How to become a Journalist in India
पत्रकार
Find, verify and report news and stories for newspapers, TV, radio and digital platforms.
- Streams
- Any stream
- Time it takes
- 3 years after Class 12; many add a 1-year PG diploma
- Key exams
- CUET, CUET
What you actually do
- Pitch and research stories, interview people and check documents
- Write, record or edit reports to tight deadlines
- Verify facts and follow media law and ethics before publishing
A day in the life
A morning editorial meeting, calls to sources, a field visit or press conference, checking official records on PIB or a ministry site, and filing the story with the desk before deadline.
The path, step by step
- Class 9–10: read newspapers daily, write for the school magazine, improve language skillsabout 2 yr
- Class 11–12: any stream; Arts subjects help but are not requiredabout 2 yr
- Entrance: CUET (UG) or university tests for BA/BJMC in journalismabout 6 mo
- BA in Journalism & Mass Communication (3 years), or any graduationabout 3 yr
- Optional PG diploma/MA (e.g. IIMC — check its site for the current admission route); internships at newsroomsabout 1 yr
- First job: Trainee Reporter / Sub-editor / Content Producer at a newspaper, channel or digital outletabout 1 yr
Entrance and recruitment exams
| Exam | Conducted by | How often |
|---|---|---|
| CUET (UG) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Once a year (usually May–June) |
| CUET (PG) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Once a year |
Exam dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle. Always read the latest notice on the official website before you apply.
Cost and pay
Government / public route
Central/state universities and IIMC: relatively low to moderate fees (check the current fee notice)
Private route
Private media schools: roughly ₹1–4 lakh per year
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
Salary
Starting pay in journalism is often modest and varies widely by outlet, language and city. We do not quote figures; ask newsrooms directly.
Skills that matter
Is this for me?
Good fit if…
- You are curious and ask lots of questions
- You enjoy writing or speaking to an audience
- You can stay calm under deadline pressure
Maybe not, if…
- You want fixed office hours
- You dislike approaching strangers for information
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Where are you now, and where do you want to be?
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Common questions
How do I become a Journalist in India?
1. Class 9–10: read newspapers daily, write for the school magazine, improve language skills 2. Class 11–12: any stream; Arts subjects help but are not required 3. Entrance: CUET (UG) or university tests for BA/BJMC in journalism 4. BA in Journalism & Mass Communication (3 years), or any graduation 5. Optional PG diploma/MA (e.g. IIMC — check its site for the current admission route); internships at newsrooms 6. First job: Trainee Reporter / Sub-editor / Content Producer at a newspaper, channel or digital outlet
Which entrance exams lead to a career as a Journalist?
CUET (UG) (National Testing Agency (NTA)); CUET (PG) (National Testing Agency (NTA)). Check each official website for current dates and eligibility.
Which stream should I choose after Class 10 to become a Journalist?
Any stream.
How long does it take to become a Journalist?
3 years after Class 12; many add a 1-year PG diploma
How much does it cost to become a Journalist?
Government route: Central/state universities and IIMC: relatively low to moderate fees (check the current fee notice). Private route: Private media schools: roughly ₹1–4 lakh per year. Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
What is the salary of a Journalist in India?
Starting pay in journalism is often modest and varies widely by outlet, language and city. We do not quote figures; ask newsrooms directly.
Sources and last check
We list every rate, limit and date this page relies on, where it comes from and when we last checked it. Rules change: please confirm on the official website before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
- Journalist: path, eligibility and costsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
Indian Institute of Mass Communication · CUET (UG) – NTA · Press Information Bureau
- Entrance and recruitment examsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Frequency shown is typical; dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle.
CUET (UG) — National Testing Agency (NTA) · CUET (PG) — National Testing Agency (NTA)
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