Bachelor of Arts (BA) {Lateral} (Journalism & Mass Communication}

The BA (Lateral) in Journalism & Mass Communication is a 2-year full-time undergraduate program offered by Jagannath University, Jaipur, under the Faculty of Management Studies. This is a lateral entry variant of the regular 3-year BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) program, designed for students who have already completed the first year (or equivalent) of a BA or related undergraduate program and wish to transition into journalism and mass communication. The program is aligned with the UGC scheme on skills development-based higher education, leading to a Bachelor's in Journalism & Media Management degree with multiple exit options under NSQF. The total course fee is Rs. 1.35 Lakhs for the 2-year duration (tuition Rs. 1.30 Lakhs + caution Rs. 5,000). The program is offered in full-time on-campus mode and provides practical training in print media, broadcast media, audio-visual production, public relations, advertising, digital media, and cyber journalism.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are currently open. The university accepts applications through CUET UG, JUEE (Jagannath University Entrance Examination), and direct interview. The CUET UG 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026. Students can apply directly at jagannathuniversity.org.

Key Points

• This is a lateral entry program, allowing students who have completed 1 year of any BA or equivalent undergraduate program to directly join the 2nd year of the BA (Journalism & Mass Communication) program, saving one year.
• The program follows the NEP 2020 framework with Multiple Entry and Exit Provisions, aligned with the UGC scheme on skills development-based higher education under NSQF.
• The curriculum provides practical training in film production, audio-video editing, news reporting, news reading, cyber journalism, PR and advertising, event planning, digital media marketing, and social media management.
• Students get hands-on experience through media labs, study tours to media houses, internships, and live project work, ensuring industry readiness upon graduation.
• Graduates can pursue careers in print media, broadcast media, audio-visual media, public relations, advertising, digital marketing, and event management.

Jagannath Univ BA Lateral JMC Fees

The BA (Lateral) Journalism & Mass Communication program at Jagannath University, Jaipur has a total tuition fee of Rs. 1.30 Lakhs for the 2-year course, with a one-time refundable caution deposit of Rs. 5,000, making the total academic fee Rs. 1.35 Lakhs. The first-year fee is Rs. 70,000 (including caution deposit). Hostel accommodation is optional and available separately at approximately Rs. 85,000 per year.

Fee Structure

• Caution fee of Rs. 5,000 is refundable at the time of leaving the university.
• Hostel fee is optional and not mandatory.
• Hostel fees include accommodation and mess charges.
• Lab, Library, Examination, and Activity fees are charged separately.
• Merit-based fee concessions may be available at the time of admission based on qualifying exam percentage.
• EMI and education loan facilities are available through the university's loan enquiry desk.

Jagannath Univ BA Lateral JMC Admission 2026

Admissions to BA (Lateral) Journalism & Mass Communication at Jagannath University, Jaipur are based on CUET UG scores, JUEE (Jagannath University Entrance Examination), and direct interview. The lateral entry route allows students who have completed 1 year of any BA or equivalent undergraduate program to join directly in the 2nd year. The CUET UG 2026 registration was open from January 3 to February 4, 2026, with the exam tentatively scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026. The admission process for 2026-27 is currently open and students can apply at jagannathuniversity.org.

Jagannath University Admission Dates

Entrance Exam Dates

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have completed 1 year (2 semesters) of any BA or equivalent undergraduate program from a recognized university.
• Minimum 40% aggregate marks in qualifying examination (relaxation for reserved category candidates as per university norms).
• Admission is based on CUET UG score, JUEE score, or direct interview.

Admission Process

• Register on the official JU admissions portal at jagannathuniversity.org or apply through CUET UG / JUEE.
• Fill the application form and upload required documents (10th, 12th, and 1st year BA marksheets, ID proof, photographs, caste certificate if applicable).
• Pay the application fee online or offline.
• Appear for CUET UG / JUEE or attend a direct interview as applicable.
• Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification.
• Pay the admission fee to confirm the seat.
• Admission is confirmed upon successful document verification and fee payment.

Jagannath Univ BA Lateral JMC Scholarships 2026

Jagannath University offers merit-based scholarships to BA (Lateral) JMC students at the time of admission, based on their qualifying exam percentage. Government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and the Rajasthan Social Justice and Empowerment Department (SJE) are also available for eligible students. The lateral entry program's 2-year duration means lower total scholarship requirements compared to the regular 3-year program.

Scholarship Details

• Merit scholarships are applied at the time of admission and are based on qualifying exam percentage.
• Girl Child Scholarship of 15% is available over and above the merit scholarship.
• SC/ST/OBC/PWD students must submit their scholarship forms by February each year for processing.
• Government scholarships (NSP, SJE) are subject to income and domicile criteria as per respective government guidelines.
• Students should apply for government scholarships at scholarships.gov.in and sje.rajasthan.gov.in.

Jagannath Univ BA Lateral JMC FAQs

Ques. What exactly is the BA (Lateral) Journalism & Mass Communication program, and who is it for?

Ans. The BA (Lateral) Journalism & Mass Communication is a 2-year program designed for students who have already completed 1 year of any BA or equivalent undergraduate program and wish to switch to or specialize in journalism and mass communication. Instead of starting from scratch with the regular 3-year BA JMC, lateral entry students join directly in the 2nd year, saving one year. This is ideal for students who started a general BA but realized their interest lies in media and communication.

Ques. What is the difference between BA JMC (Regular) and BA JMC (Lateral) at Jagannath University Jaipur?

Ans. The regular BA JMC is a 3-year program for students who have completed 10+2, with a total fee of Rs. 2 Lakhs. The BA JMC (Lateral) is a 2-year program for students who have already completed 1 year of any BA or equivalent program, with a total fee of Rs. 1.35 Lakhs. Both programs cover the same core curriculum in journalism and mass communication, but the lateral entry program is shorter and more affordable. The degree awarded is the same - Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication.

Ques. What practical skills will I develop in the BA (Lateral) JMC program at Jagannath University?

Ans. The program provides hands-on training in film production, audio and video editing, news reporting and editing, news reading, cyber journalism, PR and advertising, event planning, digital media marketing, social media management, and documentary production. Students work in media labs equipped with cameras, editing suites, and broadcasting equipment. They also undertake internships at media houses and participate in study tours to newspapers, TV channels, and PR agencies, ensuring they are industry-ready upon graduation.

Ques. What are the career opportunities after BA (Lateral) Journalism & Mass Communication from Jagannath University Jaipur?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in print media (journalist, reporter, editor, content writer), broadcast media (radio jockey, news reader, script writer, programme producer), audio-visual media (anchor, camera operator, cinematographer, graphic designer, director), public relations and advertising (PR executive, copy writer, media planner, event manager, digital marketing executive), and digital media (social media manager, content creator, cyber journalist). The program also prepares students for MA (JMC) and other postgraduate programs in mass communication.

Ques. Can I pursue MA (JMC) after completing BA (Lateral) JMC from Jagannath University Jaipur?

Ans. Yes, after completing BA (Lateral) JMC with minimum 50% marks, you can pursue MA (Journalism and Mass Communication), which is also offered at Jagannath University Jaipur as a 2-year program. MA JMC provides advanced knowledge in media management, research, and specialized areas of journalism. You can also pursue MBA in Media Management, PG Diploma in Journalism, or other postgraduate programs in mass communication from other universities.

Ques. Does Jagannath University Jaipur have media labs and practical facilities for JMC students?

Ans. Yes, Jagannath University Jaipur has dedicated media labs for JMC students, equipped with cameras, audio-video editing suites, broadcasting equipment, and production facilities. The program includes practical training in film production, radio program production, documentary making, and digital media content creation. Students also benefit from smart classrooms with projector facilities, a well-stocked library, and regular guest lectures and workshops by media industry professionals. Study tours to media houses and internships further enhance practical exposure.