B.J.M.C. (Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication) Subjects List: Year-wise Syllabus, Semesters, Specializations & Books

Updated on Oct 23, 2024 11:46 IST

BJMC refers to Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication. It is a 3-year course that introduces subjects like media, journalism, TV, print media, and more to the students. The students who complete this course work in media, news production, journalism, and other fields. A lot of emphasis is given to teaching the research methodologies used to verify a news article's authenticity. The students also learn about software and other latest technologies to create, investigate, and present news and other media pieces.

Syllabus - Important Facts for BJMC

Some of the important facts related to Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication course are given below: 

Eligibility Criteria: The students who want to pursue this course must complete their 10+2 studies with at least 50% marks. Some colleges and universities also take entrance tests to judge the students' eligibility.

Changes in the syllabus: The syllabus for BJMC has remained almost the same for many years. However, the syllabus has slight modifications now considering the evolution of social media, digitalisation, and their roles in mass communication and media.

Exam format: The exams are held at the end of every semester. Each paper consists of 100 marks, with 30 marks allotted to internal assessment and the remaining 70 marks for external evaluation.

BJMC in IIMC & ACJ: IIMC and ACJ (Asian College of Journalism) are the two prominent institutions in India for mass communication courses. Though the BJMC syllabus is almost identical in both of these institutions, the syllabus of ACJ is slightly more comprehensive. Also, the teaching facilities and placement opportunities are better at ACJ.

Scope in India: The growth of TV news channels, social media reporting, and overall growth in the mass media has created enormous scope for mass media courses in India. They can also work in the advertisement department, work as graphic designers, manage corporate relations, and work in various other fields.

Course duration: BJMC is a 3-year course, and the syllabus is divided into six semesters. The curriculum also includes the study of tribal communication, a study tour, and an internship report.

List of Subjects in BJMC

The subjects covered in BJMC are given in detail below:

Typical Core Subjects in BJMC
Subject Title Subjects Details
Introduction to Communication & Media The meaning, definition, and importance of communication and media are discussed in this subject.
Introduction to Journalism This subject introduces the fundamentals of journalism to the students.
Indian Social System The concept and types of society, caste system, need for social change, and related topics are covered in this subject.
Communicative Hindi In this subject, the significance of learning the Hindi language is explained.
Theory of Communication This subject introduces the definition of communication, communication theories, communication models, and other concepts to the students.
Applications of Computer in Media The importance of computers in the field of communication and mass media is explained in this subject.
State Politics & Constitution This subject talks about democracy, Indian Constitution, the judicial system, and the electoral system.
Writing for Media This subject discusses how to write for print media, the fundamentals of good writing, writing for electronic media, and related topics.
Media Laws & Ethics The press freedom, media laws, councils, media codes and ethics, etc., are discussed in this subject. 
Media Management The definition of management and its role in managing different media and organisations are explained in this subject. 
Folk Media The meaning of folk media, its types, aspects, fairs, festivals, etc., are covered in this subject. 
Cyber Media  The characteristics of online communication, the internet, websites and their types, etc., are covered in this subject. 
Development & Communication This subject focuses on the characteristics of developing countries, indicators of development, economic issues, and the role of media in development.
Design & Graphics The design and graphic aspects of media and computer applications that are used to design layouts of print media and multimedia presentations are discussed in this subject.
Introduction to Public Relations The meaning of PR and its concept and applications in media are covered in this subject.
Introduction to Advertising This subject talks about the meaning of advertisement, its purpose, classification, etc.
Tribal Communication The meaning of tribal communication, features of tribal performing art, types of visual art, etc., are discussed in this subject. 
Communication Research The meaning of communication research and its importance are discussed.
Radio Journalism This subject describes radio as a medium for journalism.
TV Journalism This subject highlights the importance of television as a medium for journalism.
Value Education The purpose and importance of value education are discussed.
Tribal Study The characteristics of tribal societies, tribal life in India, and their cultures and traditions are covered in this subject. 
Typical Elective Subjects in BJMC
Subject Title Subject Details 
Global Media & Politics How Global Media and International Politics are interconnected is explained in this subject.
Multimedia Journalism The basics of multimedia reporting, brainstorming story ideas, audio and video content, etc., are covered in this subject.
History of Press The history of the press in India and certain Indian states are discussed in this subject.
Crime Reporting The basic elements of crime reporting are covered in this subject.
Elements of Social Media The different elements of social media and its role in reporting and journalism are discussed in this subject.
Corporate Communication The meaning of corporate communication, its role in crisis management, and related concepts are covered in this subject.
Media Communication Skill The communication skills and roles of a media reporter and journalist are explained in this subject. 

Detailed Syllabus for BJMC

There might be minor differences in the BJMC syllabus for different colleges and universities. However, the syllabus's core subjects, concepts, and content usually remain the same. Here is an overview of the detailed syllabus for BJMC.

Semester Core/Elective  Subject Title Subject Details
Semester 1 Core Introduction to Communication & Media It covers the scope of communication, its process, verbal and written communication, history of mass media in India, mass media and mass culture, and related concepts.
Semester 1 Core Introduction to Journalism The characteristics of news, news writing styles, reporting for print and other forms of media, editing for print media, and related concepts are discussed in this subject.
Semester 1 Core Indian Social System The students learn concepts of society, family in Indian society, the caste system in India, factors of social change, etc.
Semester 1 Core Communicative Hindi The significance of Hindi in communication and mass media is explained in this subject.
Semester 2 Core Theory of Communication Barriers of communication, 7Cs of Communication, different communication models, and related concepts can be learnt through its syllabus.
Semester 2 Core Applications of Computer in Media It talks about CPU, VDU, computer memory, printers, scanners, and other components and their role in media houses.
Semester 2 Core State Politics & Constitution The functioning of the Indian democratic Institutions, the State Legislature, functions of the election commission and its powers, etc., are explained through various topics.
Semester 2 Core Writing for Media  The art of writing, types of media writing, basic principles for writing in electronic media and print media, etc., are covered in this subject.
Semester 3 Core Media Laws & Ethics The students can learn civil and criminal defamation law, intellectual property rights, and various other media laws.
Semester 3 Core Media Management It includes various topics like the need for media management, organisation patterns in print media, different media organisation types, management functions, etc.
Semester 3 Core Folk Media Topics like the nature of folk media, its characteristics, types, and other aspects are covered in this subject.
Semester 3 Elective Cyber Media  The students can learn the meaning of online communication, the brief history of e-newspapers in India, the limitations of e-newspapers, and their present and future through various topics.
Semester 4 Core Development & Communication The indicators of development in developing countries with context to communication are covered here.
Semester 4 Elective Design & Graphics It discusses design and graphics principles, the art of printing, aesthetics, layout, pagination, and other concepts related to graphic designing.
Semester 5 Elective Introduction to Public Relations It includes topics like Public Relations: its definition, concept, and need.
Semester 5 Elective Introduction to Advertising The role of advertising, its classification, advantages, limitations, and various other aspects are discussed. 
Semester 5 Core Tribal Communication  It includes topics such as the importance of communication in tribal life, types of performing art, tribal culture, festivals, and art.
Semester 5 Core Communication Research The students can learn the meaning and importance of communication research, data collection methods, research process, data analysis, and report writing via different topics. 
Semester 6 Core Radio Journalism The characteristics and limitations of radio, radio as a medium in mass communication, and related aspects are explained in this subject,
Semester 6 Core TV Journalism It gives a thorough understanding of the need and significance of TV as a mass communication medium, TV formats, principles of TV news writing, etc., to the students.
Semester 6 Core Value Education It includes topics such as components of value education, its role in personal development and nation-building, and related concepts.
Semester 6 Core Tribal Study The different tribes of India, tribal society and its characteristics, culture, religion, supernaturalism, etc., are discussed in this subject.

Specialisations offered in BJMC

BJMC offers several specialisations that allow the students to progress in their areas of interest. Here are the popular specialisations that are offered by the BJMC course.

Specialisation Specialisation Subjects Details
Electronic Media
  • Radio Journalism
  • TV Journalism
  • Field Reporting & Newsroom Anchoring
The various aspects of electronic media like online, radio, and TV are covered in this specialisation.
Print Media
  • Writing in Print Media
  • Print Media layout
  • Ethics of Print Media
The magazines, journals, newspapers, and various forms of print media are covered in this specialisation.
Camera Handling & Lighting
  • Field Reporting Lighting accessories & camera angles
  • Camera usage methods
The students learn how to work with camera and lighting conditions by choosing this specialisation.
Sound Editing 
  • Sound Systems
  • Sound Editing & Variations
  • Appropriate sound for live news, videos, etc. 
The role of a sound system and its adjustment techniques are covered in this specialisation.
Film Making
  • Script
  • Cast
  • Story Writing
  • Directing a film

The various aspects of filmmaking are covered in this specialisation.

Books & Authors Related to BJMC

The best reference books for the BJMC course are given in the table below:

Subject  Book Title Author Description
Indian Social System Caste in Indian Politics Rajni Kothari It talks about the caste system prevalent in India.
Indian Social System Facts About India Ministry of Information & Broadcasting It covers the facts about Indian society, its culture, religion, etc.
Introduction to Journalism History of Indian Journalism Natarajan, J It discusses various events and situations that decided the course of journalism in India.
Introduction to Journalism Journalism in India Rangaswami, Parthasarthy  The writer talks about how journalism is practised in India.
Mass Communication Mass Communication in India Kewal J, Kumar The students can learn about the mass communication system in India by reading it.
Mass Communication Issues in Mass Communication: The Basic Concepts  Pradeep Mathur & J. S.Yadava The challenges and basic concepts of mass communication are presented by the writer.
Design & Graphics Fundamentals of Computer Graphics A. Jaiswal Know about the fundamental concepts of graphic designing and using computer applications.
State, Politics, & Constitution Indian Political System J. C. Johri The students get deep insights into the Indian Political System by reading this book.
Writing for Media News Writing  George A. Hough The fundamental principles and ethics in news writing are discussed.
Media Laws & Ethics Laws of the Press D. D. Basu It gives great insights regarding media laws, principles, and ethics.

Entrance Exams for BJMC

Many colleges require that the students clear certain entrance exams before seeking admission. The entrance tests consist of objective types of questions. The syllabus for the entrance test comprises General Awareness, Current Affairs, Politics, Sports News, Social Media’s role in general awareness, etc. Some of the popular entrance exams for BJMC programmes are listed below:

Syllabus for Distance Programme in BJMC

The distance learning BJMC course can vary from 1 to 3 years, depending upon the extensiveness of the curriculum. The benefit of applying for a distance learning programme at BJMC is that there is no age limit. Also, the students have the flexibility of time and schedule to complete the course. The fees prescribed by these online programmes are also relatively less compared to the fees demanded by the regular courses. The best colleges for distance programmes in BJMC are described below:

Top Colleges for BJMC

The top colleges and universities for BJMC when it comes to curriculum, placement opportunities, and choice of electives are mentioned in the below table:

SR. No. College/University/Institution Syllabus Links
1. Rourkela Institute of Management Studies To be uploaded soon
2. Odisha State Open University, Sambalpur To be uploaded soon
3. Amity University Download Here
4. Chandigarh University To be uploaded soon
5. IIMM, Delhi To be uploaded soon
6. Indira Gandhi National Tribal University To be uploaded soon
7. Calcutta University  Download Here
8. Saurashtra University  To be uploaded soon
9. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi To be uploaded soon
10. Jaipur National University, Jaipur To be uploaded soon

FAQs on BJMC Subjects

Q. Which are the popular diploma courses in journalism and mass communication?

A. The popular diploma courses in journalism and mass communication are listed below:
  • Film, Television, & Digital Video Production
  • Advertising & Marketing Communication
  • Communication for Development
  • Public Relations & Corporate Communication
  • Journalism & Mass Communication Diploma

Q. Is there any mandatory subject for securing admission in the BJMC course?

A. No, the students who have completed their 10+2 studies in any streams like arts, science, or commerce can apply for this course. Therefore, there is no compulsion on any subject. However, some colleges need that the students secure at least 50% marks in their 10+2 studies.

Q. What can the students do after completing the BJMC course?

A. The students can secure admission in the MJMC (Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication) course after completing the BJMC course. It helps them acquire higher knowledge of the subjects and concepts covered during the bachelor-level degree course.

Q. Which is the best specialisation for the BJMC course?

A. Film Making, Sound Editing, Camera Handling and Lighting, Print Media, and Electronic Media are some of the popular specialisations that BJMC offers. The students can select a specialisation according to their area of interest and preferred career options. These specialisations provide exposure to multiple job rules in the media and communication sector.

Q. What are the main topics for the subject of Film Theories and Production?

A. The main topics for Film Theories and Production are listed below:
  • Film & Cinema: History of Indian Cinema
  • Overview of Indian films in different languages
  • Film production: Camera shots and sequences, editing, lights, dubbing, etc.
  • Documentary films in India: Their history and role in the development of the Indian society.

Q. Which are the main concepts for the subject of Media and Cultural Studies?

A. The main concepts for Media and Cultural Studies are mentioned below:
  • Understanding Culture: Its definition, mass culture, folk culture, and other types.
  • Frankfurt Critical School: Culture industry, the meaning of text messages, etc.
  • Communication and development of media in third-world nations.
  • Globalisation and corporatisation of mass media.
  • Dominant paradigm of development model. 

Q. Which are the main topics for the subject ‘History of Indian Journalism’?

A. The important topics for the subject, History of Indian Journalism, are listed below:
  • Early Journalism in IndiaHistory of press conferences in India
  • Recommendations of the Indian Press Commission
  • Rise of newspaper houses in India
  • Young Bengal Movement
  • Doordarshan and its popular news
  • Social Reform Movement and Raja Rammohan Roy

Q. Which are the main topics for the Indian Social System subject in BJMC?

A. The important topics for the Indian Social System subject in BJMC are highlighted below:
  • Concept of society and its types
  • Concept of religion
  • Different religions in India
  • Characteristics, background, and structure of the Indian society
  • Changes in the Indian family system
  • Types of family
  • Functions of family
  • Characteristics of caste system in India
  • Factors of social change and the role of education in it
  • Media and social change
  • Technology for social change

Q. What is the main syllabus content for the Theory of Communication subject in BJMC?

A. The main syllabus content for the Theory of Communication subject in BJMC is mentioned below:
  • Definition of communication and its elements
  • Forms and types of communication
  • Barriers to communication
  • Need and significance of Communication Theory
  • Need and significance of the Communication Model
  • Social responsibility, developmental, libertarian, and authoritarian theories

Q. What is the main syllabus content for the Application of Computer in Media subject in BJMC?

A. The main syllabus content for the Application of Computer in Media subject in BJMC is highlighted below:
  • Introduction to computers and communication technology
  • Characteristics and applications of computer
  • Different components of a computer system like printer, display, memory, storage, etc.
  • MS Office, using printers and scanners in media
  • DTP software like PageMaker, Photoshop, Corel Draw, etc. 

Q. Which are the important concepts taught in the State, Politics, and Indian Constitution subject?

A. The important concepts taught in the State, Politics, and Indian Constitution subject are mentioned below:
  • Salient features of the Indian Constitution
  • Fundamental rights and duties of the Indian citizens'
  • Role of President, Prime Ministers, and democratic institutions in India
  • Indian Judicial System, the hierarchy of courts in India
  • Electoral System in India, elections held for electing members of upper and lower houses, electing process for President and Vice President

Q. Which are the important concepts taught in the Writing for Media subject?

A. The important concepts taught in the Writing for Media subject are highlighted below:
  • Art of writing in mediaKinds of media writing
  • Principles of writing for print
  • Elements of writing
  • Translation of media
  • Types of translation
  • Nature & norms of translation
  • Concept and meaning of translation
  • The need for clarity, brevity, accuracy, and discernment in media writing
  • Editorial, features, and review of TV and Radio news writing

Q. Which are the main topics for the Media Laws and Ethics subject in the BJMC course?

A. The essential topics for the Media Laws and Ethics subject in the BJMC course are given below:
  • Contempt of Court
  • Official Secrets Act, 1923
  • Right to privacy
  • Right to information
  • Copyright Act, 1957
  • Prasar Bharti Act, 1990
  • Press Commissions
  • Working Journalist Act
  • Autonomy of Public Broadcasting
  • Indian Penal Code, 1860
  • Criminal Procedure Code, 1973
  • Intellectual Property Rights
  • Freedom of speech and expression given by the Indian Constitution

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Popular B.J.M.C. (Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication) Specializations

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Popular Specializations

Popular B.J.M.C. (Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication) Colleges in India

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Student Forum

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Answered a week ago

No, you will not require giving the exam of CMAT for the course of mass communication and journalism from Gujarat University. The CMAT is basically an entrance examination that can be cleared by students who want to undergo an MBA course from one of the B schools. For courses in mass communication a

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Shejal agrawal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

The admissions have been closed for this year.

For Indian students, the first-year academic fee for   (Bachelor of Arts (Mass Communication) – Honours / Honours with Research - Indian Students - 

1st installment - INR 1,73,000 + INR 20,000 = INR 1,93,000 which needs to be depostited at the time of Pro

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SACHIN SINGH

Guide-Level 13

Answered 4 weeks ago

Admission to a Bachelor of Journalism course can be based on:

      • Merit-based: Some colleges accept students on the basis of their class 10+2 marks
      • Entrance exams: Colleges like IIMC, JMI, and AMU conduct their own entrance exams and provide admission to the candidates who clear the entrance exam
      • Direct ad

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Pallavi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) programme at IILM University, Gurugram, strikes a balance between theoretical learning and practical training to prepare students for the dynamic media industry. The curriculum typically covers foundational theories in media studies, communica

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Samir Bhardwaj

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Hello, I actually think this is a very subjective question. If you're interested in the nutrition filed and wants to further explore then it might be a good option for you, since you have done bjmc you will have an idea about content writing you'll be able to write content related to the particular

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Smriti Kanchan

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 2 months ago

There are a total of 10 subjects that are covered in the SRM BA in JMC course. These are general language subjects with some more focused on journalism and related topics. Mentioned below are all the topics that are covered in the first semester of the programme:

  • Tamil
  • Hindi 
  • French
  • English
  • Basic of Prin

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Manori Sahni

Contributor-Level 9

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