How to Become a Journalist in India

What a journalist actually does

Journalism is about gathering, verifying and presenting accurate information to the public across print, television, radio and digital platforms. Day-to-day work can include reporting from the field, interviewing sources, fact-checking, writing or editing copy, and producing stories for an audience.

The field spans many roles — print reporter, broadcast journalist, digital/multimedia journalist, sub-editor, photojournalist, data journalist and more. There is no single path; students enter from many academic backgrounds, and on-the-ground skills matter as much as a degree.

Education routes after Class 12

A common undergraduate route is a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) or a BA in Journalism/Mass Communication, offered by many universities and colleges. Some institutions admit through CUET UG or their own entrance process — check each university's official admission page.

At the postgraduate level, an MA in Journalism/Mass Communication or a PG Diploma is widely available. The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) offers PG Diploma programmes in journalism; IIMC admission is conducted through CUET PG (NTA). Eligibility, intake and fees vary by programme — verify them on the official institute website before applying.

• Undergraduate: BJMC / BA Journalism or Mass Communication
• Postgraduate: MA Journalism / PG Diploma (e.g. IIMC via CUET PG)
• Many universities admit via CUET (UG/PG) or their own entrance — confirm officially

Skills that matter

Strong, clear writing and the ability to verify facts are central to journalism. Curiosity, attention to detail, ethical judgement and the discipline to meet deadlines are equally important.

Increasingly, journalists also use digital and multimedia skills — basic video and audio editing, social-media literacy, working with data, and understanding how stories reach audiences online.

• Reporting, interviewing and fact-checking
• Clear writing and editing
• Media ethics and accuracy
• Digital, multimedia and data literacy

Building experience

Practical experience often shapes a journalism career as much as a degree. Internships with newspapers, news channels, magazines, digital outlets and radio give you bylines, mentorship and a portfolio.

A campus publication, a personal blog, a podcast or freelance contributions can all help you demonstrate skill. Keep a clips folder of your published work to show editors when you apply for roles.

Career paths and next steps

Journalists work in print, television, radio and digital newsrooms, and in adjacent roles such as content, communications and documentary work. Roles, requirements and pay vary widely by employer, city and experience — there are no guaranteed outcomes, so treat any figures you see elsewhere with caution and confirm directly with employers.

If you are still choosing, explore the related guides in this hub on advertising and PR, content writing, and broadcast production to see how the media field connects.