General FAQ's

AJK Mass Communication Centre
Jamia Millia Islamia

Frequently asked questions

1: I have not received my “Admit Card” yet. When will you send the Admit Card to me?
Answer: All those applicants who fulfill the basic qualifications will be called for the written test. If you have sent a self-addressed stamped envelope your Admit Card will be sent to you immediately by post.
If you have not received your Admit Card by post. In that case:
(a) Don’t forget to note your roll no. given in the list (list of names of the candidates will be on our website and at the reception of our Centre.)
(b) And bring a passport size photograph with you for duplicate hall ticket.

2. What is the last date for the submission of application forms?
Answer: Please check the admission schedule in the prospectus available on our home page.

3. Can I apply for admission in more than one course?
Answer: Yes you can apply for more than one course but by using separate application form for each course.

4. What does portfolio means?
Answer: Portfolio means proof of media related activities.

5. Do I need to send the portfolio with the application form?
Answer: You don’t have to send your portfolio with the application form. Bring it with you at the time of interview.

6. In whose name the DD should be prepared?
Answer: The Demand Draft should be made in the name of "Jamia Millia Islamia" Payable at Delhi.

7. Do you have any centres for entrance test outside Delhi?
Answer: No you will have to come to Delhi to appear in the entrance test.

8. What does “popular articles in natural sciences/technology or social sciences” mean? Does it refer to written articles?
Answer: Yes.

9. What does 'Statement of Purpose' mean?
Answer: You are supposed to explain in not more than 200 words why do you want to join a particular course and what you want to do after finishing your chosen course.

10. I don't have a portfolio. Can I still apply for admission in any of your courses?
Answer: Yes you can. But you will not get any marks out of the marks reserved for portfolio in the course of your choice.

11. On which address the application form should be sent?
Answer: Send your application form to:
The Director
AJK Mass Communication research Centre
Jamia Millia Islamia
Jamia Nagar
New Delhi (110025)

Ph.D in Mass Communication

AJK Mass Communication Centre
Jamia Millia Islamia

The Centre offers a PhD programme for students and media professionals who would like to further increase their academic qualifications. Scholars interested in areas of media studies, Journalism, Cultural studies, Film studies, Conflict reporting, Humanitarian law etc can register for the PhD programme at the course.

Frequently asked questions

1. Where can I get the application?

You can get the application form from the Examination Department of JMI. On the home page of our website right bottom of the page you can click the link Form & Performa. There you can find the PhD forms under the heading of Office of the Controller of Examination.

2. What is the cost of application form?

The cost of application form is 100/-

3. What is the format for proposal?

There is no set format for proposal but the minimum expectations are a proper justification of the topic (need, relevance, and scope) and research questions, objectives, tentative chapterisation and a preliminary review of literature on the topic you are proposing.

4. What is the word limit for the proposal?

Word limit is 1000 to 1500.

5. When is the last date?

The Centre will accept application for PhD throughout the academic year. This submission is not restricted by the dates of the admission process.

6. When are the interviews conducted?

The proposals for PhD will be evaluated by a Screening Committee. Short listed candidates will be interviewed by a Core Committee for their selection to the programme. Date of the interview will be informed to the applicants in advance.

7. Who is eligible for applying Ph.D?

Candidates should have completed their post graduation (M.A) in Mass Communication with 55% marks or Masters in any other subject with 55% marks and a minimum of 5 years relevant teaching or professional experience in the media.

8. Do I need NET or M.Phil?

M.Phil, NET and SLET is not necessary for registration in Ph.D.

9. I have applied once. Do I need to apply again?

Those who have alredy applied need not to apply again, unless if you want to submit a revised proposal.

10. What is the fee structure?

1. Every research student shall be required to pay the following Fees as prescribed by the ordinance:
(a) Enrollment Fee to be paid at the time of registration by a candidate, who is joining the University for the first time;
(b) Caution Money be paid at the time of registration;
(c) Course Fee to be paid for the full duration of registration;
(d) Library Fee to be paid per annum for the period a candidate is on the rolls of the University; and
(e) Examination Fee to be paid at the time of submitting the thesis.
2. Employees of the University shall not be required to pay the Course Fees, Library Fee and Caution Money, and the teachers of the recognized School, Colleges and Universities shall be exempted from the payment of the Course Fee.
3. Those who are exempted from the payment of the Course Fees under Para 2 above, shall be required to pay the prescribed Special Annual Fee at the beginning of each academic year.

11. Who are the faculty that can guide PhD candidates?

Prof. M. Obaid Siddiqui (Professor Journalism)

Prof. B Diwakar (Professor Film)

Prof. Farhat Basir Khan (Professor Maulana Azad Chair)

Prof. Shohini Ghosh (Professor Zakir Hussain Chair)

Prof. Naazish Husaini (Professor T.V.)

Prof. M. Kasim (Professor - Media Technology)

Prof. Shaibani Azam (Professor, Digital Graphics and Animation)

Dr. G.R. Syed (Associate Professor)

Dr. Krishna Sankar Kusuma (Assistant Prof. Performance Media/ Research)

M.A. in convergent journalism

AJK Mass Communication Centre

Jamia Millia Islamia

Frequently asked questions

1. What does ‘Convergent Journalism’ mean? And how this course is different from other courses of journalism offered by private and government run educational institutions around the country?

While the previous two centuries will be remembered for the advent of different technologies, the current century will go down the annals of history for the convergence of not only technologies, but for the convergence of ideas, ideologies and cultures. Just like other spheres of lifes, in journalism too, convergence is taking place at the levels of technology, media ownership and the presentation and packaging of news. This process began with the convergence of technologies which is now strengthening the concept of cross media ownership, where media companies “encourage cross- promotion and content sharing among print, online, and television platforms owned by the same company” says Professor Rich Gordon of the Northwestern University. According to Stephen Quinn, an associate professor of journalism at Deakin University in Australia, “as a student graduating from a journalism program in the early 21st century, you need to know about convergence because it is likely to influence the way your career evolves.” Keeping in view the needs of today’s media industry we have designed this integrated course of print, broadcast, (radio and television), online and photojournalism for the journalists of the future.

This course is different from any other course of journalism available in the country because the students of this course are trained to work in any of the above mentioned streams of journalism as anchors, reporters, visual reporters (traditionally known as camerapersons and still photographers), visual writers (traditionally known as video editors), copy writers, editors and producers.

2. Who should seek admission in this course?

Before applying for admission in this course please ask the following questions to yourself:

• First and foremost you must ask yourself; why do you want to be a journalist in the first place? If you want to be a journalist because journalism is considered to be the most glamorous job today after acting, then please don’t apply for admission in this course. You are not made for it.

• Before applying for admission in this course please do ask yourself; can you write and speak grammatically correct English? Like all the other courses offered by the Centre, in this course too, the medium of instruction is English. Because:

(a) English is the international language of journalism. All the well established news agencies supply the news material in English and even the language media heavily rely on them.

(b) All the good text books on journalism are in English.

(c) Last but not the least; AJK MCRC is a very ‘cosmopolitan’ centre of learning. Students coming from different states of India and abroad can only be taught in English and, therefore, all the group exercises are done in English.

• Journalism is all about ‘storytelling’ and language is a major tool of expression and storytelling. Before applying for admission in this course you must ask yourself that apart from English which other language(s) you can write and speak effortlessly and fluently?

• Do you have sufficient basic knowledge of national and international affairs?

• Everything from news writing to editing and from designing newspaper pages to editing visuals, pictures and sounds is done on computers in this course. So ask yourself are you computer savvy? Can you work on computers conveniently?

If the answer to any of the above questions is NO then please think twice before filling up the form for admission in this course.

3. How M.A. Convergent Journalism course is different from the M.A. in Mass Communication course?

By now you know what ‘M.A. in Convergent Journalism’ course is all about. On the contrary ‘M.A. Mass Communication’ course is basically a production course of radio, AV production, television and film. Journalism (print, broadcast, online and photojournalism), PR, advertising and corporate communication etc. are not part of the syllabus of M.A. Mass communication course. All these subjects are taught in M.A. in Convergent Journalism course alone. In M.A. Mass Communication course the main focus is on TV programme production and Film making. So if you want to be a Television and Film production person, then apply for admission in M.A. Mass Communication course. For all those applicants who want to be a journalist in future, M.A. Convergent Journalism course is the best.

4. What types of questions are asked in the written test? And how do I prepare for the entrance test?

The following is the distribution of marks for the Entrance Examination:

Written Test: 200 Marks

Interview : 045 Marks

Portfolio : 055 Marks

Written Test: The written test will be further divided into two parts:

• In part ‘A’ there will be 100 multiple choice questions each carrying 01 mark. (Please click here to see the model test paper)

• In part ‘B’ the applicants will have to answer 05 descriptive questions each carrying 15 marks. 25 Marks will be reserved for better writing style, creative use of language and the command over the language. (Please click to see the model test paper)

Interview: Questions on the following topics/subjects may be asked during the interview:

• The subjects you have studied in B.A.

• National and international affairs.

• Politics.

• Media.

• Fine arts and culture.

• Religion.

• Science and technology.

• Language and literature.

• Major recent events.

Portfolio: The portfolio should include the proof of any of the following activities:

• Media Related Activities: Writing articles in well established daily newspapers or magazines, taking part in radio and television programmes as talkers or presenters, photography, painting and music etc.

• Making documentary films, producing radio programmes, designing and producing newspapers or magazines as part of your curriculum at the undergraduate level.

• Extra curricular Activities in School or College Days: Taking part in debates, essay competitions, painting competitions, drama and sports etc.

• Any other activity that proves that you have the potential to be a journalist.

The main aim of the written test and the interview is to make sure that you are made for this course. For that you hardly need any extra preparation for the written test and the interview.

5. What are the job prospects for me after successfully completing this course?

Although we insist that AJK MRC is not a ‘placement agency’, we have a very impressive placement record. AJK MCRC has its own placement cell and the former students of AJK MCRC working in film, television and radio industries are making us proud. They owe their existence to AJK MCRC and the Centre owes its existence to them.

As far as the job opportunities for the students of this particular course are concerned, they are enormous to say the least. Media, particularly the news media, is one of the fastest growing industries in India. Almost all the students of both the batches of P.G. Diploma in Journalism, the forbearer of this course, are working in leading TV news channels, news papers and magazines, FM radio stations and Web News Portals. Their employers value them a lot because they can work on any of these platforms with equal ease.

If you want to ask any other question please send an e-mail.

P.G. Diploma in Development Communication

AJK Mass Communication Research Centre

Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

Frequently asked questions

1. What does Development Communication Meant?

Development Communication is defined in communication studies as an organized effort to increase control over resources and regulatory institutions by groups and movements of those hitherto excluded from those controls. It is a forum which educates and mobilizes masses to take active and intelligent participation in development activities with maximum efforts. It generally includes educating masses about their socio-economic environment, building self-reliance based on solidarity support and sharing, involvement of people in deliberations and decision making, motivating people to acquire an ability to manage conflicts and to build consensus and finally to help the people with interest aggregation and problem articulation.

2. What are the Scope and Areas of Work in Development Communication Sector?

The experience of the past sixty years has demonstrated the crucial importance of communication in the field of development. Within the perspective of development communication, two trends developed successively: an approach that favoured large-scale actions and relied on the mass media, and an approach that promoted grassroots communication (also called community communication), promoting small-scale projects and relying especially on small media (videos, posters, slide presentation, etc.).

Development communication is an extraordinarily broad field. It covers a wide range of topics, from the traditional themes of agriculture, health and public awareness, to newer areas such as governance, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), urban development, youth, and so on.

As far as the job prospects are concerned, having a Degree or Diploma in Development Communication, one can work as a Communication, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for major International or National Non-Government or Non-Profit Organizations. One can also work as a Consultant on part-time or assignment basis. You can also work as a Researcher, Extension Worker or as a Development Practitioner to deal with development problems and experimenting and implementing appropriate solutions.

3. How the PG Diploma in Development Communication is different from other communication and journalism courses? Who and how should one can take admission in this course?

The basic aim of the course is to train the students to strategize or plan communication activities based on participatory approaches including media and interpersonal communication channels which may facilitate a dialogue among different stakeholders involved in a development activity having a common development problem or goal by setting a number of activities to contribute to its solution, or its realization.

The Eligibility to take admission in these courses is generally a Bachelor’s in any stream having good understanding of socio-economic issues. The selection will be based on a Written Test of 85 Marks followed by a Personal Interview of 15 Marks. The question paper of written test is generally designed to assess the potential talent of the candidates, their aptitude, general awareness and views over a wide area of knowledge. Short listed candidates will be asked to appear for the Interview. One having a good knowledge of current happenings in development sector can get a selection. For more details kindly consult the website of MCRC

For any other queries kindly contact Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Course Coordinator of PG Diploma Program in Development Communication at his e-mail ID

P.G. Diploma in Broadcast Technology

AJK Mass Communication Centre

Jamia Millia Islamia

Frequently asked questions

1. What does Broadcast Technology Mean?

Television and Radio are the most important segments of media industry. These two media normally employ broadcasting method for delivery of the content to masses. Television and radio constitute “broadcast media”. The programs which you see on TV or listen on radio involve several steps like content acquisition, production, transmission and reception before they are consumed by the end users. A lot of equipment namely camera, microphones, switchers, editing systems, storage system, play-out, and specialized technical facilities like studios, transmitters etc. are required for production of broadcast content and its delivery to the end users. Broadcast technology encompasses all of the above equipment and various other systems used by broadcasters and media production houses.

2. What is the Scope and future in broadcast technology sector?

Broadcasting is an important tool for mass communication. Toady India is the third largest television market in the world. There are over 400 registered satellite channels, 82 Mn Cable Homes, 60000 Cable operators and 6000 MSOs, 6 DTH Operators, 270 Private FM Stations, 170 AIR FM Stations and about 1400 DD TV transmitting stations in the country. Digitalization of broadcasting and new media delivery methods like IPTV and Mobile TV are being introduced. This is expected to further fuel the growth of broadcast sector in coming years. It is expected to result in huge demand for skilled manpower in broadcast media industry.

3. Who should join the course?

The basic aim of the course is to train the students on understanding operational and technical aspects of the broadcast systems employed for content acquisition, production and transmission in radio and television broadcasting. In addition to theoretical inputs, the students are also given extensive hands on experience in real working environment. The latest broadcast systems make extensive use of digital systems, Networking, ICTs etc. A candidate having technical aptitude, willingness to learn operational aspects and interest in media sector may apply to the course. The broadcast media carries a glamorous halo. It must be clear that that technology is the facilitator and the technical personnel are always behind the screen. However the job brings lot of excitement, recognition and satisfaction for being part of the overall team.

4. What are the future prospects?

All the students of the earlier batches have been absorbed in the industry. Some of the students are working with reputed media houses, broadcasters and multinationals. Some of the students have opted for study in science communication, and for teaching assignments. Students also find placement openings with system integrators and in sales & marketing.

5. What will be nature of entrance test?

The selection will be based on a Written Test of 85 Marks followed by a Personal Interview of 15 Marks. The question paper will have objective type questions and few subjective questions. The test is designed to assess the basic technical knowledge in the subject areas which are part of under graduate curriculum. For more details kindly consult the website of MCRC.

For any other queries kindly contact : Prof. M Kasim, Course Coordinator of PG Diploma in Broadcast Technology.