Check out these must-have approvals to secure your future
NIRF Ranking (National Institutional Ranking Framework)
Ministry of Education
- ✓ NIRF assesses the teaching methodology of institutions of higher education and then provides them ranking accordingly.
- ✓ NIRF ranking helps students identify the best university amongst thousands.
- ✓ NIRF provides ranking as per the 11 different categories and the ranking helps students know where the university stands in comparison to other universities in the same category.
DEB (Distance Education Bureau)
UGC DEB
- ✓ DEB is a regulatory body under UGC that is in charge of all Distance & Online Education Programs in India.
- ✓ All universities need UGC-DEB approval to provide distance learning courses.
- ✓ Only 10% of the total universities in India allowed by DEB to provide Online Degree Courses.
NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council)
- ✓ NAAC is a government organisation, set up to assess and accredit the quality of Higher Education Institutions in India.
- ✓ NAAC provides students with information about the quality of institutes.
- ✓ NAAC provides full-fledged reviews to universities about strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities that help institutions to improve.
- ✓ NAAC accreditation ranges from A++ to C. A++ is the highest grade.
Chandigarh University Online MA in Journalism & Mass Communication (2026)
The Chandigarh University Online MA in Journalism & Mass Communication (MA JMC) is a 2-year, UGC-DEB approved postgraduate program that covers the broad discipline of media studies. It combines a theoretical understanding of the history, content, and cultural impact of media with an applied learning focus on print, radio, television, and new media — along with the specific tools and techniques used across mass media today.
Backed by Chandigarh University's UGC-DEB approval, NAAC A+ accreditation, AICTE recognition, and WES certification, the online MA JMC closes with a Capstone Project featuring a Live Industry Project — giving graduates a portfolio-ready credential for advanced roles in media, journalism, and communication.
The Chandigarh University Online MA in Journalism & Mass Communication is a 2-year (4-semester), 80-credit postgraduate program covering the broad discipline of media studies. It builds a theoretical understanding of the history, content, and cultural impact of media alongside an applied learning focus on print, radio, television, and new media — including the specific tools and techniques used in mass media today.
The program offers insight into mass communication theories, print journalism, advertising, photography, television and radio production and writing, convergent journalism, social media, and public relations. It closes in Semester 4 with a 12-credit Capstone Project featuring a Live Industry Project.
The program is delivered through Chandigarh University's online Learning Management System (LMS) with recorded and live sessions, e-content, and industry case studies — allowing working professionals to pursue an advanced media qualification without pausing their careers.
Capstone Project with Live Industry Project
Semester 4 includes a 12-credit Capstone Project built around a Live Industry Project, giving learners a portfolio-ready body of work backed by real newsroom or media-industry exposure — alongside faculty with prior experience at NDTV, Reuters, Indian Express, Hindustan Times, and Mid Day.
Chandigarh University Online Learning is UGC-DEB approved and has been awarded an A+ Grade by NAAC for maintaining high standards in delivering quality higher education. Its approvals include UGC-DEB, AICTE, and WES, and the university is ranked among the top NAAC A+ accredited online universities in India.
Online Degree Acceptance
Degrees earned through UGC-DEB approved online programs are legally equivalent to regular on-campus degrees and are accepted by government bodies, media houses, and private recruiters across India and abroad.
Value of the Online MA JMC
An Online MA JMC from Chandigarh University holds the same academic value as a regular on-campus MA — valid for jobs, promotions, government exams, and further studies such as a Ph.D.
Quality of Education
Online programs follow the same curriculum depth and evaluation rigor as on-campus programs, delivered through live classes, recorded lectures, industry case studies, and interactive assessments.
| Program Name | Master of Arts (MA) — Journalism & Mass Communication |
| University | Chandigarh University Online |
| Level | Postgraduate Degree |
| Duration | 2 Years (4 Semesters) |
| Mode | 100% Online — Live & Recorded Classes, LMS & Mobile App |
| Total Credits | 80 Credits |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized Board/University |
| Entrance Exam | Not required — direct, merit-based admission |
| Total Fee | |
| Prospectus Fee | One-time, non-refundable prospectus fee of ₹500 payable during admission |
| Approvals | UGC-DEB, AICTE, NAAC A+, WES |
| Capstone | 12-credit Capstone Project with a Live Industry Project in Semester 4 |
| Career Services | Resume writing workshops, mock interviews, LinkedIn masterclass, internship support, 300+ hiring partners |
| Scholarships | Guaranteed 25% Early Bird Scholarship on program fee |
| Minimum Qualification | Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a recognized Board/University |
| Stream Restrictions | None — open to graduates from any discipline, including Mass Communication, Journalism, or English Literature backgrounds |
| Entrance Exam | Not required |
| Work Experience | Not mandatory — open to fresh graduates and working professionals |
| ABC ID / DEB ID | Required at the time of admission, as per UGC guidelines |
The MA JMC syllabus spans 80 credits across 4 semesters. Semesters 1–3 build core postgraduate journalism and mass communication expertise across reporting, broadcasting, PR, advertising, and research. Semester 4 closes with a 12-credit Capstone Project featuring a Live Industry Project.
| Subjects | Credits |
|---|---|
| Print Journalism: Reporting and Editing | 4 |
| Communication Theories & Models | 4 |
| Professional Business Communication | 4 |
| National & International Issues & Affairs | 4 |
| Mass Media: History and Contemporary Scenario | 4 |
| TOTAL | 20 |
| Subjects | Credits |
|---|---|
| Media Literacy & Critical Thinking | 4 |
| Television Journalism | 4 |
| Radio Journalism | 4 |
| Media Laws and Ethics | 4 |
| Introduction to Film Studies | 4 |
| TOTAL | 20 |
| Subjects | Credits |
|---|---|
| Public Relations Campaign | 4 |
| Fundamentals of Advertising | 4 |
| Media Research | 4 |
| Digital Media & Marketing | 4 |
| Storytelling | 4 |
| TOTAL | 20 |
| Subjects | Credits |
|---|---|
| Corporate & Crisis Communication | 4 |
| Event Management: Principles & Practices | 4 |
| Capstone Project (with Live Industry Project) | 12 |
| TOTAL | 20 |
The Chandigarh University Online MA JMC carries a program fee of ₹1,45,000, which comes down to ₹1,08,750 after a 25% Early Bird Scholarship on the program fee — a discount available to early applicants. A one-time, non-refundable prospectus fee of ₹500 also applies during admission.
MA JMC — Standard Fee
After Early Bird Scholarship 25% off
| Full Payment (Lump Sum) | ₹1,08,750 (after 25% Early Bird Scholarship) — highest available discount on upfront full payment |
| Annual Payment | Total Fees / Total Years = ₹1,08,750 / 2 = ₹54,375/year — 25% Early Bird Scholarship on Program Fee |
| Semester Payment | Total Fees / Total Semesters = ₹1,08,750 / 4 = ₹27,188/semester — 25% Early Bird Scholarship on Program Fee |
| Prospectus Fee | One-time, non-refundable ₹500, payable during the admission process |
| Zero-Cost EMI | No-cost EMI options available on annual or lump-sum payment plans |
| Seat Booking | Reserve a seat by paying a blocking amount of ₹10,000, then complete remaining formalities |
| Payment Modes | Debit/Credit Card, UPI, Net Banking, Education Loan |
Admission to the Chandigarh University Online MA JMC is fully online, with no entrance exam required. Fresh sessions open twice a year — July/August and January/February.
For document requirements or scholarship eligibility, use the WhatsApp or Call button below to reach the admissions support team.
Fee Refund Policy — Chandigarh University Online MA JMC
Chandigarh University Online follows the UGC Refund Policy. A 100% refund is allowed if admission is cancelled 15 or more days before the last admission date. A 90% refund applies for cancellation made less than 15 days before the last date. An 80% refund applies if cancelled within 15 days after the last admission date. A 50% refund applies for cancellations between 15–30 days after the last date. No refund is provided after 30 days. The registration/prospectus fee is not refunded, as per UGC norms. See the full breakdown in the UGC Policies tab.
Examinations at Chandigarh University Online are conducted through the Advanced Learning Management System with an on-demand examination facility — students can schedule and appear for exams from home once they are ready, without visiting a physical exam centre.
| Exam Mode | Online, on-demand examination — appear from home via LMS when ready |
| Internal Assessment | Assignments and case studies submitted through the LMS portal |
| End-Term Examination | Conducted online at the end of each semester |
| Exam Fee | No separate exam fee — included in program cost |
| Learning Access | 24/7 access to recorded lectures, e-books, and webinars via LMS |
| Student Support | Doubt sessions, discussion forums, academic mentors, and helpdesk support |
An MA in Journalism & Mass Communication prepares graduates for senior and specialist roles across news media, broadcasting, public relations, and film — building on undergraduate-level skills with advanced reporting, media research, and corporate communication expertise.
| Job Role | Industry / Sector |
|---|---|
| News Editor | Print, Digital & Broadcast News |
| News Presenter | Television & Digital News |
| Film Director | Film & Entertainment |
| Television Producer | Television & OTT |
| Public Relations Manager | Corporates, PR Agencies |
| Screenwriter | Film, TV, OTT |
Roles and progression depend on portfolio, employer, city, and prior experience.
Chandigarh University Online provides end-to-end placement support — resume writing workshops, mock interviews, a LinkedIn masterclass, internship support, and career coaching sessions — alongside access to a hiring-partner network for job search after graduation.
Chandigarh University Online operates under the regulations of the University Grants Commission (UGC), the statutory body that governs higher education in India, including online and distance learning. Two UGC policies are especially relevant to prospective MA JMC students: the fee refund policy, and the equivalence of online/ODL degrees with regular degrees.
UGC requires all universities offering online and distance programs to follow a standardized, prorated refund schedule if a student withdraws after admission. This protects students from losing their entire fee if they discontinue a program shortly after joining. Chandigarh University Online follows this UGC-mandated schedule in full.
| 15+ days before the last admission date | 100% refund of fees paid |
| Less than 15 days before the last admission date | 90% refund of fees paid |
| Within 15 days after the last admission date | 80% refund of fees paid |
| 15–30 days after the last admission date | 50% refund of fees paid |
| More than 30 days after the last admission date | No refund |
| Registration / Prospectus Fee | Non-refundable in all cases, as per UGC norms |
Yes. As per Regulation 22 of the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, degrees and postgraduate diplomas awarded through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode and/or Online mode by UGC-recognized Higher Educational Institutions are treated as fully equivalent to the corresponding degrees offered through conventional (on-campus) mode.
In other words, an MA in Journalism & Mass Communication earned online from Chandigarh University carries the same legal standing as a regular, on-campus MA — for employment, government exams, promotions, and further studies — provided the program is offered under a UGC-DEB approved online mode.
As per UGC guidelines under the National Education Policy 2020, every student enrolling in the Chandigarh University Online MA JMC must generate an ABC ID (Academic Bank of Credits ID) — a unique 12-digit number that stores and tracks a student's academic credits across recognized institutions. It functions like a digital academic passport that stays with the student for life, enabling smooth credit transfer if they change institutions or pursue further studies later.
| Mobile Number | Aadhaar-linked mobile number for DigiLocker verification |
| Personal Details | Full name, date of birth, gender (usually auto-filled from DigiLocker) |
| Institution Details | Institution name and enrolment details (Chandigarh University) |
| Email ID | Valid email for confirmation and future communication |
| Enrolment / Admission Number | If requested by the portal |
The most common hiccups are a delayed OTP while logging into DigiLocker (usually a network issue that resolves in a few minutes) and a name mismatch between Aadhaar and university admission records due to spelling variations. If your name doesn't match, correct it via Aadhaar's official update process first, then relink your ABC ID. The ABC portal can also be slower during peak admission season — trying again during non-peak hours, such as early morning, usually helps.
Flexibility
Chandigarh University Online offers a flexible learning environment suitable for working professionals balancing a job and an advanced degree.
Quality Education
The program maintains high academic standards with a curriculum designed around current journalism, broadcasting, and digital media practices.
Industry Relevance
Students work on real-world newsroom and media case studies, culminating in a Capstone Project with a Live Industry Project.
Experienced Faculty
Faculty include working journalists and media academics with newsroom experience at organizations like NDTV, Reuters, Indian Express, and Hindustan Times.
Global Networking
Students connect with peers and industry professionals across sectors, strengthening long-term career prospects.
Placement Support
Access to a job portal with 300+ hiring partners, plus internship support and career coaching.
UGC-Entitled Programs
UGC recognition is a stamp of credibility, quality, and acceptance for CU Online degrees — respected by academicians and corporate leaders alike.
Industry-Aligned Curriculum
Curriculum designed to keep pace with evolving media, journalism, and digital content trends.
24x7 Learner Support
Comprehensive online infrastructure with on-demand examination scheduling for maximum flexibility.
Interactive Industry Sessions
Real-time discussions with industry leaders that build confidence and practical know-how.
World-Class LMS
An advanced learning platform for a seamless, personalized learning path and global peer collaboration.
Affordable & Flexible Fees
Book your seat with just ₹10,000 and pay via No-Cost EMI, annual, or semester-wise plans.
An Online MA JMC is suitable for graduates who want advanced expertise in reporting, media strategy, and communication leadership. It benefits:
- Fresh graduates seeking a specialist qualification for media careers
- Working professionals looking to switch their career or domain into media
- Career changers looking to upskill in digital content and corporate communication
- Military professionals seeking a broader civilian career path
- International students exploring advanced media and communication careers
- Full-time learners who wish to commit to full-time studies
Learners of an Online MA JMC develop a strong mix of writing, production, research, and leadership skills, including:
- Advanced news reporting, writing, and editing
- Television and radio journalism
- Digital media writing, marketing, and content strategy
- Public relations campaigns and advertising fundamentals
- Media research, media law, and ethics
- Corporate and crisis communication
- Storytelling and event management
Final Verdict: The Chandigarh University Online MA in Journalism & Mass Communication offers a practical, advanced route into media leadership roles — covering print, TV, radio, digital, PR, and advertising, and closing with a Capstone Project built on a Live Industry Project. Backed by UGC-DEB approval, NAAC A+ accreditation, and AICTE/WES recognition, and supported by 300+ hiring partners, it gives graduates from any discipline a credible, flexible path into senior journalism and communication careers.