Salary of Journalists in India 2025: Reporter Average Salary per month, Perks and Allowances

Global Media Common Entrance Test is an all South Asia entrance examination that offers admission of qualified candidates to undergraduate media courses. The colleges that come under the GMCET exam are - Sharda University, National School of Journalism, Alliance University, Auro University, Presidency University, Noida International University, LNCT University, GITAM University, Mody University, Jagran Lakecity University, Ajeenkya D.Y. Patil University, Centurion University, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Invertis University, Vivekananda Global University, and Bahra University.

The monthly salary of a journalist depends on various factors such as the experience of the candidate, the organisation where they are working, their skills, etc. The maximum average salary package for a journalist is INR 6-7 Lacs per annum for the initial couple of years. However, it's important to note that this figure is an average and may vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specific job roles.

A career in Journalism can be a high-paying job, depending on the specific role and the publication or the media house one works for.

According to several salary aggregators, the salary/placement data, the maximum average salary package for a Journalism course passed out for the initial 2-3 years is INR 5-6 Lakhs per annum. 

However, it's important to note that these figures are based on a limited sample size and may not be representative of the entire Journalism industry. Additionally, salaries can also depend upon other factors such as the job location, experience of the candidate, and the specific publication or media organisation they are working for.

In general, more experienced journalists and those working for major publications or organizations may earn higher salaries, while those just starting out or working for smaller publications may earn lower salaries.

Overall, while Journalism may not be high-paying at the start, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career for those who are passionate about storytelling and communicating important information to the public. Many experienced and famous journalists in India earn in the figures of crores.

Journalism can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career for those who are passionate about storytelling, curious about the world, and committed to seeking the truth. Here are some reasons why:

• Variety of roles: Journalism offers a wide range of roles, from reporting and writing to editing, photography, and broadcasting. This means that individuals with different skill sets and interests can find a niche that suits them.
• Opportunities for advancement: With experience and a strong portfolio, journalists can move up the ranks to senior positions.
• Flexibility: Journalism offers flexible work arrangements, including freelance opportunities, part-time or remote work, and the ability to work in a variety of settings, from newsrooms to online publications.
• Opportunities for specialization: Journalists can specialize in specific areas like investigative reporting, sports journalism, entertainment reporting, or political coverage, allowing them to develop deep expertise and build a reputation in their field.
• Potential for impact: Journalism has the power to shape public opinion, influence policy, and bring about change. Journalists can use their platform to highlight important issues, hold those in power accountable, and give voice to marginalized communities.

However, like any career, journalism has its challenges, such as tight deadlines, limited resources, and the potential for high stress and burnout.

To become a journalist, the general qualification required is a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field, such as communication or English.

In addition to a degree, employers require journalists to have strong writing and communication skills, as well as the ability to work well under deadlines and handle multiple tasks. Some employers may also require a portfolio of writing samples or a demo reel of video work.

It's important to note that the specific qualifications for journalists can vary depending on the employer and the type of journalism being done. For example, a reporter for a local newspaper may have different qualifications than a broadcast journalist for a national television network.

Journalism can be a rewarding and challenging career in India, with a growing demand for skilled journalists in various media outlets. However, the industry is facing challenges due to the shift in consumer behavior and the rise of digital media.

There are opportunities for journalists in India, particularly in areas such as digital media, investigative journalism, and specialised beats like sports, entertainment, and technology. The demand for high-quality content in these areas is increasing, and skilled journalists can find opportunities in both traditional and new-age media outlets. Journalism in India can be a good career option for those who are passionate about storytelling, have a strong desire to learn and adapt, and are willing to work in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

First of all it is important to understand that you have the journalist instinct in yourself. If the answer is Yes, then you have crossed the first step. Now coming to the next step, once you have qualified in the 10+2 exam you must complete your graduation and apply for any of the popular mass communication exams in India such as the FTII JET exam, JMI Entrance exam, IIMC Entrance exam or the XIC OET exam and crack it. During this phase, it is also mandatory to develop skills such as - 

• Develop strong writing and communication skills
• Build a strong foundation in history and politics
• Get an internship or work experience
• Network and make connections

There is nothing like a low salary or a high salary for a journalist. However, if you are talking about specific numbers then it can be said that journalism interns earn much less as compared to experienced ones. Interns get a stipend that is below INR 10,000 in many places. However, with minimum wage awareness, and job assurance policies for interns this amount will surely increase in the future and provide better opportunities for the candidates.