Updated on May 20, 2025 05:58 IST

Journalism refers to the collection, preparation, and distribution of news worldwide using print and electronic media. The various kinds of media used for journalism are newspapers, magazines, books, blogs, social networking and social media sites. The word, journalism, was originally based on the print media form, but with the advancements in technologies, it encompassed television, radio, and the internet.

Journalism can be pursued as both a degree and certificate course. It can be studied both as a bachelor's degree and a master's degree course. A bachelor's degree, i.e. a BSc in Mass Communication and Journalism or a BA in Journalism or a Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC),  is preferred by most candidates. These are 3-year courses with six semesters. A master's degree in Journalism is ideally a Master's degree in Journalism and mass communication (MJMC), either MSc or MA, which is a 2-years-long postgraduate programme.

List of Subjects in Journalism

The subjects included at different universities may vary, but the core subjects remain the same.

Typical Core Subjects for Journalism 
Topic title Topic details
Introduction to Journalism This provides an introduction to the basics of Journalism. It will help students understand various aspects of media practices, the organisational structure of a newspaper establishment, editorial department work, and news-gathering techniques. It also trains students to write news pieces, letters to editors for English newspapers, press notes for a corporate house, sub-editing and page designing.
Print Journalism The course aims to introduce students to the beginning of the newspaper era and familiarise them with the Phases of Indian Journalism. It also introduces students to the suitable language for newspaper reporting, sub-editing, other kinds of print media, and designing, acquainting them with ethical issues and media laws.
Communication Theory The course aims to dive into ideas around the development of media theories and link them to historically important social and political events/issues. It further aims to familiarise the students with communication processes so that they develop a critical understanding of the basic theories related to mass communication and apply them to practical life. 
Media Histories This course aims to introduce learners to Print, Radio, Television, and Online Media and the historical changes they have undergone. It also includes studying the impact of the internet on other media, focusing on newspapers, magazines, radio, books, movies, mobile telephony, and social media. 
Writing for Media This course aims to familiarise students with the nature and characteristics of journalistic writing and explain the difference between fiction and writing for media and writing for print, broadcast online and on social media. It also trains them in the readability formulae, i.e., to write in simple and easy to understand language for lay readers.
Newspaper Editing and Production This course aims to familiarise students with the functioning of a newspaper’s editorial department, train students in coordination between reporters, sub-editors, the art department, printing press, and advertising department, and train students in sub-editing reporters' news copies for accuracy, balance, and fairness.
Media Laws and Ethics This course introduces the students to the laws and ethics in any society, and it applies to the practice of journalism. The media has to follow the necessary rules and requirements to practise ethically in an environment.
Indian Politics and Governance This course tries to introduce students to the philosophy and the indispensability of the rule of law, enabling them to grasp the salient features of constitutionalism and explaining to them the structural design of India’s federal system and various political and civil society movements in the country.
Typical Elective Subjects for Journalism
Subject title Subject details
English In this course, students explore print and digital media. English is important for communication as a journalist. Authentic readings and video lectures, rich in vocabulary, are provided to students for increasing their ability to read, research, and develop local and global news stories. 
Political Science Political science is usually taken up by students wanting to pursue Political Journalism as a specialisation. It includes coverage of all aspects of politics and political science.
Sociology Sociology enables students to research and write about current events and controversies. Sociology helps in understanding the country's current problems. 

Detailed Syllabus for Journalism

The syllabus of an MA in Journalism may differ from university to university but the subjects are more or less the same. Here is a general guide of the core or elective subjects that are taught from the first to fourth semesters of a master's degree programme.

Semester Core/Elective Topic title Topic details
1. Core
  • Principles of communication
  • History of media
  • Media laws and ethics
  • Print Journalism

The students will study an introduction to Mass Communication and Journalism. The topics to be studied include:

  • Communication
  • Models: Aristotle, Shannon and Weaver, Lasswell, Osgood, etc.
  • Media effects theories
  • Media system theories
  • Audience concepts and research
2. Core
  • Advertising
  • Public relations
  • Communication research
  • International communication
The second semester introduces the students to intricacies related to a journalism career. Contents:
  • Definition and concepts
  • Brand building and brand positioning
  • Various tools and media of communication
  • International public relations scenario
  • Tools of data collection
  • International communication information
3.  Core
  • Broadcast Journalism
  • New media
  • Sports Journalism
  • Business Journalism
  • Media and human rights
  • Media society and culture

During the second year, students will be introduced to various topics related to media and broadcast. Contents:

  • Journey of electronic media
  • Radio programme production and techniques
  • Studio-based production and transmission
  • Introduction to new media 
  • Sports- its growing popularity
4. Core
  • Media management
  • Film and Documentary Studies
  • Writing for Media Dissertation
  • Science Journalism
  • Environment Journalism
  • PhotoJournalism
  • Development Communication

The fourth semester of the Journalism course introduces specialised Journalism fields and the practice of media in the industry. Contents:

  • Indian media consumer
  • Broadcast management
  • Visual and spatial attributes
  • Film business and industry
  • Science communication
5. Core
  • Legal Research Methodology
  • Ways of Seeing, Covering Legal Issues and Courts
  • Multimedia & TV
  • Writing to Deadlines
  • Understanding Numbers
  • Data Journalism

Students study legal and numerical aspects relating to the field of Journalism. Contents:

  • Research methods for reporting
  • Multimedia
  • Writing as a journalist
  • Data collection
6. Core
  • Editorial voice and editing
  • Multimedia storytelling
  • Neighbourhood reporting
  • Thesis
The students get practical hands-on experience in the last year. They are required to complete a thesis and assignments related to the field.

Contents:

  • Editorial aspects
  • Writing and editing
  • Reporting
  • Thesis writing

Specialisations Offered in Journalism

Journalism is seen mostly as related to politics, but it is a vast field. There are many specialisations in Journalism. Students can pursue specialised courses, according to their interest in various fields.  The following are popular specialisations in the field of Journalism.

Specialisation Subjects Details
Political Journalism
  • Journalism
  • Political Science 
The most popular and commonly pursued specialisation in the field of Journalism is Political Journalism. Political Journalism is useful in every form of media. All media print, digital, etc., require political Journalism as people have a keen interest in politics. 
Entertainment Journalism
  • Journalism
  • Electronic media studies
Entertainment Journalism highlights the updates related to the entertainment industry, such as Bollywood. The field includes detailed information about films, music, fashion, celebrities, etc. Entertainment journalists present the information in a manner that intrigues the audience interested in these domains.
Sports Journalism
  • Journalism
  • Data collection
  • Data structures
  • Statistics
Pursuing a career as a sports journalist will give a space to one's sports passion too. Sports journalists need to have detailed knowledge about the sport they are required to cover. They need to interview players and coaches and read the sport's statistics. 
Travel Journalism
  • Journalism
  • Sociology
  • Geographical studies
Travel journalists are entrusted with writing about different destinations, describing various cultures and their customs. But they also help in publishing travel information like itinerary guides, country guides, interviews with local people and presentation of local customs and traditions through their writing.

Books and Authors Related to Journalism

There are several popular books taught in Journalism. Some of the popular books and authors related to journalism are given below:

Subject Book title Author Description
Principles of communication Mass Communication in India Keval J. Kumar The book talks about how mass communication has played a key role in the emergence and advancement of each of the four industrial revolutions.
Media laws and ethics Laws of the Press in India M Neelamalar It’s a textbook specifically designed for undergraduates and postgraduates pursuing mass communication, Journalism, electronic media, visual communication and other related media courses. This compact text provides a detailed description of the rules, acts and ethics concerning print, electronic, film and advertising media prevalent in India.
Print media News Writing and Reporting for Today’s Media Bruce D. Itule and Douglas A. Anderson This takes students to the press box, council chambers, courthouse, and speech and press conferences. It introduces them to current issues such as cultural sensitivity and legal and ethical considerations and to reporters and editors who offer their down-to-earth advice.
Public relations Writing: The Essentials of Style and Format Bivnis Thomas This book equips students with the essential skills for developing and writing public relations materials, covering all areas of public relations writing, including news releases, backgrounders, newsletter and magazine articles, brochures, print advertising copy, and broadcast scripts.
International communication International Communication Daya Kishan Thussu International Communication examines the profound changes that have taken place and are continuing to take place at an astonishing speed in international media and communication since the beginning.
Table of contents
  • Popular Journalism Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Journalism Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Popular Journalism Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Journalism UG Courses
  • Popular Journalism PG Courses
View More

Popular Journalism Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Journalism Colleges in India. Learn more about these Journalism colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
4 Courses
47 K - 1.6 L
4.1

#1 India Today

1 Course
4.2 K
3 LPA

#2 India Today

1 Course
9.26 L
4.0

#3 India Today

1.08 L - 4.2 L
3.6

#12 India Today

9.33 L - 12.44 L
3.5

#7 India Today

Journalism Applications open. Apply Now

3.59 L
3.0

#2 Outlook

Popular Private Journalism Colleges in India

5 L - 11 L
3.6

Journalism Applications open. Apply Now

3.48 L - 7.84 L
3.2

#19 The Week

4.62 L
3.7

Journalism Applications open. Apply Now

Journalism Applications open. Apply Now

2.8
3.5

#42 India Today

Journalism Applications open. Apply Now

4 Courses
1.1 L - 3 L

Journalism Applications open. Apply Now

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Journalism. Students interested in pursuing a career on Journalism, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

26 Apr ' 26 - 5 Jun ' 26

JMI Entrance Exam Dates 2026

Jul '26

JMI Entrance Exam 2026 Results

TENTATIVE

22 May ' 26

Last date to apply for June Attempt

6 Jun ' 26

SAT India exam (June attempt)

To Be Notified:

FTII JET Stage 1 Exam 2026 (To be Re-conducted)

TENTATIVE

Jun '26 - Jul '26

FTII JET 2026 (Stage 2) Exam

TENTATIVE

1 Nov ' 25 - 14 May ' 26

CGCUET 2026 Registration

Popular Journalism Specializations

Following are the most popular Journalism Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Journalism UG Courses

Following are the most popular Journalism UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Journalism PG Courses

Following are the most popular Journalism PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

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Answered 5 days ago

Dear reader,

Both with and without entrance tests, a number of esteemed universities offer BA programs in journalism or multimedia. Lovely Professional University (LPU) is distinguished by its direct and merit-based admissions processes, industry-aligned curriculum, and top-notch studio facilities t

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A

Aston Martin

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

The NIMCJ Ahmedabad is a good college for MA in journalism and mass communication. The institute has been ranked in various positions for journalism and mass communication. The institute mainly focuses on this course only. Students get great placement opportunities after completing MA from NIMCJ

A

Anjali Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

The NIMCJ Ahmedabad primarily accepts GCAS exam scores for admission to MA in journalism and mass communication. This is a common exam conducted by the education department of Gujarat. This exam is applicable for UG, PG, and PhD courses in 14 colleges/universities.

A

Anjali Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

Good question — CUET subject choices don't lock you out of professional programs like BBA or Journalism.

 How CUET Subjects Work

  • CUET requires you to attempt at least one language + domain subjects + general test.
  • You chose English, History, Political Science.
  • For BBA/Management programs, most universit

...Read more

S

Sidhartha Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The admission to NIMCJ Ahmedabad BAJMC programme, requires valid marks in the GCAS exam. The Gujarat Common Admission Services exam is a common exam for 14 universities/colleges in Gujarat for UG, PG, and PhD courses. It is mandatory to appear and qualify for this exam to become eligible for the BAJ

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A

Anjali Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The reporting time at the CEED Centre for the CEED Entrance Test was 7 AM. The exam timing was 9 AM to 12 PM.

S

Sayeba Naushad

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

For pursuing a Journalism Course in India at UG Level you can take exams like CUET, IPU CET or other university-specific entrance exams like CUCET or KIITEE, And for PG level course you can take CUET-PG, JEECUP, URATPG, IIMC Entrance Exam, etc.

A

Abhishek Arora

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

For today's Job in India, considering a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication  which is popularly known as BAJMC is the best option as this course covers Journalism with Mass communication which includes advertising, Video Editing, SEO, Digital Marketing, PR and Corporate communication which opens

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M

Mohit Mishra

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

Candidates can check AP ECET reporting time below -

Shift

Exam time

Reporting time

Shift 1 (forenoon session)

9:00 am to 12:00 pm

7:30 am to 9:00 am 

Shift 2 (afternoon session)

2:30 pm to 5:30 pm

1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

S

Sumridhi Sinha

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

Some of the best colleges for Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication in India are:

S

Syed Aquib Ur Rahman

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Students have to report to the IPMAT exam centre by 1 PM. The exam will begin on 2 PM. Students cannot enter the exam centre again once they have submitted the exam.

M

Mayank Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

I'm not sure about Chandigarh University, but at Lovely Professional University, you can pursue B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication after completing your 12th. The eligibility is generally around 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 with English or an equivalent qualification. The programme is designed

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v

vishnu harry

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

Students have to reach the IPMAT exam centre a hour before the exam. IPMAT 2026 will be conducted from 2 PM to 4 PM and so students have to reach the latest by 1 PM.

M

Mayank Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

Students must report to the SET exam centre at least an hour before the exam. SET exam will take place at 9 AM at many test centres. Students must reach the exam centre the latest by 7:30 AM.

M

Mani Malhotra

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

Candidates only need to submit original documents during the NEET SS institute reporting for admissions. The original documents need to be surrendered to the college authorities and will remain under the custody of allotted college.

V

Vikram Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

The total fees for PG Business and Financial Multimedia Journalism programme is INR 7,08,000. They also provides scholarships based on merit. For more information, students can visit the website. The college charges additional fees for hostel and mess. For more information, they can visit the colleg

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Chandeep Singh

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

As per syllabus released by ICAI for CA Final exam under New Scheme, the topics included in CA Final Financial Reporting syllabus are as follows:

  • Introduction to Indian Accounting Standards
  • Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting under Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS)
  • Ind AS on Presentation of

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Y

Yatendra Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

After you get a confirmed seat, you need to report to the IIIT Pune campus with the required documents such as your JoSAA allotment letter, JEE rank card, Class 10th and 12th mark sheets, and a medical fitness certificate. You would also need to pay the pending fee.

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

For IIIT Pune BTech program, newly admitted students typically complete online reporting in late August (around August 20-23). This is followed by a physical orientation on campus, with regular first-semester classes starting around August 25. 

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

For IIIT Vadodara BTech program, newly admitted students typically complete online reporting in late August (around August 20-23). This is followed by a physical orientation on campus, with regular first-semester classes usually starting around August 20-30. 

R

Rashmi Karan

Contributor-Level 9

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