Master of Arts [MA] {Lateral} (Journalism and Mass Communication)
Fees
Fees at Gautam Buddha University for the Bachelor of Technology [B.Tech] in Computer Science and Engineering program include an annual academic fee ranging from Rs. 150,000 to Rs. 200,000. The admission fee is consistently around Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000, with a refundable portion of Rs. 10,000. Examination fees are approximately Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 4,000 per year. Hostel and mess charges vary, with amounts reported between Rs. 83,000 to Rs.
90,000 annually. Additional yearly costs include library and sports fees of about Rs. 1,500 each, and a health insurance fee around Rs. 1,050. Scholarships provide notable reductions, particularly for Uttar Pradesh domicile SC/ST students, who receive a 50% tuition fee waiver, and further scholarships of up to Rs. 120,000, leading to effectively no academic fees. Scholarships for general and OBC categories range from Rs. 56,000 to Rs. 68,000. Total fees for the four-year program amount to approximately Rs.
1,144,000.
About Master of Arts [MA] {Lateral} (Journalism and Mass Communication)
The Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication (Lateral Entry) at Gautam Buddha University is a 1-year full-time postgraduate program designed for professionals with a PG Diploma in Journalism or Mass Communication. This intensive program bridges the gap between diploma-level education and advanced master's degree studies, offering specialized training in contemporary media practices, digital journalism, broadcast media, and strategic communication. The total program fee is INR 85,850 for the entire 1-year duration. With 10 seats available annually, this program is particularly popular among working professionals and diploma holders seeking to advance their careers in media and communication sectors.
Admission for the 2026-27 academic session is currently closed. The next admission cycle for 2026-27 is tentatively scheduled to commence in the second week of April 2026. Interested candidates should monitor the official GBU admission portal (pravesh.gbu.ac.in) for application opening dates and deadlines.
KEY POINTS
- Lateral entry pathway specifically designed for PG Diploma holders, reducing overall study duration compared to regular MA programs
- Faculty with industry experience in journalism, broadcasting, digital media, and strategic communication
- Access to modern media labs and production facilities for practical training in journalism and mass communication
- Strong emphasis on contemporary media issues including digital journalism, social media communication, and multimedia storytelling
- Proximity to Delhi-NCR media hub providing internship and placement opportunities with leading media organizations
GBU MA (JMC) Lateral Fees
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Counseling cum Registration Fee (One-time) | ₹10,000 |
| Security Fee (Refundable) | ₹10,000 |
| Academic Fee (Semester 1) | ₹28,000 |
| Academic Fee (Semester 2) | ₹28,000 |
| Exam Fee (Per Semester) | ₹2,500 |
| Library Fee (Per Semester) | ₹750 |
| Sports Fee (Per Semester) | ₹750 |
| Health Insurance Fee (Annual) | ₹1,100 |
| Total Fees (1 Year) | ₹85,850 |
- Security fee of INR 10,000 is refundable upon completion of the program and submission of no dues certificate.
- Health Insurance and Mess Charges are variable components and will be adjustable as per actual tender value.
- Hostel accommodation is optional for MA programs and not mandatory.
- Students opting for hostel accommodation will be charged separately.
GBU MA (JMC) Lateral Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opening (Tentative) | Second week of April 2026 |
| Application Deadline (Tentative) | May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release (Tentative) | June 2026 |
| Merit List Announcement (Tentative) | June 2026 |
| Counselling Dates (Tentative) | July 2026 |
| Document Verification (Tentative) | July 2026 |
| Fee Submission Deadline (Tentative) | July 2026 |
| Batch Start Date (Tentative) | August 2026 |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- PG Diploma in Journalism, Mass Communication, or Media Studies from any recognized institution or university
- Minimum 45% marks in the PG Diploma (40% for SC/ST candidates)
- Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university
Admission Process
- Online application submission through the GBU admission portal (pravesh.gbu.ac.in)
- Merit-based selection based on PG Diploma marks
- Document verification of educational qualifications and certificates
- Fee payment and registration upon selection
GBU MA (JMC) Lateral Scholarships 2026
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit-based Scholarship | Up to 50% tuition fee reimbursement | Students with excellent academic records in PG Diploma | As per university notification |
| U.P. Scholarship Scheme | Variable | Students from Uttar Pradesh meeting income criteria | As per state government notification |
| Employee Dependents Scholarship | 50% tuition fee exemption | Wards of GBU employees (maximum 2 children) | At the time of admission |
- Scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need.
- Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships from media organizations and journalism associations.
- The university also offers assistantship opportunities for deserving students.
GBU MA (JMC) Lateral FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between the regular MA Journalism program and the Lateral Entry program?
Ans. The Lateral Entry MA Journalism program is specifically designed for candidates who have completed a PG Diploma in Journalism or Mass Communication. It is a 1-year program compared to the regular 2-year MA program, allowing diploma holders to directly pursue advanced studies without repeating foundational coursework. This pathway recognizes prior learning and provides a faster route to the master's degree.
Ques. Can I apply for the Lateral Entry program if I have a regular bachelor's degree in journalism?
Ans. The Lateral Entry program is specifically for PG Diploma holders. If you have a bachelor's degree in journalism or mass communication, you would be eligible for the regular 2-year MA program instead. It is advisable to check the latest admission notification on the official GBU portal for any updates to eligibility criteria.
Ques. What are the career prospects after completing this program?
Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as journalists, news editors, broadcast producers, digital media managers, content strategists, public relations professionals, and communication specialists. Many work with leading media organizations, news agencies, broadcasting companies, corporate communication departments, and digital media startups. The Delhi-NCR location provides access to numerous media organizations and communication agencies.
Ques. Are there internship opportunities during the program?
Ans. Yes, the program includes practical training and internship components. Students are encouraged to undertake internships with media organizations, news agencies, and communication firms during the program. The proximity to Delhi-NCR media hub provides access to leading media organizations for internship placements and industry exposure.
Ques. Is hostel accommodation mandatory for this program?
Ans. No, hostel accommodation is not mandatory for MA programs at GBU. However, students can opt for hostel accommodation if available, which will be charged separately. The university provides both single and double occupancy rooms with modern facilities including high-speed internet, common rooms, and sports facilities.
Ques. What is the admission process timeline for the 2026-27 session?
Ans. Based on the tentative schedule, applications are expected to open in the second week of April 2026, with the deadline in May 2026. Counselling and document verification are scheduled for July 2026, with the batch start date in August 2026. However, candidates should verify the exact dates on the official GBU admission portal as these are tentative dates.