Diploma in Journalism: Course Details, Eligibility and Career Scope
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A Diploma in Journalism is a 1-year course focused on news gathering, editing, reporting, writing, and mass media communication. The average course fee in India ranges between INR 14,000 and INR 80,000, while graduates can earn a starting salary ranging from INR 1 LPA to INR 6 LPA.
At least 159 colleges offer a Diploma in Journalism in India, with government median total course fees standing at ₹20,710 and private median total course fees at ₹47,400. Readers will find comprehensive details below regarding eligibility criteria, course fees, top government and private institutions, syllabus, career scope, and step-by-step admission guidelines.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Duration | 1 Year |
| Course Level | Diploma |
| Eligibility Criteria | 10+2 with minimum 50% aggregate marks and English as a core subject |
| Average Course Fee | INR 14,000 – INR 80,000 (up to INR 3.25 Lakhs at top private institutes) |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 1 LPA – INR 6 LPA |
Diploma in Journalism Eligibility
To secure admission into a Diploma in Journalism course, candidates must fulfill basic academic requirements set by media institutes and universities across India:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed 10+2 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board.
- Minimum Marks: Applicants must secure at least 50% aggregate marks in their 10+2 examination.
- Mandatory Subjects: Candidates must have studied English as a subject at the 10+2 level.
- Backlog Status: Applicants must not have any active backlogs from their 10+2 level at the time of admission.
Diploma in Journalism Syllabus and Subjects
- News Reporting
- Editing
- Radio and Television Journalism
- Emerging Social Media
The 1-year diploma program evaluates students through semester or annual examination patterns. The curriculum focuses on core media areas including reporting, editing, radio, social media, television, and advertising.
Diploma in Journalism Fees
Course fees for a Diploma in Journalism vary significantly based on institutional ownership, infrastructure, and location. Across India, government colleges have a median total course fee of ₹20,710, with the middle half ranging between ₹12,000 and ₹38,000 (based on 7 colleges with fee data). Private colleges have a median total course fee of ₹47,400, with the middle half falling between ₹25,422 and ₹87,875 (based on 12 colleges with fee data).
Among prominent institutions, Maulana Azad University in Jodhpur offers the course at an average fee of INR 2,000, while Madras Christian College in Chennai charges an average fee of INR 14,000. ISBM University in Raipur offers the program for INR 21,900, Poddar Group of Institutions in Jaipur charges INR 40,000, Pacific University in Udaipur charges INR 30,000, and Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC) in Mumbai charges an average course fee of INR 3,25,230.
| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institute for Excellence in Higher Education | Bhopal | Government | ₹6,000 |
| Government Jamuna Prasad Verma Post Graduate Arts and Commerce College | Bilaspur | Government | ₹12,000 |
| Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University | Nashik | Government | ₹16,996 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia University | Delhi | Government | ₹20,710 |
| Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | Government | ₹30,000 |
| CSJM Kanpur University | Kanpur | Government | ₹38,000 |
| Panjab University | Chandigarh | Government | ₹46,380 |
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Top Diploma in Journalism Colleges
| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee | NIRF rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamia Millia Islamia University | Delhi | Government | ₹20,710 | 4 (Overall, 2025) |
| Delhi University | Delhi | Government | — | 5 (Overall, 2025) |
| Banaras Hindu University | Varanasi | Government | ₹30,000 | 6 (Overall, 2025) |
| Aligarh Muslim University | Aligarh | — | ₹17,395 | 10 (Overall, 2025) |
| Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce | Delhi | University | ₹66,520 | 32 (Overall, 2025) |
| Panjab University | Chandigarh | Government | ₹46,380 | 35 (Overall, 2025) |
| Midnapore College | Medinipur | Government | — | 42 (Overall, 2025) |
| Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune | University | — | 56 (Overall, 2025) |
| Fergusson College | Pune | Private (aided) | — | 57 (Overall, 2025) |
Several NIRF-ranked institutions provide specialized training in journalism and mass communication, with government colleges having a median total course fee of ₹20,710.
| College | City | Ownership | Total course fee | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IIMT University | Meerut | Private | ₹49,800 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| St. Thomas College Bhilai | Bhilai | Private | ₹22,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Khalsa College Amritsar | Amritsar | Private (aided) | ₹57,825 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Guru Nanak Khalsa College Kapurthala | Kapurthala | Private (aided) | ₹23,680 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Agra College | Agra | Private (aided) | ₹32,420 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jagran Institute of Management |
| Job Role | Primary Responsibilities | Top Hiring Areas |
|---|---|---|
| News Reporter | Gathering news, interviewing public/experts, writing reportage | TV News Channels, Newspapers |
| News Anchor | Reading live news broadcasts on TV and radio programs | Broadcasting Networks, News Channels |
| Radio Jockey (RJ) | Hosting radio shows, interacting with guests, delivering news | All India Radio, FM Stations |
| Social Media Executive | Managing social media handles, curated news posts, and audience outreach | Digital News Portals, Media Agencies |
| Copywriter & News Writer | Writing scripts, articles, brand blogs, and ad copy | Advertising Agencies, Websites |
| Public Relations (PR) Officer | Preparing press releases, organizing press conferences, analyzing company profile | Corporate Communications, PR Agencies |
Additionally, graduates can work as Freelance Journalists or pursue higher education such as a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in journalism to qualify for senior editorial roles, academic positions, or university teaching jobs. Diploma holders are also eligible to prepare for civil services examinations and department-wise government exams.
How to Apply for Diploma in Journalism Admission in 2026: Step by Step
- Check Eligibility Criteria: Verify completion of 10+2 with at least 50% aggregate marks, English as a mandatory subject, and no active backlogs.
- Select Shortlisted Colleges: Research target institutions such as Madras Christian College, Xavier Institute of Communications, or ISBM University based on curriculum and fees.
- Submit Application Form: Register online or offline through the official college portal and submit required academic transcripts.
- Merit Evaluation or Entrance Exam: Participate in merit-based selection using 10+2 scores or qualify for institute-specific entrance tests where required.
- Pay Admission Fees and Confirm Seat: Complete admission by paying course fees, which range from INR 2,000 to INR 3,25,230 depending on the institute.
| What to do | Where | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Compare colleges, fees and cutoffs | Diploma in Journalism colleges in India | findmycollege.com |
Most institutes grant admission based on 10+2 merit scores, while select colleges conduct entrance tests. Shortlisted candidates complete seat confirmation through document verification and fee payment.
FAQs
Is there any 1 year diploma course in journalism?
Yes, the Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication is a 1-year professional program offered by many institutes across India for 10+2 graduates.
What is the eligibility for Diploma in Journalism?
Candidates must have completed 10+2 with at least 50% aggregate marks, studied English as a subject, and have no active backlogs.
What is the average fee for a Diploma in Journalism in India?
The average fee ranges between INR 14,000 and INR 80,000 per year. Private institutes such as Xavier Institute of Communications Mumbai charge up to INR 3,25,230.
What starting salary can I expect after completing a Diploma in Journalism?
The initial average salary after completing a Diploma in Journalism ranges between INR 1 LPA and INR 6 LPA, depending on job profile and skill level.
Can I prepare for government exams after a Diploma in Journalism?
Yes, after completing a diploma, students can prepare for civil services examinations and department-wise government exams as per eligibility requirements.
Can I pursue higher studies after completing a Diploma in Journalism?
Yes, diploma holders can pursue a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in journalism to qualify for senior editorial roles, academic positions, or teaching jobs in universities.
