Journalism is a dynamic and impactful profession. A country as large and diverse as India has immense respected institutions offering frontline education in journalism, ranging from courses that tap into knowledge requiring theoretical foundations to practical skills, research, and critical thinking, helping students gain expertise in media.
Here are the 10 best Journalism Colleges in India that are known for excellence in media education, an experienced faculty teaching and mentoring, outstanding infrastructure, and industry connections. These institutions give aspiring journalists a solid foundation to walk the rapidly growing media.
These institutions not only prepare students for traditional roles in media but also equip them with skills for the digital age, such as managing online news platforms. You can start your digital news platform after completing the course from these institutions. Collaborating with the Best News Portal Development Company in India can be a game-changer for those venturing into digital media.
Importance of Journalism Education in India
A free and independent press plays a vital role in a democratic society like India. Journalism education prepares aspiring journalists with necessary skills and knowledge related to:
- Accurate collection and reporting of news:
Investigative reporting, data journalism, and ethical media law and ethics.
- Development of Critical thinking and analytical skills:
Journalism education helps to critically assess information, look for the bias involved in it, and build strong narratives around the story.
- Effective communication:
The student learns to write, speak, and communicate visually with accuracy and clarity and makes information both readable and scintillating.
- Social and political context of news:
Journalism education is based on the better understanding of issues related to society and how the media plays a role in creating a public discourse.
- Adapt to the Changing Media Environment:
Journalism education has to change and accommodate the growing presence of digital media, social media, and citizen journalism as new challenges emerge for the 21st century.
Suggested Read: Best Mass Communication Colleges in India
Top 10 Best Journalism Colleges in India
1. Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi
It was founded in 1965, under the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting as the country’s preeminent institute for journalism and mass communication. Located at the heart of New Delhi, the IIMC has consistently stood at the number one spot on rankings for the journalism school in India. Amazing digital newsrooms and audio-visual studios and the best media libraries available can be found at IIMC.
Senior journalists, Media and academics from practicing journalism background come on boards to impart value-based knowledge on the campus. IIMC builds strong industry collaborations and provides campus training through some of its popular publications and other broadcast initiatives. The institute expands with five centers across India through which quality Journalism education reaches far distances.
Courses Offered
- PG Diploma in English Journalism
- PG Diploma in Hindi Journalism
- PG Diploma in Radio & Television Journalism
- PG Diploma in Advertising & Public Relations
- PG Diploma in Digital Media
Course Fees:
- PG Diploma Programs: ₹1.45 – 1.75 lakhs per annually
- Short-term courses: ₹25,000 – 50,000
Admission Process:
Entrance exam (IIMC Entrance Test), Personal Interview, Academic record evaluation, Minimum qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Top Recruiters:
The Times of India, NDTV, India Today, CNN-IBN, Reuters, BBC
2. Amity School of Communication (ASCO), Noida
Amity School of Communication, founded in 1999, is a part of the gigantic educational ecosystem that is Amity University. It has carved a niche for itself with industry-oriented journalism programs focused on digital media and new-age journalism. The infrastructure at ASCO includes modern broadcast studios, editing suites, and multimedia labs with the latest technology.
It is one of the best journalism colleges in India. Media festivals, workshops, and seminars by industry experts that are regularly held by the institute. Its curriculum is updated every year according to the industry trends and technological advancements. The school also has its own newspaper and community radio station, where students get practical experience.
Courses Offered
- BA (Hons) Journalism & Mass Communication
- MA Journalism & Mass Communication
- Ph.D. in Mass Communication
Course Fees:
- BA Program: ₹2.5 – 3 lakhs per annum
- MA Program: ₹2.75 – 3.25 lakhs per annum
Admission Process:
Amity Joint Entrance Examination (AJEE), Personal Interview, Review of portfolio, Review of academic record
Top Recruiters:
Hindustan Times, ZEE News, ABP News, Weber Shandwick, Perfect Relations
3. Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media (IIJNM), Bangalore
Established in 2001, IIJNM Bangalore stands out as the best journalism school in South India. The focus is on multimedia journalism, working practically and effectively to prepare for the digital future. Situated in the tech capital of India, IIJNM uses the location to create the opportunity for greater focus on digital journalism and data storytelling.
Smaller class sizes are maintained, with personalized attention and mentoring opportunities. Its curriculum is along the lines of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, giving importance to in-depth reporting and value-based journalism. The institute operates its own news website on which students post stories on a routine basis.
Courses Offered
- Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism (Print & Digital Media)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Broadcast & Digital Journalism
- Post Graduate Certificate in Mobile Journalism
Course Fees:
- PG Diploma: ₹4.5 – 5 lakhs per annum.
- Certificate programmes: ₹1.5 – 2 lakhs
Admission Process:
Written entrance test, Group discussion, Personal interview, Portfolio assessment
Top Recruiters:
The Hindu, Bloomberg Quint, The News Minute, Deccan Herald, The Better India
4. Department of Mass Communication, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh
One of the oldest centers of journalism education in India is the Department of Mass Communication at AMU, which dates back to 1996. This curriculum offers students traditional journalism values alongside modern media practices. The department’s best state-of-the-art facilities are a community radio station, a television studio, and a digital media lab. It is also one of the best journalism colleges in India.
Emphasis is also placed on research and not mere training; some faculty members actively work on media research projects. AMU’s journalism program has an open-minded approach focusing specifically on regional language journalism. The department holds workshops, seminars, and media festivals where industry professionals and academic scholars meet.
Courses Offered
- MA in Mass Communication
- BA (Hons) in Mass Media
- Ph.D. in Mass Communication
- Diploma in Modern Media Applications
Course Fees:
- MA Program: ₹ 25,000 to ₹ 35,000 per annum
- BA Program: ₹ 15,000 to ₹ 25,000 per annum
Admission Process:
Entrance Test at AMU, Academic record analysis, Interviewing round, Portfolio analysis for selected courses
Top Recruiters:
Aaj Tak, Press Trust of India, All India Radio, Dainik Jagran, ETV Network
5. Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai
Asian College of Journalism, established in 1994, has achieved international reputation for its challenging journalism education. The institute concentrates on producing journalists with a high level of social responsibility and ethical groundings. The curriculum at ACJ is prepared in consultation with leading international schools of journalism and media organizations.
The college offers sophisticated multimedia facilities, including a newsroom emulating professional practices. The faculty includes journalists with considerable experience, prize-winning writers, and media scholars. The institute is particularly popular for its path-breaking approach in the teaching of investigative journalism and data-driven storytelling.
Courses Offered
- PG Diploma in Journalism (Print)
- PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism
- PG Diploma in New Media
- PG Diploma in Business & Financial Journalism
Course Fees:
- PG Diploma courses: ₹3.5- 4 lakhs per annum
- Special Courses: ₹1.5 -2 lakhs
Admission Process:
ACJ Entrance Examination, Written assignment, Personal interview, Language proficiency test
Top Recruiters:
Reuters, The Economic Times, CNN News18, The Quint, Scroll.in
6. Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication (SIMC), Pune
Established in 1990, Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication has developed itself as the leading media education institute. With a focus on practical training with theoretical knowledge, the institute provides modern broadcast studios, editing labs, and an in-house media research center. Traditional journalism is seamlessly integrated with the new media technologies and entrepreneurial skills in the SIMC curriculum.
The institute fosters strong connections with the industry through its vast alumni network and various industry interface programs. Its campus life is further enhanced by student-run media productions, such as a web radio station and digital news portal.
Courses Offered
- MBA (Communication Management)
- MA (Mass Communication)
- PG Diploma in Digital Media
- Certificate in Media Management
Course Fees:
- MBA Program: ₹8.5 – 9 lakhs (total program)
- MA Program: ₹4.5 – 5 lakhs (total program)
Admission Process:
SNAP Test (for MBA), SIMC Entrance Test (for other programs), Group Discussion, Personal Interview, Writing Ability Test
Top Recruiters:
Star India, Republic TV, Edelman, Ogilvy, Red FM
7. IAAN School of Mass Communication | Makhanlal Chaturvedi University, Bhopal
Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication is the first journalism university in India, founded in 1990. It emphasizes integrated media education with a special focus on Hindi and regional language journalism. The university boasts modern newsrooms, broadcast studios, and digital media labs. The university maintains excellent relations with the regional and national media houses to provide the students with an extended internship.
The curriculum is balanced with theoretical knowledge and practical training. The university also conducts regular workshops by industry experts. In addition, the university publishes several journals and runs its own community radio station.
Courses Offered
- BA in Journalism and Mass Communication
- MA in Journalism
- MA in Electronic Media
- Ph.D. in Mass Communication
Course Fees:
- BA Program: ₹30,000 – 40,000 per annum
- MA Program: ₹35,000 – 45,000 per annum
Admission Process:
University Entrance Test, Academic Merit, Personal Interview, Language Proficiency Test
Top Recruiters:
Dainik Bhaskar, Rajasthan Patrika, DD News, News18 India, Nai Dunia
8. Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ), University of Delhi
Delhi School of Journalism, established in 2017, is the newest yet promising and one of the best journalism colleges in India, promoted by the prestigious University of Delhi. A five-year integrated program, theoretical knowledge with high-intensity practical training, differentiates this program from others, and DSJ’s curriculum covers the evolving requirements of modern journalism, especially for digital and data journalism.
The institute has amazing facilities, including multimedia labs, radio studio, and television studio. The school stresses bilingual journalism education with programs in both Hindi and English mediums. Its location in the national capital affords students opportunities for political reporting and internships.
Courses Offered
- Five-Year Integrated Course in Journalism (Hindi and English)
- MA in Journalism
Course Fees:
- Five-Year Program: ₹35,000 – 40,000 per annum
- MA Program: ₹30,000 – 35,000 per annum
Admission Process:
Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET), Personal Interview, Academic Record, Language Proficiency Test
Top Recruiters:
Press Trust of India, ANI, The Wire, Firstpost, The Print
9. Xavier Institute of Communication (XIC), Mumbai
Xavier Institute of Communication was founded in 1969 and is one of the most well-established media houses in India. XIC is located at the very center of the media hub in Mumbai and offers campuses with an unparalleled experience for education in film, television, and digital media. XIC intensely focuses on practical training offered in the curriculum with studios and media labs fully equipped for it.
The institute has a strong alumni network in the media industry of Mumbai, which gives it strong industry links. The institute offers specialized courses in entertainment journalism and film criticism. It provides an environment whereby practicing media professionals come and share practical experiences with the students inside the classroom. It also takes on student publications and makes documentaries.
Courses Offered
- Pg Diploma in Journalism
- Pg Diploma in Corporate Communication
- Certificate in Digital Media Management
- Short term courses in specific journalism
Course Fees:
- PG Diploma Programs: ₹2.5 – 3 lakhs per annum
- Certificate Programs: ₹75,000 – 1 lakh
Admission Process:
Written Entrance Test, Group Discussion, Personal Interview, Portfolio Assessment
Top Recruiters:
Mid-Day, Mumbai Mirror, Business Standard, Red Chillies Entertainment, Viacom18
10. National Institute of Mass Communication and Journalism (NIMCJ), Gujarat
NIMCJ became one of the standard journalism institutes on the western side of India after its inception. The institution provides industry-oriented education, in particular by involving practical training and regional language journalism. It has modern infrastructure such as digital newsrooms and broadcast studios. This is also one of the best journalism colleges in India.
The curriculum is updated continuously to include new media trends and technologies. NIMCJ maintains good relations with Gujarat media industries for internships and placements. NIMCJ also conducts multiple media projects that include a news portal and a community radio station to give students hands-on exposure.
Courses Offered
- BA in Journalism and Mass Communication
- MA in Journalism
- PG Diploma in Digital Media
- Certificate in Media Management
Course Fees:
- BA Program: ₹1.5 – 2 lakhs per annum
- MA Program: ₹2 – 2.5 lakhs per annum
Admission Process:
Institute Level Entrance Test, Personal Interview, Academic Merit, Portfolio Review
Top Recruiters:
Gujarat Samachar, Divya Bhaskar, Sandesh News, TV9 Gujarat, News18 Gujarat
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Journalism College
These are the factors that should be considered while choosing the best journalism colleges in India:
- Faculty expertise: Look for colleges with highly experienced faculty members who maintain industry contacts and conduct active research.
- Curriculum: A proper curriculum must address print journalism, broadcast journalism, digital media, photojournalism, and documentary filmmaking, among others.
- Practical training: The place of study must have a rich tradition of offering students the kind of practical experience required to build on such training.
- Industry contacts: Good industry contacts can greatly help networking and career guidance.
- Infrastructure and resources: Facilities such as good studios, computer labs, and libraries are very important for quality journalism education.
- Placement records: Research the college’s placement records to understand its graduates’ career paths.
The Future of Journalism Education in India
The future of best journalism colleges in India will rely on emerging new technologies, adapting to emerging media landscapes, and recognizing the need for critical thinking and ethical decision-making.
- It should focus more on digital media: The curriculum should emphasize digital storytelling, social media journalism, data journalism, and mobile journalism.
- Develop critical thinking and ethical frameworks: Journalism education needs to prepare students for navigating the digital era, including issues with misinformation, disinformation, and ethics in the digital universe.
- Foster entrepreneurial skills: Encourage entrepreneurial skills to students, which includes content creation, freelance journalism, and other startup media ventures.
Conclusion
There is an abundance of great journalism colleges for which the process of choosing can be quite complicated. The faculties that teach are known to be specialized, and in a few places, the curricula and industrial networks also cater to the individual aspirations of becoming a journalist and doing well in this dynamic media environment. If you are thinking of choosing the best journalism colleges in India, these top 10 colleges are the best to choose from.
FAQs
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What is eligibility for journalism courses in India?
For postgraduates, the minimum eligibility in most colleges would be a graduation in any field.
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What are common entrance exams that students give while applying for journalism courses?
Common ones are IIMC entrance, XIC OET, university level entrance and some others like it.
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What are the key career prospects offered by a Journalism degree?
Jobs are in print journalism, Broadcast journalism, digital journalism, PR, advertisement, and media management
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What are essential skills to take a career ahead and be successful in a field of Journalism?
Strong writing and communication skills, critical thinking, research and analytical skills, ethical decision-making, and adaptability are a must
