How to become a Journalist
Journalists find, verify and tell true stories — in print, TV, digital and beyond, via journalism degrees or newsroom apprenticeships.
Eligibility at a glance
For India (India). Conditions marked "Not required" genuinely do not apply.
Minimum education
Bachelor's in journalism/mass communication or any graduation plus newsroom experience.
School subjects
Not required
Degree / diploma
BA/BSc + MA in journalism is a common route; any graduation with demonstrated reporting can work
Graduation required
Not required
Minimum marks
Not required
Minimum age
Not required
Maximum age
Not required
Age relaxation
Not required
Nationality
Not required
Physical requirements
Not required
Medical requirements
Not required
Gender-specific rules
Not required
Number of attempts
Not required
- · Portfolio of published work matters more than marks
- · Language fluency (English/Hindi/regional) shapes opportunities
The path, step by step
The standard entry route. Alternative routes are listed under Education paths below.
Class 12 (any stream)
Graduation (journalism preferred)
Internships at newsrooms
First job (local beat/desk)
Journalist — beat building and specialisation
What this career actually is
Journalists report news: finding stories, verifying facts, conducting interviews and writing/broadcasting for print, TV and digital outlets. Routes include journalism degrees, campus-to-newsroom pipelines, and beat-building from local reporting upward.
A typical day
- · Pitching and chasing stories, meeting sources
- · Interviewing and fact-checking
- · Writing/reporting to deadlines
- · Coordinating with editors, photographers, producers
Main responsibilities
- · Verify every fact before publication
- · Protect sources and report fairly
- · Meet deadlines without cutting accuracy
- · Uphold the publication's standards and law
Work environment
Newsrooms, field reporting, odd hours around news cycles. High-adrenaline, deadline-driven, occasionally risky assignments.
Who this suits
- · Curious, skeptical people
- · Strong writers and speakers
- · Those who can handle rejection and pressure
How long the path takes
Roughly 5–8 years after Class 12 to an established beat from the point the path begins.
Class 11–12
2 years
Degree + internships
3 years
First newsroom role
on graduation
Beat development
2–5 years
Timelines vary — few people follow the exact same schedule. Treat this as a map, not a schedule.
Exams on this path
Stage, pattern and eligibility details for each exam this career usually involves.
Conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) · Once a year
- Purpose
- Admission to undergraduate (and postgraduate, at many universities) programmes at central and participating universities.
- Eligibility
- Class 12 pass/appearing for UG programmes, subject to each university's own programme requirements.
- Age limits
- No uniform age limit; university-specific rules may apply.(may change — verify at the official source)
- Attempts
- Not applicable.(may change — verify at the official source)
- Pattern & marks
- Subject-wise computer-based tests: a language paper, domain subjects and a general test, chosen per the programme's requirement map. · Varies by papers chosen — verify the current notice.
- Duration
- About 45–60 minutes per paper (recent cycles)
- Subjects
- Languages, Domain-specific subjects, General test
- Stages
- CUET computer-based test → University counselling and admission
- Notes
- Each university maps its programmes to required CUET papers differently — check the specific university's admission bulletin.
What to study — complete checklist
Tick topics as you learn them. Your ticks are saved in this browser.
Skills required
Qualifications get you in; these keep you there.
Technical skills
- Reporting and verification
- News writing
- Basic camera/editing
- Data basics
Practical skills
- Source building
- Deadline management
- Field logistics
Communication skills
- Clear writing
- On-air presence (TV)
- Interviewing empathy and firmness
Physical skills
- Field stamina
Tools & software
- Recording gear
- Editing software
- Fact-checking tools
Languages
- English + Hindi/regional languages are a real advantage
Certifications
- None mandatory
Portfolio
Published bylines and clips are the currency
Education paths
Every major route into this career — including routes that skip a degree where they exist.
Journalism degree route
Typical duration: 3–5 years- BJMC/BA journalism
- Internships
- Newsroom job
Any-graduation + newsroom
Typical duration: 3–5 years- Any degree
- Campus/local reporting
- Beat assignments
Digital-first route
No degree neededTypical duration: 1–3 years- Self-published reporting/blog
- Freelance clips
- Newsroom offers
Is college compulsory? No — recognised non-college routes exist (shown above).
Without a degree: Partly — editors hire demonstrated reporting. A degree smooths entry, but strong clips and language skill can substitute, especially in digital media.
Entrance exams: University entrances (CUET/IIMC-type), None for independent digital journalism
Career progression
How roles typically advance. Alternative branches shown where the path forks.
- Trainee/Sub-editor
- Reporter/Correspondent
- Senior Reporter / Beat Head
- Editor / Bureau Chief
Where the jobs are
Earning potential
Broad ranges only — pay is never guaranteed and varies hugely by employer, city and seniority.
| Entry level | Broadly ₹2–4.5 lakh per year at regional outlets; metros higher |
|---|---|
| Mid-career | Broadly ₹4.5–10 lakh per year |
| Experienced | Senior editors and anchors higher; freelance rates vary |
Media pay is uneven across outlets — verify against specific openings.
What you are up against
An honest picture of competition and effort — no fake difficulty scores.
Competition
High at national outlets; regional/beat routes are steadier
Study load
Moderate; portfolio-driven
Selectivity
Campus placements competitive; portfolios decisive
Major challenges
- · Long hours
- · News-cycle stress
- · Press-freedom pressures
Time commitment
Degree plus 2–3 years of beat-building
What candidates commonly struggle with
- · Writing speed
- · Language polish
- · Source building
Documents you will need
Commonly required for applications and admissions. Exact requirements are set by each authority — always check the official notice.
- ✓ Aadhaar card or other government photo ID
- ✓ Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets and certificates
- ✓ Recent passport-size photographs
- ✓ Scanned signature (as per the notified size and format)
Recommended Books
Recommended Books
Book recommendations are being curated.
Checked for Journalist — nothing is listed until it is genuinely recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Can I become a journalist after Class 12?
You can study journalism after 12th, and digital reporting can start early — but formal newsroom employment typically follows a degree or a demonstrable clip portfolio.
Which stream is best?
Any — writing ability and curiosity matter more than stream. Humanities help with social-science beats; science backgrounds are valued in health/environment reporting.
TV or print — which to choose?
Start with whichever gives real reporting experience; skills transfer. TV adds presentation craft; print/digital builds verification depth.
Is journalism a safe career?
Physically it varies by beat; financially it's uneven. Digital skills diversify income — writing, video, newsletters.
Do I need a master's degree?
No — internships and clips usually outweigh an extra degree unless switching specialisations.
Can I enter this career after Class 10?
Not directly. The standard entry path starts later — see the roadmap above for where it actually begins.
Can I enter this career after Class 12?
Yes — Class 12 is a genuine entry point for this career. Look at the education routes and roadmap for the exact next step.
Which stream should I choose in Class 11–12?
No single stream is mandatory. Pick the stream that keeps the subjects you will need — the eligibility section lists what matters for this career.
Is a degree compulsory?
No — this career can be entered without a degree. Partly — editors hire demonstrated reporting. A degree smooths entry, but strong clips and language skill can substitute, especially in digital media.
What is the age limit?
There is no fixed age limit for the standard entry path. Where a specific exam or employer applies one, it is listed in that exam's or employer's own rules — always verify from the official source.
Is there an entrance exam?
Yes — this career commonly involves an entrance exam. See the Exams section for the stages, pattern and official links.
How long does it usually take?
Roughly 5–8 years after Class 12 to an established beat, counting from the point where the path begins. Timelines vary — people repeat years, switch routes and start at different points, so treat this as a map, not a schedule.