Accepted entrance exams
About Master of Journalism
The Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) is a 2-year postgraduate degree programme offered by Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University (MPBOU), Bhopal, through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The programme is designed to provide advanced knowledge in mass communication theories, journalism practice, media laws, advertising, public relations, development communication, and research methods. The annual fee is Rs. 9,000 (total programme fee: Rs. 18,000), making it one of the most affordable postgraduate journalism programmes in India. No entrance exam is required; admission is direct based on eligibility. The programme is popular among working journalists, media professionals, and graduates in journalism who wish to upgrade their qualifications without attending regular classes. MPBOU is NAAC "A" Grade accredited and UGC-DEB recognised, ensuring the degree's validity for employment and higher education.
Admission for the January 2026 session is currently ongoing. The last date for admission has been extended to April 13, 2026. Applications are submitted online through the MPOnline portal (mpbou.mponline.gov.in). The next session (July 2026) is expected to open for admissions from June 15, 2026, based on the university's academic calendar pattern.
Distance Mode Study Centres:
MPBOU offers this programme through its extensive network of study centres spread across Madhya Pradesh. The university operates through 11 regional centres and 568 study centres across the state. The regional centres and their study centre counts are as follows:
Regional Centres and Study Centre Counts
| Regional Centre | Total Study Centres |
|---|---|
| Bhopal | 64 |
| Indore | 45 |
| Gwalior | 85 |
| Jabalpur | 59 |
| Rewa | 58 |
| Satna | 38 |
| Sagar | 38 |
| Ujjain | 76 |
| Chhindwara | 39 |
| Hoshangabad | 30 |
| Barwani | 36 |
| Total | 568 |
Students can enrol at any authorised study centre near their location. The study centre list is available on the MPOnline portal and the official MPBOU website.
Key Points
- The MJMC programme is UGC-DEB recognised and offered by a NAAC "A" Grade accredited university, ensuring the degree's validity for government jobs and higher education.
- The course is offered entirely through ODL mode, allowing students to study at their own pace without attending daily classes.
- The medium of instruction is Hindi, making it accessible to Hindi-medium students across Madhya Pradesh and other Hindi-speaking states.
- The programme spans 2 years with 4 papers per year, covering both theoretical and applied aspects of journalism and mass communication.
- Eligibility requires a graduation degree with Journalism, making it a specialised postgraduate programme for journalism graduates.
- The programme covers advanced topics including investigative reporting, media laws, development communication, advertising, PR, and communication research methods.
- Students must create an ABC ID (Academic Bank of Credits) and a DEB ID before completing the admission process.
MPBOU MJMC Fees
Fee Components
| Fee Component | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (Per Year) | 9,000 |
| Registration / Application Fee | 300 |
| Exam Form Fee | As applicable per exam cycle |
| Total Programme Fee (2 Years) | 18,300 (excluding exam form fee) |
- The annual tuition fee of Rs. 9,000 is to be paid at the time of admission for each year through the MPOnline portal.
- The registration/application fee is Rs. 300 for PG programmes (as per official MPBOU fee structure).
- Exam form fees are charged separately at the time of examination registration and are not included in the tuition fee.
- No hostel facility is applicable as this is a distance learning programme.
- There is no EMI option officially mentioned; the fee is paid as a lump sum at the time of admission each year.
- Fee payment is done online through the MPOnline portal only.
MPBOU MJMC Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Admission Notification / Session Start | January 1, 2026 |
| Online Application Form Available | January 1, 2026 |
| Last Date for Admission (Extended) | April 13, 2026 |
| Submission of Application at Study Centres / Document Verification | January 1, 2026 to April 15, 2026 |
| Study Material Distribution by Study Centres | April 16, 2026 to June 14, 2026 |
| Internal Assessment / Assignment Submission | June 14, 2026 to July 31, 2026 |
| Contact Classes / Practical (if applicable) | August 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026 |
| Term End Examination | October 15, 2026 to December 31, 2026 |
Note: The MJMC does not require any entrance exam. Admission is direct based on eligibility. No separate exam-specific dates apply for this course.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a graduation degree with Journalism from a recognised university.
- Candidates without a Journalism background at the graduation level are not eligible for this programme.
- There is no minimum percentage requirement specified for general category students.
Admission Process
- Visit the official MPOnline portal: mpbou.mponline.gov.in
- Register and fill in the online application form for the Master of Journalism (MJMC).
- Pay the registration fee of Rs. 300 and tuition fee of Rs. 9,000 online through the portal.
- Upload required documents: graduation marksheet (with Journalism), identity proof, passport-size photograph, and caste certificate (if applicable).
- Create an ABC ID (Academic Bank of Credits) at abc.gov.in and a DEB ID at deb.ugc.ac.in before completing the form.
- Submit the application form and take a printout of the confirmation receipt.
- Visit the allotted study centre for document verification and to collect study material.
MPBOU MJMC Scholarships 2026
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount / Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| SC/ST Scholarship (State Government) | Students belonging to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe enrolled in a recognised course | Full or partial fee waiver; amount varies as per MP government norms |
| OBC Scholarship (State Government) | Students belonging to Other Backward Classes | Partial fee assistance as per MP government norms |
| Physically Handicapped Scholarship | Students with disability certificate enrolled in the programme | Fee concession / financial assistance as per state norms |
| Merit-Based Scholarship (MPBOU) | Students who have performed well in prior qualifying examinations | Partial fee waiver; criteria decided by the university |
- SC/ST and OBC students must apply for scholarships through the MP Scholarship Portal (scholarshipportal.mp.nic.in) after taking admission.
- Scholarship amounts and eligibility conditions are governed by the Madhya Pradesh government's scholarship schemes and are subject to change each academic year.
- Students are advised to apply for scholarships within the deadline specified on the MP Scholarship Portal, typically within 3 months of taking admission.
- No scholarship is available exclusively for general category students under MPBOU's own scheme.
MPBOU MJMC FAQs
Ques. Is a graduation degree in Journalism mandatory to apply for the MJMC at MPBOU, or can any graduate apply?
Ans. The MJMC at MPBOU has a specific eligibility requirement: candidates must hold a graduation degree with Journalism. This means students who completed their undergraduate degree (BA, B.Sc., B.Com., etc.) without Journalism as a subject are not eligible for this programme. This is a specialised postgraduate programme designed for journalism graduates who wish to advance their knowledge and skills in mass communication, media laws, and journalism practice.
Ques. What subjects are covered in the MJMC programme at MPBOU?
Ans. The MJMC is a 2-year programme with 4 papers per year. In Year 1, the papers are: Basic Theories of Mass Communication, International Communication and Global Media, Advance Reporting and Editing, and Media Laws and Ethics. In Year 2, the papers are: Advertising and Public Relations, Development Communication, Magazine Writing, and Communication Research Methods. The curriculum covers both theoretical foundations and practical journalism skills including investigative reporting, layout designing, PR writing, and research methodology.
Ques. Is the MPBOU MJMC degree valid for government media jobs and academic positions?
Ans. Yes, the MJMC from MPBOU is recognised by UGC-DEB, and MPBOU holds a NAAC "A" Grade accreditation. The degree is valid for government media jobs such as positions in Doordarshan, All India Radio, Press Information Bureau, and state government PR departments. It is also accepted for academic positions in journalism and mass communication departments at colleges and universities, subject to UGC norms for teaching eligibility (which may additionally require NET/SET qualification).
Ques. Can working journalists or media professionals pursue the MJMC while continuing their jobs?
Ans. Yes, the MJMC is specifically designed for working professionals. Since it is offered through ODL mode, there are no mandatory daily classes. Students receive self-learning material (SLM) and can study at their own pace. The term-end examinations are held once a year, and internal assessments are submitted at the study centre. This makes the programme highly suitable for journalists, reporters, editors, and media professionals who wish to earn a postgraduate degree while continuing their careers.
Ques. What is the medium of instruction for the MJMC at MPBOU, and are study materials available in English?
Ans. The medium of instruction for the MJMC at MPBOU is Hindi. The self-learning material (SLM) and examination papers are primarily in Hindi. Students who are more comfortable in English may find this a limitation. However, reference books listed in the syllabus include several English-language titles, and students can use English-language resources for self-study. Candidates who prefer an English-medium programme should consider other universities offering MJMC in English.
Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing the MJMC from MPBOU?
Ans. After completing the MJMC, graduates can pursue careers as journalists, editors, news anchors, PR executives, media researchers, development communication specialists, and advertising professionals. The degree also qualifies graduates to apply for teaching positions in journalism and mass communication departments at colleges (subject to NET/SET requirements). Government media organisations such as Doordarshan, AIR, and state government information departments are key employers. The growing digital media sector also offers opportunities in content creation, digital journalism, and social media management.