The School of Communication at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has established itself as a prominent institution for media studies, offering diverse programs that bridge academic rigor with industry requirements. Its placement ecosystem reflects the evolving media landscape, combining traditional communication roles with emerging opportunities in digital content creation, corporate strategy, and technical media production.
The institution’s placement data reveals distinct trajectories across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with specialized courses demonstrating strong alignment with sector-specific demands. Below is a detailed breakdown of recent placement statistics:
MAHE Manipal-Placement Overview
| Branch/Course | Avg Package (LPA) | Highest Package (LPA) | % Placed / No. Placed | College Avg Placement (LPA) | Additional Info | Student Review on Placement Data |
| BA Media & Communication | 3.5-4.5 LPA | 6.8 LPA | 70-80% | 4.2 LPA | Top recruiters: Times Group, India Today | Campus placements focus on digital media roles with decent offers |
| B.Sc Animation | 2.8-3.8 LPA | 5.2 LPA | 65-75% | 3.5 LPA | Major studios like Prime Focus recruit | Animation studios offer entry-level roles with growth potential |
| MA Media & Communication | 4-5.5 LPA | 8.5 LPA | 75-85% | 5.1 LPA | Leadership roles in PR/corporate communication | MA graduates secure managerial positions in media houses |
| PG Diploma in Corporate Communication | 3.8-4.8 LPA | 7.2 LPA | 80-90% | 4.5 LPA | High demand in corporate sectors | Strong industry connections for PG diploma placements |
| B.Voc in Media & Communication | 3-4 LPA | 5.5 LPA | 60-70% | 3.8 LPA | Skill-based roles in production houses | Practical training helps secure technical media jobs |
MAHE Manipal-Program-Specific Placement Trends
BA Media & Communication: Digital-First Opportunities
This flagship program sees 70-80% of graduates securing roles in digital content creation, social media management, and journalism. The average package of ₹4.2 LPA reflects the entry-level nature of these positions, while top performers in specialized domains like data journalism or multimedia production command packages nearing ₹7 LPA. Recruiters prioritize candidates with portfolios demonstrating hands-on experience in podcast production, video editing, and cross-platform storytelling.
B.Sc Animation: Niche Studio Recruitment
With 65-75% placement rates, animation graduates often join pre-production teams at studios specializing in VFX, game design, or advertising. The curriculum’s emphasis on software proficiency (Maya, Blender) and storyboarding techniques aligns with requirements at firms like Prime Focus. While starting salaries range between ₹2.8-3.8 LPA, artists contributing to high-budget projects during internships frequently receive accelerated career growth.
Postgraduate Programs: Leadership Pathways
The MA Media & Communication program stands out, with 85% of graduates entering managerial roles in corporate communication, public relations, or media research. The ₹5.1 LPA average salary climbs to ₹8.5 LPA for leadership-track positions at firms like Edelman or GroupM. Similarly, the PG Diploma in Corporate Communication reports 90% placement rates, driven by demand for crisis communication specialists and internal branding experts in sectors like IT and finance.
MAHE Manipal-Institutional Support Systems
Industry-Integrated Curriculum
The school’s course structures are revised biennially through advisory boards comprising editors, CMOs, and production heads. For instance, the B.Voc program’s modules on live-streaming technologies and drone videography directly respond to broadcast industry needs.
Pre-Placement Engagement
- Skill Workshops: Adobe Certified Professionals conduct monthly certification bootcamps
- Portfolio Reviews: Recruiters from India Today and The Hindu provide personalized feedback
- Mock Boardrooms: PG students simulate investor pitches and PR crisis scenarios
Alumni-Driven Opportunities
A dedicated portal connects students with alumni at organizations like Netflix India and Reuters, facilitating referral-based internships. This network contributes to 35% of off-campus placements.
MAHE Manipal-Sector-Wise Recruitment Patterns
Media & Entertainment
Traditional newsrooms account for 40% of BA graduate hires, while digital-native platforms (The Quint, ScoopWhoop) recruit 30% for roles in audience analytics and interactive journalism.
Corporate Sector
PG Diploma graduates see 55% absorption in IT/ITeS firms for internal communication roles, with TCS and Infosys offering packages up to ₹7.2 LPA for multilingual candidates.
Emerging Domains
- OTT Platforms: Content moderation and localization roles (+22% YoY growth)
- EdTech: Instructional designers for virtual learning environments
- Metaverse Studios: 3D environment artists for immersive experiences
MAHE Manipal-Challenges & Student Perspectives
While placement rates remain healthy, students note competitive pressure for dream roles at premium news networks or international studios. Approximately 20% of graduates opt for freelance careers in documentary filmmaking or independent content creation, leveraging the institute’s equipment rental subsidies during the initial years.
MAHE Manipal-Future Outlook
The school’s upcoming collaboration with AR/VR hardware manufacturers aims to create a dedicated XR lab, anticipating demand for spatial media designers. Admissions committees now prioritize applicants with demonstrated expertise in AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and MidJourney, signaling a curriculum shift toward hybrid human-AI content ecosystems. With its balanced focus on foundational journalism skills and technological adaptability, the School of Communication Manipal continues to produce graduates capable of navigating both the newsroom floor and the virtual production studio.
