are eligible to enroll for this program.
Average fee charged for the course ranges from INR 2,000 - 5 Lakh in different colleges.
Aspiring candidates can proceed with their studies after BA in Journalism and Mass Communication by pursuing a master's in the same and then going for M.Phil or PhD.
Otherwise, graduates could work in advertising agencies, broadcasting corporations, radio telecasting companies, magazines, and the Legal Affairs department by taking positions of Columnist, Radio Jockey, Photojournalist, News Reporter, Copywriter, and Food Critic.
Check Out: Bachelor of Arts courses
Average initial salary offered to a Journalism and Mass Communication degree holder is 4-10 LPA, which increases with the number of years of work experience and knowledge in the field.
BA Journalism and Mass Communication Course Highlights
| Course Level | Graduation |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Examination Type | Semester-based |
| Eligibility | 10+2 education or equivalent, in any stream, with a minimum score of 50% |
| Admission Process | Merit-based/Entrance-based |
| Average Course Fee (INR) | 2,000 - 5 Lakh |
| Average Salary Package (INR) | 4-10 LPA |
| Top Recruiting Companies | NDTV Network, Star India, BBC, Hindustan Times Group, Zee TV Network, TV 18, Outlook, India TV, CNBC, Indian Express |
| Job Position | Feature Writer, Illustrator, Photojournalist, Anchor, News Reporter, Fashion Critic, Video Jockey (VJ), Copywriter, Editor, TV Correspondent, Food Critic, Public Relations Officer |
Why Study BA Journalism and Mass Communication?
- The program equips students with the knowledge and skills required for working in many media organisations with different apparatuses used in mass communication.
- Students may acquire problem-solving, interviewing, investigative and reporting skills, in addition to an analytical approach to issues and trends, research aptitude, and networking skills.
- The course helps students learn about the underlying principles of mass communication, and study about the recent emerging trends and issues of media, current technological trends and innovations in journalism.
- Graduands get an exposure to various dimensions of print, electronics, and new-age media, and numerous technologies involved in mass communication such as computer applications, and software and hardware applied in print, radio, TV, and internet.
- Students develop competency in conceptualization, creativity, designing, and strategies in high-quality media content for TV, radio, films, and various digital platforms like social media.
- Since, this degree program helps in refining skills to gather, interpret, transmit, and deliver information to a large audience, one's career is more revamped in non-metro cities and small towns due to the exceptional emergence of regional media, and the proliferation of new media businesses and formats.
BA Journalism and Mass Communication Admission Process
Most varsities offer admission to a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication through the merit-based system.
Direct Entrance - The students are admitted directly based on the marks they received in class boards exams. The details are mentioned below:
- Candidates are selected on the basis of merit. They must make sure that they fit into the eligibility criteria before applying.
- Students can apply for colleges managing merit-based entrances through online or offline applications, where the mode of payment is the same as that of application respectively.
Exam-based Entrance - The students are made to sit for an entrance exam organised by the college to take in students:
- Only a few institutions conduct an entrance exam for a candidate to be enrolled in BA Journalism and Mass Communication.
- In order to appear for exams, students have to register and make payments through the online mode.
- Institutes accepting entrance exam scores follow a common selection procedure, though the cut-off mark set depends on the institutions.
- Relaxation of a fixed percentile is allowed to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), differently abled, and other categories.
Selection procedure consists mainly of three steps-
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Shortlisting:
Candidates are shortlisted depending on their accepted entrance exam score and by their academic records.
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Personal Interview (PI):
After being shortlisted, aspirants get into the Group Discussion/Personal Interview (PI) round, where their competence, critical thinking and communication skills are tested.
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Final Selection:
After the PI round, a fixed number of candidates are selected, who are now eligible to be admitted to the respective institute.
After a student is entitled to be admitted in a university, they are expected to submit the following documents to the management of the school:
- Marksheets of grade X and XII.
- The corresponding entrance exam admit card, score card and rank letter.
- Six passport size photographs.
- Character certificate
- Reservation certificate (if any).
- Migration certificate
- Self-attested copies of various identity verification documents.
- Domicile certificate
- Demand Draft
Check Out: BA Journalism
BA Journalism and Mass Communication Eligibility
The BA Journalism and Mass Communication eligibility followed by colleges are mentioned below:
- Candidates who have completed their 10+2 schooling or equivalent, in any stream, with an aggregate of 50% marks are eligible to enroll for this program.
- Institutions requiring an entrance exam for admission may take into account both the entrance exam score as well as previous academic records. The cut-off mark for the examination is decided by each institution.
- Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), differently abled, and other categories shall get a relaxation of 5% of marks.
- Letters of recommendation can also be favourable to the candidate.
BA Journalism and Mass Communication Entrance Exams
Various entrance exams are conducted by the central government, which are commonly accepted; by different states of India, and by certain universities.
Different schools may look into the scores gained in the exams of their choice.
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Most common / national-level entrance exams are:
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IPU CET - Conducted, once a year, by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) to offer admissions to various UG and PG courses provided by GGSIPU and its affiliated colleges.
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State-level examinations:
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SPPU Entrance Exam - Managed by Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) for admissions to UG, PG, integrated, and interdisciplinary courses in SPPU.
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MH CET - Conducted, once a year, by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Mumbai to offer admissions to various UG and PG programs in Engineering, Pharmacy, Arts and Science.
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University-level Examinations:
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JET - Run by Jain University for admissions to various UG and PG programs.
Important dates to be noted for different Entrance Exams:
| Exam Name | Application Period | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
| CUET | February 2023 – 4th week of March 2023 |
May 21 – 31, 2023 Reserved date: June 1 –7, 2023 |
| NPAT | December 01, 2022 – May 21, 2023 |
January 04, 2023 – May 31, 2023 |
| TISS BAT | To be Announced | To be Announced |
| IPU CET | March 2023 – April 2023 | April 2023 |
| JNUEE | To be Announced | To be Announced |
See Also: BA (HONS) Journalism and Mass Communication
How to Prepare for Entrance Exams?
Each entrance exam is held between 1 hour and 3 hours, and their maximum marks are different. Nonetheless, their pattern is similar and students may prepare for any of the exams with some common methods.
Given below is the exam pattern for IPU CET 2023:
| Section | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Physics | 50 |
| Chemistry | 50 |
| Biology/Mathematics | 50 |
| Total | 150 |
Other details:
- Tests the candidates' knowledge in the PCB subjects.
- Questions are objective type
- There is negative marking for wrong answers.
- Maximum marks: 600
- Medium of Examination: English
- Candidates must have sufficient knowledge in the PCB subjects, and Mathematics.
- Other examinations may also test the candidates knowledge on General Aptitude, Logic, and/or Comprehension.
Check Out: BA Mass Communication
How to get admission in a good college?
- Since most colleges enroll students on the basis of merit, candidates are advised to procure high percentages in subjects in their higher secondary schooling.
- Admission to institutions taking entrance exams into account comprises of two main steps:
-
Exam Score:
- Scoring a percentile more than the required cut-off can help in being shortlisted right away. Students must take note of the cut-off mark decided by each college and work hard enough to achieve that score in the entrance exams.
- Practice for an entrance exam must not stop just because one has tackled some mock question papers. There is still room for improvement and candidates must keep practicing consistently.
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Personal Interview (PI):
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Students must upgrade their communication skills, critical thinking and current awareness, as these are some of the criteria being tested during this round.
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Participation and certification in various extra-curricular activities such as clubs, sports, and NGO volunteering can be an addendum to the list of merits.
Other suggestions:
- Be updated about the dates of registration and examination, and apply before the deadline.
- Prepare well and in advance for the entrance exams.
- Always be aware about current affairs.
- Make sure to exercise the necessary skills for the interview/group discussion held after the exams.
Related Subjects
BA Journalism and Mass Communication Syllabus
The following table shows the semester-wise curriculum followed for a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication:
| Semester I | |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Communication Skills | English Literature I |
| Fundamentals of Computers | Reporting-Theory |
| Reporting-Practical | Fundamentals of Journalism |
| Semester II | |
| Writing for Media-Theory | Writing for Media-Practical |
| English Literature II | Introduction to Indian Constitution |
| Editing-Theory | Editing-Practical |
| History of Media | -- |
| Semester III | |
| Radio Broadcasting-Theory | Radio Broadcasting-Practical |
| Photojournalism-Theory | Photojournalism-Practical |
| TV Broadcasting-Theory | TV Broadcasting-Practical |
| Introduction to Cinema | -- |
| Semester IV | |
| Advertising-Theory | Advertising-Practical |
| Magazine Journalism-Theory | Magazine Journalism-Practical |
| Public Relations-Theory | Public Relations-Practical |
| Internet & New Media-Theory | Internet & New Media-Practical |
| Semester V | |
|---|---|
| Environment & Media | Media Criticism |
| Media, Society & Development | Basic Media Research |
| Semester VI | |
| Information Society | Media Law & Ethics |
| Organizational Behavior & Media Organization | Project |
BA Journalism and Mass Communication Top Colleges
Below are a few colleges, approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC), supporting a BA Journalism and Mass Communication:
| Name of College | City | Average Course Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune | 72,275 |
| Amity University Noida | Uttar Pradesh | 8,07,000 |
| University of Kashmir | Srinagar | 25,000 |
| Banasthali Vidyapith | Rajasthan | 2,49,500 |
| Guru Nanak Dev University | Amritsar | 1,45,635 |
| Lovely Professional University | Punjab | 6,03,000 |
| Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University | Maharashtra | 18,941 |
| Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University | Delhi | 2,01,000 |
| Jain University | Karnataka | 1,32,000 |
| NITTE | Mangalore | 1,82,000 |
BA Journalism and Mass Communication College Comparison
Choosing a good college may be confusing as there are quite a few options. The table below shows the merits of the three best colleges giving a BA Journalism and Mass Communication:
| Parameter | Savitribai Phule Pune University | Amity University Noida | Guru Nanak Dev University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Established in 1949, the university aims to create technologically equipped minds to contribute to economic, and social development and progress. | Instituted in 2005, this research university offers various undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in different fields and has campuses worldwide. | Founded in 1969, the institute promotes education among the backward classes and communities, and studies the teachings of Guru Nanak and promotes the Punjabi language. |
| NIRF Ranking | 19 | 63 | 88 |
| Average Course Fee (INR) | 72,275 | 8.07 Lakh | 1,45,635 |
| Average Placement Package (INR) | 2 - 6.2 LPA | 2 - 4.5 LPA | 1.5 - 3.5 LPA |
| Top Recruiting Companies | National Informatics Centre, Wisdom Labs, Verse Software, Gumption Labs, CyberSponse, Sciformix | American Express, Microsoft India, Nokia, Virtusa, TATA AIG Insurance, NTT Data | Amdocs, Cognizant, Justdial, Reliance, Airtel, Birla SunLife, Axis Bank, KPMG, Capgemini |
BA Journalism and Mass Communication Distance Education
Contenders have the option of pursuing BA Journalism and Mass Communication in a distance/online mode. There are various colleges abroad that offer the program as well as its specialisations with such conveniences.
Top colleges to opt for a distance/online education in BA Journalism and Mass Communication are:
| College | Location | Name of Course | Duration | Average Course Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jiwaji University | Madhya Pradesh | BJMC | 3 years | 30,000 |
| Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University | Assam | BA Journalism and Mass Communication | 3 years | 16,635 |
| Vardhaman Mahaveer Open University | Rajasthan | BJMC | 3 years | 12,200 |
| Bachelor of Journalism | 1-4 years | 8,900 | ||
| Institute of Management and Technical Studies | Uttar Pradesh | BJMC | 3 years | 4,50,000 |
| Directorate of Distance Education, Madurai Kamaraj University | Tamil Nadu | BA Journalism and Mass Communication | 3 years | 7,500 |
| Periyar University | Tamil Nadu | BA Journalism | 1 year | 20,562 |
| 3 years | 61,686 | |||
| Barkatullah University | Bhopal | Bachelor of Communication and Journalism | 3 years | 23,385 |
| Kakatiya University | Telangana | Bachelor of Communication and Journalism | 3 years | 18,000 |
| University of South Australia Online | Australia | Bachelor of Digital Media | 3 years | 12,31,464 |
- Students can be admitted through online application provided that they fit the usual eligibility criteria.
- A distance education in BA Journalism and Mass Communication is considered to have the same value as the respective regular course.
- Sometimes, the institutions may demand that the student be present in the case of practical examinations.
BA Journalism and Mass Communication Specialization
BA Journalism and Mass Communication has a few specialisations, which can ensure faster chances of job procurement in diverse branches of journalism, and many relevant research options.
Some of the most prominent specialisations of Journalism and Mass Communication are Advertising, Public Relations, Event Management, Journalism, Digital Media, and Broadcasting.
A brief description of a few specialisations are given below:
| Specialization | Journalism | Public Relations |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Concentrates on the news and media industry, and gain expertise on many equipment used for journalism, and gain knowledge on politics, society, culture, computer applications, and electronic media, in order to become accurate and ethical news reporting professionals. | Involves the principles behind the delivery of information from an organization or public figure to a specific audience effectively in order to develop important relationships. |
| Duration | 3 years | 3 years |
| Average Course Fee (INR) | 20,000 - 4.5 Lakh | 50,000 - 3 Lakh |
| Average Placement Package (INR) | 3.5 - 6 LPA | 2-8 LPA |
| Job Positions | Editor, Journalist, Reporter, Photojournalist, Screenwriter, Columnist, Correspondent, Business Editor, Investigative Journalist, Feature Writer | Public Relations Officer, Communications Officer, Press Secretary, Media Relations Officer, Research Analyst, Director of External Affairs, Development Director |
BA Journalism and Mass Communication Course Comparisons
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BA Journalism and Mass Communication vs. BA English Literature
The course comparison between BA Journalism and Mass Communication and BA English Literature are mentioned in the table below:
| Parameter | BA Journalism and Mass Communication | BA English Literature |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication | Bachelor of Arts in English Literature |
| Duration | 3 years | 3 years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 education or equivalent, in any stream, with a minimum score of 50% | 10+2 education or equivalent, in any stream, with a minimum score of 50% |
| Course Objective | Equip students with the technical skills and social understanding to write about and convey information - to the general public - involving business, history, culture, budget issues, governmental matters, entertainment, and sports, through the means of mass communication such as TV, radio, and web-based social networks. | Teach students about English Literature, English history, Indian Literature, and interpret them through social, historical, and political contexts, as well as a rundown of the postulates of journalism, American literature, and women’s writing. |
| Average Course Fee (INR) | 2,000 - 5 Lakh | 18,000 - 1.5 Lakh |
| Average Placement Package (INR) | 4-10 LPA | 2-5 LPA |
| Job Positions | Feature Writer, Illustrator, Photojournalist, Anchor, News Reporter, Fashion Critic, Video Jockey (VJ), Copywriter, Editor, TV Correspondent, Food Critic, Public Relations Officer | Editor, School Teacher, Copywriter, Proofreader, Technical Writer, Researcher, Writer, Journalist, Translators, Tourist Guide, Bank Clerk, Public Relations Officer, Instructional Designer |
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BA Journalism and Mass Communication vs. BA Journalism
The comparison between BA Journalism and BA Journalism and Mass Communication are mentioned in the table below:
| Parameter | BA Journalism and Mass Communication | BA Journalism |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication | Bachelor of Arts in Journalism |
| Duration | 3 years | 3 years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 education or equivalent, in any stream, with a minimum score of 50% | 10+2 education or equivalent, in any stream, with a minimum score of 50% |
| Course Objective | Equip students with the technical skills and social understanding to write about and convey information - to the general public - involving business, history, culture, budget issues, governmental matters, entertainment, and sports, through the means of mass communication such as TV, radio, and web-based social networks. | Specialised course concentrating on the news and media industry, and gain expertise on many equipments used for journalism, and gain knowledge on politics, society, culture, computer applications, and electronic media, in order to become accurate and ethical news reporting professionals. |
| Average Course Fee (INR) | 2,000 - 5 Lakh | 20,000 - 4.5 Lakh |
| Average Placement Package (INR) | 4-10 LPA | 3.5 - 6 LPA |
| Job Positions | Feature Writer, Illustrator, Photojournalist, Anchor, News Reporter, Fashion Critic, Video Jockey (VJ), Copywriter, Editor, TV Correspondent, Food Critic, Public Relations Officer | Editor, Journalist, Reporter, Photojournalist, Screenwriter, Columnist, Correspondent, Business Editor, Investigative Journalist, Feature Writer |
BA Journalism and Mass Communication Jobs
A wide range of careers awaits those who have graduated in BA Journalism and Mass Communication. Jobs in both private and public sectors can be obtained after graduation, though candidates who have finished higher studies find it easier to get a job.
Various popular employment sectors are:
| Advertising Agency | Business Sector | Digital Media Companies |
| Radio Telecasting Companies | Press Information Bureau | Food Channels |
| Telecasting Companies | Journals and Blogs | Fashion Industry |
| Central Information Service | Photography Companies | Research and Educational Institutes |
| News Agencies | TV Channels | Printing Firms |
| Broadcasting Corporations | Legal Affairs Department | Circulations and Public Relations |
| Periodicals and Magazines | Newspapers | Publishing Companies |
Some of the top recruiting companies include:
- Star India
- NDTV Network
- The Pioneer
- Times of India Publication
- India Today Group
- India TV
- Indian Express
- Balaji Telefilms LTD.
- ABC News
- Sahara One Media and Entertainment LTD.
- Big Entertainment
- HT Media
- BBC
- Hindustan Times Group of Publication
- Zee TV Network
- Malayala Manorama
- Jagran Prakashan Group
- CNBC
- AIR (All India Radio)
- TV 18 Group
- Outlook
- Doordarshan
- Guardian
- Viacom
Brief descriptions of some jobs/careers are given in the table below:
| Job Position | Description | Average Salary Package (INR) PA |
|---|---|---|
| Feature Writer | Writer working for a magazine, newspaper or blog, and cover topics and write features by researching about them. | 4,80,000 |
| Photojournalist | Captures, alters, and exhibits pictures in a storytelling manner to publish in different organizations around the globe, or on their own publishing establishment. | 4,18,385 |
| Radio Jockey | Work at private and internet radio stations, and speak about diverse topics such as music, sports, movies, and news. | 3,72,000 |
| Public Relations Officer | Develops strategies and campaigns, and prepares press releases and promotional materials in order to build strong public relations with stakeholders, media and the public. | 5,02,140 |
| Teacher |
BA Journalism and Mass Communication Scope
- Students may go for higher education after BA Journalism and Mass communication. Some of the options are mentioned below:
- Graduates interested in gaining more knowledge in journalism and mass communication can do so by pursuing a master's in Journalism and Mass Communication or any of its specializations, and then proceeding to M.Phil. and PhD in Journalism and Mass Communication.
- Graduates can also enter the academic profession and/or contribute to the vast expanse of knowledge of Journalism and Mass Communication through research in a relevant aspect.
- Candidates may look into studying other disciplines related to journalism and mass communication such as Theater and Film Studies, Literary Studies, Graphic Designing, Media Management, and other fields like Sociology, Political Science, Anthropology, Psychology, Economics, and Religion.
- Students who want to proceed in a different route can take up an MBA and build a career in Management.
- Aspirants have better chances of acquiring a job in this field in comparison to other fields as the world of media is emerging even in remote areas day-by-day.
- Candidates may enroll as a freelance writer, photographer or a junior reporter as a start, and build their careers through experience, or startup their own blog or studio.
| Teach students about writing, reporting, photography, graphic design, and all the other essential aspects of journalism and mass communication. | 4,72,170 |
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