Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

Sarala Birla University (SBU), Ranchi offers a 2-year full-time Master of Arts [MA] in Journalism and Mass Communication under its Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication. The programme is designed to provide students with comprehensive and practical training for careers in the dynamic media and communication industry, covering journalism, digital media, broadcasting, public relations, and communication strategies. The total course fee is Rs. 1,72,000 for the entire 2-year programme, making it one of the more affordable PG media programmes in Jharkhand. Admissions are merit-based, with preference given to graduates with a background in Journalism, Mass Communication, or related media studies. The course is popular among students aspiring to become journalists, content creators, media producers, and communication professionals.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are currently open at SBU. The university typically begins its PG admission process from July-August each year. Candidates are advised to apply online at admission.sbu.ac.in. Based on the previous year's pattern, the registration and counselling process is expected to be completed by August-September 2026, with classes commencing in September 2026.

Key Points

The MA Journalism and Mass Communication programme is coordinated by Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication.
The curriculum covers journalism, media ethics, communication theories, digital media, broadcasting, public relations, and media production with a strong emphasis on hands-on practical training.
Teaching methodology combines lectures, seminars, study projects, regular tutorials, practical assignments, and interactive educational sessions.
The programme is ideal for students passionate about storytelling, news reporting, digital media, and media production.
Career opportunities after the programme include roles as Journalist, News Reporter, Content Creator, Media Producer, Public Relations Specialist, Social Media Manager, Broadcast Journalist, Editorial Assistant, Copywriter, and Communication Strategist.
SBU is situated on a 60-acre Wi-Fi enabled campus in Ranchi, Jharkhand, with modern infrastructure and media labs.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

SBU MA JMC Fees

The total course fee for MA Journalism and Mass Communication at SBU is Rs. 1,72,000 for the 2-year programme (4 semesters). The per-semester fee is Rs. 35,500, which includes tuition, development, exam, and ICT charges. One-time fees of Rs. 30,000 are payable at the time of admission, covering application fee, provisional admission fee, degree fee, certificate fee, and caution money. Hostel facility is optional and available at Rs. 96,000 per year (inclusive of accommodation, food, and laundry).

Fee Breakdown

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
One-Time Fees
Application Fee	1,000
Provisional Admission Fee	15,000
Degree Fee	5,000
Certificate Fee	4,000
Caution Money (Refundable)	5,000
Total One-Time Fees	30,000
Per Semester Fees
Tuition Fee	29,000
Development Fee	2,500
Exam Fee	2,500
ICT Fee	1,500
Total Per Semester Fee	35,500
Total Tuition Fees (4 Semesters)	1,42,000
Total Course Fee (One-Time + 4 Semesters)	1,72,000
Hostel Fee (Optional)	96,000/year

Caution Money of Rs. 5,000 is refundable at the time of leaving, subject to no dues or penalties.
Provisional Admission Fee of Rs. 15,000 comprises Counselling Fee (Rs. 10,000) and Admission Fee (Rs. 5,000).
Hostel fee is optional and not included in the Total Course Fee. It includes non-AC shared accommodation, food, and laundry. An additional security deposit of Rs. 5,000 is applicable for hostel.
Fee refund policy: Withdrawal before commencement of classes - refund after deducting Rs. 10,000 as processing charge; withdrawal within 1-7 days - 80% refund; within 1-14 days - 60% refund; within 1-21 days - 40% refund; after 21 days - only caution money refunded.
Fees are payable semester-wise; no EMI option is mentioned officially.

SBU MA JMC Admission 2026

SBU MA Journalism and Mass Communication admissions for 2026-27 are currently open. Admissions are merit-based, with no mandatory national-level entrance exam required. Preference is given to candidates with a UG background in Journalism, Mass Communication, or related media studies. Candidates can apply online at admission.sbu.ac.in or visit the campus for counselling. The process involves online application, document verification, counselling, and fee payment.

Important Dates

Event	Dates (Tentative)
Admission Portal Opens	July 2026
Last Date to Apply	August 2026
Counselling / Document Verification	August - September 2026
Batch Commencement	September 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have completed a Bachelor's degree (UG) in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 45% marks.
Preference is given to candidates with a UG degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, or related media/communication studies.
SC/ST candidates may be eligible with a 5% relaxation in minimum marks (i.e., 40%).

Admission Process

Visit the official admission portal at admission.sbu.ac.in and register online.
Fill in the application form with personal and academic details.
Upload required documents: mark sheets and passing certificates of qualifying examinations, school/college leaving certificate, conduct certificate, anti-ragging affidavit, and medical fitness certificate.
Pay the application fee of Rs. 1,000 online.
Attend counselling/document verification at the university campus or as notified.
Pay the provisional admission fee and confirm the seat.
Classes commence as per the academic calendar.

SBU MA JMC Scholarships 2026

SBU offers a range of merit-based and category-based scholarships to MA students. The merit scholarship can go up to 50% on tuition fee for students with 95% or above marks in the qualifying examination. Category-based scholarships are available for defence personnel, freedom fighters, differently-abled students, and others. All scholarships are applicable only on tuition fee and not on hostel or transport fee. Students from Jharkhand belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories can also avail the e-Kalyan scholarship from the Government of Jharkhand.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship Type	Criteria	Scholarship Amount
Merit Scholarship	95% or above in qualifying exam	50% on Tuition Fee (all semesters)
Merit Scholarship	90% or above in qualifying exam	25% on Tuition Fee (all semesters)
Merit Scholarship	80% or above in qualifying exam	20% on Tuition Fee (all semesters)
Merit Scholarship	70% or above in qualifying exam	10% on Tuition Fee (all semesters)
Internal Merit Scholarship	Top 10% students in semester exam	25% on Tuition Fee (one semester)
Internal Merit Scholarship	Next 10% students in semester exam	10% on Tuition Fee (one semester)
Ward of Defence Personnel	Son/Daughter of Armed/Para-Military forces	15% on Tuition Fee (all semesters)
Ward of Freedom Fighters	Son/Daughter of freedom fighters	10% on Tuition Fee (all semesters)
Ward/Spouse of BAGM Employees	Son/Daughter/Spouse of BAGM Units Employees	25% on Tuition Fee (all semesters)
SBU/SBPS Students	Students from Sarala Birla Public School	25% on Tuition Fee (all semesters)
Differently Abled Students	Students with disabilities	25% on Tuition Fee (all semesters)
Kashmiri Migrant Students	Kashmiri migrants	15% on Tuition Fee (all semesters)
e-Kalyan (Govt. of Jharkhand)	SC/ST/OBC students from Jharkhand	As per Govt. norms

Scholarship is applicable only on tuition fee in all semesters, not on hostel fee or transport fee.
Merit scholarship at the time of admission is subject to verification of original documents during counselling.
Students availing category-based scholarships are not eligible for internal merit scholarships simultaneously.
e-Kalyan scholarship is provided by the Government of Jharkhand; students must apply separately at ekalyan.cgg.gov.in.
Scholarship schemes are as per university norms and are subject to change.

SBU MA JMC FAQs

Ques. Is there any entrance exam required for MA Journalism and Mass Communication admission at SBU?

Ans. No, SBU does not require any national-level entrance exam for MA Journalism and Mass Communication admissions. Admissions are merit-based, primarily on the basis of marks in the qualifying UG examination. Preference is given to candidates with a UG background in Journalism, Mass Communication, or related media studies. Candidates simply need to apply online and attend the counselling process.

Ques. What is the scope of MA Journalism and Mass Communication from SBU in terms of career opportunities?

Ans. MA JMC graduates from SBU can pursue careers as journalists, news reporters, content creators, media producers, public relations specialists, social media managers, broadcast journalists, editorial assistants, copywriters, and communication strategists. The average salary for MA JMC graduates in India ranges from Rs. 3-6 LPA at entry level, with experienced professionals in senior editorial or PR roles earning Rs. 8-15 LPA. The digital media boom has significantly expanded career opportunities in this field.

Ques. Can a student from a non-media background (e.g., B.Com or B.Sc) apply for MA JMC at SBU?

Ans. Yes, SBU accepts applications from graduates of any discipline with a minimum of 45% marks in their UG degree. However, preference is given to candidates with a UG background in Journalism, Mass Communication, or related media studies. Students from non-media backgrounds are encouraged to apply but should be prepared to demonstrate their interest and aptitude for media and communication during the counselling process.

Ques. Does SBU have dedicated media labs and practical training facilities for MA JMC students?

Ans. Yes, SBU emphasises practical training as a core part of the MA JMC curriculum. The teaching methodology includes practical assignments, seminars, study projects, and interactive educational sessions. The university's 60-acre campus has modern infrastructure. Students are encouraged to work on real-world media projects and assignments throughout the programme.

Ques. What is the hostel facility like at SBU for MA JMC students?

Ans. SBU provides hostel accommodation for both male and female students on a shared basis (single and double occupancy rooms with attached bathrooms). The annual hostel fee is Rs. 96,000, which includes non-AC shared accommodation, food (all meals), and laundry. A refundable security deposit of Rs. 5,000 is also applicable. Students opting for hostel must avail it for a minimum of two consecutive semesters. The hostel has 24/7 security, Wi-Fi, and study hall facilities.

Ques. Is MA Journalism and Mass Communication from SBU recognised by UGC?

Ans. Yes, Sarala Birla University is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956, and is established under the Sarala Birla University Act, 2017, Government of Jharkhand. The MA Journalism and Mass Communication degree awarded by SBU is therefore a valid and recognised postgraduate degree. Students can pursue further studies (Ph.D.) or apply for government and private sector jobs with this degree.