What is Diploma in Journalism: Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Syllabus, Salary & Scope

One of the best Journalism subfields is investigative journalism. Investigative Journalism seeks out the untold truth or facts about a given subject, person, topic of interest, or event. Due to the growing prevalence of the internet and technology, Journalism is no longer limited to print or electronic media and is now also gaining popularity in a digital format.

Since it encompasses all job categories linked to print media, electronic media, new media, radio production, film production, and television production, the demand for experienced workers in this industry has grown dramatically.

Also Read: Journalism Course Details

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

The helpfulness of a postgraduate Diploma in journalism depends on your goals:
•Valuable: If you want to specialize in a specific journalism area (data journalism, investigative journalism) or gain new skills (broadcast journalism, data analysis).
•Less necessary: If you already have strong journalism skills and experience and just need an entry-level job.
Consider focusing on building your portfolio and professional network if immediate employment is the goal.

Consider focusing on building your portfolio and professional network if immediate employment is the goal.

No, generally there is no age limit for Journalism courses,  but some institutes set an age limit for admission in UG and PG courses. Students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for admission to any course in this field. People who complete this course have a variety of career options, including those as an Editor, News Reader, News Analyst, Critic, etc.

Also Read:

Career after BJMC

Candidates can pursue various Diploma, UG and PG courses in Journalism. Some of the popular courses are Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC),  event of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) etc..

Journalism courses involves the study of different forms of mass media including newspapers,  radio, television, films, etc. to convey information to a large audience. The course helps students provide advanced theoretical as well as practical knowledge in various media professions such as journalism,  advertising,  event management,  public relations, and so on.

Hope this answered you question!

Hi Chansi,

You can certainly pursue a course in journalism along with B.Com. The only advice I would want to reach upto you is that Journalism is more of a field of practical learning, on field experiences and Live set ups. Pursuing a course through correspondence [Assuming that you're pursuing B.Com (regular)] will help you fetch a good degree but not a creative job because it would require practical experience into role play as far as journalism course is concerned.

Diploma in Journalism have wide career prospects. The subjects that are taught in journalism are: 

• Fundamentals of Journalism and NEWS Media
• NEWS Reporting
• Editorial Writing
• Writing Features
• International Communication
• Communication Skills
• Advertising
• Media Laws and Ethics
• Literature
• Basics of Mass Communication
• Corporate Communication
• English Literature
• Translation
• Proofreading and Editing work
• Creativity and Skill Development
• Basics of Computers
• Basics of Internet Technology
• Research Writing

From the above list of subjects, you must have been able to get an idea about the nature of the course as well as the course structure. Mass Communication is one such sector that has been seeing vast changes for some time. First of all, Traditional Print media forms such as NEWS Papers and Circulars existed. With time, Radio and TV Broadcasting got introduced. These days, thanks to the Internet, Digital Media forms such as E Papers, Blogs and Social Media outlets also have become part of Journalism and Mass Communication arena.

All the best.

Hello Abhinab,

Normally, universities insist on having some bare minimum domain knowledge before permitting . However as you are seeking to do PG diploma only, I think you are eligible for doing this presently.

Yes, many institutions accept students without prior professional experience in journalism. Most Diploma programs are designed for beginners and focus on providing foundational skills in media, writing, reporting, and editing. However, if you have some writing or media experience, you can highlight that in your application or portfolio.

The candidates who fulfill the below-mentioned eligibility parameters of Journalism courses to get selected for admission to best college for top Mass Communication colleges in India:

• Students from any stream  (Arts/Commerce/Science) can opt to pursue a course in Journalism. Most colleges/universities that offer Journalism as a course specify that candidates will be considered eligible to apply for admissions if they have cleared their 10+2 from a recognised institute with a minimum aggregate of 50%.
• Apart from the above-mentioned eligibility criteria,  many colleges even specify that candidates will be considered for admission if they score at least 75% in English/Hindi depending on the medium in which they want to pursue the course.
• To pursue a Journalism course at the PG level, candidates should have completed their undergraduate degree with an aggregate of 50% marks. Although candidates from any stream can apply for a PG-level course, most popular colleges prefer Journalism graduates for a programme in this field.

Here are some important documents you must carry during Diploma in Journalism admission process:

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets.
• A relevant bachelor's degree (if applicable).
• Valid ID proof (Adhaar, PAN Card, Passport, etc.).
• Passport-sized photographs.
• Migration Certificate.

JMI Entrance Exam is a pen and paper-based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, English comprehension and general awareness. It may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. Even if you are an average student, you will find a lot of familiar topics in the sections asked in Jamia Millia Entrance Exam.

All you will need is to brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level. However, since the competition is high, the preparation for JMI Entrance Exam requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the entrance exam.

Admission to BA Journalism programme starts after the results for the 10+2 examination are declared. Ideally, the process begins in the month of May when various institutes invite application from prospective students. Students whose 10+2 results have been declared or who are awaiting their results can fill the application forms for the course. The admission process is best described through the figure given below: Application Form Written Test Personal Interview After the submission of the application form, students are called for a written test. Written Test might be of Objective and/or Subjective type. Objective paper may contain questions from General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Popular Media, English Language, Case Studies etc. Subjective paper may contain questions form the following topics: English Comprehension and Grammar Social Issues Politics Media Issues Creative Writing etc. Written Test may be followed by a Personal Interview on the basis of marks scored in the written test and percentage secured in the 10+2 examination. The final selection of candidates for admission is based on the performance in written test, interview and marks scored in HSC examination. https://www.shiksha.com/mass-communication-media/articles/top-10-mass-communication-colleges-in-india-blogId-13552

The syllabus of the JMI Entrance Exam varies according to the course. Candidates appearing for the entrance exam have to follow the steps given below in order to view the syllabus for their respective programmes -

1. Visit the official website of JMI examination (jmicoe.in).
2. Click on the Entrance Test Syllabus given on the admission tab.
3. Select the Course Type, Course Name and enter the captcha.
4. Download the PDF file.

The CUET PG 2025 exam pattern has been amended for the academic session 2025-2026. The exam duration has been reduced to 90 minutes from 105 minutes for all question papers. 

CUET PG exam pattern depicts the exam format in which candidates will get to know about the types of questions asked in the CUET PG 2025 examination. Also candidates will get to know about the CUET PG negative marking scheme, time duration provided by the exam officials to attend the CUET PG exam.

CUET PG 2025 exam pattern consist of the following parts:

• Type of Questions- Multiple Choice Questions.
• Exam Duration- 90 Minutes
• Total Marks- 300 marks
• Marking Scheme

The curriculum of a Diploma programme is designed in such a way that the students gain basic theoretical knowledge about the field. A Diploma course is generally of one-year duration and can be extended up to two years. Students are advised to pursue Diploma courses from universities and colleges that are recognised by the UGC or AICTE. 

The topics covered in a Diploma in Journalism course are mentioned below:

Yes, some colleges may offer specialised Diploma programs in areas like:

• Investigative Journalism
• Sports Journalism
• Photojournalism
• Multimedia Journalism

These specializations equip you with additional skills and knowledge relevant to specific journalism fields.

Here are some popular books recommended for Diploma in Journalism students:

• Handbook of Mass Communication by VK Joshi. 
• Mass Communication in India (for Indian context). 
• The Elements of Journalism by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel.
• Reporting Techniques by Pamela Shoemaker and Stephen D. Reese.
• Media Ethics: Issues and Cases by Clifford G. Christians et al.
• Writing and Editing for Print Media by William E. Rivers and Bruce A. Jaslow. 

Know all about Journalism Courses

Yes, the subjects covered in a PG Diploma programme are relatively more advanced than UG Diploma subjects. PG Diploma programs are pursued after graduation, hence, their topics are built upon specific areas of study. Meanwhile, the UG Diploma courses offer a broader,  introductory overview of the subject.

Hi, here are some popular Journalism online programs offered by IGNOU:

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

Yes, a few institutions are offering free Journalism courses online. Among them, the Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism by UNIPUNE is the best choice for students who have completed their bachelor's in a relevant discipline and seeking higher education along with gaining industry experience. This course is free of cost and the degree is recognised by the UGC. 

Here are some top affordable online Diploma programs in Journalism and Mass Communication options under INR 20,000 for students in India:

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

Yes, a few colleges offer after 10th Diploma in Journalism courses online. Among them, Tamilnadu Open University is a good option for students with a course fee of INR 4,000. 

It depends on the institute you choose to pursue your Diploma in Journalism from. If it is a UGC-approved institute in India, such as IGNOU, TNOU, NSOU, YMCOU Nashik, etc., you'll get the certificate upon completion of the program.

Many colleges in India offer Diploma courses in Journalism. Some of the popular colleges are tabulated below:

You can also refer to the colleges page by clicking HERE

Hi,

Following are the best institutes for the same:

1. FTTI, Pune
2. Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi
3. Indian Institute of Journalism And New Media, Bangalore
4. Asian College of Journalism, Chennai
5. Mudhra Institute of Communication, Ahmedabad

Typically, the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ) requires a bachelor's degree in any discipline in order to be eligible for the PG Diploma. The degree must have come from an accredited college. ACJ frequently seeks applicants with a solid academic background and a strong interest in journalism, while precise qualifications may differ. Candidates might also be required to take the ACJ Entrance Exam, which assesses their analytical abilities, current events knowledge, and English proficiency. To obtain the most precise and current qualifying requirements, prospective students can consult the most recent admission rules or get in touch with ACJ directly.

Every year, the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ) admits a different number of students to its postgraduate Diploma programmes. Infrastructure, program-specific concerns, and the availability of lecturers are some examples of factors that frequently affect admission intake. The goal of ACJ is to keep the student-teacher ratio favourable in order to guarantee high-quality instruction and individualised care. For the most accurate and current information on the number of students accepted for PG Diploma programmes, prospective candidates may consult the most recent admission guidelines or get in touch with ACJ directly.

Yes, there are many Diploma in Journalism college options in India offering great placement opportunities to students:

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

With a Diploma in Journalism, you can explore various career paths in:

• Print Media: Reporter, Sub-editor, Feature Writer
• Electronic Media: News Reporter, Anchor, Content Producer
• Digital Media: Content Writer, Social Media Manager, Web Editor
• Public Relations: Public Relations Specialist, Media Relations Officer
• Content Writing: Content Writer, Copywriter, Technical Writer

Yes, a Diploma in Journalism can be a great way to start your journalism career quickly and gain practical skills for entry-level positions. But, it may have limited job opportunities compared to a bachelor's degree in some areas.

Dear Rahul,

A professional course in mass communication opens doors for a career in films & TV, publishing, public relations, journalism, editing, direction, filmmaking, scriptwriting, production, etc. In nutshell, Mass Communication widens up the horizon of career options for a person. Depending upon personal interest and inclination a mass communication professional can choose a job. Attractive and high paying jobs as journalist, actor, director, editor, screenwriter, RJ, producer, VJ are available to the talented and trained individuals. As far as your interest you can join the travel blog in newspaper or magazine where you would get the chance to travel and write column on your journey or for the particular state or region.

All the best

To do a course in media or journalism in Mumbai is different from trying your career after doing such course from any other place and then going to work in Mumbai. Yes, Mumbai can give good future depending on the technical skills.

In this job profile one needs to acquire news insights as an Editor goes through the entire content piece and edits it to meet the organisation standards. Editors assist in maintaining the accuracy of grammar and factual information in any published text. An editor's tasks vary depending on whether they are developmental, acquisitions, substantive, line, or copy editors, as well as whether they edit magazines, books, brochures, or generic internet material.

Also Read: Editing Course Overview

The eligibility Criteria for a Diploma in Journalism Abroad is mentioned below:

• Academic Qualifications: A high school Diploma or equivalent from a recognised board
• Language Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL scores to demonstrate English language proficiency
• Portfolio (Optional): A collection of writing samples or media projects can strengthen your application

Yes, many institutions offer scholarships or financial aid to international students. You can also look into external scholarship programs from governments, private organizations, or media-related foundations. Some examples include:

• Chevening Scholarships (UK)
• Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (EU)
• Fulbright Program (USA)
• Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

To get more information related to universities that provides scholarship to Indian students click on the given link:

Diploma in Journalism abroad

TOEFL pattern consists of four major sections, namely, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The TOEFL test duration is 116 minutes, with overall test scores range from 0 to 120.

Students can pursue Journalism and Mass Communication courses at different levels and specializations. They can see the table below to know the different courses, course level, and duration.

Yes, the concept of journalism has developed over time to reach its current state. Instead of being consumed in a traditional and conventional fashion through television and radio, it has enriched itself along the roads of modernisation and reflects it in unusual ways like blogs, social media, and much more. It is now admired in prestigious contexts, including consulting businesses and law firms, and is not merely limited to conventional reporting. Therefore, from the perspective of a career, journalism is a very good choice. 

Hope this information proves beneficial for you!

Hi Aayush,

The career as a travel journalist is full of adventure and fun. But unfortunately there is no specific course for travel journalism in India. You can study Journalism at UG/PG level and look for jobs in travel sector or journals as a writer or a photographer, whichever interests you. You can apply for jobs in travel magazines and travel websites, once you are a graduate. You can also take up internships in travel sector to have maximum exposure.

Here are some reasons why you should go for a Diploma in Journalism:

• Exciting Career: A degree in journalism is an exciting career. Those who desire to use their writing and ideas to motivate others to fight social injustice or inequalities should enroll in a journalism course.
• Respectful Profession: The field of Journalism is associated with fame and respect and candidates get a chance to work in the television and media industry. 
• Practical Experience: Journalism programs are designed by industry experts who provide a strong emphasis on practical experience through internships, student publications, radio stations, and online media outlets. The students attain real-world experience with the aid of this hands-on instruction.
• Job Profiles: Graduates with a Journalism degree can pursue careers as editors, writers, reporters, news anchors, multimedia journalists, and media researchers, in various media organizations.

Diploma in Journalism is a,

• Journalism Basics: Equips you with the core skills needed to be a journalist, like news reporting, writing, editing, and media ethics.
• Eligibility Criteria: Complete 10+2 education with a minimum of 50% score.
• Entrance Exams: No entrance exam is mandatory. You will get admission based on the merit scores.
• Career Options: In various fields like Entertainment, Media, Digital Marketing, Advertising, etc.
• Specializations: Electronic Media, Photojournalism, Digital Marketing, Public Relations, etc.

Students who don't wish to complete a full-time education can enroll in the Diploma in Journalism course. The Journalism Diploma courses prepare the candidates for entering into the world of Journalism, Mass Communication & Media by teaching both theoretical and practical expertise in the area of specialization. The course teaches the art and passion of storytelling and how to write a compelling news article. 

The choice among them depends on your career requirements and interests. No doubt, a full-fledged PG-degree course in Journalism will open more learning and earning opportunities for you. But a PG Diploma will be easier and faster to complete. Also, a Diploma programme is relatively cheaper than a Master's course.

The course duration and curriculum for Diploma programs in Journalism are usually designed by individual colleges, hence, they may vary. However, the shortest Diploma in Journalism course is usually 3 months long, which can be completed in 30 hours.