Journalism is one of the most exciting and dynamic professional growth for students after class 12. Journalism after 12th is not just a newspaper and television profession, in this digital age. Now, it has added digital media, social media, podcasting, content creation, investigative reporting, sports journalism, political journalism, and multimedia storytelling. Any student who loves to write, speak, research, and present information will make a successful career.
The demand for good journalists and media professionals is growing by the year with the skyrocketing growth of the media and communication industries on the internet. professional in journalism are available in news channels, newspapers, radio stations, websites, advertising agencies, public relations houses, corporate communication departments, etc. As per some education and career websites, the courses related to journalism and mass communication after 12th are gaining a lot of popularity among students from all streams.
Table of Content
• What to do After 12th to Become the Journalist?
• Eligibility Criteria for Journalism Courses After 12th
• Best Journalism Courses After 12th
• Skills Required to Become a Successful Journalist
• Top Entrance Exams for Journalism Courses
• Career Scope in Journalism
• Types of Journalism Careers
• Advantages of Choosing Journalism as a Career
• Challenges in Journalism
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions
What is Journalism?
Journalism is the gathering, verification, editing, and presentation of information and news to the public. Journalists are important figures in society because they provide information regarding current affairs, politics, sport, entertainment, education, technology, and social concerns.
A journalist can work in different media formats such as:
• Print Media
• Television New
• Radio Broadcasting
• Digital Media
• Social Media Platforms
• News Websites
• Podcasting
• Documentary Production
Digital journalism, video editing, and social media reporting are also very important aspects of modern journalism.
What to do After 12th to Become the Journalist?
Post 12th students can begin their journalist degree right away. The first thing to do is to select a journalism related course or mass communication course from a well-recognized college/University. Also, the students who are doing internship or entry level jobs after the course are eligible too.
Step-by-Step Process to Become a journalist
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Complete 12th | Pass Class 12 from a recognized board |
| Choose a Course | Pursue BJMC, BA Journalism, BMM, or Diploma |
| Develop Skills | Enhance writing, communication, and research skills |
| Gain Experience | Do internships in media houses or digital platforms |
| Build Portfolio | Create articles, blogs, videos, or social media content |
| Apply for Jobs | Launch a career in journalism as a reporter, content writer, or news trainee |
A lot of career professionals recommend that students should start learning how to communicate effectively and use digital media as early as possible due to the need for students to be knowledgeable in digital media and learn to report in media.
Eligibility Criteria for Journalism Courses After 12th
Journalism courses have one of the best features in that students from all streams are accepted. Arts, commercial or science students can take journalism after Class 12.
The passing criterion for most colleges is 45% – 50% marks in the 12th standard examination. There are some reputed universities that offer entrance tests for admission.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | 10+2 from recognized board |
| Minimum Marks | 45%–50% aggregate |
| Stream | Any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) |
| Age Limit | Usually no upper age limit |
| Entrance Exams | CUET, IPU CET, university-level exams |
A few universities may also hold personal interviews or aptitude tests to assess the candidates in communication and writing ability.
Best Journalism Courses After 12th
For journalists in the making, there are a number of undergraduate, diploma and certificate courses. Students have options to select a course based on interest, cost, and career objectives.
Popular Journalism Courses
| Course Name | Duration | Average Fees | Career Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) | 3 Years | ₹50,000 – ₹4,00,000 | Reporter, Anchor, Content Writer |
| BA Journalism | 3 Years | ₹30,000 – ₹3,00,000 | Journalist, Editor, Feature Writer |
| Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM) | 3 Years | ₹50,000 – ₹2,50,000 | PR Executive, Media Planner |
| BA Mass Communication | 3 Years | ₹40,000 – ₹3,00,000 | News Reporter, Media Executive |
| Diploma in Journalism | 1 Year | ₹20,000 – ₹1,00,000 | Freelance Journalist, Content Creator |
| Certificate Courses | 3–12 Months | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 | Digital Content Creator |
Above table of courses, BJMC is the most popular course among the students because it covers print media, television, digital media, advertising, and public relations together.
Skills Required to Become a Successful Journalist
A journalism degree is not the only thing required. Practical and communication skills are also necessary for students to be successful in this field.
Important Skills for Journalists
• Strong communication skills
• Good writing ability
• Research and analytical thinking
• Confidence and presentation skills
• Creativity and storytelling Digital media knowledge
• Social media handling
• Video editing and photography
• Time management
• Ethical reporting
Experts in the media think digital journalism and multimedia storytelling have become a requisite skill for today’s journalists.
Top Entrance Exams for Journalism Courses
There is direct admission in some colleges based on Class 12 marks, and in some colleges entrance exams are held.
Popular Journalism Entrance Exams
| Entrance Exam | Conducting Body |
|---|---|
| CUET | National Testing Agency |
| IPU CET | Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University |
| SET | Symbiosis International University |
| IIMC Entrance Exam | Indian Institute of Mass Communication |
| Jamia Entrance Test | Jamia Millia Islamia |
Students should regularly check university websites for updated admission notifications and eligibility criteria.
Career Scope in Journalism
The scope of journalism is rapidly widening with the rising popularity of digital media platforms, YouTube channels, podcasts, OTT platforms, and online news portals. Journalism graduates can find employment in both print and electronic media.
Top Career in Journalism
| Job Role | Average Starting Salary |
|---|---|
| News Reporter | ₹2.5 LPA – ₹5 LPA |
| Content Writer | ₹2 LPA – ₹4 LPA |
| News Anchor | ₹4 LPA – ₹10 LPA |
| Social Media Manager | ₹3 LPA – ₹6 LPA |
| Public Relations Officer | ₹3 LPA – ₹7 LPA |
| Video Producer | ₹3 LPA – ₹6 LPA |
| Digital Media Executive | ₹3 LPA – ₹5 LPA |
| Editor | ₹4 LPA – ₹8 LPA |
Qualified journalists employed with reputed media houses can get handsome salary packages.
Types of Journalism Careers
Journalism offers many specialization areas depending on students’ interests.
Popular Types of Journalism
• Political Journalism
• Sports Journalism
• Investigative Journalism
• Entertainment Journalism
• Business Journalism
• Fashion Journalism
• Crime Journalism
• Photojournalism
• Digital Journalism
• Travel Journalism
The rise of online news use and social media has made digital journalism particularly popular.
Advantages of Choosing Journalism as a Career
A journalist’s career is an extremely fulfilling one for a student who prefers creativity, communication, and interacting with people in the public arena.
Benefits of Journalism Career
• Creative and dynamic profession
• Opportunity to meet influential people
• Strong career growth
• Exposure to current affairs
• Chance to travel and explore
• High demand in digital media industry
• Opportunities in India and abroad
Students are now interested in journalism as it’s a blend of creativity, communication, and technology.
Challenges in Journalism
Journalism is no exception to the rule that all jobs have problems. News reporters frequently work quickly and with a sense of urgency. May have to travel or work odd hours.
Some common challenges include:
• Tight deadlines
• Work pressure
• Competition in media industry
• Need for constant updates
• Risk during field reporting
But, with passion, confidence and dedication, students can excel in this field.
Conclusion
Journalists after 12 have become a good career choice for students who love to communicate, share stories, media, and interact with the public. Students can also opt for some other courses after Class 12, such as BJMC, BA Journalism, BMM, and diploma courses to get into the media sector. The selection procedure is very easy, and the students from all streams are eligible to apply.
The journalism is one of the most promising professionals in India due to the extensive growth of digital platforms, online news portals and the extensive use of multimedia communication. Journalism has a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries and growth possibilities ranging from news reporting, news anchors, digital content creation, public relations, and so on.
By continually developing their skills in communication, digital understanding, and creativity, students can establish a successful and fulfilling career in journalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I pursue a career in Journalism after 12th?
Students can pursue courses like BA Journalism, BJMC, BMM, and other journalism or mass communication programs from recognized institutes after completing Class 12. Strong communication, writing, and digital media skills are also important for building a career in journalism.
What is the best Journalism course after 12th grade?
BA Journalism is considered one of the top courses for students interested in reporting, media, digital journalism, television, and content creation after completing Class 12.
What are the eligibility criteria for BA Journalism admission?
Students must complete 10+2 from a recognized board with at least 45–50% aggregate marks. Candidates from Arts, Commerce, and Science streams are eligible to apply.
Can Science and Commerce students apply for BA Journalism?
Yes. Students from Science, Commerce, and Arts backgrounds can apply for BA Journalism programs if they meet the minimum marks criteria set by the university.
What is the duration of the BA Journalism course?
BA Journalism is generally a 3-year undergraduate program that focuses on journalism, media studies, communication, reporting, editing, and digital media.
What are the job opportunities after a Journalism degree?
Graduates can work as news reporters, news anchors, editors, digital content creators, social media managers, PR executives, video producers, and media researchers.
What is the scope of journalism as a career?
Journalism is a growing career field with opportunities in television, newspapers, radio, digital media, advertising, podcasting, and online news platforms. The industry offers strong career growth and diverse job roles.
