How to Become a Journalist after 12th in India – A Complete Guide

Journalism is an exciting and important career. It is helpful because journalists share news and stories. They also find out what is happening in the world and then tell others about it. As a result, people stay informed. Explore more about how to Become a Journalist.

Journalists make sure everyone knows about events, problems, and new ideas. So, they help people understand things better. Therefore, becoming a journalist is a rewarding choice.

Every day, something new happens. Because of this, journalists always have fresh news to share. They report everything like politics, sports, movies, and science. They not only write articles but also make videos. Moreover, they share news on TV and the internet.

Many people follow the news to stay updated. And journalists make that possible.

So, if you like to write, ask questions, and learn, you should think about journalism. It is a good career for curious people. Also, it can take you to interesting places and help you meet new people. In the end, journalists play an important role. They help everyone stay informed about the world.

  

Why Choose Journalism as a Career?

Journalism is a great career for many good reasons. Below are a few of them:

1. Making a Difference: Journalists can help people. They write stories about important problems. For example, they can talk about pollution, poverty, or corruption. As a result, people understand these problems better and ask for change.

2. Creativity: If you love writing, this career is for you. It lets you be creative every day. You can share your ideas and explain things in a fun way. Also, you can pick your topics. That makes the job more interesting.

3. Meeting New People: Journalists meet all kinds of people. Sometimes, you may interview leaders or sports stars. Other times, you will talk to everyday people. So, you learn new stories and ideas from each person.

4. Travel: Journalists often travel. You may go to other cities or even to other countries. So, you get to see new places and learn about new cultures.

5. Jobs and Career Options: There are many jobs in journalism. This is because online news is growing fast. Newspapers, TV, and websites all need good reporters. With the right skills, you can find a good job and grow in your career.

Journalism gives you the chance to be creative, to explore, and to make a difference. So, if you enjoy writing and sharing stories, this could be the right career for you.

 

Types of Journalism:

Journalism has many exciting fields. So, here are some of the main types of journalism you can choose from:

1. Print Journalism: This is a popular type. Print journalists write for newspapers and magazines. They report on news, politics, sports, and more. Since print stories need deep writing, this type focuses on clear and detailed reports.

2. Broadcast Journalism: In this type, journalists report the news on TV and radio. So, it needs good speaking skills. Also, you must feel confident in front of a camera. Often, broadcast journalists report live from the scene of events.

3. Digital Journalism: Today, this is growing fast. Since many people use phones and computers, digital journalism is now very common. Digital journalists write articles. Also, they make videos and post stories on websites and social media. You must be tech-savvy for this. You should also know how to use digital tools.

4. Investigative Journalism: This type is serious. Investigative journalists spend months working on one story. Because of this, they find hidden facts and explain big issues. So, this type needs strong research and careful thinking.

5. Photojournalism: This one uses pictures. Photojournalists tell stories using photographs. They capture moments during big events. If you enjoy photography, this may be the right path for you.

So, each type of journalism has its own challenges and fun parts. You should pick the one that matches your skills and interests the most.

 

Education Path to Become a Journalist:

To become a journalist after 12th grade in India, you must follow a clear academic path. This path is very important for your future career. So, here’s what you need to do:

1. Choose a Journalism Course After 12th

Right after 12th grade, you can join a degree course in journalism or mass communication. These are three-year programs. They teach all the important subjects you need. For example, you will learn news writing, reporting, and media ethics.

Now, you can pick from these course types:

• Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC): This is a popular course. It teaches the basics of journalism and how the media industry works.

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Journalism: This is also a good choice. It focuses more on writing and communication skills.

• Diploma in Journalism: If you want to start working soon, you can take this. It is a short, one-year course. It focuses on practical skills.

2. Entrance Exams

Next, some top journalism colleges may ask for entrance exams. These exams check your English, current events, and general knowledge. Also, you might have to clear a personal interview.

3. Internships and Training

During your studies, you will do internships. These help you learn in the real world. You will work with real journalists. You will write articles and learn how the media industry works. So, internships can help you get a job later.

4. Building a Portfolio

As you learn, you should start making a portfolio. This shows what you have done. For instance, you can add your articles, interviews, or videos. A strong portfolio helps you show your skills to future employers.

 

Top Journalism Colleges in India:

To become a good journalist, you must study in a good college. So, choosing the right college is very important. A good college will teach you everything you need. Also, it will help you get real experience. In India, there are many great colleges for journalism. Now, let’s see some of the best ones:

1. Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC)

First of all, the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) is a top place to study journalism. It offers many useful courses. These include a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism in English, Hindi, Radio, and TV. Besides this, it also offers a Diploma in Digital Media and a Diploma in Advertising & Public Relations. So, these courses give deep knowledge of the media world.

2. Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi

Next, Jamia Millia Islamia University is a top central university in New Delhi. It is also a very popular choice for journalism students. Not only does it offer undergraduate courses, but it also has great postgraduate options in mass communication.

3. Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC), Pune

Then, we have SIMC, which is a well-known private college in Pune. It offers a BA in Mass Communication and also a Master’s in Journalism and Audio-Visual Communication. The college campus is modern. In addition, it gives all the tools students need to study journalism.

4. Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai

After that, the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ) in Chennai is another top name. It gives a one-year postgraduate diploma in journalism. Students can also choose between print, broadcast, or new media.

5. Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai

Lastly, the Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC) is in Mumbai. It is well known for its journalism and media courses. It offers short diploma programs in journalism, advertising, and communications.

 

Job Opportunities for Journalists in India:

After you finish your journalism course, you will find many exciting job options. So, let us now look at some great paths you can take:

1. Newspaper and Magazine Reporter

To begin with, many journalists start as reporters. They work with newspapers or magazines. As a reporter, you will write about news, sports, movies, or even politics. Also, you may talk to people and go to real events.

2. TV and Radio Journalist

If you like speaking, then this is a good job for you. You can work on TV as a news reporter. Or, you can speak on the radio as a radio journalist. Both jobs need you to be fast and clear while giving the news. Also, you must stay calm while speaking live.

3. Digital Media Journalist

Nowadays, many people use the internet for news. So, digital journalism is growing very fast. You can write for news websites. You can also make videos and share them on social media. If you enjoy using technology, this job can be fun and interesting.

4. Freelance Journalist

Some people do not want full-time jobs. So, they become freelancers. They write stories for many different news websites or magazines. Also, they can pick their own topics and work anytime they like.

5. Corporate Communication

Lastly, some journalists work in corporate communication. In this job, you write press releases. You also answer questions from the media. In short, you manage the company’s news and messages.

So, as you can see, journalism has many different paths. You should choose the one that fits your skills and interests.

 

Salary expectations for journalists in India:

In India, journalists’ salaries can be different for each person. They mostly depend on your job role, experience, and also your employer. So, here is what you can expect:

1. Entry-Level Salary

When you first begin working as a journalist, your salary will be around ₹2-4 lakhs per year. This amount is common for new reporters or junior writers. As you keep learning and working, your salary will slowly grow.

2. Mid-Level Salary

After working for a few years, your salary will increase. You can earn between ₹5-10 lakhs per year. This level includes senior reporters, editors, and even digital media experts.

3. Senior-Level Salary

Later on, with lots of experience, you can earn a high salary. Senior journalists, news anchors, and editors in big companies often earn over ₹10 lakhs per year.

Still, your salary also depends on where you work. Digital media often pays more to people who know technology well. On the other hand, print journalism gives stable and long-term jobs. So, both have good points.

 

Future Scope and Growth in Journalism:

Today, journalism is growing fast. Especially in India, it has a bright future. This is true because digital media is getting bigger every day. Now, let us understand why this field is growing:

1. Growth of Digital Media

Nowadays, many people read or watch news online. Social media, YouTube, and news websites are becoming very popular. So, this creates new jobs and chances for digital journalists.

2. Need for Good Storytellers

Even though tools and apps change, we still need people who can tell good stories. So, journalists will always be in demand. They must know how to share real and interesting stories.

3. Specialization

If you write about science, technology, or health, then you will find more jobs. These fields are growing very fast. In fact, new topics are coming up every day. So, there will be a big need for journalists who know these areas well.

Because of all this, journalism will stay strong. Also, it will give many career options to students who work hard.

 

Skills Required for a Successful Journalist:

To become a good journalist, you need some key skills. So, let us look at the most important ones:

1. Writing Skills

First, you must write clearly. You will write articles, news stories, and reports every day. So, your writing should be short, simple, and easy to read. Whether the topic is serious or fun, it must interest your reader.

2. Communication Skills

Next, you need to be a good speaker. Journalists talk to many people. So, you should speak clearly and ask good questions. Also, you must be able to explain big ideas in small, simple words.

3. Research Skills

Before writing a story, you must collect the right facts. So, you should know how to find correct information. You can read books, visit websites, or talk to experts. Always check your facts twice before sharing them.

4. Critical Thinking

Then, you must look at all sides of a story. This skill helps you understand which points are most important. It also helps you show a fair and honest story to your readers.

5. Adaptability

Last but not least, you must be ready for change. Journalism is fast. You might report live one day, and write a long story the next. Also, you must be happy using social media or new editing tools.

So, if you build these skills, you can become a great journalist in the future.

Read more: How to Become a News Reporter in India after 12th

 

Challenges Faced by Journalists:

Although journalism is a fun and exciting career, it still has some challenges. So, let’s look at the main problems journalists often face:

1. Working Under Pressure: Most of the time, journalists work under tight deadlines. Whether you are reporting live or writing an article, you must be fast and correct. Because of this, the pressure can feel very high.

2. Staying Updated: As we know, news changes quickly. So, journalists must always stay updated. You need to read, watch, and learn every day. This helps you stay informed and do your job well.

3. Risk and Safety: Sometimes, journalists cover tough and serious topics. These topics include crime, war, or politics. In such times, their safety might be at risk. Still, these stories are very important. That’s why brave journalists take the risk and report them anyway.

4. Balancing Goals: Also, journalists must always be fair. You must not take sides. This can be hard when you report on serious or emotional topics. But staying neutral is a big part of being a good journalist.

 

Tips for Aspiring Journalists:

If you wish to become a journalist in the future, then you should start preparing now. So, here are some easy tips to help you:

1. Stay Curious: Always ask questions. Try to learn new things every day. A good journalist wants to know more and find out the truth. So, never stop learning.

2. Improve Your Writing: To begin with, keep writing as much as you can. Write stories, news, or even your thoughts. Write about all kinds of topics. This helps you get better. Also, remember, simple and clear writing is best for journalism.

4. Build a Network: Try to meet other people who work in journalism. You can attend workshops. You can also follow journalists online. Ask them for tips and guidance. This way, you learn more and maybe even find job chances later.

5. Stay Updated: Always read newspapers or watch news on TV. Check news websites and social media too. If you know what is happening in the world, you will be a better journalist one day.

 

Conclusion: Become a Journalist

Journalism is an exciting and adventurous career. It not only offers a chance to learn new things but also gives you a way to make a difference. So, if you enjoy telling stories, then journalism could be a great fit for you. You can share news, and at the same time, you can also discover new ideas. In fact, journalists are the ones who bring important stories to everyone’s attention. They make sure people know what is going on in the world around them.

In India, becoming a journalist after the 12th grade is a step-by-step journey. First, you must choose the right course and college. Then, you will learn key skills like writing, research, and communication. After that, internships give you real-world experience. In the end, building a portfolio shows your talents to future employers.

Journalism offers many fields to explore. These include print journalism, broadcast journalism, and digital journalism. Each one gives different rewards and different challenges. You can write for a newspaper, or you can report news on TV. You can even create content for a website. So, journalism has something for everyone.

In the end, journalism is not just a job. It is a way to help people by telling the truth and sharing stories that matter. As a journalist, you can make a real change in the world. So, if you are curious and passionate, you can start your journey now. Take every chance and face new challenges to become a journalist today. The world needs more voices to share the news, and one of them can be yours.