A complete guide to Journalism (Hons) course at Maharaja Agrasen College

I applied for Delhi College of Arts & Commerce and Maharaja Agrasen College as these are the only two co-ed colleges that provide Journalism (Hons) in Delhi University. DCAC's cut off was higher compared to MAC thats why I opted for MAC. My admission was done under General Quota. There many Quota available in Delhi University such as EWS, OBC (Non-creamy), SC/ST. Alongwith there is also some cut off deduction for Kashmiri Migrants, Women, Specially abled etc. All the details regarding the eligibility for these Quota (some of them are self explanatory) are available on DU website. Admission Criteria for this program is based on cut off list released by affiliated colleges. For general category usually the minimum cut off list goes to 92% on best of 4 subjects in 12th standard, but it can vary every year. There is no age limit as such but it is better to apply in the same year when one has passed their 12th standard. Once application form is filled, admission process is really easy.

The journalism (Hons) course in Delhi University offers every facet of the media industry in its curriculum which attracted me to this course. Faculty: The student is a bit high which is not a good thing as not every student is confident from the start. But there are so many opportunities in this course for everyone to flourish. Every teacher in the faculty is Phd holder and has vast experience in media. Teaching is mostly practical and according to the needs of the students. There are total 6 semesters of 6 months each over a 3-year course. CBCS curriculum is planned in a way that it tests the student's theoretical as well as practical knowledge based on the subject. Exams will be very easy to pass if one is attending maximum lectures and participates actively in college. 75% attendance is compulsory and 5 marks will be awarded if the student has 90+% attendance. 20 marks for the assignment and Internal test.

Since the Pandemic hit, there has not been much internship opportunities provided by college. But faculty members support and reccomend to many prestigious institutions. Projects and assignments are given semester according to the subject. During the course one student will have to submit a radio show, documentary, feature story, news show,ground reporting, short films etc. Each assignment carries maximum 20 marks.

Maharaja Agrasen College is a bit weak in this aspect as it only has a Training and Placement Cell but it is really of very little use for Journalism Students. Although regular symposiums and seminars are organized by inviting guest lecturers, renowned media experts to share their knowledge about the media industry.

Fees in Maharaja Agrasen College is pretty reasonable. Rs. 15000 per annum alongwith exam fees of approximately Rs.1000 each semester. College Campus has a large library that provides almost all the study material, reference books, research papers, etc required for the syllabus. Although the college does not provide hostel facilities for boys. Cost of living in that locality is around Rs. 10000 per month including rent and food.

Campus life at MAC is really hot and happening. There are lots of activities to take part in which help students to explore their interests and get better exposure. There is a vast repository of books, journals, research papers etc in the college library alongwith an online directory. Classrooms are well lit and has multiple plug points with Projector connectivity. Classrooms have soundproof doors. The College campus has a large and lavish Football ground with Knocking Area in the side for cricket. Along with that it also has basketball court. There are lots of sports to choose from like cricket, football, softball, basketball, kabaddi etc. There are many cultural societies under Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) wing. There is Debating Society, Quizzing Society, street play society, english theatre society, dramatics society, art & craft society, dance society, anchoring pool and marketing society. Annual fest is called Yuvaan and held in the month of march every year.