The BA in Journalism is a 3-year bachelor's degree program that is divided into 6 semesters. The course focuses on areas related to reporting, news writing, editing, broadcasting journalism, digital storytelling, and media ethics. It combines theoretical understanding with practical exposure to train students for responsible journalism and modern communication practices.
For this program, candidates are required to pass 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks, depending on the college. Students of any stream (art, commerce, or science) can apply. Admission is often based on entrance examinations such as CUET UG, KCET, or university-level tests. Some institutes may assess students through interviews, writing assessments to evaluate the merit of journalism.
A few institutions that offer a BA in Journalism include Lovely Professional University, M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women, Mahindra University, Amity University, DAV University, and Presidency University. Depending on the type and location of the college (private or government), the course fee varies from INR 48,000 - 10,50,000. After graduation, students can make a career in print, TV, radio, digital journalism, content manufacturing, and media research. Popular roles include Journalist, News Reporter, News Anchor, Digital Content Creator, News Producer, and Content Writer. Companies that actively recruit journalism graduates include Network 18, BBC India, The Hindu Group, NDTV Network, ABP Network, etc.
Table of Contents
- BA Journalism Key Highlights
- What is BA Journalism?
- Why Study BA Journalism?
- Who should pursue BA Journalism?
- BA Journalism Eligibility Criteria
- BA Journalism Entrance Exams 2025
- BA Journalism Colleges in India
- BA Journalism Admission Process 2025
- BA Journalism Syllabus
- BA Journalism VS BA in Journalism and Mass Communication
- BA Journalism Job Opportunities in India
- BA Journalism FAQs
BA Journalism Key Highlights
Below are the key highlights of the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism course:
What is BA Journalism?
A BA in Journalism is a 3-year graduate program focused on the principles and practices of news reporting, writing, editing, and broadcasting. It introduces students to the main journalism fields such as print, digital, and media broadcasting, while media also covers laws, ethics, research, and current affairs. The course creates strong communication, critical thinking, and storytelling skills through both theoretical and practical assignments.
Students are trained to gather, analyze, and present information responsibly and creatively. With the opportunities of internship, news writing, and multimedia production, the program prepares students for careers in newspapers, magazines, television, radio, online news and content manufacturing. It is ideal for students who are eager, socially aware, and interested in the fast-paced world of media and journalism.
Also Read: Certification course in Journalism
Why Study BA Journalism?
A Bachelor of Arts in Journalism is a graduation program focused on news reporting, writing, editing, and media ethics. It trains students to work in newspapers, television, radio, digital media, and publications. This degree is ideal for those who are eager, strong communicators and are interested in current events and storytelling. Here’s why to study a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism:
- Students of journalism often publish articles or host shows like NDTV and Times of India while studying. They can contribute to local newspapers, college magazines, or online blogs to create real experiences.
- According to The Times of India, over 70% Indians rely on online media for news; the majority on social media.
- Students learn to use devices such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Google Analytics, and Newsroom software. These devices are used by professional media houses for editing, research and publication.
- Many students report on actual community issues during journalist assignments. Some of the works, such as reporting on scams or social campaigns, are seen by mainstream media.
- Today's graduates in journalism can work in digital places such as material writing, podcasting, and social media. They make videos, write stories, and even start their own news page or YouTube channels.
Who should pursue BA Journalism?
Mentioned below are the pointers of who should pursue this course:
- The students like to write, or speak/tell a story, but are inquisitive and want to know the truth.
- Individuals interested in news, politics, or global affairs in general and those who want to make a change by creating awareness on societal issues.
- Someone who has the ability to deliver information to the audience attractively and imaginatively, as well as anyone who loves truth, justice, and also integrity in reporting.
- Individuals who are interested in digital media, video editing, or podcasting or people who create online content.
- Patients who are attentive to details and examine the facts.
- People who aspire to be in the news media, magazines, TV, radio, or the internet.
BA Journalism Eligibility Criteria
To pursue the Bachelor of Arts Journalism, the applicant needs to meet certain criteria, without which admission into this course may be difficult. Mentioned below are the eligibility criteria for the BA in Journalism:
- Candidates should have graduated with 10+2 or its equivalent from a recognized academic board. This is a fundamental educational requirement that is necessary to move forward with the admission process.
- In general, a minimum of 50% of the total marks should be eligible for 10+2. However, each institution may have some different cutoffs.
- There is an opportunity for students to apply from art, science, or commerce; There is usually no restriction on study courses. This allows more flexibility to pursue journalism.
- To evaluate the writing, communication, and general awareness of the applicants, some universities may conduct admission tests. Performance on these exams may affect the final selection.
BA Journalism Entrance Exams 2025
Students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism must fulfill the requirements provided by the college or university in consideration. Usually, an entrance exam is conducted to assess abilities, including writing, current affairs knowledge, and language proficiency. Some institutes may also discuss personal interviews after the exam. The final admission is based on overall performance in all selection stages. Some of the entrance exams for the Bachelor of Arts Journalism are given below:
BA Journalism Colleges in India
Some institutes in India offer BA in Journalism with specific entrance examination criteria. The program focuses on news writing, reporting, media ethics, mass communication, and digital journalism to build strong journalistic skills. Exams such as CUET UG, KCET, and others are generally considered for admission by institutions. Some colleges that provide BA Journalism or related courses are given below:
BA Journalism Admission Process 2025
The procedures mentioned below are the admission procedures for M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women to pursue the BA in Journalism. :
Step 1: Visit the official website of M.O.P. Vaishnav College; applications open between April and July.
Step 2: Fill in your 10th and 12th marks and upload scanned documents as per the instructions.
Step 3: Apply online using a valid email and mobile number.
Step 4: Admission to B.A. Journalism is based on an entrance test and merit; check site for updates.
Step 5: Shortlisted candidates will be announced; keep original documents ready for verification.
Step 6: Selected candidates will receive an email with fee details, class start date, and orientation info.
Step 7: Pay the admission or seat confirmation fee on time to secure your place in the B.A. Journalism program.
Required Documents:
- 10th and 12th mark sheets
- ID proofs
- Transfer certificate
- Character certificate
- Medical certificate
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
BA Journalism Syllabus
Different colleges offering courses for BA in Journalism follow a particular academic structure, although minor variations may exist depending on the institute’s curriculum. Typically, institutions offering BA in Journalism or related programs include news writing and reporting, media law and ethics, investigative journalism, and many more. Some of the BA Journalism subjects that are covered under the curriculum followed by Madras Christian College are as follows:
Some colleges also provide BA Journalism for 4 years with 8 semesters, where, in the final year colleges provide some live project works and internships for better exposure to the industry.
BA Journalism VS BA in Journalism and Mass Communication
Mentioned below is the comparison between BA in Journalism and BA in Journalism and Mass Communication:
BA Journalism Job Opportunities in India
In a BA in Journalism, graduates can work in news reporting, editing, broadcasting, digital media, and investigative journalism. They are often employed by newspapers, news channels, online media platforms, and publication houses. The program helps students with strong writing, research and ethical reporting skills required for the media industry. Some of the job opportunities after completing BA in Journalism are as follows:
BA Journalism FAQs
Is knowledge related to regional languages important to pursue a BA in Journalism?
Yes, many news organizations provide high value to the regional languages so that it can cover a wide range of audiences through effective local news channels. It opens more and more job opportunities, especially in regional newspapers, TV channels and radio.
Which degree is best for journalism?
An undergraduate degree in Journalism or Mass Communication focuses on news writing, ethics, and media skills is the most appropriate degree, but degrees in English or communication are also widely-respected and can provide similar career opportunities.
How many years does it take to become a journalist?
Bachelor students can acquire a bachelor degree and become a journalist in three years, but specialisation or internship may take the time up to four years to achieve trained journalist.
Are there opportunities to work while studying BA in journalism?
Yes, students of journalism can do freelancing for blogs, local daily or digital platforms while studying. These experiences help them to create a strong portfolio and get practical exposure quickly in their careers.
What are the tools or software used in journalism?
Journalists use tools such as recorders for interviews, Google Dataset Search for research, and Google Analytics to track content performance. Tools such as Pocket, Node.js, and scraping technology help collect information and data-operated reporting, and workflow management in platforms such as Jira and Trello helps.
What is the effect of social media on journalism now?
Social media is essential for audience engagement and news distribution. These days, journalists use social media sites such as YouTube, Instagram and X (Twitter) to share news and communicate with readers in real time.
