Who is a Journalist?
A journalist gathers, verifies, and reports information for the public through print, television, radio, or digital platforms. The role goes beyond writing: journalists research, interview sources, and fact-check claims. In India, journalists work as reporters, correspondents, sub-editors, anchors, and editors across newspapers, news channels, wire agencies, digital news platforms, and increasingly, independent newsletters and podcasts.
Skills Required to Become a Journalist 2026
| Skill | Why It Matters |
| Writing and editing | The foundation of every story, across print or digital formats |
| Research and fact-checking | Essential for accuracy and credibility in every report |
| Interviewing | Directly shapes the quality and depth of a story |
| Digital and multimedia skills | Video editing, podcasting, and social media are now core newsroom skills |
| Media law and ethics awareness | Protects journalists and their organisations from legal and ethical pitfalls |
| Speed under deadline pressure | Newsrooms run on tight timelines, especially for breaking news |
| Objectivity and integrity | Builds long-term trust with readers and viewers |
Eligibility Criteria to Become a Journalist in India 2026
| Course Level | Minimum Eligibility |
| Certificate Courses (3 months – 1 year) | Class 12 pass (any stream) |
| Diploma in Journalism (1–2 years) | Class 12 pass, any stream, with 45–50% marks |
| BA / BJMC (Bachelor’s degree, 3 years) | Class 12 pass, any stream, with a minimum of 50% marks |
| PG Diploma in Journalism (1 year) | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
| MA / MJMC (Master’s degree, 2 years) | Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Journalism or a related field, with 50% marks |
Age, Stream & Other Conditions
1. Stream: There is no restriction on streams. Science, Commerce and Arts students are equally eligible for undergraduate and postgraduate journalism courses.
2. English proficiency: Several universities require English as a compulsory or principal subject at the Class 12 level, since most journalism instruction and assessment happens in English.
3. Category relaxation: Candidates from SC, ST and other reserved categories typically receive a marked relaxation of around 5%, depending on the institute’s own policy.
4. Entrance exams: Admission to most journalism programs is determined by entrance examinations rather than academic marks alone. Prominent exams include the IIMC Entrance Examination, the JMI Entrance Test, CUET (UG and PG), the Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET), and individual institutional tests conducted by ACJ Chennai and the Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai.
Step-by-Step Process to Become a Journalist in India 2026
2. Academic Program Selection: Select an appropriate journalism program ranging from undergraduate degrees and postgraduate diplomas to specialised certificate courses based on academic objectives, financial constraints, and preferred media formats.
3. Entrance Examination Assessment: Appear for relevant institutional or national entrance examinations, such as the IIMC Entrance Examination, JMI Entrance Test, CUET, or SET, depending on target university requirements.
4. Curricular Progression and Skill Acquisition: Enroll in the designated academic program to cultivate technical writing capabilities and multimedia competencies alongside foundational theoretical frameworks.
5. Practical Industry Internship: Undergo mandatory industry training through internships with print publications, broadcast networks, or digital news outlets, as required by institutional curricula.
7. Specialisation and Portfolio Development: Establish subject-matter specialisation in a specific beat (e.g., politics, economics, sports, or culture) while compiling a comprehensive portfolio of published or broadcast work.
8. Career Advancement and Leadership Transition: Leverage 2 to 3 years of core newsroom experience to advance to senior editorial positions, such as Senior Correspondent or Managing Editor, or transition into specialised roles in news anchoring and multimedia production.
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Salary Range for a Journalist in India 2026
| Stage / Role | Approximate Annual Salary |
| Entry-level Reporter / Trainee | ₹1.5 – 3.5 Lakh |
| Early-career Journalist (1–4 years) | ₹3.3 – 4 Lakh |
| Mid-career Journalist (5–9 years) | ₹4.5 – 6.6 Lakh |
| Senior Editor | ₹3 – 17.3 Lakh, depending on the organisation |
| News Anchor | ₹10 – 11 Lakh on average, higher at major networks |
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Career Paths After a Journalism Course in India 2026
A journalism qualification opens doors well beyond a traditional reporting desk. Popular career paths include:
1. Reporter / Correspondent: Covers a specific beat such as politics, business, sports, or crime for a newspaper, channel, or digital platform.
2. Sub-Editor / Copy Editor: Edits and prepares copy for publication or broadcast.
3. News Anchor / Presenter: Reads and hosts news bulletins on television or digital platforms.
4. Digital Journalist / Content Producer: Creates news content optimised for websites, apps, and social media.
5. Documentary Filmmaker / Video Journalist: Produces long-form video journalism and investigative documentaries.
6. Public Relations and Corporate Communications: Applies journalism skills to manage an organisation’s external communication.
7. Freelance Journalist: Reports independently and sells stories to multiple publications or platforms.
Top Universities for Journalism Course in India 2026
| University | Courses Offered | Eligibility Criteria |
| Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi | PG Diploma in Journalism (English, Hindi & Regional Languages), PG Diploma in Radio & TV Journalism, PG Diploma in Advertising & Public Relations | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university; admission through the IIMC Entrance Examination |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi | BA (Hons) Mass Media, BA (Hons) Mass Media Hindi, MA Convergent Journalism | Class 12 pass from a recognised board for UG programmes; admission through JMI’s own entrance test |
| University of Delhi (DU), New Delhi | BA (Hons) Journalism | Class 12 pass with the required aggregate; admission through CUET UG |
| Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC), Pune | BA in Journalism, Mass Communication & Digital Media; MA in Mass Communication | Class 12 pass (min. 50%) for UG, graduation for PG; admission through the Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) |
| Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai | PG Diploma in Journalism (Print, TV, Radio, New Media) | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline; admission through the ACJ entrance exam and interview |
| Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai | PG Diploma in Communication and Journalism | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline; admission through XIC’s own entrance test and interview |
| Christ University, Bangalore | BA Journalism and Mass Communication; MA Media and Communication | Class 12 pass for UG, graduation for PG; admission through the Christ University Entrance Test |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal | BA Media and Communication | Class 12 pass; admission through the Manipal Entrance Test (MET) |
| Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA) | PG Diploma in Management (Communications) | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline; admission through MICAT |
| University of Mumbai, Department of Communication and Journalism | BA Journalism; MA Journalism and Mass Communication | Class 12 pass for UG, graduation for PG; admission through merit and/or entrance as per university norms |
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How to Become a Journalist in India – FAQs
Q1. What is the minimum qualification to become a journalist in India?
You need to pass Class 12 in any stream, ideally with English as a strong subject, and a minimum of 50% marks for most bachelor’s-level journalist courses. Some certificate and diploma courses accept slightly lower marks. No prior media experience is required to enroll.
Q2. What is the entry-level salary for a fresher journalist in India?
A fresher trainee reporter usually earns in the range of ₹2-4 lakh a year, depending on the city, media house, and platform (print, TV, or digital). Metro-based digital newsrooms often pay slightly more than smaller regional outlets.
Q3. Which course should you choose after Class 12 to become a journalist in India?
A three-year BJMC or BA in Journalism and Mass Communication is a common choice, combining broader academic depth with practical training. Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another subject often opt for a one-year PG Diploma in Journalism instead.
Q4. What is the starting salary for a fresher journalist in India?
Yes. While entry-level pay is modest, senior editors, anchors, and specialised correspondents at major national outlets can earn well over ₹10 lakh annually, with top anchors and editors sometimes exceeding ₹15–20 lakh.
Q5. Is a journalism degree compulsory to become a journalist?
No, it is not strictly compulsory. Some journalists enter the field through internships, freelancing, or a related humanities degree combined with strong writing samples. However, a recognised journalist course significantly improves access to structured training, internships, and campus placements.