Which course is better - BJMC or BA (Hons.) Political Science?

Dear Sweksha,

Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication and Political Science, both are rich and interesting courses, with their own potential pros and cons.

BJMC can be a great option for people who are creative, outgoing, have good communication skills, and can function under stringent deadlines. Admissions to most BJMC courses is through an Entrance Test, which consists mainly of Verbal Ability, General Knowledge, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. Some potential Career options that you can look at after pursuing BJMC are:

-Journalism (News Anchoring, Travel Journalism, Fashion Journalism, and so on)

- Content Writing/ Editing

- Public Relations

- Advertising

- Digital Media Marketing

- Photography, etc.

Then, Political Science may make a for great Career Option for people who are interested in events happening around the world, have good writing as well as research skills. Some Career options one can take up after a degree in Political Science are:

- Law (Corporate Law, Civil Law, Cyber Law, Criminal Law, and so on)

- Legislative Assistant

- International Relations

- Journalism

- Civil Services (IAS/ IPS/ IRS/ IFS)

- Teaching/ Research

Like all Career options, those after BJMC and Political Science too, have their own perks and struggles. Which of these might be a better option for you, can be determined best by yourself, once you do thorough research about potential Career options after both these courses, and try to figure out which of these fields you see yourself working in. Introspecting a bit might help you understand how your Interests, Aptitude, and choices align with what the prospective Career options have to offer you.

Feel free to reach out for any further queries.

All the Best!

Hello,

* Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication (BJMC) is an undergraduate program that provides aspirants with knowledge about various journalistic skills in mass media such as newspapers, television, radio, internet etc. It also informs students about various technology, equipment and software involved in mass media.

* The duration of the course is three years and is divided into six equal semesters. BJMC is a right career choice for the aspirants who have always been curious and inquisitive about the issues and events happening around the world. They should have a good flair for writing and reporting the events to the vast audience through the mass media mediums. Such candidates ideally possess the ability to write well including editing and web writing along with good communication and analytical skills.

* Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication (BJMC) Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum Qualification Required: 10+2 in any stream/ field or equivalent examination.
• Minimum Marks Required: 50% to 60%, varies from college to college.
• Age Requirement: The minimum age requirement for BJMC is 17 years.

* BJMC Admission Process:

• The admission process to BJMC course varies from college to college.
• Some colleges conduct their won entrance exams and the selection is done based on the performance in the exam.
• These colleges often include PI (personal interview) and GD (group discussion) rounds in the selection process.
• Some colleges conduct merit-based or direct admissions.
• In these types of admissions, candidates performance in Class 12 examinations is taken into account at the time of the selection process.
• Some colleges also select students solely based on their performance in Personal Interview/ Group Discussion/ Work Experience.

* Top BJMC Entrance Exams in India:

• IIMC Entrance Exam, Indian Institute of Journalism & Mass Communication
• Jamia Milia Common Entrance Test
• Symbiosis Institute of Journalism & Mass Communication Entrance Exam
• Xavier Institute of Mass Communication Entrance Exam
• Andhra University Common Entrance Test

* Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication (BJMC) Career Options and Job Prospects:

* B.A. {Hons.} in Political Science is a 3-year undergraduate course, the minimum eligibility for which is a 10+2 or intermediate qualification. Successful pursuance of the course builds in candidates reasoning and analytic skills, competency in oral and written expression, research and evaluation skills, the ability to arrive at decisions based on analysis and synthesis of information and data, and such skills which are valued in a wide spectrum of potential career areas.

* The average tuition fee charged in India for the course ranges between INR 8,000 and 1.8 Lacs for three years.

* Successful graduates of the course are hired for roles such as Budget Analyst, Public Relations and Fundraising Manager, Legislative Assistant, Political Scientist, Political Campaign Manager, Market Researcher etc.

* Major hiring industries include museum curation, genealogy, museum education and archeology, marketing, advertising and public relations, law, business and commerce, media, and such.

* The average salary offered in India to such graduates ranges between INR 2 and 10 Lacs, depending upon the candidate’s experience and skillset.

* Eligibility criteria for B.A. {Hons.} in Political Science:

• completed the 10+2 level of education or attained equivalent qualification from a recognized educational Board.
• attained a minimum aggregate score of 50% at the 10+2 level, with English as one of the main subjects (5% relaxation for SC/ST candidates).

* B.A. {Hons.} in Political Science: Admission Process:

• Most institutes and universities offering the course in India follow a merit-based admission process. However, in cases of some institutes, admission to the course is made on the basis of the candidate’s performance in a relevant written test and/or a round of Personal Interview and/or performance in a relevant qualifying examination. Candidates in such cases are shortlisted based on both academic record and performance in a relevant national, State, or university-level entrance test.

* Some such entrance tests conducted in the country for admission to the course are:

• UGC-NET exam in History
• Punjab University Entrance Exam
• Kerala University Entrance Exam
• Delhi University Entrance Exam
• Nehru Arts and Science College Entrance Exam
• Mahatma Gandhi University Entrance Exam.

* B.A. {Hons.} in Political Science: Career Prospects:

• Politics affects virtually every aspect of social life, including the availability of education, jobs, housing, and healthcare. Whether countries are at war or in a state peace, depends essentially on what governments do and who supports them.
• Teaching, research, and publishing are typical occupations for a Political Scientist. Although a career in politics could be considered a typical opportunity for a Political Scientist, it is not a must.
• Campaigns and elections are one of the more obvious career choices. Traditional campaign and volunteering jobs in politics can generally be found through individuals and local parties. Careers in campaign management are cyclical as they come and go with election schedules, but there are on-going opportunities with consulting firms or political action committees of interest groups. Political Science proves a useful base for a career in social work, human rights, social or political research, and urban planning.

* According to my opinion, both the above mentioned courses are reputed degrees, having their own + points & advantages in providing best education, infrastructure & environment.

Dear aspirant,

I would like to tell you that both these courses are very interesting in their own places . But to say which is better, I think it should be answered by you as it is you who has to study this course in your near future. It is very important for you to know what is best for you.