It all starts with a question. Sometimes it’s small — “Why is the sky blue?” — and sometimes, it’s louder: “Why is no one talking about this injustice?”
This is how most journalists are born — not in front of a camera, but in quiet curiosity and restless observation.
Meet Ravi, a 13-year-old from a small town in Tripura, who loved asking “why” more than memorizing answers. At first, teachers dismissed him. But years later, that same boy became a voice on national television, uncovering truths most people preferred to hide. This blog is his story — and thousands of others like him.
Let’s walk you through how a child with a questioning mind can grow into a respected journalist in India.
1. Why Choose Journalism as a Career in India?
In an age of misinformation and noise, journalism is more important than ever.
It’s a career not just about writing or reporting — but about making change, giving voice to the unheard, and holding power accountable. It attracts those who:
- Are naturally curious
- Want to tell real stories
- Value truth and transparency
- Thrive under deadlines and challenges
- Want to see change in the world
For students (and parents) looking for a purpose-driven profession, journalism can be incredibly rewarding — emotionally and intellectually.
2. What Should Be the Ideal Background for Journalism
Contrary to belief, there is no single “perfect” background for becoming a journalist. Great journalists come from science, commerce, humanities — and even engineering!
However, students who are naturally inclined toward:
- Reading, writing, and current affairs
- Public speaking or debating
- Observing and questioning societal systems
…tend to flourish more in the field.
What matters most is a mind that thinks critically and communicates clearly.
3. Types of Journalism & Core Career Paths
Journalism isn’t just TV anchors and newspaper columns. Here’s a breakdown of various fields:
- Print Journalism: Newspapers and magazines — writing articles, columns, editorials.
- Broadcast Journalism: TV and radio reporting, anchoring, production.
- Digital Journalism: Websites, online news platforms, social media reporting.
- Investigative Journalism: In-depth stories on corruption, crime, politics.
- Photojournalism: Telling stories through powerful imagery.
- Sports Journalism: Covering matches, players, analysis.
- Business Journalism: Focused on economy, finance, and markets.
- Political Journalism: Reporting on policies, elections, governance.
- Environmental Journalism: Reporting climate, nature, sustainability.
- Entertainment Journalism: Films, celebrities, cultural trends.
- Citizen Journalism: Hyper-local and community-focused stories.
Each area has its own entry path, skill set, and opportunity — but all demand ethics, clarity, and curiosity.
4. Prolific Indian Journalists from the Heart of the Country
Great journalists aren’t just city-born. Many come from the roots, driven by lived experiences.
- Ravish Kumar (Bihar): From a small town to becoming a Ramon Magsaysay award-winning journalist, he is known for fearless reporting and anchoring on NDTV.
- P. Sainath (Tamil Nadu): A rural affairs expert, he traveled across India writing “Everybody Loves a Good Drought.”
- Faye D’Souza (Bangalore): Voice of reason in digital news, she created space for unbiased, citizen-driven journalism.
- Shiv Aroor (Uttar Pradesh): A war reporter turned defence editor, who came from a non-metro upbringing.
These journalists didn’t just report the news — they became voices for India’s invisible millions.
5. Which Subjects Should Students Focus On?
For school students (Class 6 onwards), focus on developing communication and analytical skills.
Subjects that help include:
- English (or any strong language)
- History and Civics (for context and governance understanding)
- Geography (for environmental, location-based reporting)
- Political Science (especially in Class 11–12)
- Sociology / Economics (for social understanding)
Optional subjects like mass media, creative writing, or journalism (if offered) are great additions.
6. Beyond the Books: Skills Every Budding Journalist Should Build
Journalism is a “doing” profession. Encourage your child or yourself to:
- Start a blog or school newsletter
- Participate in debates or Model UN
- Take photos and write captions
- Volunteer at NGOs — learn real stories
- Practice public speaking and interviews
- Intern with local media houses (yes, even in school!)
- Read newspapers daily and follow different perspectives
The real journalism school begins when you start looking at the world with a reporter’s eye.
7. Class 6–10: The Foundation Years
These are crucial years to build awareness, curiosity, and expression.
What to do:
- Read 1 newspaper a day — in any language
- Maintain a journal of events or thoughts
- Join school debate, quiz, or writing clubs
- Watch responsible news shows (not shouting matches)
- Write short stories or articles for school magazines
- Learn typing, basic photography, and Canva/PowerPoint
This is when the spark of storytelling often lights up.
8. Class 11–12: Prepping for the Path
Pick a stream that allows space to think, write, and engage with society — usually Humanities, but Science/Commerce is fine too.
Recommended subjects:
- Political Science
- History
- Sociology
- Psychology
- English Core / Elective
- Media Studies (if available)
Also:
- Start interning with small media platforms
- Attend journalism workshops
- Build a strong LinkedIn or blog portfolio
This is the time to refine your niche and voice.
9. Undergraduate & Postgraduate Journalism Degrees in India
Several top colleges in India offer world-class journalism and mass communication programs.
Top UG options (after 12th):
- Delhi University – BA (H) Journalism
- Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune
- Christ University, Bengaluru – BA Journalism
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC)
- Manorama School of Communication
- Xavier’s Mumbai – BAMMC (BA in Multimedia & Mass Communication)
Postgraduate (PG) Options:
- MA in Journalism and Mass Communication
- PG Diploma from IIMC, Jamia, ACJ (Asian College of Journalism)
Many also pursue MBA in Media, MSc in Communication, or even International PG programs in journalism.
10. Law + Journalism: A Powerful Combo
Some of India’s top journalists have a law degree. Why?
Because legal knowledge empowers journalists to:
- Understand governance and public policy
- Navigate freedom of speech laws
- Investigate more rigorously
Famous colleges:
- NLSIU, Bangalore
- NALSAR, Hyderabad
- Symbiosis Law School
- Jindal Global Law School
A BA LLB + Journalism PG combo is powerful for investigative, political, or legal journalism careers.
11. Podcasting vs Journalism: A Battle or Blend?
Podcasting is NOT a replacement for journalism — it’s an evolution.
Journalism is:
- Fact-based
- Timely
- Edited and sourced
Podcasting is:
- Long-form
- Personality-driven
- Often opinion-based
The best modern journalists are hybrids — doing reporting and running powerful podcasts. Think of it as another medium to tell your story, not a competitor.
Conclusion: A Story Waiting to be Told
Journalism in India is not just a job — it’s a calling. It’s for those who believe that stories matter, that truth is sacred, and that the voiceless deserve to be heard.
So if you’re a student in Class 6 or a parent guiding a young dreamer — remember: every question they ask, every sentence they write, every moment they observe — is preparing them for this path.
From dusty schoolyards to newsrooms that shape the nation, the journey is long — but it’s worth every word.