Media Courses After 12th: Specialisations and Career Scope

Media courses after 12th include 3-year undergraduate degrees such as BAJMC, BJMC, and BMM, 1-year diplomas, and short-term online certificates. These programs are open to candidates from Science, Commerce, and Arts streams who have secured at least 50% aggregate marks in Class 12.

Below is a detailed guide covering stream eligibility, course types, fee structures across major institutions, online certifications, career scope, salary expectations, and step-by-step admission procedures.

List of Mass Communication & Media Courses

• Undergraduate Degrees (3 Years): Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Journalism and Mass Communication for students from science, commerce, or arts streams.
• One-Year Diploma Programs: Specialized diploma courses focusing on TV journalism and communication.
• Postgraduate Degrees (2 Years): Master of Arts (MA) in Mass Communication, Media Industries, or Media and Communication Studies.

Students from any stream with at least 50% aggregate marks in Class 12 can apply for undergraduate media programs. Diploma and certificate options provide flexible pathways alongside traditional degree programs.

Eligibility and Duration

Eligibility rules for media programs across Indian universities are flexible regarding academic backgrounds:

• Undergraduate Programs: Completion of Class 12 from any stream (Arts, Commerce, or Science) from a recognised board with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
• Postgraduate Programs: A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Select institutions like IIMC New Delhi require a Bachelor’s degree with at least 55% aggregate marks and selection via CUET-PG.
• Course Durations: Short-term online certificates last 2 to 12 weeks; diplomas span 1 year; undergraduate degrees require 3 years; Master of Arts (MA) degrees run for a 2-year duration (including distance programs like IGNOU’s 80-credit MAJMC).

Fees

• Short-Term Certificates: Range from ₹15,000 to ₹80,000 for programs such as News Anchoring or Radio Production.
• One-Year Diplomas: Cost between ₹60,000 and ₹1.5 lakh for specialized courses in TV journalism and communication.
• Undergraduate Degrees: Approximately ₹6,53,200 total tuition fee for a 3-year B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication at AAFT Noida.
• Postgraduate Degrees: Range from ₹13,500 per year for IGNOU’s 2-year distance learning MAJMC to ₹6.12 lakh total tuition plus ₹45,000 one-time fee at Bennett University and approximately ₹7.76 lakh at Manipal Institute of Communication.

Media course fees in India vary significantly based on institution type, study mode, and program duration. Distance learning options provide affordable entry, whereas private universities charge higher tuition fees.

Top Media Colleges and Universities in India

Leading universities offer diverse media degree programs with distinct fee structures and entry paths:

Popular Online Media and Film Certification Courses

These online programs allow students to learn screenwriting, film studies, and video editing directly from top institutions like FTII, IIT Madras, and SRFTI Kolkata. Government platforms such as NPTEL and SWAYAM provide free course access with optional certification fees.

Career Scope, Job Roles, and Salary After Media Courses

Mass communication professionals earn an average salary of ₹4.02 lakh per year in India. Top media recruiters in India include NDTV, Times Network, India Today Group, BBC, Star India, Network 18, and Outlook.

How to Choose

• Identify Specialisation: Choose journalism for news writing and reporting, advertising and public relations for brand communication, or multimedia production for audio-visual storytelling.
• Select Program Level: Opt for a 3-year B.A. degree for foundational knowledge, a 1-year diploma for rapid job entry, or online certificates to gain specific technical skills like editing or screenwriting.
• Evaluate Tuition Costs: Compare cost structures ranging from ₹13,500 per year (IGNOU distance MAJMC) to ₹6,53,200 total fee (AAFT Noida) or ₹7.76 lakh total fee (MIC Manipal).
• Review Recruiters: Ensure target institutes have recruitment connections with top employers such as NDTV, Times Network, India Today Group, BBC, Star India, Network 18, and Outlook.

Choosing the right media program depends on balancing academic interests, delivery formats, and career target areas.

How to Apply for Mass Communication & Media Admission in 2026: Step by Step

1. Check stream and minimum percentage eligibility: Ensure completion of Class 12 from any stream (Arts, Commerce, or Science) with at least 50% aggregate marks.
2. Select program level and target specialisation: Choose between a 3-year BAJMC degree, a 1-year diploma, or short-term certificate based on career goals.
3. Register for required entrance exams or university portals: Apply through national/university entrance tests such as CUET-PG for IIMC, or direct university application portals like Bennett University or AAFT.
4. Submit academic documents and creative portfolio: Provide Class 12 marksheets, ID proof, and optional work samples/written pieces if applying for creative media or film streams.
5. Participate in Personal Interview or Counselling: Attend personal interview rounds or CUET/merit-based counselling sessions conducted by the respective media institute.
6. Pay admission fee to confirm seat booking: Pay the initial tuition fee instalment and one-time registration fees (e.g., ₹45,000 at Bennett University or program fees at AAFT/IGNOU).

FAQs

What do you study in media studies?

Media studies covers print and digital news writing, reporting, editing, broadcast media, TV production, camera and lighting techniques, advertising, public relations, digital marketing, media ethics, laws, and audience communication strategies.

Is media and communication a good course after 12th?

Yes, media and communication offers strong scope due to rising demand in OTT platforms, digital newsrooms, PR agencies, and content creation. Candidates across all 12th streams can enter with minimum 50% aggregate marks.

What is the salary of mass media professionals in India?

Mass communication professionals earn an average salary of ₹4.02 LPA in India. Roles like PR professionals average ₹6 LPA, while specialised roles like screenwriters and animators earn up to ₹12 LPA.

Can Arts, Commerce, or Science students join media courses?

Yes, media courses do not restrict entry based on your 12th grade stream. Students from science, commerce, or arts are equally eligible provided they meet the minimum 50% aggregate criterion.

Is MA a 2 year course in mass communication?

Yes, standard Master of Arts (MA) programs in Mass Communication and Journalism across Indian universities and open distance learning platforms like IGNOU run for a 2-year duration.

Are there online media courses available in India?

Yes, government and institutional platforms like SWAYAM, NPTEL (IIT Madras), and FTII offer free and paid online courses covering screenwriting, film studies, and video editing.

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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