How to Become a Journalist: Know the Eligibility

Do you love stories that inform people and create impact? Do you enjoy asking questions and sharing the truth? If yes, journalism could be the right career for you. In 2025, the media industry in India is growing rapidly, especially in the digital space. India’s media sector is expected to grow by 7.2% and reach nearly INR 2.68 trillion.

With more than 900 million internet users, the demand for quality news content is higher than ever. This growth has created new opportunities for young professionals who want to understand how to become a journalist and build a meaningful career in media.

This blog will guide you through the full journey, including education, skills, courses, salary, and why Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth plays an important role in shaping future journalists.

Why Choose a Media and Journalism Career?

A media and journalism career is not only about news. It is about influence, duty, and purpose. Journalism helps you shape public opinion and bring real issues to light. Many students choose this field for strong reasons.

• You inform society: Journalists share facts that help people make better choices. Honest news builds trust and public awareness.
• Every day feels different: News changes all the time, which keeps the work interesting. No two days are ever the same.
• You meet inspiring people: Journalists talk to leaders, experts, and common people with powerful stories. These meetings expand your thinking.
• Many career options exist: You can work in print, television, digital media, radio, or even independently.
• Digital demand is rising: Online news platforms are growing fast across India.
• You create real impact: Strong stories can influence laws, policies, and social change.

If you often wonder how to become a journalist, curiosity and a love for truth are the best places to start.

What Does a Journalist Do?

Journalists do many different jobs. Their role depends on where they work. It also depends on the kind of news they cover. Their work is not only about writing stories.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Researching stories: Journalists look for facts before they write news. They use trusted and safe sources.
• Interviewing people: They ask simple questions. This helps them get correct quotes and views.
• Writing news reports: News stories must be clear and easy to read. Facts must always come first.
• Editing content: Journalists check their work. They fix mistakes and improve clarity.
• Using digital tools: Many journalists record videos. They also edit audio and post on social media.
• Covering live events: Journalists report from press meets, elections, and public places.
• Fact-checking information: They confirm facts to stop false news from spreading.

Knowing these duties helps students understand how to become a journalist in today’s media world.

The Journalist Career Path: Step-by-Step Guide

The journalist career path is clear but flexible. Growth depends on skills, practice, and effort. With time, you can move ahead step by step.

Here is a simple breakdown:

• Complete class 12: Students from any stream can apply. Good English skills are helpful.
• Choose a journalism degree: A bachelor’s course teaches the basics of journalism.
• Develop core skills: Writing, research, ethics, and digital skills are important.
• Complete internships: Working in a newsroom builds confidence and real experience.
• Create a portfolio: Published work shows your talent and progress.
• Start with entry-level roles: Many begin as reporters or content writers.
• Grow with experience: With time, you can move into senior roles.

This clear path helps students understand how to become a journalist step by step.

Journalist Qualifications You Need to Start

Many students ask about journalist qualifications. They want to know who can become a journalist. First, you must pass class 12. Your school board must be approved. Students from arts, science, or commerce can apply. You do not need a special stream. Many students choose a journalism degree after school. This degree teaches how news is written. It also teaches how to report stories. Some students choose diploma courses.

These courses are shorter. Degree courses teach more and help in jobs. Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth offers journalism education for students. It teaches both classroom lessons and practical work. This helps students learn journalism step by step.

Top Journalism Courses After 12th in India

Choosing the right course matters a lot. It helps students learn media work. There are many journalism courses after 12th for students.

Some common courses are:

• BA in Journalism: This course teaches how to write news. It also teaches reporting.
• Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC): This course teaches newspaper work. It also covers TV, radio, and online news.
• BA in Mass Communication: This course teaches ads and public messages.
• Diploma in Journalism: This is a short course. It teaches basic journalism skills.

Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth offers a BAJMC course. Students learn in labs. They do field work. They also do internships. Teachers have media experience. This helps students understand how newsrooms work.

Key Skills Required for Journalism Success

The skills required for journalism matter more than marks. These skills help students do well for a long time.

Some important skills are:

• Writing skills: Clear writing helps readers understand the news easily.
• Communication skills: Good speaking and listening help during interviews.
• Research skills: Finding correct facts makes news reliable.
• Technical skills: Journalists use videos and online tools for news.
• Time management: News work has tight deadlines.
• Ethical judgment: Fair reporting helps people trust the news.
• Curiosity: Asking good questions leads to better stories.

Learning these skills helps students understand how to become a journalist and do well in the field.

How to Find Journalism Internship and Training Opportunities

A journalism internship and training program is very important. It helps students learn real news work. Internships teach how newsrooms function. Students also learn to handle work pressure. Internships can be found on job websites. Some news companies also offer them. Networking can help too. Colleges guide students in this process. Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth helps students find internships. It connects them with known media companies. Workshops and guest talks also help students learn. These experiences prepare students for full-time journalism jobs.

Building Experience Through Internships and Portfolios

Internships help students work on real news stories. They also work on simple projects. This helps improve writing skills. It also builds confidence. A portfolio is also important. It shows the work a student has done. It can include articles, videos, or online content. Many employers look at portfolios first. Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth includes practical projects in its BAJMC course. This helps students build strong portfolios before graduation. It also helps students apply for jobs with confidence.

Journalist Salary in India: What to Expect in 2026

The journalist salary in India changes with experience and type of work. New journalists earn about ₹3 to ₹5 lakhs each year. With more experience, they can earn ₹8 lakhs or more. Senior journalists and editors can earn over ₹12 lakhs a year. Big cities and online news platforms usually pay more. As the media industry grows, salaries are likely to get higher.

Tips to Launch Your Journalism Career Today

Students who want to learn how to become a journalist should start early.

Some helpful tips are:

• Read the news every day to know what is happening.
• Write often to make your writing better.
• Learn simple digital tools and editing programs.
• Join school or college media clubs to practice.
• Talk to journalists online or in person.
• Apply for many internships without fear.
• Always follow the rules of fair and honest reporting.
• Small steps today help you do well in the future.

Why Choose Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth?

Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth is a well-known college for journalism. Its BAJMC course focuses on hands-on learning. Students work in modern media labs. They also do real projects. Experienced teachers help students at every step. The college provides internships and placement support. This prepares students for real jobs. Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth is near Delhi. It is close to many media offices. This makes it a good choice for students who want to become journalists.

Highest Package and Alumni Success Story

Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth has an impressive placement record. The highest package reached ₹30 lakhs this year, while many students secured packages between ₹8 to ₹10 lakhs. Alumni success stories reflect the university’s quality training. Priya Kashyap, a BAJMC graduate from the 2022 batch, now works at NDTV with an annual salary of ₹8 lakhs. She credits Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth for hands-on projects, mentorship, and internship opportunities that shaped her career.

Conclusion

Understanding how to become a journalist becomes easier with the right guidance. Journalism is a growing and impactful career in India. With proper education, skill development, and practical experience, students can succeed in this field.

Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth offers the right platform through its BAJMC program, experienced faculty, and industry exposure. Journalism rewards dedication, curiosity, and honesty. If storytelling excites you, now is the perfect time to begin your journey!