Master of Arts [MA] (Journalism & Mass Communication)

Master of Arts [M.A.] in Mass Communication and Journalism (M.A. M.C.J.) at Pillai College of Arts, Commerce and Science (PCACS), New Panvel, Navi Mumbai is a 2-year full-time postgraduate program offered on campus, affiliated to the University of Mumbai. The program is designed with dual career tracks in Advertising and Journalism, blending theoretical knowledge with practical exposure through short film portfolios, blog writing, magazine creation, and research projects. The total tuition fee for the course is Rs. 99,484 for the entire 2-year duration, with 30 seats available, making it one of the most affordable PG media programs in the Navi Mumbai region. Admission is merit-based, open to graduates from any stream with a minimum of 50% marks, and no mandatory entrance exam is required.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are expected to open after the declaration of qualifying examination results (typically June-July 2026), with classes commencing in July/August 2026. The 2025-26 admission season has concluded and the current batch is underway.

Key Points

• The program offers two focused career tracks: Advertising and Journalism, giving students the flexibility to specialize based on their career goals.
• Students are trained through indoor and outdoor media exercises, regular industrial interactions, and visits to news channels for hands-on experience.
• The curriculum encourages portfolio building through short films, blogs, articles, magazine creation, and research projects.
• Graduates can pursue further studies such as Ph.D. or M.Phil. in Mass Communication and Journalism, or appear for UGC-NET/JRF examinations.
• PCACS is a NAAC 'A' Grade Autonomous college, ranked 7th among Private Autonomous Colleges in Maharashtra (Education World Rankings 2021-22).

PCACS M.A. M.C.J. Fees

Fee Structure for M.A. M.C.J. at PCACS (2026-27)

• The above fees represent tuition charges only.
• Additional charges such as library fees, examination fees, and other miscellaneous charges may be applicable as per University of Mumbai norms.
• Hostel facility is available on campus (optional, not mandatory).
• Hostel fees are approximately Rs. 2,00,000 for the full course duration (as per available data).
• Hostel is not mandatory for this course.
• Fees are to be paid in cash at the time of admission as per the college's payment policy.
• No EMI or installment options are officially mentioned by the college.
• Students are advised to contact the college directly for any fee-related queries at admissions@mes.ac.in.

PCACS M.A. M.C.J. Admission 2026

College-Specific Admission Dates (2026-27 Session)

PCACS does not engage any agents or outsiders for admission-related matters. All admission enquiries must be directed to college staff directly. Contact: admissions@mes.ac.in

Entrance Exam Dates

The M.A. M.C.J. program at PCACS does not require any mandatory entrance examination. Admission is based on merit in the qualifying graduation examination. No specific state-level CET is applicable for this course at PCACS.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Graduation in any stream from a recognized university.
• Minimum 50% marks in the qualifying graduation examination (candidates are advised to verify the exact percentage requirement with the college).
• Students from Maharashtra State Board, CBSE, ICSE, and other recognized boards are eligible.

Admission Process

• Collect the application form from the college office after the declaration of graduation results.
• Fill and submit the application form along with required documents (graduation marksheet, leaving certificate, passport-size photographs, undertaking form signed by parent/guardian).
• Check the merit list displayed by the college.
• If selected, get the admission form verified by the college office and obtain the Principal's signature.
• Submit the duly signed admission form to the cashier along with the prescribed fees and obtain a receipt to confirm admission.
• Admissions are provisional until all necessary certificates are submitted and approved by the University of Mumbai.

PCACS M.A. M.C.J. Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Details

• Government scholarships are processed through the MahaDBT portal.
• Students must apply within the stipulated deadline announced by the Maharashtra government each academic year (typically October-November).
• The Freeship scheme covers tuition fees for eligible students; other charges may not be covered.
• Students are advised to contact the college welfare office for guidance on scholarship applications.

PCACS M.A. M.C.J. FAQs

Ques. Is there any entrance exam required for admission to M.A. M.C.J. at PCACS?

Ans. No, PCACS does not require any entrance examination for admission to the M.A. M.C.J. program. Admission is purely merit-based, determined by the percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying graduation examination. Students from any stream (Arts, Commerce, or Science) are eligible to apply, making it accessible to a wide range of candidates. This is a significant advantage for students who want to transition into media and journalism from non-media backgrounds.

Ques. What is the total fee for M.A. M.C.J. at PCACS, and are there any hidden charges?

Ans. The total tuition fee for the 2-year M.A. M.C.J. program is Rs. 99,484 (approximately Rs. 49,742 per year for 2025-26). This is one of the most affordable PG media programs in the Navi Mumbai region. However, students should be aware that additional charges such as examination fees, library fees, and other university-mandated charges may be levied separately. It is advisable to confirm the complete fee breakup with the college office at the time of admission to avoid any surprises.

Ques. Does PCACS provide hostel facilities for M.A. M.C.J. students, and what is the approximate cost?

Ans. Yes, PCACS provides hostel facilities through the Pillai Group of Institutions' hostel campus located near the college in New Panvel. Separate hostels are available for boys and girls. The hostel is optional and not mandatory for this course. The approximate hostel fee is around Rs. 2,00,000 for the full course duration (2 years). The hostel offers amenities such as canteen (breakfast, lunch, dinner), 24/7 security, CCTV, Wi-Fi, and daily cleaning services. Students interested in hostel accommodation should contact the hostel office at 8879557731.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing M.A. M.C.J. from PCACS?

Ans. The M.A. M.C.J. program at PCACS opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the media and communication industry. Graduates can work as Reporters, Sub-Editors, Journalists, News Correspondents, Public Relations Officers, Advertising Copywriters, Media Planners, Radio Jockeys, Videographers, Graphic Designers, Screenplay Writers, and more. The program's dual focus on Advertising and Journalism ensures that students are prepared for both print/digital media and the advertising industry. Additionally, graduates can pursue Ph.D. or M.Phil. in Mass Communication, or appear for UGC-NET/JRF to enter academia.

Ques. How is the practical training component structured in the M.A. M.C.J. program at PCACS?

Ans. The M.A. M.C.J. program at PCACS places strong emphasis on practical training alongside theoretical learning. Students are required to build portfolios that include short films, blogs, written articles, and magazine creation as part of their assignments. The college organizes regular industrial interactions and visits to news channels to provide real-world exposure. Indoor and outdoor media exercises are conducted to sharpen communication skills. The evaluation scheme includes group projects (40 marks), practicals (60 marks), and a 100-mark project component, ensuring that students are assessed on both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Ques. Is PCACS a good college for M.A. M.C.J., and what is the quality of faculty and infrastructure?

Ans. PCACS is a NAAC 'A' Grade Autonomous college affiliated to the University of Mumbai, which is a strong indicator of academic quality. The college has been ranked 7th among Private Autonomous Colleges in Maharashtra by Education World. However, based on student reviews, while the faculty is dedicated and actively shares job and internship opportunities with students, the infrastructure for PG programs (such as availability of computer labs and projectors) has sometimes been flagged as a concern. Students looking for a cost-effective, well-structured PG media program in Navi Mumbai will find PCACS to be a solid choice, especially given its affordable fee structure and strong alumni network in the media industry.