Part Time Journalism

The course of Journalism has been in great demand in the present scenario as more and more individuals are inclined and interested towards this area of job. The main job in journalism involves mainly the collection of news and making this news reach the final audience with the help of different media such as electronic media, print media etc.  The importance of journalism in the present times cannot be ignored and this area is emerging as one of the most highly paid jobs in the country and also abroad.

The main job of journalist is to make people aware about the various happenings in the society and also help them to educate about the day to day happenings on a whole. It is through this medium that the people interpret various information on a daily basis. In a way, the important role of journalism in the development of the nation as a whole is a fact which cannot be ignored. There are endless opportunities which are emerging in the field of journalism. The journalists are people who are socially committed and they always face challenging situations which they have to overcome in their professional life.
Course outlook
The course of journalism is one of the most sought after course among many of the individuals. There are various graduation level and post graduation level courses in this area. The candidates who are engaged in some other area of work but have an interest towards this field opt for the part time courses in journalism. There are many reputed institutes in India which offer the part time courses related to this field. The candidates can opt for the various short term programs and certificate courses in journalism. The minimum eligibility criteria s for attending the courses related to journalism is an undergraduate degree whether it’s a part time or regular course.  Apart from the technical knowledge the candidates should also have experience in this specific field. Hence training in this area is very significant and there are number of institutes offering the training programs in journalism.
Institutes offering Part Time Journalism courses

• RK films and media academy, New Delhi
• The Indian management Academy, Pune
• Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune
• WLC College
• National Institute of Media studies, Ahemedabad
• IMC, New Delhi
• EMDI Institute of Media and Communication, Pune

Career Prospects
The employment opportunities after the completion of the course in journalism are immense. The candidates get job opportunities in the following field –

• Newspapers
• Periodicals and magazines
• Central information services
• Websites
• AIR and TV channels
• Press information Bureau

The candidates who enter in to this field should have some important skills in order to excel in this field. The candidates should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The candidates should have presentation skills to present the information in a most suitable manner and they should be confident and committed towards there area of job on a whole.

Journalism after 12th

Journalism course educates students with effective methods in collection and communication of information among masses. The course study is much beneficial to students who have completed XII class studies. The students can opt for degree or diploma in journalism as the basic qualification to become a journalist. After completion of the bachelor’s degree one can opt for post graduate degree in the same. Searching prosperous jobs is another option available for journalism degree holders. The course study in journalism brings up the caliber of the students to obtain a challenging job in the sector.

Eligibility for Journalism after 12th
The students who have passed HSC are eligible to apply for the bachelor’s degree in Journalism. The qualification should be obtained from any of the recognized institutions with English as one of the subjects. A minimum of 55% marks is required to obtain admission in the same. Certain Universities conducts entrance exams for the selection process where as some other considers the marks of XII class for the same. Delhi University carries out Common Entrance Test for Journalism (CETJ) to select eligible candidate for the degree course in journalism.
Apply for the Journalism after 12th
The plus two passed ones can apply for B.A degree in Journalism. The candidate has to attend entrance test in Colleges or Universities that carry out the same. The application forms can be gathered through the office counters of Colleges or Universities. It is also obtainable through the Company website. Another way to obtain the same is through Post. In all the cases the applicant has to pay a certain amount as application fee.
Preparing for Journalism after 12th
The candidate should have good communication and interpersonal skills to get in to the challenging job profile of Journalist. The aspirant should try to develop the necessary qualities required to become an efficient journalist.  To get aware on the basic ideas of journalism one can surf internet or refer books on the same. There exist certain training centers that offer proper guidance to make students prepared with the general aspects of journalism.
Reference books for 12th students for Journalism

• Fundamentals of journalism by R.Thomas
• Inside reporting by Tim Harrower
• Encyclopedia of Journalism Christopher Sterling

The text books give an overall idea regarding diverse aspects of journalism. The same helps the aspirant to develop knowledge and skills in news collection and dissemination. Anyway the course is a right choice for those who want to obtain a challenging and rewarding job in future.

Future of Journalism Graduates/ Jobs after B.A in Journalism

The graduate degree in journalism educates students with the diverse aspects in collection and broadcasting of news. The news is conveyed to the public through printed or electronic media. The electronic media includes visual and audio means of communication where as printed media comprises of Newspapers, magazines etc.  Journalism courses are offered through a lot of educational institution in India. The graduation in journalism helps the aspirant to earn a challenging job with attractive salary and perks.

The main job profiles for those who have completed their graduation in journalism are

• Actors
• Administrative jobs
• Advertising Executive
• Audiovisual Production Specialists
• Broadcast and Sound Technicians
• Chief reporter and special representative/ correspondent
• Cinema Projectionist etc
• Content Writer cum Editor
• Correspondent
• Directors
• Editing jobs
• Editor
• Free Lance Writer
• Freelance Journalist
• Journalist
• Marketing Executives
• Newspaper Reporter
• Principal reporter
• Printing jobs
• Production jobs
• Proofreader jobs
• Public Relations Officer
• Radio Journalist
• Reporting Jobs
• Senior reporter
• Space Selling Executives
• Staff reporter correspondent
• Sub editor jobs
• Technical Jobs
• Television Producer
• Trainee Journalist
• TV News Reporter
• Web Journalist

Private Sector jobs after B.A in Journalism

Private sector offers a lot of lucrative career opportunities to qualified and skilled professionals. Several Companies in media and communication offer career opportunities for these individuals. News Channels such as BBC, NDTV etc are in great demand of these professionals. Leading news dailies also recruits these aspirants. At the entry level the candidates are appointed as trainees. At this stage the candidate is offered with salary packages of Rs. 3500/- to 5000/- only. They are rewarded better when with experience and in accordance with the nature of job assigned.

Government Sector jobs after B.A in Journalism

The aspirant can find similar job profiles in Companies operating in government sector. The candidate has to get through the written examination and interview conducted by government to obtain such jobs. They are offered with good salary and other benefits. They can find openings in All India radio, Television, Press, Printing firms etc operated under public ownership. Higher degree qualifications allow candidate to get in to senior profiles by obtaining experience in the area.

Job Opportunities abroad after B.A in Journalism

International Companies in media and Communication also recruits journalism graduates. They carry out screening test for the selection process. Candidate with adequate experience and qualification from any of the recognized institution are considered for the same. They are rewarded far better in these firms as compared to their Indian equivalents. The additional amenities and perks offered to such professionals are also good.

Details about Newsreader - How to become a Newsreader?

A newsreader is someone who presents news announcements in television or the radio. The position of a news-reader/anchor is considered to be a high profile one because it is the anchor that is the face of the station he/she works. The candidates can pursue a diploma program in news anchoring and reading; which is of one year duration, from any acknowledged institute. This may vary in different institutions.

Candidates can find jobs as editor, assignment editor, photographer, reporter, producer, etc. The aspirants will get promoted based on their skills and experience. There are institutes in the country which provide short term and long term course in this area. Institutes like Mudra Institute of Communication which located in Ahmedabad is know to provide courses in this area. Editworks School of Mass Communication another institute located in Delhi provides a course in this area, the duration of which is for one year.

Qualifying Exam

Candidates who wish to become news readers must have degree in journalism. Diploma in the News Anchoring and TV Journalism course is also acceptable. They can go for this course after the completion of their graduation.

Who is eligible to apply?

The candidate must be an Indian citizen. He/she must have completed the diploma in Mass communication and journalism. Candidates must possess a good knowledge about the things around them and they must be familiar with the current state of affairs.

How to prepare for exam and interview?

Candidates who are applying for the newsreaders course must be well prepared for the written test paper and the interview which follows it. They must be well aware of the current as well as international occurrences. So, they should be well read. The most important quality required for the candidate is the ability to communicate well. They must also have a good knowledge in the field of science, literature and history and an enthusiasm to learn more. At the time of the interview, the candidates must speak to the point. He/she must be calm, confident, have a screen presence and a good voice.

How to Prepare for News Editor - How to become a News Editor?

A News Editor is someone who manages the daily activities of a newsroom. It is his duty to evaluate, interpret and gather news in addition to oversee its packaging. An individual with enough experience in the field of journalism can work as a News Editor. The income of editors will be around Rs. 7500 – Rs. 12000 a month. Their remuneration will depend up on their skill, proficiency and the type of the company that hires them.

Qualifying Exam

Candidates who desire to join the course in journalism should appear in some entrance tests that are carried out by numerous university as well as autonomous institutions. These are some of the entrance exams in journalism: Journalism and mass communication entrance exam, Indian Institute of Mass Communication Journalism entrance exam, Asian College of Journalism Entrance Exam, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism Entrance Exam, Indian Institute of Mass communication Journalism Entrance Exams, Asian College of Journalism Entrance Exams.

Who is eligible to apply?

Candidates who aspire to become news editors should be permanent residents of India. They should have a graduate degree or a diploma in Journalism or Mass Communication from an acknowledged institute or college. It is also required for the candidates to be experienced in the field of journalism.

How to prepare for exam and interview?

Candidates who desire to join this field must have good communication skills. They can prepare for the exam by attending classes on the related subject. They should also be well informed on topics like general knowledge, information about the press and social sciences. Reading newspapers will also give them an idea on the different styles of writing individuals use when they give their reports. Another good option is to interview or consult members of the press. They will be able to supply the candidates with adequate information. When they are appearing for the interview, the candidates should be frank and straightforward when they reply.

Detail of Journalism Entrance Exams

The collection and broadcasting of news through the electronic as well as the printed media is called as of Journalism. It consists of jobs like photojournalism, reporting, and broadcasting in addition to creating documentaries and editing. Journalism covers the cultural aspects of the society, arts, and entertainment etc along with the financial and business dealings of the government or other establishments. The minimum qualification required for a student to pursue a course in journalism is a Bachelors degree. Certificate courses are also offered by some institutes. In addition to this, courses which specialize in press law, sports etc are also obtainable. The eligibility for this is a pass in class 12.

Courses and Entrance Exams
Courses

• M.A. in Communication
• M.A. Journalism
• M.A. in Journalism and Communication
• M.A. in Journalism and Mass Media
• M.A. in Mass Communication and Management
• Master of Journalism with Cinema Studies
• Master of Communication Studies
• P.G in Hindi Journalism
• P.G Diploma in Journalism in English and Hindi
• P.G in Radio and Television Journalism
• P.G in Advertising and Public Relations
• P.G. in Broadcast and Journalism
• P.G in Media Management
• P.G diploma in journalism and mass communication
• P.G diploma in journalism- graduation
• P.G diploma in TV journalism and communication
• P.G diploma in print journalism

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who wish to join the Post graduation course in journalism ought to have finished their Bachelors in Journalism and Mass Communication. A minimum of 50% marks must have been obtained by the students.
List of Entrance Exam

• Journalism and mass communication entrance exam
• Indian Institute of Mass Communication Journalism entrance exam
• Asian College of Journalism Entrance Exam
• Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism Entrance Exam

Career Prospects

There are many career prospects at hand for journalism students. Candidates who have finished their course successfully can find employment in newspaper companies, magazines and periodicals in addition to central information services etc. The AIR and Television channels like ZEE TV, Doordarshan, and Star TV etc also employ students of journalism. Furthermore candidates can find work as editors, correspondents, photojournalists, news analysts, proofreaders. They can also pursue careers as reporters, columnists and as freelance or staff writer in electronic as well as print media. Another option is web journalism where reporters create content for websites.
The initial salary of candidates will be around Rs. 5500 to Rs. 9000 each month. Senior reporters will earn approximately around Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10,500 per month. The salary of editors will be Rs. 7500 to 12000. The remuneration of the candidates will depend up on their skill and the company that hires them. Those who work as freelancers are paid their salary when they submit their work. Journalists are also given travel allowances along with their salary package.

UGC change new pattern from June 2012

From June 2012 onwards the pattern for Paper III will be changed.UGC has decided that all the question paper for the test will be objective type. Due to the unhappiness expressed for subjective typr question paper by the students and delay in declaring the results, UGC has taken interviews in changing the pattern of Paper III. Students can expect results much before the next NET exam.

Students appearing for the NET will be able to evaluate their performance immediately after Exam.The UGC, decided that candidates can take carbon prints of their optical reader answer sheets with them for verification at their homes. UGC chairperson Ved Prakash has said that it will enable students to know instantly how well they have attmpted the questions in the test. 

UGC’s NET examination consists of three papers with papers I and II being objection type and paper III being descriptive type, till date. Earlier in June 2010, the structure of paper III of NET exam was revised into 2 essay questions, 3 analytical/evaluation questions, 9 definitional/short answer questions and 5 text-based questions.

“The commission discussed issues pertaining to objectivity in making of paper III, transparency, reducing the inter and intra examiner variability in marking of paper III, delay in declaration of NET results and also recommendations of the NET moderation committee to change paper III from descriptive to objective type on the pattern of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - NET examination,” UGC member said in an interview.

The UGC, which is the highest decision making body for higher education in the country, has also considered the issue of relaxation in marks for differently-abled candidates in the NET examination and decided to reduce minimum qualifying marks for them.

Now differently-abled candidates have to get 35 marks in paper I and II separately and 80 marks combining papers I and II combined and 80 marks in paper III. Even though UGC’s decision has eased the pressure of the student community, the academic community felt that only with descriptive questions one can judge the candidate’s in-depth knowledge of a subject.