The BA (Hons) Journalism Course is an exciting and comprehensive program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career in journalism. This 3-year undergraduate degree offers a well-rounded education in journalism, covering topics such as news reporting, feature writing, multimedia journalism, ethics, and media law.
Students learn how to gather and analyze information, write compelling stories, and adapt to the rapidly evolving media landscape. With a strong emphasis on practical experience, including internships and real-world reporting opportunities, this course prepares graduates to thrive in the dynamic field of journalism, whether in traditional print and broadcast media or the ever-expanding digital realm.
| Particulars | BA (Hons) Journalism Course Details |
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Examination Type | Semester type |
| Eligibility | 10+2 |
| Admission Process | Merit-based or Entrance-based |
| Top recruiting organizations | AIR, TV channels like Zee TV, STAR TV, Doordarshan |
| Top recruiting areas | Journals, Advertising Agencies, TV Channels, Newspapers, Photography Companies, New Agencies |
| Top job profiles | Journalist, Editor, Community Reformer, Article Writer, Tour Operator |
| Course Fee | INR 1,000 to 2 Lakhs |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2 to 6 Lakhs |
Why Choose the BA (Hons) Journalism Course?
The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Journalism is an excellent choice for aspiring journalists in the Indian context for a multitude of compelling reasons. Here are some factors to convince you to pursue this course:
- Growing Media Industry: India has one of the largest and fastest-growing media industries in the world. The Print and Electronic Media sector is expected to reach a market size of INR 2.98 trillion by 2023, providing an abundance of job opportunities for journalism graduates.
- Rising Demand for Quality Reporting: In the digital age, there is an increasing need for quality journalism. According to a survey, 71% of Indians prefer credible news sources, putting skilled journalists in high demand.
- Attractive Salaries: Journalists in India can earn competitive salaries. Entry-level journalists typically earn around INR 3-5 lakhs per annum, and with experience, this figure can significantly increase.
- Diverse Career Options: A journalism degree opens doors to various career paths. You can work as a reporter, editor, anchor, content creator, or even pursue roles in public relations, corporate communications, and more.
- Global Opportunities: Journalism is not confined to national borders. A journalism degree can lead to international opportunities, allowing you to cover global events and issues.
- Networking: The field of journalism provides excellent networking opportunities. You can build connections with experts, industry leaders, and public figures, enhancing your career prospects.
BA (Hons) Journalism Course Admission and Eligibility Criteria
Admission to the BA (Hons) Journalism course is based on merit-based selection or entrance tests. Many colleges follow a counselling process and admit students based on merit records prepared by state universities. In contrast, some prestigious organizations conduct entrance exams as a means of selecting candidates for this program.
Specific testing requirements may vary from state to state. Some colleges may also include in-person interviews as part of their admissions process. In such cases, students are evaluated based on their performance in entrance exams and personal interviews
BA (Hons) Journalism Course Eligibility Criteria
- Journalism course requires candidates to have completed their 10+2 or an equivalent examination in the science stream from a recognized board.
- A minimum of 55% marks in the 10+2 examination is typically required to qualify for this program, although specific percentages may vary depending on the college.
Candidates meeting these eligibility criteria can apply for the course through both online and offline application methods.
Top 10 BA (Hons) Journalism Course Colleges in India
| College Name | City | Average Annual Fee (INR) |
| Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | 50,000 |
| CMR University | Bangalore | 86,000 |
| Delhi College of Arts and Commerce | Delhi | 10,015 |
| Kalindi College | Delhi | 25,665 |
| Kamla Nehru College | Delhi | 90,000 |
| Kamala Nehru Post Graduate College | Uttar Pradesh | 10,000 |
| Khudiram Bose Central College | Kolkata | 60,000 |
| Lady Shri Ram College for Women | Delhi | 21,000 |
| Magadh University | Bodh Gaya | 8,500 |
| Maharaja Agrasen College | Delhi | 1,30,000 |
| Seth Anandaram Jaipuria College | Kolkata | 1,600 |
| Siliguri College | Siliguri | 3,800 |
| VPGR Institute of Technology | Chennai | 73,100 |
| Christ University | Bangalore | 2,00,000 |
Entrance Exams for BA (Hons) Journalism Course
Universities and autonomous colleges typically organize various entrance exams at the university level. These examinations serve as a gateway for students seeking admission to Journalism courses. Some of the prominent entrance exams for securing admissions in journalism programs include:
- IIMC Entrance Exam: The IIMC entrance exam is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in an online format. It is conducted to offer admission to eligible candidates in postgraduate diploma programs across various specializations in Journalism at its six campuses.
- MICAT: The Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad conducts the MICAT to evaluate and screen eligible candidates for the admission process. MICAT is held twice a year and is the key to securing admission to 36 PGDM and 180 PGDM-C seats at the Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad.
- SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test): The Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) is a well-recognized examination for admissions to journalism and mass communication courses at the Symbiosis Centre for Mass Communication (SCMC).
- JET (Joint Entrance Test): The Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI) conducts the FTII JET to assess eligible candidates for admission. Successful candidates are granted admission to one of the two participating institutes, namely the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune (FTII, Pune), and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata (SRFTI).
In addition to these, there are several other university-level entrance examinations conducted by colleges like Christ University and St. Xavier’s College, among others.
At the postgraduate level, for Master’s Degrees, universities and autonomous colleges conduct separate examinations that evaluate candidate’s proficiency in the following areas:
- General English
- Reading Comprehension
- Logical Reasoning
- Current Affairs
- Verbal Reasoning
- Media and Communication
Journalism Course Standard Syllabus
| Semester | Subjects |
| SEMESTER I | Communication and Mass Communication; History of Communication Media; Introduction to Journalism; Indian State and Democratic Policy |
| SEMESTER II | Indian Business and Economics; Media and Cultural Studies; IT and Online Journalism; Reporting and Editing for Print |
| SEMESTER III | Broadcast Journalism; International Politics; Media Laws and Ethics; Print Journalism and Production |
| SEMESTER IV | Development Journalism and Rural Journalism; International Media Scenario; Advertising and Public Relations; Reporting and Editing for Broadcast Media |
| SEMESTER V | New Media Technologies; Media Industry and Management; Communication Research Methods; Radio and TV Production |
| SEMESTER VI | Human Rights, Gender, and Environment; Seminar on Current Issues; Research Dissertation; Radio and TV Production |
Journalism Course Fee Structure in India
The fee structure for a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Journalism in India varies depending on whether you choose a public or private college.
- Public colleges typically offer a more affordable option, with a minimum fee of approximately 6.19 thousand rupees and an average fee of around 38.68 thousand rupees. However, some public colleges may have a maximum fee of up to 98.19 thousand rupees.
- On the other hand, private colleges tend to be on the higher end of the fee spectrum, with a minimum fee of about 1.63 lakh rupees and an average fee of around 9.32 lakh rupees. The maximum fee at private colleges can go up to 41.80 lakh rupees.
These variations in fee structures provide students with a range of choices to pursue their journalism education in India, catering to different financial preferences and circumstances.
Careers Options and Job Profiles after doing BA (Hons) Journalism Course
Aspiring candidates can explore numerous opportunities in the field of journalism and its related domains. Professionals in this field can find employment in a wide array of sectors, including journals, photography companies, All India Radio, broadcasting corporations, press information bureaus, news agencies, advertising agencies, newspapers, periodicals, TV channels, radio telecasting companies, colleges, institutes, and more. The job market for these professionals encompasses both the private and public sectors.
Career options for journalism professionals are diverse and may include roles within renowned companies and industries such as journalists, reporters, community reformers, editors, travel agents, tour operators, customer service executives, PCS officers, team leaders, management managers, columnists, article writers, and more.
Some individuals may choose to pursue careers as teachers and lecturers in esteemed universities or colleges. Ambitious professionals even have the opportunity to venture into entrepreneurship by starting their TV channels or news outlets.
For those who wish to further their studies in journalism, pursuing a Master of Arts (MA) in Journalism can be an excellent choice. This program equips candidates with advanced knowledge and skills in journalism and its practical applications.
Job Opportunities after BA (Hons) Journalism Course in India
| JOB POSITION | JOB DESCRIPTION | AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY IN INR |
| Journalist | Journalists are responsible for reading press releases, conducting research, interviewing sources, and maintaining contacts. They write, edit, proofread, and verify content while also attending events, collaborating with editors, designers, sub-editors, and photographers, and staying informed about legal aspects like contempt, privacy, and defamation laws. | INR 3 to 4 Lakhs |
| Community Reformer | Community Reformers design programs and training progressions. They educate new and existing members, ensuring safe and effective workouts. They provide supervision, exercise instruction, and demonstrate reformer equipment. Additionally, they schedule market programs through lectures to maximize reformers’ utilization. | INR 4 to 5 Lakhs |
| Travel Agent | Travel Agents collaborate with clients to determine travel needs, transportation options, costs, and accommodation preferences. They plan and sell travel services, including insurance, accommodations, and transportation. They also offer brochures, information, and publications to travellers. | INR 2 to 3 Lakhs |
| Article Writer | Article Writers write, edit, and proofread text, market and distribute their work, establish contacts, and conduct research on specific topics. They collaborate with other professionals, such as artists, printers, and photographers, and manage publishing contracts and contractual terms. | INR 3 to 4 Lakhs |
| Customer Service Executive | Customer Service Executives maintain customer records and account information. They open customer accounts, provide information about products and services, and attract potential customers by addressing their questions. They also identify and resolve product and service issues by addressing customer complaints. | INR 2 to 3 Lakhs |
Top Recruiters for BA (Hons) Journalism Course Graduates
- Times of India
- Indian Express
- India Today
- Doordarshan
- NDTV News
- Balaji Telefilms
- ABP News
- Jagran Prakashan Group
- Hindustan Times
- Outlook
- Zee News
- All India Radio
- ZEE Network
- Star India
Get a handsome package after a BA (Hons) Journalism Course
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Frequently Asked Questions on BA (Hons) Journalism Course
Q1. What are the key subjects and specializations available within a BA (Hons) Journalism course?
Answer: BA (Hons) Journalism course often includes various subjects and specializations that students can choose from. Some common specializations may include investigative journalism, broadcast journalism, digital media, photojournalism, and more. Understanding these options and selecting the right specialization can significantly impact your career path in journalism. It’s essential to explore these choices to align your education with your career goals effectively.
Q2. What are the prerequisites for enrolling in a BA (Hons) Journalism course?
Answer: To enrol in a BA (Hons) Journalism course, candidates typically need to have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized educational board. They should have a strong foundation in English and communication skills, as well as an interest in current affairs and storytelling. Some universities or colleges may also require candidates to pass an entrance exam or interview as part of the admission process.
