IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm (PGJMC) 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
Part of IGNOU Courses & Fees: Explore the IGNOU Courses List for July 2026 Admission and Fees
The IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm is a one-year programme with a full fee of Rs.13,500/- for the July 2026 session. Any candidate with a Bachelor's Degree in any subject can apply for this diploma.
| Detail | PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm (PGJMC) |
|---|---|
| Programme code | PGJMC |
| School | School of Journalism & New Media Studies (SOJNMS) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree in any subject The learners should possess working knowledge of computers- MS Office and other simple software and should have internet access. |
| Medium | English, Hindi & Tamil |
| Duration | 1 year minimum, 3 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs.13,500/- |
| Total credits | 40 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm (PGJMC): what the programme covers
The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (PGJMC) is a 40-credit programme. It is for individuals who want to learn or upgrade their skills in communication, journalism, and related fields. Working professionals can enhance their knowledge and obtain a formal degree. The programme also serves general learners interested in understanding society and the media’s role, especially in a fast-paced, technologically oriented world.
The PGJMC programme consists of eight courses. Six of these are theory courses, with two courses carrying six credits each and four courses carrying four credits each. After completing the PGJMC, a learner can seek admission into the second year of the MA programme in Journalism and Mass Communication, which is also for 40 credits, to obtain a Master’s degree (80 credits). This lateral entry requires paying fees for internal credit transfer as per IGNOU norms. For example, PGJMC learners with 40 credits from the January 2025 admission cycle onwards are admitted directly into the second year of the MAJMC without additional courses, receiving only the current second-year courses of 40 credits.
The programme covers various aspects of journalism and mass communication. For instance, MJM 120 includes study blocks on Introduction to Communication, Evolution of Mass Media, Ownership and Organizational Structures of Mass Media, and Integrated Marketing Communication. MJM 021 focuses on New Concepts, Reporting Techniques, and Beat Reporting. MJM 022 covers Writing Skills, Analytical Writing, Editing, and Layout and Designing. MJM 023 explores Radio Journalism, Television Journalism, and Online Journalism. Finally, MJM 025 addresses Media Ethics, Media Laws, Laws on Information, and Advertising and PR Ethics and Laws.
IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm (PGJMC) eligibility: who can apply
Applicants for the IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any subject. Candidates should also have working knowledge of computers, including MS Office and other simple software, and access to the internet.
The programme is available in English, Hindi, and Tamil mediums. This allows learners to choose the language that best suits their study preferences. The School of Journalism & New Media Studies (SOJNMS) offers this Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm (PGJMC) fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The full programme fee for the IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm (PGJMC) is Rs. 13,500 for the July 2026 session. This amount covers the entire programme.
In addition to the programme fee, applicants pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 at the time of admission for the July 2026 session. These charges are separate from the Rs. 13,500 programme fee.
Learners who choose to receive soft copies of self-learning material instead of printed books get a 15% discount on the programme fee. This reduces the programme fee from Rs. 13,500.
PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm (PGJMC) fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs.13,500/- |
| Registration fee (once, non-refundable) | Rs. 300 |
| University Development fee (once) | Rs. 400 |
| Term-end exam fee | Rs. 200 per theory course |
Paying IGNOU fees: IGNOU fee structure for every programme.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm (PGJMC) duration and credits
The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (PGJMC) has a minimum duration of 1 year. Learners must complete the programme within a maximum of 3 years.
The programme requires a total of 40 credits for completion.
IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm (PGJMC) syllabus: semester-wise courses
The IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm (PGJMC) is a 40-credit programme. It includes eight courses. Six courses are theory-based, with two courses carrying six credits each and four courses carrying four credits each.
Learners who complete the IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm can seek admission into the second year of the MA in Journalism and Mass Communication programme. This MA programme is also 40 credits. This allows a learner to obtain a Master’s degree totaling 80 credits after paying internal credit transfer fees as per IGNOU norms.
MJM 120, “Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication,” covers foundational topics such as the evolution of mass media and integrated marketing communication. MJM 021, “Reporting Techniques,” focuses on new concepts and beat reporting. MJM 025, “Media Ethics and Laws,” addresses media ethics, media laws, and laws on information.
Old PGJMC students with 32 credits from the January 2020 to July 2022 admission cycle, seeking lateral entry into the second year of the revised MAJMC, will be assigned two additional 4-credit courses. Those with 36 credits from the January 2023 to July 2024 admission cycle will be assigned one additional 4-credit course. PGJMC learners with 40 credits from January 2025 onwards will be admitted directly into the second year of the MAJMC without additional courses, receiving only the current second-year courses totaling 40 credits.
PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm (PGJMC) structure at a glance
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Programme courses | 9 courses | 46 |
PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm (PGJMC) Programme courses
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJM 120 | Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication | 6 | Theory |
| MJM 021 | Reporting Techniques | 4 | Theory |
| MJM 022 | Writing and Editing for Print Media | 4 | Theory |
| MJM 023 | Broadcast and Online Journalism | 4 | Theory |
| MJM 124 | Media and Society | 6 | Theory |
| MJM 025 | Media Ethics and Laws | 4 | Theory |
| MJML 220 | Practical: Print | 6 | Practical |
| MJML 221 | Practical: Audiovisual | 6 | Practical |
| MJML 023 | Practical: Digital Media | 6 | Practical |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm (PGJMC) admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
Applicants for the IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm (PGJMC) in the July 2026 cycle must apply online through the Samarth portal. The application process is fully online; no printed form needs to be sent to the Regional Centre.
The application steps are:
- Visit the IGNOU Samarth admission portal for the July 2026 cycle.
- Register as a new user if not already registered.
- Keep your APAAR ID ready before applying.
- Upload a colour passport-size photograph with a white background, under 100 KB, in JPEG format.
- Upload soft copies of relevant educational qualifications, under 200 KB, in JPEG or PDF format.
- Upload a soft copy of the category certificate if applying as SC/ST/OBC, under 200 KB.
- Pay the application fees online. This includes the full programme fee of Rs. 13,500, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300, and a University Development fee of Rs. 400.
- Payment can be made via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway.
IGNOU offers two admission cycles annually: January and July. The current cycle open for applications is the July 2026 cycle.
IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm (PGJMC) exams and assignments
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. If an assignment is failed, it must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, throughout the country. There are two exam sessions daily: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, as seen in the December 2026 TEE schedule. Learners may write the exam in Hindi even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes, as per the December 2026 TEE rules.
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course for the December 2026 TEE. For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle in July 2026. Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post in July 2026. The University provides numerical marks and division (I, II or Pass) for master’s degrees upon request in July 2026. A copy of an answer script costs Rs. 100 per course as of January 2026. Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars cannot. Bachelor’s and Master’s students who are within 2% marks of a 2nd or 1st division may improve their division, with one opportunity only, as of January 2026. An early declaration of result costs Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, only with proof of selection for a post or further studies, as of January 2026.
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total fee for the IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm?
The full programme fee for the IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm is Rs.13,500/- for the July 2026 session. This does not include the non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and the University Development fee of Rs. 400, both paid at admission.
What are the eligibility requirements for the IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm?
Learners must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any subject to be eligible for the IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm. They should also have working knowledge of computers, including MS Office and other simple software, and access to the internet.
How many credits is the IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm?
The IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm is a 40-credit programme.
Which courses in the IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm have practical components?
Both practical courses are worth six credits each, and attendance at practical sessions is compulsory.
Can I pursue a Master's degree after completing the IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm?
Yes, after completing the IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm, a learner can seek admission directly into the second year of the MA programme in Journalism and Mass Communication.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm is 1 year. Learners have a maximum duration of 3 years to complete the programme requirements.
Are there any courses in the IGNOU PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Comm that are heavier in workload?
The programme includes two theory courses, MJM 120 Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication and MJM 124 Media and Society, which are six credits each.
What are the study blocks for MJM 023 Broadcast and Online Journalism?
The eGyanKosh study blocks for MJM 023 Broadcast and Online Journalism cover three main areas. These are Block 1: Radio Journalism, Block 2: Television Journalism, and Block 3: Online Journalism.
What are the study blocks for MJM 025 Media Ethics and Laws?
The eGyanKosh study blocks for MJM 025 Media Ethics and Laws are divided into four parts. These include Block 1: Media Ethics, Block 2: Media Laws, Block 3: Laws on Information, and Block 4: Advertising and PR Ethics and Laws.
What is the difference for lateral entry into MAJMC for students from different PGJMC admission cycles?
Learners with 40 credits from the January 2025 admission cycle onwards will be admitted directly into the second year of the revised MAJMC without additional courses. Old PGJMC students with 32 credits (January 2020 to July 2022) need two additional 4-credit courses, while those with 36 credits (January 2023 to July 2024) need one additional 4-credit course.