When students complete their 12th standard, a common question they ask themselves is, “Is BJMC a good career option?” If you have a knack for writing and storytelling with a strong interest in media, then BJMC is an ideal career choice for you. BJMC full form is Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication, which is the most preferred graduation program for Indian students in journalism.
However, before you decide to go forward with the course, first explore what the course is about, understand the BJMC scope and salary, potential pros and cons, and whether it suits your career aspirations. This article will help you get all this information to make a better and informed decision.
What is BJMC and Why Is It So Popular Among Students?
BJMC is a 3-year undergraduate course, specifically designed for candidates who want to pursue a promising career in media, public relations, journalism, and digital communication. With the media industry of India growing at a rapid pace due to online news portals, social media, digital marketing, and OTT platforms, there is a rising demand for skilled media professionals.
So, if you think you have strong communication skills, a personality suitable for media, and dream of a career full of creativity and challenges, BJMC is definitely your cup of tea.
BJMC Course Fees: Is It Affordable?
One of the frequent questions among students is regarding the affordability of the program. The BJMC course fees differ enormously from university to university, with various factors such as location, infrastructure, placement records, etc further influencing it.
- Government colleges: If you prioritise pursuing BJMC from government institutions, then the fees can range between INR 30,000 to INR 80,000 for the first-year course, which makes it an affordable choice.
- Private colleges: On the other hand, private colleges tend to charge higher fees, which can be anywhere from INR 1 lakh to INR 3 lakhs per year, depending on the other factors such as the reputation and infrastructure of the college.
When you shortlist and select a college for BJMC, do not just focus on the course fee, but also look at career assistance features such as internship opportunities, placement assistance and industry exposure, as these matter more for career growth.
Is BJMC a Good Career Option in 2025 and Beyond?
If you are one of those students who are wondering, ‘Is BJMC a good career option after 12th?’, the answer depends heavily on your interests and career goals. The BJMC program can open many doors for an exciting career in news media, digital marketing, content creation, public relations, and corporate communication.
The media sector has seen some disruptions in the last few year, with digital media taking over; however, it is not falling back anytime soon. On the contrary, due to the boom of digital media platforms, the demand for skilled communication professionals is higher than ever before.
So, yes, BJMC can be an excellent career choice for you if you have a passion for storytelling and creative communication.
BJMC Scope and Salary: What Can You Expect?
The program is still relevant in the industry as it helps candidates to get recognition and high compensation as they gain experience. Below is a good overview of the BJMC scope and salary in India, which can help you get started.
- Entry-level jobs: Fresh BJMC graduates can land various job profiles in the media industry such as content writer, reporter, and social media executive, with salaries ranging between INR 3.5 LPA to INR 6 LPA.
- Mid-level professionals: After you acquire appropriate experience of 3 to 5 years, you can expect your compensation to range from INR 6 LPA to INR 10 LPA. This can be higher if working in corporate communication, advertising agencies, or digital marketing firms.
- Specialized roles: There are various specialized profiles in journalism that have a high scope and salary but require significant skills and experience. These include TV anchoring, digital journalism, or brand strategy, where you can expect your salary to go INR 20 LPA or even higher.
You should understand that in this field, skills matter more than just degrees. The more skills you attain like video editing, anchoring, SEO, and social media marketing, the higher your chances of landing high-paying jobs.
Pros of Pursuing BJMC After 12th
If you are still wondering what makes BJMC a really smart career choice, then below are some advantages to help you solidify your mind:
- Diverse Career Opportunities: Unlike traditional degrees, BJMC does not restrict you to one career path or field. You can choose to enter journalism, PR, advertising, or digital marketing. Students who want to keep their career options open can enjoy this flexibility.
- Industry Growth and Demand: The media industry in India is one of the fastest-growing in the world. This is mainly due to the rise in online news portals, OTT platforms, and influencer marketing. This is resulting in the rise in demand for media professionals offering competitive salaries.
- Creative and Dynamic Work Environment: If you do not wish to do a monotonous desk job, BJMC offers you an exciting profile such as anchoring, script writing, or managing social media campaigns, which are not only engaging but highly creative.
- High Earning Potential Over Time: Even though initial salaries can be modest, the long-term earning potential is extremely high in the media industry. Especially if you transition to managerial roles or become a reputed journalist.
- Networking Opportunities: During your BJMC course and internships, you will get to meet famous editors, producers, and experts from the media sector. This will help you make connections that could get you better jobs in the future.
Cons of BJMC That You Should Consider
There is no career option that is perfect. After BJMC, job opportunities also consist of relevant challenges, which you should consider before you enroll in the course.
- Initial Pay Can Be Low: The salary of a fresher in journalism and media can be minimal compared to IT or management roles. The career choice requires patience and commitment to grow in the field.
- Long and Odd Working Hours: Reporters, especially those operating in newsrooms, are often required to work irregular hours, including holidays and weekends. This can be very tough if you value work-life balance.
- High Competition: The media industry is highly competitive in nature, with thousands of freshers entering the sector every year. To achieve a competitive advantage, you will need to learn extra skills such as video editing, digital analytics, and fluency in multiple languages.
- Constant Pressure and Deadlines: There is high pressure in media jobs, as you will be working under strict deadlines and face criticism frequently. Thus, only choose the career if you can handle pressure well.
Tips to Succeed in BJMC and Beyond
In order to achieve success in the media industry with a BJMC degree, follow these realistic and effective tips:
- Start Internships Early: Waiting until the final year for an internship can be a mistake. Make sure to become an intern in news agencies, PR companies, or digital marketing firms during the program to gain real-world exposure.
- Build a Strong Portfolio: Gather your best pieces such as articles, blogs, or videos, to build a robust portfolio. Employers prefer candidates with an active portfolio that showcases their skills and creativity.
- Learn Digital Skills: Digital skills are highly relevant in today’s media. Try to acquire some of these skills, including SEO, social media analytics, and content marketing, allowing you to stay ahead of others.
- Improve Communication and Networking: Journalism is all about keeping connections with people to tell stories. Focus on improving your communication skills and connect with professionals by attending seminars and online mediums like LinkedIn.
- Stay Updated on Current Affairs: A good journalist must stay informed about what is happening in the world. Make sure to follow news and industry trends on a daily basis.
Conclusion: Is BJMC Worth It?
Is BJMC a good career option? Definitely, if you have a passion for communication, storytelling, and media. Surely your journey can be challenging at the beginning; however, the rewards related to creative satisfaction and financial growth are worth it.