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BA (Honours) Journalism is a three-year undergraduate degree course that teaches you everything about journalism and mass media. In this course, you will learn how to find news, write news stories, edit them, and present them to the public through newspapers, TV, radio, and websites. Many students in India choose this course because the media industry is growing very fast, and there are many job opportunities. If you are curious, love to write, and want to keep people informed about what’s happening in the world, then this course is a very good option for you. You will get to learn about different types of journalism like reporting, feature writing, and even how to use a camera and edit videos.

Quick Information About BA (Honours) Journalism

Here is a simple table to give you a quick idea about the course.

BA (Honours) Journalism Course Overview

In the BA (Honours) Journalism course, you will learn the basics of how to gather news, write it clearly, and edit it for different media like print, TV, and online websites. The course is very useful because it teaches you practical skills that are needed in the media industry. You will learn how to interview people, do research for stories, and understand the laws and ethics of journalism. You will develop strong communication skills, learn to write well, and also gain technical skills like photography, video shooting, and editing. This makes you ready for a job as soon as you graduate.

BA (Honours) Journalism Eligibility Criteria

To get into this course, there are some simple requirements that you need to meet. Most colleges in India follow similar criteria.

• Educational Qualification: You must have passed your 10+2 (or equivalent) examination from a recognised board. The good news is that students from any stream—Arts, Science, or Commerce—can apply for this course.
• Minimum Marks: Most colleges require you to have at least 50% to 55% marks in your 12th class. However, this can be a little different for different colleges, so it’s always good to check their website.
• Entrance Exams: Some top universities and colleges may ask you to clear an entrance exam. Exams like CUET are now common for admission into many central and state universities. Some private universities have their own entrance tests.
• Age Limit: Generally, there is no upper age limit to apply for this course, but some colleges might have their own rules.

BA (Honours) Journalism Admission Process in India

The admission process for BA (Honours) Journalism can be of two main types: merit-based or entrance-based.

Merit-Based Admission: Many colleges, especially government and state universities, give admission based on the marks you scored in your 12th class. They prepare a cut-off list, and if your percentage is above the cut-off, you can get admission.

Entrance-Based Admission: Many famous private and central universities conduct their own entrance exams. You need to score well in these exams to get selected. Some common entrance exams include:

• CUET (Common University Entrance Test): For admission into many central universities like Delhi University.
• University-specific exams: Symbiosis, Christ University, and Jamia Millia Islamia have their own entrance tests.

You can usually apply for these courses online through the college’s official website. The process for government and private colleges is mostly the same, but private colleges might also conduct a personal interview or group discussion round.

BA (Honours) Journalism Course Fees in India

The fees for BA (Honours) Journalism can be very different depending on whether you choose a government or a private college. Government college fees are usually much lower.

Here is a table to give you an idea of the fees:

Many colleges also offer scholarships for students who score very good marks or for students from specific categories like SC/ST/OBC. You should check the college website for details on scholarships and reservation benefits.

BA (Honours) Journalism Subjects and Syllabus

The course is spread over six semesters in three years. You will study a mix of core (compulsory) and elective (optional) subjects. The syllabus also includes practical work and internships.

Here’s a general idea of the subjects you might study:

Practical work is a very important part of this course. You will have to do internships at media houses, newspapers, or TV channels to get real-world experience.

BA (Honours) Journalism Career Scope and Job Opportunities

After completing your BA (Honours) in Journalism, you will have a lot of career options. The media industry is vast and offers jobs in both private and government sectors.

Private Sector Jobs:

• Print Media: You can work as a reporter, sub-editor, or feature writer for newspapers and magazines like The Times of India or India Today.
• Broadcast Media: You can join TV news channels like NDTV or Aaj Tak as a reporter, anchor, or video editor.
• Digital Media: You can work as a content writer, social media manager, or online journalist for websites and news portals.
• Public Relations (PR): You can work as a PR officer for companies, managing their public image.
• Advertising: You can join advertising agencies and work in copywriting or client servicing.

Government Jobs:

You can also find jobs in government media bodies like Doordarshan, All India Radio, and the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Many government departments also have public relations wings.

Higher Education:

If you want to study further, you can go for a Master’s degree like an MA in Journalism & Mass Communication (MJMC) or an MBA in Media Management. This can help you get senior-level jobs with higher salaries.

Salary Expectations and Career Path After BA (Honours) Journalism

Your salary after this course will depend on your job role, the company you work for, and the city you are in. In big cities like Delhi and Mumbai, salaries are generally higher.

Here is a table showing the expected salary for different job roles:

Note: These salary figures are approximate and can vary based on many factors.

Top Colleges in India for BA (Honours) Journalism Course

Many government and private colleges in India offer excellent BA (Honours) Journalism programs. Here are some of the top ones:

Final Words About BA (Honours) Journalism

Choosing the right course after the 12th is a big decision, and BA (Honours) in Journalism is a great choice if you are passionate about media and communication. It opens up a world of opportunities and gives you the skills to build a successful career. This course is not just about getting a job; it’s about becoming a voice for the people and making a difference in society.

For parents, this course offers a secure and growing career path for your children in a dynamic industry. We advise all students and parents to visit the official websites of the colleges you are interested in for the most updated and accurate information regarding admissions, fees, and syllabus. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask in the comments below!