Career Talk

What are the best colleges for journalism in India?

I am in Std XI and currently studying arts. I am keen on pursuing journalism. What are the best colleges for journalism in India? Which entrance exams do I have to give? At the post-graduate level what are some good colleges in USA and UK? And what are the prerequisites and the entrance exams?
Supriya Joshi (16)
St Xavier’s College, Mumbai

Journalism is all about gathering and disseminating news and information. It is often seen as glamorous and exciting but, as with any occupation, success is only achieved after much hard work and routine activity.

Courses are available for those with 10+2 (any stream). Generally, institutes conduct their own entrance test followed by interview for the selection of suitable candidates. The objective of these tests is to judge awareness of current events and the essential skills required for a conscientious journalist. Personal qualities, rather than training, are more important for becoming a good journalist.

A good course in journalism gives you the chance to do an internship with some of the best names in business, besides teaching the basic skills. Some of good institutes are Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media, Bangalore (iijnm.org); Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi (iimc.ac.in); Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA), Ahmedabad (mica-india.net); Times School of Journalism, New Delhi (tcms.in). To study abroad, please contact the respective embassies.

Dr Vibha Gupta, a feature writer, is a Ph.D. in Mathematics from IIT Roorkee. Her book Careers: A Pathfinder and articles in various publications are an attempt to guide students in choosing a career according to their natural strengths, talents and skills.

Dr Vibha Gupta

Dr Vibha Gupta, a feature writer, is a Ph.D. in Mathematics from IIT Roorkee. Her book Careers: A Pathfinder and articles in various publications are an attempt to guide students in choosing a career according to their natural strengths, talents and skills.