Pragati, You haven't mentioned what specific information do you require regarding journalism. In the absence of such information, we have provided a complete overview of the profession of Journalism which will definitely give you a feel of what lies in store for you.

Journalism is all about communicating information through various media and involves the collection and dissemination of news through articles, speech or visuals. Let's go through the various categories:

Reporting: It implies coverage of any kind of event to get a story. Wherever possible, reporters research the background of a subject before beginning first-hand investigation. Whatever the issue, they are expected to present a clear and unbiased account of the facts they have gathered and particularly in controversial cases to include points of view of those involved. Reporters must compose stories quickly and meet tight deadlines. Accuracy, brevity and speech are the most important factors. They do not have fixed timings and travel frequently, often to remote areas or trouble spots to cover the action.

Correspondent/Specialist Reporting: Involves reporting either on a topic of specialisation, or from a place other than the paper's headquarters. Special correspondents often report on general news. Specialisation can range from politics, foreign affairs, finance and law to sports, culture or health and environment. Few correspondents concentrate only on specialist writing. Those who do, such as syndicated columnist, usually contribute to several papers at the same time.

News/Features Editing: This is for journalists with good organising skills. This is primarily a desk job involving little or no reporting. News and features editors control reporting staff, allocate assignments and attend editorial conferences.

Sub-editing: Sub-editors are required to re-write stories to fit the space assigned; spruce up introductions and language, proof copy for spelling and punctuation; and sometimes give the story a 'slant' or focus of interest. They write headlines and sometimes, in consultation with the night or assistant editor, compose page layouts. Subbing is a desk job that involves teamwork and is always done under tight time constraints. Sub-editors in newspapers work in shifts and therefore are on duty at odd hours.

Feature Writing: Is more descriptive and detailed than news reporting and can cover any topic of general interest. They are usually written by experienced journalists or specialists.

Columns: Topics can be general, usually a look at something from the writer's personal viewpoint or specialised, if the columnist is an expert on a particular subject. Sometimes, writers from other papers are invited to contribute their articles on a regular basis and are called 'guest columnists'

Cartoons/Graphics: Range from cartography, graphics and illustrations that enhance a story to caricatures and cartoons that comment on public figures or events.

Requirements

Requirements: You will need a flair for writing and an ability to express ideas. You should be open minded, unbiased and curious with wide ranging interests.

As for educational qualifications, it varies with the institutions. Generally a degree in any discipline is the minimum qualification for entry. Getting into leading newspapers in India will be easier if you have obtained a first class in graduation. You can also have a Bachelor degree in Journalism. Alternatively, you can opt for a Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism after graduation in any discipline.

Other degree/diploma which may also lead to you a job:

*MA in a Literature (English or any other languages)/MA in Economics/Commerce/other subject

MA in Journalism MA in Mass Communication & Journalism

*Bachelor/ Master of Mass Communication & Journalism

*MA/ Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication

*MA/ Post Graduate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism

*MA/ Post Graduate Diploma in Television Journalism

*MA/ Post Graduate Diploma in Electronic Journalism

*MBA/ Post Graduate Diploma in Management