Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication: Course Details, Colleges, Fees, and Career Paths in India

The demand for skilled journalists and mass communication professionals is growing, making a diploma in journalism and mass communication a valuable course in India. This one-year program equips students with essential skills for the media industry. To be eligible, students need a 10+2 qualification with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. Graduates can find diverse career opportunities with average salaries ranging from INR 1 LPA to INR 6 LPA. The curriculum covers journalism, mass communication, reporting techniques, and media ethics, providing a comprehensive understanding of print, broadcast, and online journalism. Practical training allows students to apply theoretical concepts. With an 8:10 faculty-student ratio, students receive personalized attention. Course fees typically range from INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000 per year, varying by institution. This article provides an in-depth look at the diploma in journalism and mass communication, covering course details, top colleges, fees, and career paths in India.

Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication: Course Overview

The diploma in journalism and mass communication is a one-year program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the media industry. It is ideal for those who have completed their 10+2. Here is an overview of the course before diving into details:

Feature	Description	Details
Duration	Course Length	1 Year
Eligibility	Minimum Qualification	10+2 with 50% aggregate marks
Average Fees	Expected Fees	INR 15,000 – INR 90,000 per year
Job Roles	Potential Career Paths	Journalist, Public Relations Officer, Content Writer, Editor
Curriculum	Key Focus Areas	Journalism, Mass Communication, Media Studies
Faculty-Student Ratio	Teacher to Student Ratio	8:10
Entrance Exams	Admission Tests	CUEE, JMI Entrance Exam, IIMC Entrance Exam
Top Colleges	Notable Institutions	Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Jamia Millia Islamia, Xavier Institute of Communications
Placement Opportunities	Job Placement	90% placement rate in top media companies

Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication Eligibility Criteria in India

To be eligible for a diploma in journalism and mass communication in India, candidates generally need to have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognized board. Here is a broad eligibility overview:

• Educational Qualification — Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent examination from a recognized board (such as CBSE, ICSE, state boards, or equivalent).
• Stream Requirement — Open to students from any stream — Arts, Commerce, or Science (no specific stream is mandatory in most cases).
• Minimum Aggregate Marks — Generally, a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 (some institutions accept 45% or offer relaxation for reserved categories like SC/ST/OBC as per government norms; top institutes may require higher percentages).
• Subject-Specific Requirement — Proficiency in English is often essential (many programs require English as a subject in 10+2 or demonstrated good command of the language, as the course involves writing, reporting, and communication skills).
• Age Limit — Usually no strict upper age limit (though some colleges may prefer candidates in the 17–22 age range or have minor restrictions; generally flexible for diploma programs).
• Additional Skills/Preferences — Strong communication skills (written and verbal), listening ability, and interest in media/journalism are highly valued (though not always formally required).
• Entrance Exams or Selection Process —
  • Admission is often merit-based (on 10+2 marks).
  • Some institutions (especially reputed ones) may require an entrance test, written test, personal interview (PI), or group discussion (GD).
  • No universal national entrance exam applies to all diploma programs (unlike some UG/PG degrees that use CUET or institute-specific tests).

Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication Admission Process in India

The admission process for a diploma in journalism and mass communication in India typically involves entrance exams, merit-based selection, and document verification. Applicants must have a minimum qualification of 10+2 with 50% aggregate marks. The process varies by institution; some colleges conduct their own entrance tests, while others consider national-level exam scores. The admission process generally follows these steps:

1. Entrance Exam Based: Some institutions require an entrance exam, such as the IIMC entrance exam, to assess aptitude, testing knowledge of current events, language skills, and critical thinking.
2. Merit-Based (Based on 10+2 Marks): Most colleges offer admission based on 10+2 exam performance, requiring a minimum cut-off percentage. The merit list is often based on aggregate marks.
3. University/Institute-Level Entrance Test: Some universities and institutes conduct their own entrance tests, which may include a written exam, group discussion, and personal interview.
4. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates must verify their academic certificates, identity proof, and other relevant documents.
5. Application Procedure: Applicants must submit application forms online or offline, including personal details, academic information, and contact details, along with required documents and fees.
6. IGNOU Admission Process: For IGNOU’s diploma in journalism program, candidates must apply online. Admission is typically merit-based.
7. YCMOU Admission Process: YCMOU offers a diploma in journalism and mass communication, with admission based on merit. Candidates must apply online and upload required documents.
8. Seat Allocation: Selected candidates are allocated seats based on their rank and preference, typically through a centralized counseling process.
9. Counseling Process: Some institutions conduct counseling, including personal interviews, group discussions, and document verification.
10. Fee Payment: Selected candidates must pay program fees online or offline.

Entrance Exams for Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication in India

While majority of journalism and mass communication diploma admissions typically happen on merit, here are the common entrance exams for this course:

Exam Name	Eligible College/Institutions	Typically Conducted During
CUET UG (Common University Entrance Test – UG)	Participating central/state universities (e.g., some affiliates offering diploma/UG mass comm exits; limited for pure diplomas but accepted in select cases)	May–June
GMCET (Global Media Common Entrance Test)	Various private universities/colleges across India (e.g., for BA-JMC/BJMC, but some accept for diploma-level media programs)	Multiple windows
Institute-Specific Entrance/Written Test + Interview	Private institutes like AAFT (Noida), New Delhi YMCA, Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (Delhi), International Institute of Mass Media (Delhi), some state university affiliates	Varies (often April–July; check prospectus)
JMI Entrance Exam (limited applicability)	Jamia Millia Islamia (offers some diploma/PG diploma in mass comm; primarily for UG/PG but mentioned for diploma in some contexts)	May–June
Other University/College Tests (e.g., IPU CET, JET-UG, or custom aptitude tests)	Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University affiliates, Jain University (JET-UG), or private colleges for media diplomas	March–June (varies by institute)

Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication Fees Structure: Government vs Private Colleges in India

The fees for a diploma in journalism and mass communication vary significantly between government and private colleges. Here is a side by side comparison:

Fee Component	Government Colleges (INR)	Private Colleges (INR)	IGNOU (INR)
Tuition Fees	INR 14,000-80,000	INR 20,000-60,000	INR 12,000-20,000
Hostel Fees	INR 10,000-30,000	INR 15,000-35,000	INR 8,000-15,000
Examination Fees	INR 100-200	INR 200-500	INR 500-1,000
Other Charges	INR 5,000-15,000	INR 2,000-10,000	INR 1,000-5,000
Total Fees	INR 15,000-90,000	INR 30,000-1,00,000	INR 20,000-40,000

Top Government Colleges for Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication in India

The following government colleges in India offer diploma programs in journalism and mass communication. Explore their fees, location and admission mode:

College Name (City)	Total Course Fees (Approx.)	Admission Mode
Department of Communication and Journalism, Savitribai Phule Pune University (Pune)	₹18,000–₹25,000	Merit-based (10+2 marks)
University of Mumbai (Mumbai)	₹3,500–₹10,000	Merit-based
University of Kashmir (Srinagar)	₹6,000–₹15,000	Merit-based
Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (Nashik)	₹40,000–₹50,000	Direct / Merit-based (open university)
Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication (Bhopal)	₹20,000–₹40,000	Merit-based or entrance test
Acharya Nagarjuna University – Centre for Distance Education (Guntur)	₹10,000–₹20,000	Merit-based / Direct
Government-affiliated colleges under various state universities (e.g., in UP, MP, HP)	₹5,000–₹30,000	Merit-based (varies by state)

Top Private Colleges for Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication in India

The following private colleges in India offer diploma programs in journalism and mass communication. Here is an overview of their fees, location and admission mode:

College Name (City)	Total Course Fees (Approx.)	Admission Mode
Department of Communication and Journalism, Savitribai Phule Pune University (Pune)	₹18,000–₹25,000	Merit-based (10+2 marks)
University of Mumbai (Mumbai)	₹3,500–₹10,000	Merit-based
University of Kashmir (Srinagar)	₹6,000–₹15,000	Merit-based
Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (Nashik)	₹40,000–₹50,000	Direct / Merit-based (open university)
Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication (Bhopal)	₹20,000–₹40,000	Merit-based or entrance test
Acharya Nagarjuna University – Centre for Distance Education (Guntur)	₹10,000–₹20,000	Merit-based / Direct
Government-affiliated colleges under various state universities (e.g., in UP, MP, HP)	₹5,000–₹30,000	Merit-based (varies by state)

Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication Syllabus: Year-wise Breakdown

Bhupen Hazarika School of Mass Communication Official Syllabus PDF

The diploma in journalism and mass communication is a comprehensive program divided into four semesters, covering core subjects, electives, and practical training. Here is a detailed overview:

Paper/Code (Typical)	Subject Title	Type	Key Topics/Units Covered	Credits (Approx.)	Assessment (Typical)
DJMC-101 / Block 1	Introduction to Communication & Mass Communication	Core Theory	Dimensions/types of communication (intra/inter/group/mass), models (Shannon-Weaver, Lasswell), functions, barriers	4–6	Theory Exam + Assignments
DJMC-102 / Block 2	History of Journalism & Indian Media	Core Theory	Early press in India, role in freedom struggle, post-independence media, key personalities	4–6	Theory Exam
DJMC-103 / Block 3	Media Laws, Ethics & Regulations	Core Theory	Constitution provisions, Press Council, defamation, RTI, IPC sections, ethical codes, case studies	4–6	Theory Exam + Case Studies
DJMC-104 / Practical	Reporting: Concepts, Techniques & Beats	Skill/Practical	News values, sources, interviewing, lead writing, beats (politics, crime, sports, etc.)	4–6	Practical Assignments + Lab Work
DJMC-105 / Practical	News Writing & Editing Fundamentals	Skill/Practical	News structure (inverted pyramid), grammar, headline writing, copy editing basics	4–6	Writing Exercises + Editing Drills
–	Lab/Internship Orientation	Practical	Basic media software, field visits to print media, news writing workshops	Included	Internal Evaluation

Understanding Core Subjects in Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication

Here is a detailed description of the fundamental subjects taught in this course:

Subject Name	Subject Description
Introduction to Communication & Mass Communication	Explores concepts, models, types, functions, and barriers of communication in mass media contexts.
History of Journalism & Indian Media	Covers evolution of Indian press, role in freedom struggle, post-independence developments, and key media milestones.
Media Laws, Ethics & Regulations	Examines constitutional provisions, Press Council guidelines, defamation, RTI, ethical codes, and media regulations in India.
Reporting: Concepts, Techniques & Beats	Teaches news values, sources, interviewing, beat coverage, lead writing, and types of reporting (hard/soft/investigative).
News Writing & Editing Fundamentals	Focuses on news structure (inverted pyramid), grammar, headline writing, copy editing, proofreading, and story refinement.
Broadcast Journalism Basics (Radio & TV)	Introduces scripting, anchoring, production elements, bulletin formats, and basic radio/TV news presentation.
Digital & Social Media Journalism	Covers online writing, SEO, citizen journalism, social platforms, content ethics, mobile journalism, and digital tools.
Advertising, Public Relations & Development Communication	Explains PR tools, ad campaigns, press releases, corporate communication, and media’s role in social/rural development.
Photojournalism & Visual Communication Basics	Introduces visual storytelling, photo features, captioning, basic editing, and role of images in journalism.

Top Job Roles & Salary Range After Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication

Job Role	Job Description	Salary Range (Annual, INR LPA)
Junior Reporter / Journalist	Gathers news, conducts interviews, writes articles for print/digital media.	2.0 – 5.0 LPA
Content Writer	Creates articles, blogs, social media posts, and web content for brands/media.	2.0 – 4.5 LPA
Public Relations (PR) Executive	Manages client/brand image, drafts press releases, handles media relations.	2.5 – 5.0 LPA
Social Media Executive / Coordinator	Manages brand social accounts, creates posts, engages audiences, tracks analytics.	2.5 – 5.5 LPA
Sub-Editor / Copy Editor	Edits news stories, writes headlines, ensures accuracy and style compliance.	2.5 – 4.5 LPA
Radio Jockey (RJ) / Presenter (Entry-Level)	Hosts radio shows, scripts content, engages listeners (often freelance/start small).	2.0 – 4.0 LPA
Digital Content Creator	Produces videos, reels, blogs, or multimedia for online platforms/channels.	2.5 – 6.0 LPA
Advertising / Media Assistant	Assists in ad campaigns, client coordination, basic creative work in agencies.	2.5 – 5.0 LPA
Corporate Communication Assistant	Supports internal/external comms, newsletters, events in companies/PR firms.	3.0 – 6.0 LPA

Top Recruiters for Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication

Industry/Sector	Top Recruiters
Print & Digital News Media	The Times Group (Times of India), Hindustan Times, India Today Group, The Indian Express
Broadcast & Television News	NDTV, Zee Media, Network 18 (CNN-News18, etc.), Republic TV
Digital Media & Content Platforms	Dailyhunt, Quint, Scroll.in, Way2News, various OTT/digital news portals
Public Relations & Advertising Agencies	Edelman, Genesis BCW, Adfactors PR, various mid-size PR firms and ad agencies
Radio & Regional Media	Red FM, Radio Mirchi, Big FM, regional channels/newspapers

Industry Trends for Diploma Journalism and Mass Communication Graduates

Media industry is one of the fastest growing industries today. Take a look at some prevailing and expected industry trends that’ll help you clarify your future pathway more decisively:

Ongoing Trends in 2026

The current landscape emphasizes AI integration, creator-led content, and audience fragmentation. AI tools are widely used for fact-checking, transcription, and basic content generation, with nearly 60% of online material involving some AI assistance, though audiences still prefer human-authored stories and demand transparency (only 12% accept fully AI-generated news).

Personality-driven journalism is booming, with platforms like Substack, TikTok, and YouTube enabling individual journalists and influencers to build loyal followings—especially among younger audiences (38% of 18–29-year-olds rely on news influencers). Traditional traffic from social media and search is declining due to algorithmic changes and AI answer engines, pushing publishers toward newsletters, podcasts, and direct engagement.

Video and short-form content dominate consumption, while nonprofit and hyper-local journalism models are growing to fill gaps left by shrinking legacy media. Ethical journalism, trust-building, and skills in multimedia production, data reporting, and mobile journalism remain highly valued for entry-level positions.

Future Expectations

Looking ahead, AI is expected to become core infrastructure, handling 60–70% of routine tasks and enabling personalized, dynamic storytelling formats. Social and user-generated content will further dominate, with hyperscale platforms and creator ecosystems outpacing traditional outlets—particularly among Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences. Sustainable revenue models (subscriptions, events, content licensing to AI firms) and nonprofit/community journalism will expand, offering more stable opportunities in niche and local reporting. Immersive technologies (AR/VR news experiences) and algorithmic distribution will shape how stories reach audiences, requiring strong SEO, analytics, and cross-platform skills.

There will be greater emphasis on ethical AI use, fact-checking, diversity in reporting, and solutions-oriented narratives to rebuild public trust amid rising misinformation. For DJMC graduates, this means future-proofing careers through continuous upskilling in AI collaboration, video production, data journalism, and personal branding to adapt to media-adjacent roles in content strategy, corporate communications, and independent creation.

Skills Developed During This Course

The 1-year Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC) in India is highly practical and skill-oriented, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on training in reporting, writing, media production, and ethics. Here are the key skills typically developed during the course:

Writing and Editing Skills — Students master clear, concise, accurate writing for news stories, headlines, captions, press releases, and digital content, along with editing techniques (grammar, structure, fact-checking, style adherence) through regular assignments and practical exercises in print, broadcast, and online formats.

Reporting and Research Skills — The program builds strong abilities in gathering information, conducting interviews, identifying news sources, beat coverage, and ethical fact-finding, enabling students to produce reliable, well-researched stories while honing critical thinking and analytical evaluation of events.

Communication and Presentation Skills — Through verbal exercises, public speaking, anchoring simulations, and group discussions, learners improve verbal/written expression, confidence in interviews, presentation delivery, and audience engagement—vital for roles in broadcasting, PR, or corporate communication.

Digital and Multimedia Proficiency — Hands-on training introduces tools for social media content creation, basic video/audio editing (e.g., mobile journalism/MoJo, free software like Audacity or Canva), SEO basics, photojournalism, and multi-platform storytelling, preparing students for the dominant digital media landscape.

Media Ethics, Laws, and Critical Thinking — Students gain a solid understanding of ethical journalism, media regulations (e.g., defamation, RTI, Press Council codes), bias detection, and responsible reporting, fostering integrity, objectivity, and the ability to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in real-world scenarios.

Creativity and Storytelling — The course encourages innovative idea generation, narrative structuring, visual storytelling (e.g., photo features, scripts), and creative problem-solving to craft compelling, audience-focused content across print, broadcast, and digital mediums.

Time Management and Adaptability — Practical deadlines, live projects, field visits, and short internships teach working under pressure, multitasking (e.g., researching while writing), and quick adaptation to changing news cycles or media trends—core for fast-moving journalism careers.

What to Do After Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication?

Most people opt for jobs after completing their diploma in journalism and mass communication, while other opt for higher studies. Here is a list of common pathways to follow after completing this course:

Start with entry-level jobs or internships in media houses

Jump into roles like junior reporter, content writer, social media executive, or PR assistant at newspapers, digital portals, TV channels, or PR firms to gain hands-on experience, build a strong portfolio, and network with industry professionals for better opportunities.

Pursue higher education for advanced roles and better prospects

Enroll in a bachelor’s degree (e.g., BA/BJMC in Journalism & Mass Communication) or a postgraduate diploma/MA to deepen knowledge, specialize in areas like digital journalism or broadcast, and access mid-level positions with higher pay and credibility.

Build a professional portfolio and freelance on the side

Create a showcase of your work (articles, videos, social posts, or PR samples) on platforms like LinkedIn, personal blogs, or Behance, while freelancing for content creation, reporting, or digital media to earn income, hone skills, and attract full-time employers.

Develop additional skills and stay updated with industry trends

Learn tools like video editing software, SEO, data journalism, mobile reporting, or analytics through online courses, workshops, and certifications to remain competitive in the fast-evolving digital media landscape and open doors to diverse roles in advertising, corporate communication, or content strategy.

Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication vs BJMC

Diploma and Bachelor’s degrees are two most popular qualifications among journalism and mass communication students. While both have their distinct advantages, here is a side by side comparison of the two:

Basis of Comparison	Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC)	BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication)
Full Form / Type	Diploma (vocational/undergraduate-level certificate)	Bachelor’s Degree (UG professional degree)
Duration	1 year (typically 2 semesters + short internship/project)	3 years (6 semesters)
Eligibility	10+2 (any stream) with minimum 45–50% aggregate marks (relaxations for reserved categories)	10+2 (any stream) with minimum 50% aggregate marks (some require entrance; relaxations apply)
Admission Mode	Mostly merit-based (10+2 marks); some institute-specific tests/interviews; rarely CUET UG	Merit-based or entrance exams (e.g., CUET UG, institute-specific like IPU CET, JET-UG); counseling often required
Average Fees (Total)	INR 15,000 – 2,00,000 (government/open universities: lower; private: higher)	INR 50,000 – 5,00,000+ (government: ₹30,000–1.5 lakh; private/deemed: ₹1–5 lakh or more)
Curriculum Focus	Foundational & practical: basics of reporting, editing, media laws, ethics, intro to broadcast/digital, PR basics	Comprehensive & in-depth: advanced journalism, mass comm theories, PR, advertising, digital media, film/TV production, research, electives
Practical Exposure	High emphasis on hands-on (labs, short internship 2–8 weeks, portfolio) but limited depth	Very high: extensive internships (often 4–12 weeks+), live projects, media labs, workshops, industry exposure
Depth & Specialization	Basic to intermediate; quick skill-building for entry-level roles	Advanced; allows specialization (e.g., digital journalism, broadcast, advertising) with broader media knowledge
Job Roles (Entry-Level)	Junior reporter, content writer, social media executive, PR assistant, sub-editor, digital content creator	Reporter, news anchor, content strategist, PR executive, media planner, video editor, digital marketer (better access to mid-level roles)
Average Starting Salary	INR 2.0 – 5.0 LPA (freshers; often lower in regional/print media)	INR 3.0 – 6.0 LPA (freshers; higher in metros/digital with skills; grows faster to ₹6–10+ LPA mid-career)
Career Growth & Prospects	Good for quick industry entry; limited for senior roles without further studies; strong in freelance/digital	Better long-term scope; preferred for promotions, senior/editorial positions, competitive exams, or higher studies (MAJMC)
Suitability	Ideal for quick career start, budget constraints, or as a bridge to degree; suits working professionals/part-timers	Best for in-depth knowledge, better job stability, higher pay potential, and advanced media careers
Top Recruiters (Common)	Regional newspapers, digital portals (Dailyhunt, Quint), small PR firms, local radio/TV	Major media houses (Times Group, NDTV, Zee, Network18), advertising agencies, digital platforms, corporate comms

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q7. Where can I study a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication?

You can pursue it at government/open universities like Savitribai Phule Pune University, University of Mumbai, Makhanlal Chaturvedi University (Bhopal), YCMOU (Nashik), and private institutes such as AAFT (Noida), New Delhi YMCA, Apeejay Institute (Delhi), and various state-affiliated colleges across India.