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Certificate Course in Journalism: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Fees, Colleges, Careers

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Updated on Jul 07, 2025

Hafsha Qureshi

Certificate Course in Journalism: It is a 6 months or 1-year certification program that guides the learners about the journalism profession without enrolling in a degree program. Students learn to write newspaper and magazine news, broadcast news and get news out about what is happening and what is trending, what is at issue and about people.

 

Certificate Course in Journalism courses can be taken by candidates who have passed 10+2 or higher. The admission procedure consists of entrance examinations and personal interviews. There are institutions where candidates are admitted directly to a Certificate Course in Journalism program on the basis of performance in class 12 exams.

 

To obtain a Certificate Course in Journalism in India, the fee can range between INR 20,000 and INR 80,000 depending on the location, faculties and reputation of the institution. Well-known institutes affiliated with this credential include the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Asian College of Journalism, and Symbiosis Institute of media & communication.

 

The Certificate Course in Journalism program graduates possess career opportunities in print media, online, and broadcast journalism as news reporters, content writers, sub-editors, video journalists, social media executives, and others. The average income of freshers is INR 2.5-4 LPA with the increase of earnings in specializations like political reporting, sports reporting and digital content management. They may also undertake higher degree programs like an MA, MBA, or M.PHIL in Journalism which are subject specific.

 

Table of Contents
  1. Certificate Course in Journalism Key Highlights
  2. What is a Certificate Course in Journalism?
  3. Why Study Certificate Course in Journalism?
  4. Who Should Study Certificate Course in Journalism?
  5. Certificate Course in Journalism Eligibility Criteria
  6. Certificate Course in Journalism Entrance Exams 2025
  7. Certificate Course in Journalism Colleges in India
  8. Certificate Course in Journalism Admission Process 2025
  9. Certificate Course in Journalism Syllabus
  10. Certificate Course in Journalism Job Opportunities
  11. Certificate Course in Journalism FAQs

 

Certificate Course in Journalism Key Highlights

Below are the key highlights of the Certificate Course in Journalism course in India:

Particulars

Details

Course Name

Certificate Course in Journalism

Course Level

Certificate (UG/Skill)

Duration

6 months – 1 year

Course Type

Full-Time/Part-Time

Admission Process

Merit-Based/Entrance Test + Interview (varies by institute)

Eligibility Criteria

Passed Class 12 in any stream

Course Fees

INR 20,000 – 80,000

Subjects

News Reporting, Writing for Media, Media Laws, Digital Journalism, Editing, Photojournalism

Top Colleges

IIMC, Asian College of Journalism, Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication, Delhi University (SOL)

Job Profiles

Reporter, Content Writer, Sub-Editor, Social Media Executive, Video Journalist

Top Recruiters

The Hindu, NDTV, Times of India, Indian Express, ABP News, Network18

Average Salary

INR 2.5 - 4 LPA (Entry Level)INR 5 - 7 LPA (Mid-Level)

 

INR 8 - 10 LPA (Experienced)

 

What is a Certificate Course in Journalism?

Certificate Course in Journalism is a short-term skill-based program focusing on the fundamentals of journalism, including writing, editing, and reporting for digital and print platforms. Certificate Course in Journalism is structured to help learners understand the role of media in society and prepare them to work in newsrooms, digital content firms, and broadcast journalism with hands-on learning and assignments on reporting and editing.

 

Certificate Course in Journalism course is a study completed by students who do not choose to pursue a full-time course. Certificate Course in Journalism imparts theoretical and practical knowledge in the subject of specialization, preparing candidates for the world of journalism and media. Journalism is a 6-month to 1-year certificate program that equips students with practical knowledge and essential reporting, writing, and editing abilities required in the journalism and media professions.

 

Certificate Course in Journalism program teaches news writing, digital journalism, media ethics, reporting, feature writing, and the fundamentals of photography and video journalism. A Class 12 pass in any stream from a recognized board is the minimum requirement for enrolling in a Certificate Course in Journalism program. Some institutions may require entrance exams or interviews, although many offer direct admission to the Certificate Course in Journalism based on merit.

 

Why Study Certificate Course in Journalism?

The course teaches the art and passion of storytelling, as well as how to write an appealing news narrative, and it pays well.

  • A Certificate Course in Journalism is more industry-focused. It concentrates on the specific issue of journalism and provides insight into the media's market status.
  • The syllabi for Master's and Certificate are identical; the only difference is that Certificate covers the entire curriculum in one year.
  • Certificate Course in Journalism course is more exclusive and based on practicals rather than theory.
  • With the rise of electronic media, the job opportunities for students with Certificates and Postgraduate Certificates in Journalism are expanding.
  • Such applicants are qualified to work in various roles, including program researchers, news reporters, event planners, scriptwriters, anchors, and content developers, among others.
  • Certificate Course in Journalism program trains candidates with the skills and knowledge needed for professional entry-level journalism positions.
  • Certificate Course in Journalism creates skilled reporters and sub-editors capable of covering events and contributing to societal developments.

 

Who Should Study Certificate Course in Journalism?

A Certificate Course in Journalism is ideal for anyone who wants to gain practical experience in the media profession without committing to a long-term degree right away. Certificate Course in Journalism is suitable for Class 12 graduates from any field who want to pursue a career as reporters, writers, or content creators in print, internet, or broadcast media.

  • Those with good communication skills and an interest in current events, narrative, or photography will benefit from Certificate Course in Journalism program's organized, hands-on learning style.
  • Graduates from various disciplines who want to transition to journalism or improve their writing and reporting skills for professional flexibility might also choose Certificate Course in Journalism courses.
  • Freelancers and content writers looking for a structured understanding of media ethics, news writing, and digital reporting can benefit in terms of credibility and Certificate Course in Journalism job quality.
  • Certificate Course in Journalism is also appropriate for social media managers and aspiring YouTubers or bloggers who wish to master the basics of journalism in order to improve their content strategy and presentation.

 

Certificate Course in Journalism Eligibility Criteria

The essential eligibility for admission into Certificate Course in Journalism is:

  • Pass 10+2 from a recognized board using any stream.
  • At least 50% marks in the qualifying exam.
  • Outstanding communication, speaking, and writing skills.
  • The candidate should pass all the subjects with no backlog in any of them.

Also know about Diploma in Journalism course

 

Certificate Course in Journalism Entrance Exams 2025

For pursuing a Certificate course in Journalism in India, various national/state/university-level entrance examinations are required to be taken. Certificate Course in Journalism colleges and Universities in India offer admission depending on the marks or rank obtained in these examinations. Some of the top Certificate Course in Journalism entrance examinations in India are given below:

Exam Name

Application Date (Tentative)

Exam Date (Tentative)

Application Fee

IIMC Entrance Exam

March–April 2026

1st week April 2026

INR 1,000

Asian College of Journalism (ACJ)

February–May 2026

April–May 2026

INR 1,000

XIC OET (Xavier Institute)

April 2026

April 2026

INR 1,000–1,200

FTII JET

1st week April 2026

1st week April 2026

INR 1,000

CUET UG/PG

May 2026

May 2026

INR 900–1,200

IPU CET

April–May 2026

April–May 2026

INR 600–800

SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test)

May 2026

May 2026

INR 1,000

XET (St. Xavier’s Entrance Test)

April 2026

April 2026

INR 1,200

GMCET (Global Media CET)

April–September 2025 (varies monthly)

April–September 2025 (monthly slots)

INR 1,000

JAMIA MILIA ISLAMIA CET

Late April 2026

May 2026

INR 800–1,000

 

Certificate Course in Journalism Colleges in India

Several colleges in India provide a Certificate Course in Journalism. The rating and placement opportunities should be considered when selecting universities that offer Certificates.

College Name

Location

Total Course Fees (approx.)

NIRF Ranking

Intake Exams

Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC)

New Delhi

INR 50,000

Ranked within top 10 Mass Comm

IIMC Entrance Test

Asian College of Journalism (ACJ)

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

INR 70,000

Not ranked by NIRF

ACJ Entrance + Interview

Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication (SIMC)

Pune, Maharashtra

INR 65,000

Ranked within top 50

SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test)

Delhi University – School of Journalism (DU-SJMC)

New Delhi

INR 25,000

Ranked within top 20

CUET / DU Entrance Test

Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC)

Mumbai, Maharashtra

INR 60,000

Ranked #1 Private Mass Comm

XIC OET

National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC)

New Delhi NCR

INR 40,000–60,000

Among top 10 in NCR

Merit-based / Institute Test

Manorama School of Communication (MASCOM)

Kottayam, Kerala

INR 60,000

Ranked within top 10 Kerala journal.

MASCOM Entrance

Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

INR 40,000

NIRF-ranked specialized uni

National entrance exams

Ferguson College (Vocational – Journalism)

Pune, Maharashtra

INR 30,000

Ranked #45 College overall

Pune University Entrance / Merit

 

Certificate Course in Journalism Admission Process 2025

The admission process for the Certificate Course in Journalism at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) is as follows:

 

Step 1: Visit the official IIMC website (www.iimc.gov.in) and register by giving personal, academic, and contact information. Upload all required documents (picture, signature) and pay the application fee online.

 

Step 2: Take the IIMC Entrance Exam on the given day, aiming to get the highest possible score. The test often comprises objective and descriptive questions that evaluate language abilities, general awareness, and journalistic aptitude.

 

Step 3: Check the IIMC website for entrance exam results and merit lists according to your category and Certificate Course in Journalism course interests.

 

Step 4: If shortlisted, attend IIMC's personal interview and group discussion (GD/PI) round, which assesses communication skills, awareness, and readiness for journalism.

 

Step 5: Once the final selection list is announced, confirm your acceptance by paying the first installment of the entrance fee online by the specified time.

 

Step 6: Report to the IIMC campus (as assigned) for physical document verification.

 

Step 7: Pay the remaining Certificate Course in Journalism course fee according to the IIMC schedule to confirm your spot in the Certificate Course in Journalism program. IIMC will send you your official admission confirmation after your payment has been completed.

 

Required Documents:

  • 10th and 12th mark sheets
  • Graduation mark sheet (if applicable)
  • ID proofs (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, etc.)
  • Transfer certificate (if applicable)
  • Character certificate
  • Medical certificate
  • Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD, if applicable)
  • Passport-size photographs

 

Certificate Course in Journalism Syllabus

Certificate Course in Journalism syllabus encompasses reporting, writing, editing, digital journalism, ethics, and practical lab work, all of which represent the ACJ's balanced theory and field exposure approach.

 

Certificate Course in Journalism courses varies between institutes, but some areas are universal to all colleges. Certificate Journalism syllabus has been taken from the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ) official website for the reference of candidates.

Semester I

Semester II

Introduction to Journalism

Advanced Reporting Techniques

News Reporting and Writing

Feature Writing and Longform

Media Laws and Ethics

Data Journalism and Fact-Checking

Introduction to Digital Journalism

Multimedia Storytelling

Basics of Photojournalism

Broadcast and Video Journalism

Editing and Headline Writing

Social Media Strategies for News

Introduction to Political Reporting

Specialized Beat Reporting

Communication and Language Skills

Internship/Fieldwork Portfolio

Current Affairs Analysis

Project and Viva

Practical Labs (Writing, Editing)

Practical Labs (Video, Digital)

Click to know about BA in Journalism and Mass Communication

 

Certificate Course in Journalism Job Opportunities

A Certificate Course in Journalism provides entry-level opportunities in newsrooms, digital media, and broadcast platforms. Graduates can work as reporters, content writers, or social media executives, obtaining hands-on experience in writing, reporting, and editing. Certificate Course in Journalism assists students in developing practical skills and gaining industry exposure, helping them advance to specialized roles and higher-level positions in the dynamic media and journalism industry.

Job Title

Recruiters

Experience Level

Average Salary

News Reporter

The Hindu, Times of India, NDTV

0–1 year

INR 2.5–3.5 LPA

Content Writer

Quint, Scroll, Digital Agencies

0–1 year

INR 2.5–3.2 LPA

Sub-Editor

Indian Express, ABP News, The Wire

0–2 years

INR 3–4 LPA

Social Media Executive

Network18, India Today, The Print

0–1 year

INR 2.5–3 LPA

Video Journalist

NDTV, TV Today, News18

0–2 years

INR 3–4 LPA

Photojournalist

Reuters, PTI, Hindustan Times

0–2 years

INR 3–3.5 LPA

Fact Checker

BOOM Live, Alt News, Quint

0–1 year

INR 2.5–3 LPA

Web Content Editor

Times Internet, YourStory, News Websites

1–3 years

INR 3.5–4.5 LPA

Copywriter (Media)

Social Media Agencies, Media Houses

0–2 years

INR 2.5–3.5 LPA

Digital Content Producer

Online News Portals, YouTube Channels

1–3 years

INR 3.5–4.5 LPA

 

Certificate Course in Journalism FAQs

Is a Certificate Course in Journalism sufficient to begin a media career?

Yes, a Certificate Course in Journalism gives the fundamental skills required to pursue a career in reporting, writing, or digital journalism. It teaches the fundamentals of news writing, editing, and multimedia, preparing you for entry-level positions such as reporter, content writer, or social media executive. However, for senior positions, you may choose to earn a bachelor's or master's degree in journalism to expand your knowledge and develop your career.

Can I pursue this course while working?

Yes, many Certificate Course in Journalism courses are available in part-time, weekend, or online modes, allowing you to continue working while studying. This helps working professionals or college students add journalism skills without leaving their current jobs. However, some courses require project work or internships, so you will need to manage your schedule to complete practical assignments if you plan to pursue it alongside work.

What is the minimum requirement for a Certificate Course in Journalism?

Certificate Course in Journalism requires a Class 12 pass in any stream from a recognized board. Most institutes accept candidates from any discipline, including arts, commerce, and science, regardless of age.

What is the remuneration for the Certificate Course in Journalism course?

In India, freshers who complete a Certificate Course in Journalism often earn INR 2.5-4 LPA. The income varies depending on the employer, region, abilities, and type of employment, such as reporting, content writing, or video journalism. With experience and specialization in beats such as political reporting or digital journalism, wages can progressively rise, with many professionals reaching INR 5-6 LPA after three years of constant fieldwork.

Which course is best after the Certificate Course in Journalism?

After earning a Certificate Course in Journalism, pursuing a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication is an excellent next step for expanding your knowledge and improving your job possibilities. Alternatively, one might pursue a PG Diploma in Journalism, Digital Media, or Advertising and Public Relations to specialize. These courses provide advanced reporting, editing, multimedia, and research skills, preparing you for higher-level positions in newsrooms, digital agencies, and media companies.

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