Photojournalism: Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Mar 26, 2025 01:29 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtSenior Executive

Photojournalism courses basically focuses on teaching creative skills to the students and helping them in pursuing their careers in the Mass Communication & Media field. Photojournalism courses majorly teaches students about the practice of reporting by using photographs, raising awareness, shaping public opinion and documenting history. 

Links relevant to Photojournalism Courses:

What is Photography?

Photojournalism Course Details: Highlights

Parameters Details
Level UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate
Duration

UG: 3 - 4 Years

PG: 2 Years

Diploma/Certificate: 3 Months - 1 Year

Admission  Merit-based
Eligibility

UG: Class 12 from a recognized board.

PG: A bachelor's degree (BA, BSc, BCom, etc.) from a recognized university.

Diploma/Certificate: 3 Months - 1 Year

Top Colleges Centre for Development of Imaging Technology, Imperial Institute of Management, Delhi School of Photography, Udaan School of Photography, etc.
Course Fee INR 15,000 to INR 2 Lakh
Job Profiles Photojournalist, Cameraman, Photoshop Designer, Video Editor, etc.
Top Recruiters NDTV Convergence, India Today Group, Vogue India, Brut India, Business Standards, Jagran New Media, etc.
Average Salary INR 3.4 LPA

Source: Various external sites, and may vary.

Links useful for Photojournalism Courses:

Photography Career Options, Salary, Course and Colleges

Q:   What is photojournalism all about?
A:

Hi, Photojournalism is the process of telling story through photos. Similar to Print Journalism, it also involves covering news, taking follow-ups on stories, documenting evidence, etc. Photojournalism courses are chosen by students who are keen to pursue their career in the Journalism field through Photography or editing.

AskShikshaGPT on App
Q:   What is the role of Photojournalism in media?
A:

Photojournalism is the practice of reporting through photographs, which plays an important role in raising awareness among the audience, shaping public opinion and documenting history. Photojournalists capture real-time events, offering a visual record.

Photographs add a layer of depth to the written articles, turning the stories into a more engaging and accessible element. They also can capture emotions and details that words alone can't describe. Powerful images can bring the audience's attention to social, political and environmental issues.

I hope you got your answer.

AskShikshaGPT on App
Table of content
  • Photojournalism Course Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process 2025
  • Photojournalism Course Syllabus
  • Photojournalism Online Courses
  • Best Photojournalism Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Photojournalism Colleges in India
  • Photojournalism Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salaries, and Top Recruiters
  • Photojournalism Course FAQs
  • Popular Exams
  • Popular Photojournalism UG Courses
View More

Photojournalism Course Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process 2025

The eligibility criterion for Photojournalism programs may vary depending on the course level and the college providing the course. But the basic requirements remain the same. Here is a general guide of Photojournalism eligibility criteria that needs to be fulfilled by every candidate:

Course Level Eligibility Criteria
Undergraduate/UG Diploma/Certificate
  • Class 12 from any stream (Arts, Science, or Commerce),
  • With a minimum of 45% aggregate score from a recognized board.
Postgraduate/PG Diploma
  • A bachelor's degree in any relevant discipline (Journalism, Mass Communication & Media, etc.),
  • With a minimum of 45% aggregate score from a recognized university.

Note- The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

Photojournalism Admission Process 2025

  1. Conduct personal level research and know the eligibility for the UG and PG courses in your chosen college.
  2. Look out for whether the admission requires appearing in any entrance; if yes, then choose the exam accordingly.
  3. Register, prepare, and appear for the exams accepted/ conducted by the colleges and wait for the results.
  4. Apply to the universities/ colleges by filling out the application/ registration form
  5. You will get shortlisted based on your score which you can find on the official websites of the exam bodies.
  6. Attend the counselling sessions, fill the choice forms and get updates on the latest notifications.
  7. Pay the fees and get your documents verified before you start with your classes.

 

Q:   Which documents are required during Photojournalism admission process?
A:

Here are some important documents you must carry during a Photojournalism course admission process:

  • Class 10 and 12 marksheets.
  • A relevant bachelor's degree (if applicable).
  • Valid ID Proof (Adhaar, PAN Card, Passport, etc.).
  • Passport-sized photographs.
  • Migration Certificate.
AskShikshaGPT on App
Q:   What is the fee structure of the Photojournalism course?
A:

Hi, the fee structure of every Photojournalism college can vary depending on the course level they offer. The course fee structures are also based on the college rating, placement records, faculty rating, etc. However, the average Photojournalism course fee in India ranges from INR 15,000 to INR 2 Lakh.

AskShikshaGPT on App

Photojournalism Course Syllabus

This section will provide you with information about the various levels of courses one can pursue in this specialization:

BA in Photojournalism Syllabus

Year I
Visual Literacy History of Art and Photography
Fundamentals of Photography Visual Art appreciation
Culture and Society Introduction to Journalism
Year II
Art, Design and Production Design Printing and Publishing
Aesthetics of Automobile Photography Media Laws & Ethics
Aesthetics of Portraiture Aesthetics of Fashion Photography
Year III
Digital filmmaking Visual Effects
Project and Practical Work Summer Internship

Note- The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

MA in Photojournalism Syllabus

Year I
Introduction to Photo Journalism Photography Equipment & Handling
Digital Photography Professional Photo Journalism
Education in Photography -
Year II
Camera Typology and Operations Analysis of Photo Journalist's Work
Photo Journalism Ethics Case Studies in Photo Journalism
Master's Thesis -

Note- The information is taken from external sites and may vary.

Q:   What is the syllabus for Diploma in Photojournalism course?
A:

A Diploma in Photojournalism course syllabus can vary depending on its level and the college providing the program. The Diploma programs are generally designed by the colleges themselves; hence, the duration, curriculum, area of study, etc., may vary. However, some common topics covered in a Diploma in Photojournalism course syllabus are:

Diploma in Photojournalism Subjects
Fundamentals of PhotographyMass Communication and Photojournalism
Lighting Language and AestheticsVideo Journalism and Video Editing
Photography PortfolioDocumentary Film
Fundamentals of PhotographyPhotojournalism and Aesthetics
Lighting Language and Colour ManipulationVideography and Video Editing
Advertising PhotographyNature and Wildlife Photography

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Q:   Are there any books recommended for Photojournalism students?
A:

Yes, here are some popular books recommended for Photojournalism students:

  • Associated Press Guide to Photojournalism by Brian Hortan.
  • Photojournalism: The Professionals' Approach by Kenneth Kobre.
  • Photojournalism and Citizen Journalism by Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.
  • Practical Photojournalism: A Professional Guide by Martin Keene.
  • Photo Journalism Hardcover by B K Desh Pandey.

Photojournalism Online Courses

Photojournalism programs are also offered in online mode. There are a few colleges that provide Photojournalism at various levels online. Here are some top options among them:

Photojournalism Course Course Provider Tuition Fee
Diploma in Photojournalism Udaan School of Photography NA
Photojournalism Harvard University INR 2,040
Photojournalism Swayam  NA

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

Useful Links for the Photojournalism course online:

What is Mobile Journalism (MoJo)?: Scope, Job Profiles & Top Recruiters

Q:   Is there any PG program for Photojournalism?
A:

Yes, you can pursue an MA in Photojournalism. It is a 2-year-long postgraduate degree programme in the field of Journalism, generally divided into 4 equal semesters. A Master of Arts degree is usually chosen by students who wish to advance their knowledge in a specific area of study and enhance their chances of getting higher paying jobs.

Q:   Are online Photojournalism courses worth pursuing?
A:

Though the Photojournalism course online may provide you the flexibility and convenience to learn at your pace and place, it lacks hands-on experience and real-time peers' guidance. Photojournalism courses online are generally cost-effective and are relatively affordable than regular courses, but they limit your networking opportunities, access to libraries and labs, and can even disrupt your studies due to technical issues.
Pursuing a Photojournalism course online can have many pros, but it comes with some cons as well. It is good to analyze both and then decide which option suits you the best.

Best Photojournalism Colleges in India

Mass Communication & Media colleges in India offering Photojournalism courses are limited. These colleges offer Photojournalism programs at various levels. Here are some top options among them:

Best Photojournalism Colleges Tuition Fee
Centre for Development of Imaging Technology INR 22,000
Imperial Institute of Management NA
Delhi School of Photography INR 15,000
The Shari Academy of Professional Photography and Digital Imaging INR 60,000

Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.

Links relevant to the Photojournalism course in India:

Top 10 BA in Journalism Colleges in India

Best Film Making Colleges in India; Fees, Courses and More

90 K - 3.96 L
3.6

#14 India Today

1 Course
66.45 K
3.8 LPA
4 Courses
55 K - 1.2 L
3.0
8 Courses
1.5 L - 8.5 L
6.5 LPA

Mass Communication & Media Applications open. Apply Now

3.84 L - 12.24 L
3.4
3 Courses
2.9 L - 8.4 L
2.9

#11 Outlook

Q:   Can you suggest some good colleges for Photojournalism?
A:

Some popular colleges in India offering Photojournalism and Photography courses include the Asian Academy of Film and Television, Light and Life Academy, The Indian Institute of Digital Art and Animation, National Institute of Photography, Delhi School of Photography, Centre for Development of Imaging Technology, and so on.

Q:   Which are the colleges for MA in photojournalism?
A:
The best colleges are: Asian Academy of Film and Television. Osmania University. National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. Sir JJ Institute of Applied Arts. National Institute of Photography. The Indian Institute of Digital Art and Animation. Creative Hut Institute of Photography. Pixel Institute of Photography.

Popular Private Photojournalism Colleges in India

25 K - 13 L
3.0
2.7 L
3.2 LPA
1.7 L
1.76 L - 2.16 L
4.1

#29 The Week

Mass Communication & Media Applications open. Apply Now

60 K
1.7 L

Photojournalism Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salaries, and Top Recruiters

The career scope for Photojournalism students is not limited to the Journalism industry. Photojournalism graduates can seek out for the employment in many areas like Entertainment, Event Management, Advertising, Fashion and so on. Plus after gaining the relevant experience in the industry, they can also start taking freelance projects and get paid according to their work and goodwill. 

Photojournalism Career Scope: Popular Job Profiles

Here are some common job profiles that Photojournalism students generally opt for. Candidates can see the table below for job, salary, and other details:

Job Profiles Average Photojournalism Salary
Photojournalists INR 3.4 LPA
Cameramans INR 3.5 LPA
Photoshop Designers INR 2.4 LPA
Video Editors INR 3.8 LPA
Travel Photographers INR 4.3 LPA

Note: The salary information is sourced from Ambitionbox.com.

Links related to Photojournalism Salary:

Average Photographer Salary in India

Photojournalism Career Scope: Top Recruiters

Plenty of Media houses, event management companies, advertising firms, etc., hire Photojournalism students for various recording and editing roles. Here are some top recruiting companies in India, where Photojournalism graduates can seek employment:

Top Recruiters
NDTV Convergence Jagran New Media Brut India
Travel + Leisure India Outlook Traveller Incredible India Magazine
Hindustan Times ePaper The Indian Express The Hindu

Information source: multiple external sites and may vary.

Links related to Photojournalism Salary:

Popular Mass Communication Job Profiles, Roles & Top Recruiters

Q:   What is the scope of jobs in photojournalism?
A:

Some of the jobs that you get after doing Photojournalism course are mentioned below: 

News Jobs: The most common profession for a photojournalist is in the news industry. Often called news photographers, photojournalists use pictures to tell a story or clarify information in a news article. As the media industry grows and changes, photojournalists are expected to capture both still video images. Consider applying for jobs at newspapers, news magazines, web-based news sites and television stations. 

Advertising Jobs: If you love the creativity of storytelling, use your photojournalism skills in advertising. Photojournalists are hired on a contract basis - or as a staff member at large companies- to capture products and people for their clients. The photographer must sell a product or service through visual storytelling. Advertising agencies, newspapers, magazines and large corporations work with photojournalists in their advertising departments.

Commercial Photography: Be your own boss and start a commercial photography business. Photojournalists sell their skills and services to businesses. For example, a real estate company may hire a photojournalist to capture interior and exterior pictures of a property for sale. The real estate office wants the photojournalist to sell potential clients on viewing and hopefully purchasing the property by creating persuasive images. Commercial photography is all about engaging the viewer to take action. 

Documentary Photography: Photojournalists who enjoy longer deadlines and a slower-paced workload can work in documentary photography. The photographer shoots the same subject matter over time to document changes and progress. Subjects may include watching a new housing subdivision grow over a span of two years, documenting the lives of teenagers as they traverse four years of high school or capturing the changing coastline of a major river. This profession is often done on a freelance basis, with the photojournalist pitching his visual story to magazines, book publishers and newspapers.

Photojournalism Course FAQs

Candidates can refer to this section for Photojournalism Course FAQs.

Q:   How can I pursue Photojournalism course in India?
A:
Hi Tanya, In India there is no institution or university exclusively offering degree or diploma course in photojournalism. The course is offered through different programmes of journalism & mass communication, art & craft, film and television and advanced information technologies. This education is recognized as professional education, usually referred to by different terminologies, namely - photo editing, layout and design, fundamentals of photography, electronic editing, advanced photography, digital imaging, fundamentals of digital technology, basic and advanced photojournalism, film editing, fundamental principles and practices on videography, moving and still photography, etc. depending on the emphasis on different aspects of photojournalism. Graduates from any stream can join the above-mentioned courses offered by various universities and media institutes. Almost every institution and university prefers to choose candidates through written and personality-test (interview) examinations due to limited seats. Hope it helps. Please feel free to revert. Click on the thumbs up or mark it as the best, if you found this useful.
Q:   What qualities and skills should one possess to become a Photojournalist?
A:

Here are some important skills you should gain to become a great Photojournalist:

  • Technical skills: To effectively operate cameras and editing software, for example, setting the lens, lighting conditions to capture high-quality images, etc.
  • Journalistic skills: To effectively yet ethically capture the stories and document in a way that makes the audience understand.

Popular Exams

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

14 Jul ' 25 - 31 Oct ' 25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Counselling

31 Oct ' 25

Last Date for submitting Qualifying Exam result (...

Oct '25

SAT Registration Deadline for November Test

TENTATIVE

To Be Notified:

FTII JET 2025 Final Result

TENTATIVE

Nov '25

FTII JET 2025 Commencement of Classes

TENTATIVE

14 Nov ' 24 - 30 Oct ' 25

CGCUET 2025 Registration

Popular Photojournalism UG Courses

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

UG Courses

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...