How to Become a Public Relations Officer: Career Guide, Courses, After 12th, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Top Colleges, Skills Required, Benefits, Salary

Eligibility to Become a Public Relations Officer

The basic eligibility criteria required to become a Public Relations Officer in India are as follows 

• Candidates must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in public relations or a related field. 
• Candidates should be well-versed in media relations knowledge.
• Candidates should possess skills like communication, writing and networking to excel in their roles.

Qualifications to Become a Public Relations Officer

There are certain educational requirements that candidates aspiring to be Public Relations Officers should meet. The basic education qualifications are mentioned in the following points 

• Candidates should clear class 12 from a recognised board with a minimum of 50% marks. They can choose any subject but the commerce stream is generally preferred.
• Candidates should possess a bachelor’s degree in public relations or a related field from a recognised university. There is also an option of a master’s degree for better career prospects.
• Candidates targeting top colleges for public relations education have to qualify for entrance exams. 

Steps to Become a Public Relations Officer

Candidates can follow the general steps mentioned below to become Public Relations Officer in India.

• Candidates should clear class 12 from a recognised board preferably in the commerce stream.
• After completing class 12, candidates should pursue a bachelor’s degree in public relations or a related field from a recognised university. 
• Candidates should look for gaining experience by opting for internships and entry-level jobs.
• Candidates should work on developing skills required in the fields along with building a professional network.
• After having the necessary education, skills and experience, candidates can start applying for Public Relations Officer jobs in the industry.
• Additionally, candidates can also opt for a master’s degree in public relations for better career growth and pay. 

Public Relations Courses

There are many courses that candidates can take up to become a Public Relations Officer in India. BA in public relations, BJMC, PDG, MA in public relations and MBA in communication management are some of the most pursued courses. 

The details for the most popular courses are mentioned in the following table.

Entrance Exams

While most of the colleges give candidates admission on the basis of merit, those who are targeting top colleges have to qualify for entrance exams. The details for some of the top exams are mentioned in the following table.