BJMC vs BA Journalism: What’s Better?

BJMC vs BA Journalism: In India, a variety of mass media and communication courses are on offer at various prestigious institutions at different levels. At the undergraduate level, Journalism and Mass Communication colleges offer a range of courses. Among these courses, the Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication or BJMC course has been opted for by students across the nation over the decades. However, many students have also opted to pursue BA in Journalism in India.

While on the surface, it only seems that BA Journalism and BJMC are highly similar courses, with one of the few major differences being the degree offered at the end of the course. While the career scope of both the courses is similar to a certain degree, BJMC is a professional degree, meanwhile, BA Journalism on the other, is not. In this article, we will talk about the differences and similarities between BJMC and BA Journalism.

Also Read: Types of Journalism - Which is Right for You?

About Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)

The Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) is a highly reputed and recognized 3-year undergraduate degree in mass media and communication. Those who pursue the degree are trained and educated in the different techniques and methods of mass media and communication.

As the name suggests, the Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication course deals with two different aspects of communication. The first, i.e. Journalism, deals with the transmission of day-to-day information as well as other current affairs information via two platforms, i.e. print media and electronic media. The second aspect of Communication is Mass Communication, which has been designed to train the students in the different aspects of story-telling and sharing information through different mediums and methods to the audience.

In other words, BJMC is a one-stop shop to learn the concepts and principles of journalism and also learn the different techniques of mass communication as well.

About BA Journalism

On the whole, the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism or BA Journalism is highly similar to the BJMC course as has been mentioned above. However, the 3-year BA Journalism specifically focuses on the Journalism aspect of communication. Through the UG degree, students will be educated about the two mediums of Journalism, i.e. Print and Electronic.

Under the course, BA Journalism students will learn how to journalistically communicate through both Print Media and Electronic Media. Print Media usually consists of Newspapers, Magazines, Journals, etc. Meanwhile, Electronic Media consists of Journalism through Television, Radio, and the Internet.

As stated above, BA Journalism is a dedicated course for Journalism, which would allow graduates to pursue a career in Journalism in any one of the top newspapers and news channels as well as in Radio.

Also Read: Mass Communication Vs Journalism

BJMC vs BA Journalism: Eligibility Criteria

As is the case with all other courses, aspirants wishing to pursue a journalism degree in India must meet the requisite eligibility criteria, as specified by the different colleges. However, in India, the eligibility criteria for both BJMC and BA Journalism are similar to a certain extent. Here are the similarities and differences in the eligibility criteria between BJMC and BA Journalism.

• For BJMC and BA Journalism, candidates are required to have cleared their class 12 board examination in any stream from a recognized board of education.

• For BJMC and BA Journalism, applicants must ensure that they have secured a 50% aggregate score or more to apply. This may vary from college to college.

• For BJMC, aspirants may be required to take admission based on scores obtained in an entrance exam. This will also vary from college to college.

BJMC vs BA Journalism: Admission Process

Popular admission processes in India include either merit-based admissions or entrance-based admissions. Depending on the admission policies of the Journalism and Mass Communication colleges, candidates may be required to sit for an entrance exam.

For most BJMC admissions, candidates may be required to sit for an entrance exam at the University-level. For instance, to enroll under the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), candidates will be required to sit for the entrance test conducted by IIMC.

The same does not always apply to the BA Journalism course offered across the nation. Many colleges and universities take admissions to the courses based on merit alone. Nonetheless, you may come across a few that conduct entrance tests at the institute or university level.

In either of the case, it is always advisable to go through the eligibility criteria and the admission processes of the Journalism and Mass Communication college of your choice. Each college will have a defined admission process that each candidate will be required to follow.

BJMC vs BA Journalism: Syllabus

At the undergraduate level, both BJMC and BA Journalism are courses that follow an extensively similar syllabus and course structure. Under both courses, students will be trained in different concepts, principles, techniques, history, and other important information regarding Journalism and Mass Communication. You can check out the syllabus that is commonly followed for most BJMC and BA Journalism courses in India.

The subjects and topics that have been mentioned above, are some of the few that are commonly followed across India. Apart from these, colleges may include more topics to make their curriculum seem more attractive.

BJMC vs BA Journalism: Career Options & Future Prospects

The industry of journalism and mass communication offers a wide range of opportunities. For both BJMC and BA Journalism, candidates will be able to pursue lucrative job opportunities. Apart from lucrative job options, the prospects of both courses, in terms of higher education, are also high. Check out the career option and prospects of both BJMC and BA Journalism here.

For BJMC and BA Journalism graduates

• Columnist

• Photojournalism

• News Reporter, Analyst, and Anchor

• RJ

• Screen Writer

• Sub-editor

• Writer

• Proof Reader

For BJMC Students Alone

• Content Marketing Manager

• Public Relations Specialists

• Social Media Manager

• Feature Writer

• Freelance Writer

• Copywriter

• Creative Director

• Art Director

• Media Planner

These are just some of the few job profiles that are available to graduates of both degrees. As stated above, higher education is also a possible option for those graduating from either of the courses. Check out some of the courses that one can pursue after graduating from BA Journalism and BJMC courses in India.

One of the major differences between the two courses, as mentioned above, is that one of them is a professional course and the other is not. This means that the recognition and reputation of the course allow for a better initial package. In other words, the annual package that a BJMC graduate would receive would be higher than that of a BA Journalism graduate. A BJMC graduate can expect an initial package ranging between ₹2,50,000 - ₹4,50,000. Meanwhile, a BA Journalism graduate may receive an initial package ranging between ₹3,00,000 to ₹5,00,000. It should also be noted that the skills, training, and work experience of the students will heavily dictate the package that will be offered to a graduate of either course.

• For BJMC Students

  • Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC)

  • PG Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication

  • MBA course or PGDM course

  • M.Sc Mass Communication

  • MA in Journalism / MA in Journalism and Mass Communication

• For BA Journalism

  • MA in Journalism / MA in Journalism and Mass Communication

  • MA in Mass Communication

  • M.Sc in Mass Communication

  • Master of Journalism and Mass Communication

  • PG Diploma in Journalism / PG Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication

  • MA in Media and Communication

  • MBA in Media Management

These are some of the popular and commonly opted choices taken by graduates of the courses as these widen the scope of one’s career. For instance, pursuing an MBA or PGDM will allow the students to choose a managerial position as well, thus, widening the overall scope of career opportunities. The more experience, skills, and knowledge gained by an aspirant will add to the final career prospective of the graduate. Therefore, one cannot state which course, i.e. BJMC or BA Journalism, is better. Both courses, have their pros and cons and provide an equally lucrative career opportunity.

Also Read: Why Skills Matter as Much As a Degree in Journalism

Top Colleges Offering BA Journalism and BJMC Courses

Here are some of the top colleges that offer BJMC and BA Journalism courses in India:

Please fill out our Common Application Form if you wish to apply for admission into one of the colleges mentioned above or to know more about the same.

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