
Voices beyond newsroom: Why journalism is a career that builds nations
In a world where bridges are built across rivers, some souls are destined to build bridges between minds. Journalism, often unsung and sometimes misunderstood, is not just a career, it is the art of capturing the pulse of humanity, the science of truth-telling, and the poetry of influence. For every towering marvel like the Chenab Bridge, there is a storyteller, a media warrior who brings it to life in hearts and homes across the nation.
Have you ever watched a news anchor breathe urgency into breaking news? Or read a feature story that made you weep silently over your morning coffee? These are not just words or camera flashes; they are legacies in motion, sculpted by the unseen hands of passionate professionals in the field of journalism and mass communication.
The Soul of Journalism: More Than Just News
Journalism is not confined to newsrooms or press offices and clubs. It is the voice of the voiceless, the watchdog of democracy, and the eternal seeker of facts. A journalist is a bridge-builder, not unlike the engineers who spanned the Chenab. Only, their bridge is made of words, footage, and unflinching questions.
Whether it is reporting from a snowfall area like Srinagar, documenting a silent pandemic wave in rural Bihar, or chasing fading traditions in the Andaman Islands, the journalist’s camera or pen captures truths that matter. While governments connect geographies, journalists connect ideas, identities, and entire nations.
Why Choose Journalism as a Career in Today’s India?
With the rise of digital media, streaming platforms, podcasts, investigative series, and AI-powered newsrooms, journalism has become an ever-evolving canvas. And India, a land teeming with stories from bustling metros to serene geographical regions is perhaps an ultimate playground.
Whether you want to anchor debates on climate change, decode budgets, produce compelling documentaries, or shape public opinion through editorials, mass communication opens countless doors. It is a profession that makes you fearless, articulate, tech-savvy, and deeply empathetic.
The Best Journalism Schools in India
• Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi: The crown jewel for media education in India. Its alumni are everywhere from NDTV to The Hindu.
• Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai: A haven for the intellectually curious and socially conscious.
• Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune: A holistic mix of creativity, professionalism, and hands-on training.
• Jamia Millia Islamia’s AJK MCRC, New Delhi: Known for its outstanding faculty and filmmaking focus.
• Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai: Located in the media capital of India, it's a hotspot for budding content creators.
• Manipal School of Communication: Offers not just academics but industry-grade studio exposure.
Eligibility Criteria to Pursue Journalism and Mass Communication
For UG Courses (Bachelor’s Degree):
• 10+2 from any recognized board (any stream – Arts/Science/Commerce)
• Minimum marks: 50% (may vary by institution)
• Top institutions provide admission on the basis of entrance exams such as CUET UG, SET, GGIPCET
For PG Courses (Master’s Degree):
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass communication, or any relevant stream
• Admission through entrance exams such as CUET PG, Sate entrance exams University entrance exams or merit-based selection
Popular Courses
Undergraduate Courses (After 12th):
• B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication (BA-JMC): A broad-based foundation course covering print, electronic, and digital journalism, along with advertising and PR.
• B.A. in Mass Media (BMM): Focuses on media theory, advertising, journalism, and filmmaking — popular in Mumbai University and allied colleges.
• B.A. in Journalism: Concentrated more on news reporting, writing, editing, and investigative journalism.
• B.Sc. in Mass Communication: Combines communication studies with technology, media software, video production, and multimedia tools.
• B.A. in Broadcast Journalism: Specialized training in TV and radio journalism, anchoring, script writing, and live reporting.
• Bachelor in Media Science: Offered by several private universities, includes modules in media ethics, content writing, and photography.
• Bachelor in Film, TV & Digital Media Production: Ideal for those interested in direction, production, and cinematography.
Postgraduate Courses (After Graduation):
• M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication (MA-JMC): A master's program that deepens knowledge in reporting, media laws, ethics, and convergence media.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism (PGDJ): Popular at Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) highly respected, industry-aligned.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Advertising and Public Relations (PGDAPR): For students who want to work in creative agencies or corporate communications.
• M.A. in Broadcast Journalism: Trains students in camera handling, on-screen presentation, field reporting, and newsroom management.
• M.A. in Development Communication: Ideal for those who want to work in NGOs, international organisations, or government outreach.
• M.A. in Digital Media and Communication: Focuses on content creation for online platforms, SEO writing, social media, YouTube journalism, etc.
• M.A. in Film Studies / Communication Studies: Interdisciplinary programs with a blend of film theory, visual culture, and media analysis.
Diploma and Certification Courses (Short-Term):
• Diploma in Journalism
• Diploma in News Anchoring and Reporting
• Certificate Course in Creative Writing and Blogging
• Certificate in Radio Jockeying and Voice-Over
• Certificate in Photojournalism
• Online Courses in Digital Marketing, Podcasting, and Media Analytics
Media Is the Future and The Future Needs You
Picture this: You backpack on, microphone in hand, stepping out of a chopper into a remote Himalayan village to report on a development story, or producing a hard-hitting video documentary that shifts public policy, or going live on Instagram from the heart of an environmental protest.
This isn’t fiction. This is the life you could live with a degree in journalism.
India needs bold, ethical, well-trained communicators now more than ever, especially to counter fake news, promote inclusivity, preserve democracy, and empower citizens. Whether it is climate change, caste injustice, or scientific breakthroughs someone needs to tell the real story. That someone could be you.
Final Word: Tell Stories. Change the World.
While civil engineers built the majestic Chenab Bridge to connect land, journalism builds unseen bridges between truth and perception, between the marginalised and the mainstream, between chaos and clarity.
Let your words soar like the trains on that bridge, steady and unstoppable. If you’ve ever felt that unspoken fire to speak for others, to dig deep, to influence minds and mobilise action, then journalism isn’t just a career path, it’s your destiny.
Choose journalism. Choose voice. Choose Right Mentors.
To explore career counselling in media and communication, get expert help, or start your journey today, visit rightmentors.in because the world needs more storytellers who dare to be real.

Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC)
Department of Media and Communication Studies, Savitribai Phule Pune University
Xavier Institute of Communications Mumbai
Manipal Institute of Communication, Manipal
Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media, Bengaluru
St Joseph's College, Bengaluru
Christ University Bengaluru
Jain University Bengaluru
Jagran School of Journalism and Communication Bhopal
National Institute of Mass Communication & Journalism, Ahmedabad