Journalists have been revered as the sensory organs of the society. They are the providers on information about every event and incident taking place around us, supplying with details, and educating the masses on issues of social, humanitarian and global concern. They are the fearless, confident, undermined ones among us, who take it upon themselves to keep track of the news as it happens. Journalism Colleges in India seek to create such professionals who can set aside their personal concerns and work for the social cause; construct hard core journalists who can brave any situation and face any circumstance to sun the truth; train individuals who have a passion to inform.
Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC):
The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), located in New Delhi, is the journalism college of great repute. Established in 1965, it functions under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. In the year 1993, it opened a branch in Dhenkanal, Orissa. To apply to IIMC, you need a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Admission to IIMC is on the basis of an entrance examination that tests your knowledge, general awareness and aptitude to be a journalist. It typically takes place in the third week of May. The test centers are located in New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Patna, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, and Lucknow. Those who qualify in the written test, get a call for the group discussion and interview, and are admitted accordingly. The courses offered are – Post-graduate diploma course in Journalism, Journalism in English, Journalism in Hindi, Journalism in Oriya and Radio and Television Journalism.
Jamia Milia Islamia – AJ Kidwai Mass Communication Research Centre:
Located in Delhi, and founded in 1982, the AJ Kidwai Mass Communication Research Centre offers the following journalism courses – M.A in mass communication, and M.A in convergent journalism. For the former, you require a Bachelors Degree in Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Commerce, Medicine or Engineering. Admission is on the basis of written test and interview. For the latter, you need a Bachelors Degree in Humanities, Commerce, or Science, with a minimum of 50%, and admission is based on written test, interview and portfolio presentation.
Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC):
SIMC is one of the many institutes that fall under the ambit of the Symbiosis International University (SIU), Pune. SIMC is known for the PG courses offered, that is Mass Communication and includes Study of Journalism, Audio-Visual Communication and Visual Communication. Admission is a two fold process, the first is the SNAP test, which is common for all institutes under SIU. Those who qualify, are called for the second round comprising of group discussion, home assignment and personal interview. SIMC has started the Bachelors of Media Studies program also since 2008. Admission is on the SET Test Performance, with final selection depending on the home assignment, GD and interview.
Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC):
XIC is a component college of the St. Xavier’s College Society Trust of Mumbai. It was set up in 1969. It is operated by the by the Society of Jesus. The college offers a Journalism & Mass Communication course, which is at the post-graduate diploma level. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Sciences, Commerce or Mass Media, with a minimum of 50%. admission is on the results of the written test and interview.
Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA):
MICA is located in Ahmadabad. It offers Post Graduate Programme in Communications. Eligibility criteria to apply is bachelor’s degree with minimum of 50%. Admission is in three steps – 1st is the CAT or MAT test; 2nd is the MICA Admission Test; and final step is group exercise and interview.
Asian College of Journalism (ACJ):
ACJ, in Chennai invites graduates in any discipline to apply. Admission is on the basis of an entrance examination, held in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Patna, Trivandrum, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, and Kochi. The entrance test examines a candidate’s English language skills, general awareness and current affairs, writing skills, analytical thinking and problem solving capability. Qualified ones are called for an interview. It is a specified journalism college only, and one of its kind in India.
Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media:
IIJNM is located in Bengaluru. It has a recent establishment in 2001. The programs offered are Communication and Management, and Mass Communication. For those who have a bachelor’s degree, IIJNM grants a PG Diploma, and a Diploma to the under graduate level students. Admission is on the basis of the requisite details provided in the application form and the interview.
Times School of Journalism:
Housed in New Delhi, the Times School is run by the Times Group. It offers a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism. The eligibility condition is graduation in any discipline with minimum 50%. And admission is based on a Common Admission Test, followed by the interview round.
Film and Television Institute of India (FTII):
FTII is a prestigious and renowned institute of India, located in Pune. Earlier in Delhi, it shifted base to Pune in the 1970s. It offers various short term courses in a number of fields related to journalism. A bachelor’s degree is essential need to apply to FTII. Admission is based on the entrance examination.
Pioneer Media School:
The institute is governed by the media group Pioneer. The PG program offered in journalism grants a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism (PGDJ). Those who have a graduation degree are eligible to apply. At the UG level, it offers a Bachelor of Journalism (BJ). This is a three year course. There are two other programs that do not fall under core journalism but related to it – Post Graduate Diploma in TV Direction and Production (PGDTP) and Certificate Course in Radio and Television Production (CRTP).
Journalism Colleges in India are ample. And the student enrollment is rocketing. The best journalism colleges in India however, helps prepare and mould the best in this field.
