IGNOU Introduces BA In Journalism And Digital Media Under NEP 2020; Know Eligibility Criteria

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has introduced a new undergraduate degree programme, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Digital Media (BA-JDM), under the Union Government's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Provided by the School of Journalism and New Media Studies, the programme is offered in the English medium and will be covered in open and distance learning (ODL) mode.

Students joining the program have the option to pursue a three-year honours degree or a four-year honours with research program based on their interests. The course is designed over eight semesters and accommodates a flexible span of a minimum of three years to a maximum of eight years. There are also early exit routes, students can receive a certificate upon completion of one year or a diploma upon completion of two years, depending on the number of credits earned.

Curriculum Highlights and Skills Taught

The curriculum includes a broad range of conventional and new media subjects, some of which are:

- Core journalistic practices like reporting, editing, writing, and publication

- New media technologies such as photography, podcasting, audiovisual content creation, and web portal development

- Data journalism, with courses on data journalism, analytics, big data, and tools such as R programming

- Media research and marketing, such as internet research methods, economics of digital media, and communication strategy

This interdisciplinary program is meant to equip students with competencies applicable in today's rapidly changing digital media environment.

Eligibility & Fee Structure

Anybody who has passed 10+2 or equivalent qualification can apply. There is no age limit for admission. The program fee is ₹10,600 annually, excluding registration, development and examination fees, which will be separately charged as per IGNOU norms.

The program is available across the country through IGNOU's extensive network of regional and study centres. Candidates willing to seek more information can contact program coordinators at 011-29571601 / 1602 or through email at bajdm@ignou.ac.in. Candidates can also look up the IGNOU official website for additional information.