Journalism Courses After 12th to Begin Your Media Career *

If you completed your 12th grade and are thinking about what to do next, then journalism could be a great choice for you. If you are from the Arts, Commerce or Science stream, then journalism courses after 12th can provide you lots of opportunities to start a successful career in the media industry. Journalism has changed a lot since the days of radio and TV, and it is now a dynamic field with many ways to grow.

Journalism plays an important role in today's society, which is based on information. Therefore, journalists shape society by telling people what they need to know, and try to clear the viewpoint in a world where knowledge is power. This guide will help you know about the best journalism courses after 12th, from popular bachelor’s degrees to diplomas and certificate courses. It will also tell you about the best colleges, how to get admission and a career in journalism after 12th that are available in the journalism field.

The Perks and Passion of Choosing a Career in Journalism After 12th

1. The Power to Inform and Influence

Journalism has the power to inform people about important matters like politics, technology and business, which most people are interested in knowing. Journalists are often seen as the first to report breaking news, and this means they have a big responsibility to give correct, fair and honest information. Journalists always inform people through well-researched articles, and investigation is a key part of the job.

2. A Career of Variety and Excitement

Journalism is one of the most exciting career options in today's information-first world. Forget about boring desk jobs; every day is different. Here, you could be covering breaking news live from the scene for one minute and also interviewing a world leader. So the excitement never goes down because you can report from a disaster site to attend a big event. You interact with new people daily and also experience the situation of the event or interview. So this field is great for those who are looking to change their life and enjoy fast-paced environments. 

3. Creative Expression

Journalism is a great field for those who enjoy writing, storytelling and communicating with new people because it offers endless opportunities. So if you want to write feature stories, produce documentaries or host TV shows, then a career in journalism after 12th provides you with the opportunity to use your creativity to express your ideas in unique ways that people want to see. That means every story of journalism gives you a chance to make something that will stick with people.

4. Diverse Career Opportunities

One of the best advantages of pursuing journalism is that there are so many different job opportunities you can get. Do not think that journalism is just about reporting the news. Journalism courses after 12th can also lead to a lot of different specialised careers. There are different types of journalism, such as investigative reporting, political journalism, fashion journalism, sports journalism and entertainment journalism. There are also many interesting fields in journalism, such as digital journalism, broadcast journalism, photojournalism, and even making content for social media. These different types of opportunities mean that there is a place for you in journalism, no matter what your interests are. 

Types of Journalism Courses and Best Colleges After 12th

Here is the list of the best journalism courses after 12th that aspirants can apply for admission into for a fulfilling career. 

Best Colleges for Journalism Courses After 12th in India

Check out the list of top colleges offering reputed journalism courses after 12th in India.

Eligibility Criteria for Admission to the Journalism Courses After 12th

The eligibility criteria for 12th students to pursue Journalism courses (UG/Diploma/Certificate) are as follows: 

Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Courses

1. If you are looking for an undergraduate journalism course, then you can take admission into the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication (BAJMC) or Bachelor of Journalism (BJ) after completing your 12th grade from a recognised board.
2. Your stream, like Arts, Commerce, or Science, does not matter for you to be eligible for the best journalism courses after 12th.
3. You need to have a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in the 12th grade exam, with a minimum aggregate requirement of around 40% for reserved categories.
4. There is no upper age limit, but some colleges may specify a minimum age of 17 years.

Eligibility Criteria for Diploma and Certificate Courses

Diploma and certificate programs usually have the same UG requirements, where you need to complete the class 12 exam with at least 50% of the marks. However, if you are a graduate, then you can also do PG diplomas like PGDJ.

Admission Process for Journalism Courses After 12th

The admission process for the journalism courses after 12th is either merit-based based, or entrance exam-based in many top colleges. Below, we are sharing the steps that you must follow.

1. Research and Apply: First, you choose a college and program and then fill out the online or offline application form with the necessary documents such as mark sheets, ID proof, and category certificates.
2. Entrance Exams (if applicable): Then you take admission through the entrance exam score. Institutions usually accept scores of CUET (for DU colleges), SET (Symbiosis), GMCET, IPU CET or institute-specific exams (e.g., IIMC Entrance Exam, JMI Entrance Exam). These tests check your general knowledge, reasoning, and ability in the media industry.
3. Selection Rounds: After the exam, if you are shortlisted, then you may have to participate in interviews, group discussions or written tests.
4. Merit List and Enrollment: Finally, the merit list will be released, and then final admission will take place based on your scores, followed by fee payment and orientation.

Direct Admission to Journalism Courses After 12th

Some colleges provide you with direct admission based on your grades (in the 12th exams) or interviews. Check the official websites of such institutions to see what the deadlines are.

Career Opportunities and Salary after Completing the Journalism Courses

The table below presents the career opportunities and salary range of students who get employed after completing their journalism studies from reputed institutions like JCC Rohini, JMI, DU, etc. 

Conclusion

Most of the students today are still unaware that students can study courses in journalism after 12th. So, if you like storytelling, if you are fascinated by the world around you and want to be a force for good, then journalism could be the ideal career for you. It is a path of struggle and victory, and in the age of information empowerment. It is journalists who torch the path of truth. Seize the opportunities, look for online courses on journalism, offline courses, and enter a challenging profession in journalism immediately after the 12th class itself.

What are the benefits of pursuing a career in journalism after the 12th?

There are many exciting benefits if you want to be a journalist, such as the opportunity to inform and influence public opinion, creative expression through writing and media, and a variety of daily tasks.

What is the salary range for a journalist in India?

The salary for a journalist in India can range from ₹2,00,000 to ₹8,00,000 annually, and it depends on the experience. Senior roles like news anchors or investigative journalists can earn between ₹6,00,000 and ₹25,00,000. Freelance journalists may earn varying amounts depending on their work and platform reach.

How long do journalism courses after the 12th typically take to complete?

If you are looking for the undergraduate journalism courses, then it usually takes 3 years to complete. And for the diplomas and postgraduate diplomas, they typically range from 1 to 2 years.

Can I pursue journalism courses in online mode after 12th?

Yes, you can, and many institutions offer you online certificate and diploma courses in journalism. These courses cover important topics in today's media world, such as digital journalism, content creation and social media. 

What is the eligibility for journalism courses after 12th?

If you are looking for the undergraduate courses, then you need to have a minimum of 50% marks in your 12th grade from any stream. Some colleges offer relaxed criteria for reserved categories. 

What is the scope of journalism after completing 12th grade?

After completing the 12th grade exam, there are many opportunities in journalism. You can work in print, digital, and broadcast media, among other places, like a reporter, photojournalist, content creator, editor, public relations professional and managing social media, etc. 

Can I pursue journalism if I am from the Science stream in 12th?

Yes, you can. Journalism is a versatile field that welcomes diverse backgrounds, and students from the Science stream can bring a unique point of view, especially in tech journalism or investigative reporting.