AJK Mass Communication Research Centre (AJK MCRC), full name Anwar Jamal Kidwai Mass Communication Research Centre, is a postgraduate media studies centre established in 1982 within Jamia Millia Islamia, a Central University in New Delhi. It was set up in collaboration with York University, Toronto and the Canadian International Development Agency. Jamia Millia Islamia is recognised by UGC and holds NAAC A++ accreditation as a university. AJK MCRC is the mass communication arm of JMI and is one of the oldest and most reputed media training centres in India.
AJK MCRC does not appear as a standalone entry in the NIRF ranked list. Outlook’s survey has ranked AJK MCRC #1 in Mass Communication among Indian institutions, with an overall score of 899.
The centre is located on the Jamia Millia Islamia campus, Okhla, New Delhi, and is equipped with three television studios, Radio Jamia (90.4 FM), professional film and broadcast cameras, non-linear editing systems, and a media archival library.
- MA Programmes (2 years each):
- MA Mass Communication — total fees INR 1,46,920
- MA Convergent Journalism — total fees INR 1,65,640
- MA Development Communication — total fees INR 1,33,640
- MA Visual Effects and Animation — total fees INR 1,66,240
- PG Diploma Programmes (1 year each):
- PG Diploma in Acting — INR 80,973
- PG Diploma in Broadcast Technology — INR 61,720
- PG Diploma in Still Photography and Visual Communication — INR 77,020
- PhD in Mass Communication — INR 13,870 per year
Admission to all MA and PG Diploma programmes is through a JMI entrance test comprising a written test, interview, and portfolio review. Application fee is INR 1,000 per programme. JMI is a declared minority institution; minority seats are reserved for Muslim candidates under Article 30 of the Constitution.
AJK MCRC Admission Dates 2026
All AJK MCRC programmes for the 2026-27 session are filled through the JMI entrance process. The JMI entrance test for all MA and PG Diploma programmes was conducted in early 2026, with results declared in May 2026. Counselling is ongoing as of August 2026.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| JMI Entrance Application Window | Completed (January to March 2026) | admission.jmi.ac.in |
| JMI Entrance Test | Completed (April 2026) | Written test, interview, portfolio |
| JMI Entrance Result (MA programmes) | May 2026 | Declared at admission.jmi.ac.in |
| Admission Counselling | Ongoing (August 2026) | Contact AJK MCRC office directly |
| PG Diploma Programmes Admission | Ongoing | Check admission.jmi.ac.in for status |
The course-wise examination pattern for AJK MCRC 2026-27 is shown below.
| Course | Exam Type | Selection Components |
|---|---|---|
| MA Mass Communication | JMI Entrance Test | Written test (200 marks) + Interview (45 marks) + Portfolio (55 marks) |
| MA Convergent Journalism | JMI Entrance Test | Written test + Interview + Portfolio |
| MA Development Communication | JMI Entrance Test | Written test + Interview + Portfolio |
| MA Visual Effects and Animation | JMI Entrance Test | Written test + Interview + Portfolio |
| PG Diploma (Acting / Broadcast Technology / Still Photography) | JMI Entrance Test | Written test + Interview + Portfolio |
| PhD in Mass Communication | JMI Entrance Test + Interview | Research proposal and viva |
AJK MCRC Courses and Fees
AJK MCRC offers four MA programmes, three PG Diploma programmes, and a PhD in Mass Communication. The MA programmes run for two years and the PG Diplomas for one year. Fees vary by programme and are among the more affordable rates for a premier media school in India given JMI’s Central University status.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA Mass Communication | 2 years | Graduation in any discipline; JMI entrance test | INR 1,46,920 |
| MA Convergent Journalism | 2 years | Graduation in any discipline; JMI entrance test | INR 1,65,640 |
| MA Development Communication | 2 years | Graduation in any discipline; JMI entrance test | INR 1,33,640 |
| MA Visual Effects and Animation | 2 years | Graduation in any discipline; JMI entrance test | INR 1,66,240 |
| PG Diploma in Acting | 1 year | Graduation in any discipline; JMI entrance test | INR 80,973 |
| PG Diploma in Broadcast Technology | 1 year | Graduation in any discipline; JMI entrance test | INR 61,720 |
| PG Diploma in Still Photography and Visual Communication | 1 year | Graduation in any discipline; JMI entrance test | INR 77,020 |
| PhD in Mass Communication | Minimum 3 years | MA or equivalent; JMI entrance and research proposal | INR 13,870 per year |
MA Mass Communication has 50 sanctioned seats. All MA and PG Diploma programmes require payment of a separate application fee of INR 1,000 per programme at the time of applying for the JMI entrance test.
AJK MCRC Admission Process
AJK MCRC does not accept CUET PG scores. All admissions are through a JMI-specific written entrance test followed by an interview and portfolio review. There is no direct admission or management quota at AJK MCRC.
MA Programmes
Candidates must hold a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university. The minimum aggregate requirement is 50% in graduation (45% for reserved categories as per UGC norms). The selection process for all four MA programmes follows a three-stage formula:
- Written test: 200 marks — tests general awareness of media, current affairs, and communication concepts.
- Interview: 45 marks — subject knowledge and communication ability.
- Portfolio: 55 marks — previous media work, writing samples, or creative projects.
JMI is a declared minority institution under Article 30 of the Constitution. A portion of seats in each programme is reserved for Muslim minority candidates. All other constitutional reservations (SC, ST, OBC, EWS) also apply as per UGC guidelines.
PG Diploma Programmes
PG Diploma in Acting, Broadcast Technology, and Still Photography and Visual Communication follow the same graduation eligibility and JMI entrance framework. Practical aptitude and portfolio quality carry significant weight in the selection process for these skill-intensive programmes.
PhD in Mass Communication
PhD admission requires a postgraduate degree (MA or equivalent) in Mass Communication or a related discipline with a minimum 55% aggregate. Candidates must appear in the JMI research aptitude test and present a research proposal at the time of interview.
AJK MCRC Placements and Career Outcomes
AJK MCRC alumni are widely represented in television journalism, documentary filmmaking, radio, digital media, photography, and advertising across India. The centre’s alumni network includes some of the most recognised names in Indian media, reflecting decades of industry-aligned training.
Notable alumni include Barkha Dutt (Padma Shri, television journalist), Shah Rukh Khan (actor), Danish Siddiqui (Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist), Barkha Dutt, Kiran Rao (filmmaker), and Sushmit Ghosh and Rintu Thomas (Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmakers). These alumni outcomes reflect the strength of the programme in both journalism and creative media.
Career pathways for graduates span TV news anchors and reporters, documentary and short film directors, broadcast engineers, radio producers, digital content creators, photojournalists, and PR and corporate communication professionals. AJK MCRC operates Radio Jamia (90.4 FM), giving students live-broadcast practice during the programme itself.
AJK MCRC Rankings
AJK MCRC is recognised as one of the top mass communication institutes in India across independent media education surveys. It does not participate in NIRF as a standalone institution, as it is a centre within Jamia Millia Islamia (a Central University).
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Outlook | Mass Communication (India) | #1 (Overall score: 899) |
| India Today | Mass Communication (India) | #2 |
These rankings reflect AJK MCRC’s position within the mass communication education category, not the broader university rankings of Jamia Millia Islamia. JMI as a university appears in NIRF University rankings separately.
AJK MCRC Campus and Infrastructure
AJK MCRC is housed on the Jamia Millia Islamia campus in Okhla, New Delhi. The centre has some of the most professional production infrastructure of any Indian media school, including three television studios, professional cameras (PD-150, PD-170, HVR Z-1 models), Arriflex film cameras, non-linear editing suites, and digital audio workstations.
The centre operates Radio Jamia on 90.4 FM, a community radio station that gives students hands-on broadcast radio experience during their programme. A media library with archival film and media collections supports research for PhD and MA students. Both analogue and digital production systems are available, bridging legacy broadcast training with modern digital workflows.
Students have access to the broader JMI campus facilities including the university library, sports complex, canteen, and health centre. JMI has hostels, but availability for AJK MCRC students depends on the university’s hostel allotment policy each year.
AJK MCRC vs IIMC Delhi vs SIMC Pune
Aspirants targeting top media schools in India who are seriously considering AJK MCRC often also evaluate the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) Delhi and Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (SIMC) Pune. All three focus on postgraduate media education, though they differ in structure, fees, and industry positioning.
| Parameter | AJK MCRC, New Delhi | IIMC, New Delhi | SIMC, Pune |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institute Type | Central University centre (JMI) | Autonomous government institute (Ministry of I&B) | Private deemed university (Symbiosis) |
| Established | 1982 | 1965 | 1990 |
| Flagship Programme | MA Mass Communication (2 years) | PG Diploma in Journalism (1 year) | MA Mass Communication (2 years) |
| Total MA Fees | INR 1,33,640 to INR 1,66,240 | Comparable to government rates | Higher fee band |
| Admission Basis | JMI entrance test (written + interview + portfolio) | IIMC entrance test | SNAP + SIMC entrance process |
| Industry Focus | TV journalism, documentary, radio, photography | Print, TV, radio journalism | Advertising, PR, digital media |
| Notable Alumni | Barkha Dutt, Shah Rukh Khan, Danish Siddiqui | Wide journalism alumni base | Advertising and digital media alumni |
AJK MCRC is particularly strong in documentary filmmaking, broadcast journalism, and visual communication. IIMC is the oldest and largest government-backed journalism institute with a well-established print and broadcast journalism track. SIMC Pune suits aspirants targeting advertising, brand communication, and digital media careers. Fee structures at AJK MCRC are lower than most private media schools due to its Central University status.
AJK MCRC FAQs
Ques. Is AJK MCRC part of Jamia Millia Islamia?
Ans. Yes. AJK MCRC (Anwar Jamal Kidwai Mass Communication Research Centre) is a postgraduate centre within Jamia Millia Islamia, a Central University in New Delhi. JMI is UGC-recognised and holds NAAC A++ accreditation.
Ques. Is CUET PG required for AJK MCRC admission?
Ans. No. AJK MCRC does not accept CUET PG scores. Admission to all MA and PG Diploma programmes is through a JMI-specific written entrance test followed by an interview and portfolio review. Candidates must apply through admission.jmi.ac.in.
Ques. What is the total fee for MA Mass Communication at AJK MCRC?
Ans. The total two-year fee for MA Mass Communication at AJK MCRC is INR 1,46,920 (Year 1: INR 79,660 and Year 2: INR 67,260). The application fee for the JMI entrance test is INR 1,000 separately.
Ques. Is AJK MCRC ranked in India?
Ans. Yes. AJK MCRC has been ranked #1 in Mass Communication by Outlook and #2 by India Today among Indian media institutes. It does not participate in NIRF as a standalone institution, since it is a centre within Jamia Millia Islamia.
Ques. Who are some famous alumni of AJK MCRC?
Ans. AJK MCRC alumni include Barkha Dutt (Padma Shri television journalist), Shah Rukh Khan (actor), Danish Siddiqui (Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist), Kiran Rao (filmmaker), and Sushmit Ghosh and Rintu Thomas (Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmakers).
Ques. Is there a hostel facility at AJK MCRC for students?
Ans. AJK MCRC students may apply for hostel accommodation through Jamia Millia Islamia’s university hostel allotment process. Hostel availability is subject to the university’s annual allotment policy. Contact the JMI hostel office directly for current availability.
Ques. What entrance exam is needed for admission to AJK MCRC?
Ans. Admission to all AJK MCRC programmes is through a JMI entrance test. The selection process includes a written test (200 marks), interview (45 marks), and portfolio review (55 marks). There is no CUET PG or any national-level exam accepted for AJK MCRC admission.
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You can check out the placement details at AJK MCRC New Delhi Placement.