How to Become a TV Anchor: Skills, Qualifications and Career Steps
To become a TV anchor in India, candidates must complete Class 12 from any stream with 45%–50% marks, pursue a degree such as BJMC or BA in Journalism (or a diploma program), and start in entry-level media roles with salaries ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per month.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | 12th Pass from any stream (Arts / Commerce / Science) with 45%–50% marks |
| Age Limit | 17 to 25 years for undergraduate programs |
| Bachelor Degree Duration | 3 years |
| Diploma Course Duration | 6 months to 2 years |
| Key Courses | BA in Journalism, BA (Hons) in Journalism, BJMC, BA in Mass Communication |
| Entry-Level Salary (India) | ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 per month |
| Mid-Level Salary (India) | ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 per month |
| Experienced Salary (India) | ₹1,00,000+ per month |
Who is a TV Anchor (career)
| Meeting Stage | Timeline / Frequency | Primary Objective / Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional Meeting | Once a week | Plan reporting segments, examine candidate stories, anticipate future events, add approved stories to newsroom agenda. |
| Newsroom Meeting | 6–8 hours before newscast | Review lined-up stories, adjust plan based on news flow, decide editorial angles for broadcasting. |
| Preparatory Meeting | 2–4 hours before newscast | Work with show director and team to determine final broadcast rundown and segment order. |
| Debriefing | Just after newscast | Review strengths and weaknesses of broadcast, analyze mistakes, suggest improvements for future shows. |
News anchors present news broadcasts, analyze stories, and interview guests on television and radio broadcasts. They collaborate with newsroom teams across scheduled meeting stages to plan rundowns and establish editorial angles.
Eligibility to Become a TV Anchor (career)
- Educational Stream: Students from Arts, Commerce, or Science streams are eligible for journalism and media courses after 12th.
- Minimum Marks: Minimum aggregate marks required for admission in undergraduate journalism programs range between 45% and 50%.
- Age Limit: The standard age criteria for undergraduate journalism courses is 17 to 25 years.
- Selection Methodology: Admission process involves merit-based selection or entrance tests evaluating general knowledge, English proficiency, and current affairs, followed by personal interviews.
Candidates seeking admission to undergraduate journalism programs must meet standard academic and age parameters established by institutions. The selection process evaluates general knowledge, English proficiency, current affairs awareness, and interview performance.
Courses to Become a TV Anchor (career)
Aspiring anchors can choose between 3-year undergraduate degree programs, short-term diplomas, or certificate courses based on their academic timeline and career goals.
| Course Name | Course Type | Duration | Eligibility / Min. Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA in Journalism | Bachelor’s Degree | 3 Years | 12th Pass (45%–50% marks) |
| BA (Hons) in Journalism | Bachelor’s Degree | 3 Years | 12th Pass (45%–50% marks) |
| BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Comm) | Bachelor’s Degree | 3 Years | 12th Pass (45%–50% marks) |
| BA in Mass Communication | Bachelor’s Degree | 3 Years | 12th Pass (45%–50% marks) |
| Diploma in Journalism | Diploma | 6 Months – 2 Years | 12th Pass |
| Certificate Course in Journalism | Certificate | 3 – 6 Months | 12th Pass |
Skills Required
- Content management systems
- Social media tools
- Basic video editing
- Podcast production
- Data analysis tools
Mastering these digital tools helps media graduates become more competitive in the industry.
TV Anchor (career) Salary
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level | ₹15,000 – ₹40,000 per month |
| Mid-Level | ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 per month |
| Experienced Professionals | ₹1,00,000+ per month |
Career Growth
- Television Channels
- Print Media
- Digital Media
- PR Agencies
- Corporates
Journalism graduates can pursue diverse media roles across television, print, digital, PR agencies, and corporate sectors. Monthly pay progresses from entry-level ranges of ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 up to ₹1,00,000 or more for experienced professionals.
How to Start a Career as TV Anchor (career): Step by Step
- Check Eligibility: Ensure completion of 12th grade in Arts, Commerce, or Science stream with a minimum of 45%–50% aggregate marks.
- Select Course: Choose between a 3-year Bachelor’s degree (BA in Journalism, BJMC, BA in Mass Comm), a 6-month to 2-year Diploma, or a 3 to 6-month Certificate course.
- Apply & Take Entrance Test: Submit university application forms and take entrance tests evaluating general knowledge, English proficiency, and current affairs.
- Attend Personal Interview: Participate in the institution’s personal interview round following merit selection or entrance exam screening.
- Build Portfolio During Studies: Write for college newspapers, maintain blogs, engage in live reporting assignments, practice basic video editing, and complete media internships.
- Enter the Job Market: Apply for entry-level positions at television channels, print media, digital media platforms, PR agencies, or corporates.
| What to do | Where | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Compare colleges, fees and cutoffs | TV Anchor (career) colleges in India | findmycollege.com |
Candidates from any 12th-grade stream with 45%–50% marks can pursue journalism programs. Developing practical reporting and basic technical skills during studies prepares graduates for roles across TV channels, digital media, and PR agencies.
FAQs
How to become a tv anchor after 12th?
How to become a news anchor in India?
Complete Class 12, enroll in a 3-year journalism degree (BJMC or BA Journalism) or diploma, develop communication and technical skills, and apply for entry-level media or television reporting roles.
What is the monthly salary of a TV anchor in India?
Entry-level TV anchors earn ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per month, mid-level anchors earn ₹40,000 to ₹80,000 per month, and experienced anchors earn ₹1,00,000 or more per month.
How many years does it take to complete a diploma in journalism?
A diploma course in journalism takes between 6 months to 2 years to complete in India.
Which stream is required in Class 12 to become a TV anchor?
No specific stream is required. Students from Arts, Commerce, or Science streams are eligible for undergraduate journalism courses.
What technical skills are required for a TV anchor?
Key technical skills include using content management systems, managing social media platforms, basic video editing, podcast production, and handling data analysis tools.
