Ishita Bhatia, National Newsportal

Depends on how long that person wants to work as a professional in the ad industry. No fixed span, actually. And why would there be?

Hi,
Wouldn't recommend pursuing mass communication via distance learning as you'll miss on practical knowledge and exposure without attending classes in person.

Hi,
The best way out is to first pursue a graduation/post-graduation in Journalism. Doing so, will hone your Video Jockeying skills and will also provide you a platform to get a placement in channels/event companies of sorts.

Look from a higher perspective. These phases keep changing. Even if you think this is what is happening in India, previously also Emergency had been slapped in 1975 - but well, two years later the times changed. Journalism is something that will always stay - and so will the journalists.

Not necessarily. But having a degree in journalism acts like a cherry on the cake and betters practical knowledge as well as opportunities for the aspirant in question.

Hi,
One of the best newspapers to improve general knowledge is The Hindu. Followed by The Times of India and The Hindustan Times. Indian Express is good for essay-like answer preparation.

Hi,
You need to pursue a course in Journalism - preferably graduation and post graduation both, as it gives you a better insight into the subject. Some of the best colleges to pursue journalism from are as follows:
Indian Institute of Mass Communication
Asian College of Journalism, Chennai
Symbiosis, Pune
Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, Delhi
IP College for Women, Delhi
Kamla Nehru College, Delhi
St. Xaviers, Mumbai
Christ College, Bangalore
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University.

No criteria, per say. But yes, generally media houses are on a lookout of students who are studying journalism. Students pursuing graduation/post graduation in English/Hindi are also preferred. But if you have nose for news and command over your language, irrespective of the subject you're studying, media houses welcome you aboard as an intern.

Nose for news is the most important requirement to go ahead with Journalism and Mass Communication as a career. Good communication skills, writing skills, ideation and confidence follow. And rest, there are innumerable things that you'll learn while studying journalism and even on job.

There's no better way to improve communication skills than reading. Read newspapers, magazines, online news portals, novels - fiction/non-fiction - and you will be able to improve your vocabulary and grammar. Once the vocab and grammar is in place, start speaking in that language (English/Hindi-whichever language you're aiming for here). You might be hesitant at the start, but isn't that how each one us start learning how to speak? :)