How to Pursue Education Journalism in India: Best Entrance Exams & More

Want to cover the news about NEP 2025, CUET controversies or IIT admissions? Education journalism requires writers who understand exams, policies, and student issues. This guide covers step by step path, top courses, and best entrance exams for education journalism after 12th.

What Is Education Journalism?

Education journalism is  exactly like journalism but it’s only focused on education. It covers all aspects of education and related entities like schools, colleges, entrance exams (JEE, NEET, CUET & all the other exams), scholarships, and policies like India's National Education Policy. Reporters work for The Times of India, Hindustan Times or portals such as Edinbox.com, Shiksha.com., College Dekho, College Duniya, PW, etc. The demand for education journalists   is high with a rising population and mushrooming educational institutes.

Key skills required to be an educational journalist include fact-checking exam data, interviewing principals, breaking down policy jargon for students.

Eligibility for a Beginning Education Journalism Career

• After 12th: 50% marks (Any stream) for BA Journalism/Mass Comm (BAJMC).
• Age: 17+ years.
• Skills: Good English/Hindi, Interest in education news.
• No prior experience is required - internships are course-based.

Step-by-Step: How to Become an Education Journalist

Follow this roadmap to become an education reporter in 3 years:

• Choose BAJMC or BJMC (3 years) - Focus on reporting, editing, media ethics.
• Clear Entrance Exam - Merit or test based admission.
• Build Portfolio - Cover campus events, write for college media.
• Intern at News Sites - The Hindu Education, Indian Express.
• Specialise - PG Diploma in Investigative Journalism.
• Land Jobs - Starting from ₹4-6 LPA (freshers), ₹12+ LPA (5 years).

Best Entrance Exams for Education Journalism Courses

CUET UG is the best for the beginners - National level, Accepted by 250+ universities like DU, BHU, JNU for BAJMC. Covers GK, English, current affairs (perfect for education beat). Exam: May 2026, apply before Jan ends.

 

Exam	Level	Best For	Key Universities	Pattern
CUET UG	UG	National access, education GK	DU, BHU, JNU	MCQ
GMCET	UG	BAJMC/BJMC	50+ media colleges	100 MCQs, 2 hrs
IIMC Entrance	PG	Advanced reporting	IIMC Delhi	CBT + Interview
JMI Entrance	UG/PG	Policy journalism	Jamia Millia	MCQ + PI

Pro Tip: CUET scores work for 80% of top colleges but GMCET is the most convenient entrance exam for admission into top media colleges. Take both tests and choose the right college. Prep with NCERT + newspapers.

Top Colleges for Education Journalism in India

• National School of Journalism and Public Discourse (NSOJ)
• NRAI School of Mass Communication
• JECRC University
• Mumbai Educational Trust 
• GNA University,Phagwara
• Ajeenkya DY Patil University 
• The NorthCap University
• Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University
• School Of Broadcasting And Communication
• Auro University
• Alliance University Anekal
• PCTE Group Of Institutions
• Mody University
• Renaissance University
• APG Shimla ,Himachal Pradesh
• Amity University 
• Bennett University
• Chandigarh University
• Uttaranchal  University
• MGM Group Of Institutions

How to Prepare for the Best Journalism Entrance Exam?

1. Syllabus: English (20%), GK/Education News (30%), Reasoning (20%), Media Aptitude (30%).
2. Books: "Journalism Basics" by Keval J. Kumar, The editorials of The Hindu.
3. Mock Tests: NTA site, 1 month daily practise.
4. Success Rate: 10-15% selection - concentrate on current education news such as CUET 2026 changes

Is this Field a Good Pick in 2026? 

Yes, this field is a good pick because of the growing education sector. Aspirants of education journalism have a bright future ahead with the vacancy for expert, talented and truth-oriented field as well as desk journalists are increasing. Top media agencies like TOI, Hindustan times and more are seeking fresh talents especially genZ who understand the needs and discrepancies surrounding the education field. Thus,  this field is a good pick if you are interested in journalism but don’t wish to get involved in global news or political news. 

So, start by taking the right entrance test. Connect with us for free career consultation or more information at 08035018499.