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Journalism Courses After 12th: Eligibility, Fees, Entrance Exams & Career Scope of Mass Communication Courses After 12th
17-06-2025
India’s media and entertainment industry is projected to reach INR 3.65 lakh crore by 2028, driven by the growing influence of digital platforms. With this growth, journalism is expanding beyond traditional newspapers and television, making digital journalism, content creation, and media strategy increasingly sought-after career paths.
The journalism sector has undergone significant development in the digital age, offering diverse career opportunities that combine creativity, communication, and societal impact. Whether you are passionate about storytelling or inclined toward media and public engagement, this field presents a promising future.
Many students find themselves unsure about the right career path after completing Class 12, especially in the vast domain of journalism and media. This guide aims to simplify that decision by providing clear insights on journalism courses details, fees, and career opportunities.
Journalism And Mass Communication Courses After 12th
Journalism offers a wide range of academic pathways across various levels—certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and even doctoral programmes. These mass media courses after 12th are designed to help students develop essential skills such as analysing events, extracting relevant details, and creating impactful content for their audience. The journalism qualifications after 12th are given below:
| Level | Course Name | Duration | Eligibility for Mass Media Courses After 12th |
| Undergraduate | Bachelor of Arts (BA) Journalism | 3 years | 50–60% in Class 12, Age 17+ |
| BA Mass Media | 3 years | 50–60% in Class 12 | |
| BA Journalism and Communication Studies | 3 years | 50–60% in Class 12 | |
| Bachelor of Science (BSc) Mass Communication and Journalism | 3 years | 50–60% in Class 12 | |
| Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication (BJMC) | 3 years | 50–60% in Class 12 | |
| Bachelor of Vocational (B.Voc) in Journalism | 3 years | 50–60% in Class 12 + Entrance (in some colleges) | |
| Bachelor of Arts in Sports Journalism | 3 years | Minimum 40% in 12th grade + Entrance (varies by college) | |
| Postgraduate | Master of Arts (MA) in Journalism | 2 years | Minimum 50–55% in UG degree in Journalism or any related stream |
| MA in Broadcast Journalism | 2 years | Minimum 50–55% in UG, preferably Journalism/Media/Communication | |
| Post Graduate (PG) in Digital Media & Online Journalism | 2 years | Minimum 50–55% in UG from recognised university | |
| PG Diploma (PGD) in Journalism | 1 year | Graduation in any stream with 50%+ marks | |
| PGD in English Journalism | 1 year | Graduation with 50%+ marks + English proficiency | |
| PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism | 1 year | Graduation in any stream with 50%+ marks | |
| PG Diploma in TV Production and Journalism | 1 year | Undergraduate (UG) in Journalism or Media with minimum 50% marks | |
| PG Diploma in Development Journalism & TV Production | 1 year | Graduation with 50%+ marks (Entrance may apply) | |
| PG Diploma in Applied Journalism | 1 year | UG degree in Journalism or relevant field with 50%+ marks | |
| Doctoral | Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) in Journalism | 2 years | Postgraduate degree in Journalism or related field with minimum 55% marks |
| Diploma | Diploma in Journalism | 1 year | 50% in Class 12, preferably studied English |
| Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication | 1 year | 50% in Class 12 + English subject + Entrance (in some institutes) | |
| Diploma in Broadcast Journalism | 1–2 years | 50% in Class 12 + Proficiency in English |
Entrance Exam For Journalism After 12th
To be eligible for journalism courses after the 12th, candidates must pass 10+2 from a recognised board in any stream — Arts, Commerce, or Science. In India, admission to journalism courses after 12th grade is primarily based on merit; however, several institutions also conduct or accept entrance exams for specific programmes.
Some of the prominent national-level entrance tests for admissions to journalism courses after 12th are the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), which covers a broad range of undergraduate programs, and the Global Media Common Entrance Test (GMCET), formerly known as the All India Media Entrance Test (AIMCET). One such notable college-specific entrance exam is the JAIN Entrance Test – Undergraduate (JET-UG).
How To Become A Journalist After 12th?
The journalism career offers several advantages, including attractive salaries and extensive networking opportunities. These benefits often draw many students who have just finished their 12th grade to pursue journalism as a career. Here’s a structured step-by-step guide to help you understand how to become a journalist after 12th:
| Step | Description |
| Step 1: Complete Class 12 | Students must pass 10+2 from any recognised board (Arts, Commerce, or Science). |
| Step 2: Appear for Entrance Exams | Apply for entrance exams like CUET, GMCET or university-specific tests. Some institutes offer merit-based admission. |
| Step 3: Pursue a Journalism Course | Enrol in journalism and mass communication courses in India after 12th , such as BJMC, BA Journalism, BA Mass Communication, or related courses. |
| Step 4: Develop Core Skills | Enhance writing, communication, research, and digital skills through coursework, labs, and workshops. |
| Step 5: Intern and Build Portfolio | Gain practical experience by interning with news agencies, TV channels, or digital platforms. Build a portfolio. |
| Step 6: Get a Job | Apply for jobs like reporter, content writer, anchor, or digital journalist. Optionally pursue PG or specialisations to enhance earning potential and career prospects. |
Journalism And Mass Communication Courses After 12th Fees
The fee structure for journalism courses varies depending on whether students choose a diploma or a degree programme. The annual fee for a journalism course typically ranges between INR 16,000 and INR 58,000. We have provided a general overview of journalism and mass communication courses after 12th fees:
| Journalism and Mass Communication Courses After 12th | Overall Course Fee (INR) |
| BA in Journalism and Mass Communication | INR 70,000 – INR 5,00,000 |
| BA Journalism | INR 20,000 – INR 1,00,000 |
| BA Mass Media | INR 60,000 – INR 1,00,000 |
| BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication) | INR 1,00,000 – INR 3,00,000 |
| BA Journalism and Communication Studies | INR 25,000 – INR 5,00,000 |
| BSc Mass Communication and Journalism | INR 1,00,000 – INR 5,00,000 |
| Bachelor of Vocational in Journalism | INR 3,000 – INR 1,00,000 |
| BA in Sports Journalism | INR 2,00,000 – INR 4,00,000 |
| Diploma in Journalism | INR 10,000 – INR 5,00,000 |
| Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication | INR 14,000 – INR 80,000 |
| Diploma in Broadcast Journalism | INR 15,000 – INR 3,00,000 |
Career Opportunities In Journalism And Mass Communication
A career in journalism and mass communication offers various opportunities for those passionate about storytelling, public communication, and current affairs. After completing journalism and mass communication courses after 12th, candidates can find employment across various sectors, including print media, television, digital media, radio, film, corporate communication, advertising, public relations, and many more. Some of the popular career prospects after graduation include:
| Job Role | Job Description |
| TV Correspondent/Special Reporter | Covers live events and breaking news for television broadcasts. |
| News Reporter | Gathers and presents news stories for print, digital, or broadcast media. |
| Public Relations Specialist | Manages communication between an organisation and its public to shape and maintain a favourable public image through media strategies and communication campaigns. |
| Copywriter | Writes clear, engaging content for advertisements, websites, and marketing materials. |
| Photojournalist | Captures powerful images to visually report news and events. |
| Radio Jockey | Hosts radio shows, entertains listeners, and discusses music, news, or social topics on air. |
Wrapping Up
As India’s media industry continues to grow rapidly, journalism and mass communication have emerged as promising career options for Class 12 graduates. Young people can study further by choosing between degree, diploma and specialised postgraduate courses. Due to various opportunities in traditional and new media fields, students now have the chance to work in rewarding jobs in this contemporary media-driven world.
FAQs
Q1: How to study journalism after 12th?
A1: To study journalism after the 12th, you can pursue a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Journalism, based on your career goals. Alternatively, you could opt for a diploma or certificate course in Journalism for a shorter, more focused approach.
Q2: Is journalism a good career?
A2: Yes. While storytelling and commitment to truth may make journalism a fulfilling job, it also brings many tough challenges. It offers the chance to do meaningful work, expand skills and use creativity, especially in digital media industries nowadays.
Q3: What is the salary of a journalist?
A3: The average salary for a journalist in India varies depending on experience but generally ranges from INR 3,00,000 to 10,00,000 per year.
Q4: What is the qualification for journalism?
A4: A Bachelor's degree in Journalism or Mass Communication is generally the most preferred journalism qualifications after 12th. While a journalism-related degree is ideal, candidates with degrees in other fields can pursue postgraduate journalism courses, such as a Master's degree or doctoral diploma.
Q5: What is the entrance exam for journalism?
A5: While admissions to journalism courses in India are merit-based, some of the most commonly conducted entrance exams are CUET and GMCET.
Q6: What is the highest-paying job in journalism?
A6: In journalism, some of the highest-paying roles include senior editorial positions like Editor-in-Chief, news anchors, PR manager, channel producer, and corporate communication heads. These roles often involve management and strategic decision-making, leading to higher salaries.