How to Become a Journalist After 12th? Step-by-Step Guide for Students

If you’ve just cleared your 12th exams and find yourself glued to news channels, scrolling through breaking stories, or arguing about politics with friends, you might be wondering how to become a journalist. Journalism is a field that suits people who are naturally curious, in the best way possible, and those who get a kick out of finding out what’s really going on and telling everyone about it.

 

The media scene in India right now is very exciting. There are hundreds of news channels, tons of digital platforms, podcasts popping up everywhere, and even independent creators making a living from YouTube or newsletters. Clearly, there’s space for new people, but it takes effort. Here’s a detailed look at how to become a journalist after 12th.

 

Who Is a Journalist and What Do They Do? 

 

A journalist’s main job is to hunt down information, make sure it’s accurate, and package it so people can understand and care about it. They’re supposed to keep the public informed and sometimes push those in power to explain themselves.

 

The work changes depending on where you are:

 

• People in print media spend their days writing long features or daily reports for newspapers and magazines.
• Digital journalists churn out quick updates, videos, or threads that can go viral in minutes.
• TV reporters are out on the field or in studios, scripting packages or going live.
• Radio is all about voice: interviews, bulletins, or chatty shows.

One day you might be chasing a minister for a quote, the next you’re fact-checking a viral claim till midnight. It’s rarely nine-to-five.

 

Educational Path: Courses to Become a Journalist

 

Most people start off with a degree or diploma, as it teaches you the basics, gives you ethical grounding, and looks good on a resume.

 

BA Journalism & Mass Communication

 

This one is the most common choice. It’s a three-year course where students learn everything from how to write a news story to editing, media laws, photography, and broadcast skills. The best part of good colleges is the practical part of the course - many have their own radio station, video studio, or campus newspaper where you actually produce content.

 

Diploma in Journalism

 

If three years feels too long, you can go for a one- or two-year diploma. These are more focused on skills like reporting, anchoring, and scripting. A lot of working professionals do them later too.

 

Additional certifications

 

You can also pick up short courses along the way, like video editing, podcasting, data journalism, or even mobile photography. 

 

Eligibility & Entrance Requirements After Class 12

 

The bar of entry is not that high. Pretty much any stream works - Arts, Science, or Commerce. Most colleges want 45-50% in your 12th grade (sometimes relaxed for reserved categories), and being comfortable with English is a big advantage.

 

For better institutes, you’ll have to take entrance exams:

 

• CUET has become the main one for lots of universities.
• IIMC’s exam is tough but respected.
• Many private colleges have their own tests or just interviews.

At the same time, some institutions still take direct admission based on marks.

 

Skills Needed to Become a Journalist

 

Reading books and taking classes just teach theory, but these are what separate okay journalists from good ones:

• Being able to research quickly and spot what’s reliable.
• Writing clearly: short sentences, no jargon unless needed.
• Talking to people confidently, even strangers or VIPs.
• Sticking to ethics: being fair, correcting mistakes, protecting sources when required.
• Knowing your way around phones, social media, and basic editing apps.

You also need to handle rejection (stories get killed), pressure (deadlines), and odd timings.

 

Step-by-Step Process to Become a Journalist in India

 

• Right after 12th, most people enroll in a decent journalism course like BA Journalism and Mass Communication from a college, ideally with practical labs.
• Start writing wherever you can - college magazine, personal blog, local freelance gigs.
• Grab every internship possible. Even small local channels or websites count. You can do this on your summer breaks.
• Put together a portfolio - save your published articles, video reports, or audio clips in one neat Google Drive folder or simple website.
• Network a bit: follow journalists online, attend press conferences if you can, or just message people for tips.

Apply everywhere once you’re near graduation: reporter trainee, content writer, production assistant. Entry jobs are competitive, so volume matters. It usually takes a year or two of grinding before things feel stable, but that’s normal.

 

Specialisations in Journalism

 

Finding your niche keeps the job fun. You can choose one of the following:

 

Political Journalism

 

This is all about government, elections, and policies.

 

Sports Journalism

 

Choose this and you can cover matches, players, and fan stories.

 

Entertainment Journalism

 

Mostly about movies,music, and celeb interviews.

 

Digital Journalism

 

This area of journalism is about fast news, videos, memes, and newsletters.

 

Investigative Journalism

 

As an investigative journalist, you’ll prepare deep dives on issues like corruption, environment, and rights.

 

Career Opportunities for Journalism Graduates

 

Contrary to popular belief, a journalism graduate is not stuck being just a reporter forever. Other career opportunities include:

• Beat reporter or desk sub-editor
• Scriptwriter/content creator
• Video journalist or anchor
• Producer behind the scenes
• Social media editor for news outlets

Many journalists shift to corporate communications or PR later for better pay and stability. With streaming platforms growing, podcast hosts and YouTube news creators are legit jobs now too.

 

Salary Expectations for Journalists in India

 

Starting salaries for journalists are modest. Expect ₹3-6 lakhs a year (₹20k-45k monthly) as a fresher. National TV channels or big digital players pay towards the higher end, while small-town papers pay less.

 

After a few years of solid work, ₹8-15 lakhs is common. Senior reporters, prime-time anchors, or bureau chiefs can hit ₹20-30 lakhs or more. Freelancing on the side, like writing magazine features or preparing brand content helps boost income early on.

 

Why Choose Presidency University for Journalism Studies?

 

If you’re researching colleges and figuring out how to become a journalist, Presidency University, Bangalore, is definitely one to check out. The institution’s BA Journalism & Mass Communication feels very practical right from the start - students get to learn in proper studios, shoot and edit videos, run live bulletins, and do real reporting assignments.

 

The teachers are often ex-journalists who’ve worked at big channels or papers, so you pick up actual tricks of the trade, not just theory. The campus has decent editing bays, a functional media lab, and they offer many internships - many students land stints at local TV or digital outlets before graduating. They also offer placement support - a bunch of alumni mention that the portfolio they built there was what got them their first proper job.