The Media and Journalism Entrance Exam 2026 is the gateway for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate mass communication, journalism, advertising, public relations and film studies programmes at leading Indian institutes. Generally, the most prestigious test is the IIMC Entrance, conducted by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication for its PG Diploma programmes. Furthermore, leading institutes such as Symbiosis (SIMC), Xavier Institute of Communications and IP University run their own admission tests. Moreover, the new wave of digital media, OTT, and content creation has expanded career opportunities for graduates of these programmes. This page lists every major mass communication admission test in India along with eligibility, exam pattern, important details and preparation tips — see the full list of entrance exams in other streams too.
- Conducted by IIMC, Symbiosis, Xavier Institute of Communications, universities and several leading communication institutes.
- Cover admission to BA / BJMC, MA / MJMC, PG Diplomas, M.Phil and Ph.D. in mass communication, journalism, advertising and public relations.
- Generally test English language, current affairs & general knowledge, media awareness, reasoning and writing aptitude.
- Most exams are conducted in online Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and include a group discussion + personal interview stage.
- Importantly, top institutes additionally evaluate candidates on writing samples, portfolio and current-affairs depth.
Quick Highlights – Media & Journalism Admission
| Exams Listed | 5+ | Levels | National • State • Institute |
| Course Levels | BA / PG Diploma / MA / PhD | Apex Body | UGC / Ministry of I&B (IIMC) |
| BJMC Duration | 3 Years | Exam Mode | Online CBT + GD-PI |
What is Media and Journalism Entrance Exam 2026?
A media and journalism admission test is a competitive examination conducted at national or institute level to shortlist candidates for BA / BJMC, MA / MJMC, PG Diploma and Ph.D. programmes in mass communication, journalism, advertising and public relations. Generally, the most prestigious test is the IIMC Entrance, conducted by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (an autonomous body under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting) for admission to its PG Diploma programmes at Delhi (Jamia campus), Dhenkanal, Aizawl, Amravati, Jammu and Kottayam. Furthermore, the Symbiosis SIMC MA(MC) entrance, the Xavier Institute of Communications Entrance and the IPU CET serve as the standard routes for media programmes in their respective institutes. Additionally, candidates can also use CUET (UG and PG) to access journalism programmes at central universities.
Media and Journalism Entrance Exam 2026 – Complete List
The complete list of media and journalism admission exams in India is given below. In particular, click any exam name to see its full details — dates, application form, syllabus, admit card, answer key, result and counselling.
National & Institute Level Media and Journalism Entrance Exam 2026
| Name of Exam | Conducting Body | Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| IIMC Entrance | Indian Institute of Mass Communication | PG Diploma in Journalism (English / Hindi), Advertising & PR, Radio & TV, Odia, Marathi, Urdu, Malayalam |
| Symbiosis SIMC MA(MC) | Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication (SIMC) | MA in Mass Communication, MBA in Communication Management |
| Xavier Institute of Communications Entrance Exam | Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai | PG Diplomas in Journalism, PR, Advertising & Marketing, Film & TV |
State Level Media and Journalism Entrance Exams
| State | Exam | Full Form |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | IPU CET | Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test — for BJMC at GGSIPU-affiliated institutes |
In addition, candidates can also use CUET (UG) for BA Journalism / Mass Communication at central universities such as Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia and BHU, and CUET PG for MA Journalism / MJMC at the same universities.
Top Exams for Media & Journalism Admission in 2026
Of the exams listed above, the following are typically the most widely accepted and most competitive options for mass communication aspirants in 2026.
| Exam | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| IIMC Entrance | India’s most respected mass communication entrance, conducted by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication under the Ministry of I&B. Gateway to PG Diplomas in Journalism (English / Hindi), Advertising & PR and Radio & TV at 6 IIMC campuses. |
| Symbiosis SIMC MA(MC) | Entry to Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication, Pune — one of India’s top private-sector media schools. Strong placement record with media houses, ad agencies and OTT platforms. |
| Xavier Institute of Communications | XIC Mumbai’s entrance for PG Diplomas in Journalism, PR, Advertising & Marketing and Film & TV — a Jesuit institution with strong industry mentorship. |
| IPU CET | Gateway to BJMC and BA Journalism programmes at GGSIPU-affiliated institutes in Delhi including USMC, MAIMS and others. |
| CUET (UG / PG) | NTA-conducted national test for BA / MA Mass Communication and Journalism at Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia, BHU, AMU and other central universities. |
Courses Offered Through These Exams
Media and journalism entrance exams open doors to a wide spectrum of UG, PG, diploma and doctoral programmes across journalism, mass communication, advertising, public relations and film studies.
Undergraduate (UG) Courses
- Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication (BJMC) — 3-year programme
- BA Journalism / Mass Communication / Convergent Journalism
- BA (Hons.) Multimedia & Mass Communication
- B.Sc. in Film & Television Production
Postgraduate (PG) Courses & Diplomas
- MA in Mass Communication / Journalism
- MJMC (Master of Journalism & Mass Communication)
- PG Diploma in Journalism (English / Hindi / Regional languages) — at IIMC
- PG Diploma in Advertising & Public Relations
- PG Diploma in Radio & TV Journalism
- MBA in Media & Communication Management
Doctoral (PhD) Programmes
- M.Phil / Ph.D. in Mass Communication / Journalism
- Ph.D. in Film & Television Studies
- Ph.D. in Communication Theory / Media Sociology
Eligibility Criteria for Media and Journalism Entrance Exam 2026
Eligibility varies by exam and course level. However, the general framework prescribed by IIMC, Symbiosis, UGC and most universities is summarised below.
| Level | Academic Qualification | Minimum Marks | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (BJMC / BA Journalism) | 10+2 in any stream | 45–50% aggregate (40–45% for SC/ST/PwD) | English proficiency is essential |
| PG Diploma (IIMC, XIC) | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/PwD) | Age limit: typically 25 years for general (relaxation for reserved) |
| MA / MJMC | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | 50% aggregate | Mass communication / English background preferred |
| Doctoral (PhD) | Master’s degree in Mass Communication / Journalism / related field | 55% (relaxation for reserved) | Research proposal + interview |
Always confirm exam-specific eligibility on the official notification, since many institutes additionally specify age limits and subject-combination rules.
Common Exam Pattern
Although the exact pattern varies, most media and journalism entrance exams share a common structure. Generally, candidates can expect the following.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 2 to 3 hours (typical) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) + Essay / Writing component |
| Sections (IIMC) | General Awareness, General English, Comprehension & Writing Skill, Reasoning |
| Sections (SIMC MA-MC) | General English, Current Affairs, Media Awareness, Reasoning, Writing Test |
| Approximate Marks | 85–100 (IIMC) / 75 (SIMC written) |
| Selection Stages | Written Test → Group Discussion → Personal Interview |
| Negative Marking | Typically none for IIMC; varies for institute-level tests |
How to Prepare — Step-by-Step Plan
A structured 3 to 6 month plan is generally enough to crack most media and journalism admission tests, provided the basics of English, current affairs and writing are strong. Follow these steps:
- First, read the latest official syllabus for your target exam (IIMC Entrance / SIMC MA-MC / XIC / IPU CET, etc.) and map every topic systematically.
- Next, develop a daily reading habit — read at least two national dailies (The Hindu, Indian Express) plus a quality magazine such as The Caravan, Frontline or Outlook.
- Build a comprehensive General Knowledge base — Indian polity, history, geography, economy, awards, sports, important judgements and contemporary media debates.
- For Media Awareness, additionally follow contemporary media-house ownership, editorial debates, OTT-platform trends and media ethics — IIMC and SIMC test this area heavily.
- Practise writing daily — short essays (300 words), opinion pieces, news reports and headlines. Importantly, focus on clarity, structure and brevity.
- For Reasoning and English Comprehension, solve passages and reasoning problems regularly to build speed.
- Furthermore, take weekly full-length mock tests on AglaSem Mock Test in CBT mode to build stamina and accuracy.
- Finally, prepare for the Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds — work on body language, articulation, posture and a clear point of view on contemporary issues.
Top Media & Journalism Colleges in India
India has hundreds of mass communication and journalism colleges. Notably, the following are considered among the most prestigious institutions admitting candidates through media and journalism entrance test scores.
| Institute | Location | Admission Route |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) | Delhi, Dhenkanal, Aizawl, Amravati, Jammu, Kottayam | IIMC Entrance (CUET-based) |
| Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication (SIMC) | Pune | SIMC MA(MC) Entrance |
| Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC) | Mumbai | XIC Entrance |
| A.J. Kidwai Mass Communication Research Centre (AJK MCRC), JMI | Delhi | JMI Entrance / CUET PG |
| Department of Communication & Journalism, University of Madras | Chennai | University Entrance / CUET PG |
| Manorama School of Communication (MASCOM) | Kottayam | MASCOM Entrance |
| Asian College of Journalism | Chennai | ACJ Entrance |
| University School of Mass Communication (USMC), GGSIPU | Delhi | IPU CET (BJMC) / CUET |
| Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, Aligarh Muslim University | Aligarh | CUET (UG & PG) |
| Department of Journalism, Lady Shri Ram College for Women | Delhi | CUET (UG) |
| Department of Mass Communication, BHU | Varanasi | CUET PG |
Career Scope After Media & Journalism Course
A BJMC, MA or PG Diploma in mass communication obtained through any major media admission test typically opens up roles across journalism, broadcasting, advertising, public relations, content creation and corporate communication. Notably, the rise of OTT, digital news and creator economy has multiplied career options for media graduates.
- Journalism & news — Reporter, Correspondent, News Anchor, Sub-Editor, Editor at newspapers, news channels and digital publications.
- Broadcasting & OTT — Programme Producer, Researcher, Content Lead, Show Runner at Doordarshan, AIR, OTT platforms (Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar).
- Advertising & PR — Copywriter, Account Executive, Creative Director, PR Manager at Ogilvy, Wunderman Thompson, Mullen Lintas, Edelman.
- Corporate communication — Corporate Communication Officer, Internal Communications Manager, CSR Communication Lead at MNCs and Indian conglomerates.
- Digital & content — Content Strategist, Social Media Manager, SEO Lead, Podcast Producer, YouTube Creator at startups and content houses.
- Film, TV & documentary — Documentary Filmmaker, Assistant Director, Video Editor, Cinematographer.
- Higher studies & abroad — Master’s at Columbia Journalism School, Northwestern Medill, NYU, City University London, LSE, Cardiff.
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) ↗ — under Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
- SIMC Pune ↗ — Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication.
- Xavier Institute of Communications ↗ — Mumbai.
- National Testing Agency (NTA) ↗ — for CUET admission to journalism programmes at central universities.
- Official website of the individual institute / university for institute-level tests.
Media and Journalism Entrance Exam 2026 – FAQs
It refers to the set of national and institute-level tests conducted in India for admission to BJMC, MA / MJMC, PG Diploma and Ph.D. programmes in mass communication, journalism, advertising and public relations. The most prominent tests are the IIMC Entrance (under Ministry of I&B), Symbiosis SIMC MA(MC) entrance, Xavier Institute of Communications entrance and IPU CET.
The IIMC Entrance is generally considered the most prestigious mass communication entrance in India because IIMC is a government-funded institution under the Ministry of I&B and is widely respected by news organisations. Symbiosis SIMC MA(MC) and Xavier Institute of Communications are equally strong in the private space, with industry-focused PG programmes.
Yes. Mass communication entrance exams are stream-agnostic and accept candidates from Science, Commerce or Arts streams in Class 12. The only mandatory requirement is good command of English (or the language of journalism you intend to pursue) and a strong interest in current affairs.
BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication) is a 3-year UG degree offered by universities such as GGSIPU, Jamia Millia Islamia and Delhi University. The IIMC PG Diploma, in contrast, is a 1-year intensive professional programme taken after graduation that offers hands-on training in print, broadcast and digital journalism with stronger industry recognition.
Yes. IIMC admission is now linked to CUET (PG) — candidates need to appear in the CUET PG with the relevant subject, after which IIMC conducts its own screening (GD-PI / writing test) based on CUET scores. Always check the latest IIMC notification for the current admission process.
A media degree opens up roles across journalism (reporter, sub-editor, news anchor), broadcasting (programme producer, content head at OTT), advertising (copywriter, account executive, creative director), public relations (PR manager, communications consultant), corporate communication, digital content (social media manager, content strategist), filmmaking and academic research.
Yes. India’s media and entertainment industry is among the fastest-growing globally, with the digital news, OTT, advertising, creator-economy and corporate communications sectors all expanding rapidly. Trained mass communication professionals are in high demand at news organisations, OTT platforms, ad agencies, corporate communications wings and digital startups.
The official website for the Indian Institute of Mass Communication is iimc.gov.in, maintained by IIMC itself under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. All notifications, application links, admit cards, answer keys and results are released on this official portal, along with CUET PG-related updates on nta.ac.in.
This page is a comprehensive reference for the media and journalism entrance exam 2026 ecosystem in India — covering national, state and institute-level admission tests, course options, eligibility, exam pattern, preparation strategy and career outcomes. For real-time notifications, always cross-check with the official IIMC, Symbiosis, XIC or respective university websites linked above.
I’m studying degree B.Com(Computers) 6th semester…i’m eligible to fill the application….please tell me the details
Hi Lucky,
Yes, you can eligible to fill the form.
My exam is next week . What must I study?
Course- mass media and communication. Reply asap
Hi, You can go through these:-
Writing for Media
Introduction to Journalism (Reporting, Writing & Editing)
Indian Culture
Socio-Economic & Political Scenario
Basics of Design & Graphics
History of Print & Broadcasting in India
Print Journalism
Media Laws & Ethics
Still Photography
State Politics & Constitution
Theory of Communication
Application of Computer in Media
Development & Communication
Radio Journalism & Production
Media Management
Basics of Camera, Lights & Sound
Folk Media
Television Journalism & Production
Introduction to Advertising
Public Relations
Fundamentals of Economics & Indian Economy
National & International Affairs
Advertising Practices
Event Management: Principles & Methods
Media Research
Environment Communication
Tribal Communication
Communication Research
Media Organisation & Management
Contemporary Issues
Global Media Scenario
Value Education
sir Plz tell me which college in best for mass communication and journalism
Hi,
All the colleges are best.
hey can you please tell me about the best colleges for PR, Advertisement and Corporate communication for PG
Hi I am looking for post grad in Mass media and communication in Mumbai …can you help me with colleges and how to prepare for their entrance exams…I have one trial exam on 1st June…can you let me know what all I should go through
My question is i can do film direction through mass communication and other film course
How many total entrance exams are there for mass communication in advertising and public relations?
SET
is basically for international level admission?
Hello this year I’ll be completing by 12th science and I want to apply for Xavier college so which entrance exam should I give also will I get admission only on the basis of the entrance? How many percentage are expected in 12th for qualification?
Please reply asap
I have 12 th pass in Arts I able to fill this application form Plz.. Help me
For instance exam what subject I go through