Haridev Joshi University of Journalism & Mass Communication

Haridev Joshi University of Journalism & Mass Communication (HJU), located in the vibrant city of Jaipur, stands as a premier state university dedicated to nurturing the next generation of media professionals. Established by the Government of Rajasthan, the university bridges the gap between traditional journalism and modern digital media. In 2026, HJU continues to be a hub for students from across North India, leveraging Jaipur's status as a regional media powerhouse.

HJU offers a diverse range of programs catering to the evolving needs of the media industry. The curriculum for 2026 emphasizes digital literacy, fact-checking, and multimedia storytelling.

• MA (Journalism & Mass Communication): A comprehensive two-year program focusing on print, electronic, and web journalism.
• BA (Journalism & Mass Communication): A foundation course for undergraduates aspiring to enter the media world.
• PG Diploma in Advertising & Public Relations: A one-year professional course with high industry demand in Jaipur's growing corporate sector.
• MA (New Media): Specializing in social media management, data journalism, and digital content creation.
• PhD in Journalism: For research scholars focusing on media ethics, sociology, and communication patterns in Rajasthan.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session at HJU are primarily based on the HJU Entrance Examination followed by a personal interview for specific postgraduate and research programs.

• Release of Online Application: First week of May 2026
• Last Date to Apply: Third week of June 2026
• HJU Entrance Exam Date: Second week of July 2026
• Declaration of Results: Last week of July 2026
• Commencement of Classes: Mid-August 2026

Applicants must have a minimum of 50% marks in their previous qualifying degree (45% for reserved categories as per Rajasthan state norms).

Students consistently highlight the university's academic rigor and its connection to the local media ecosystem. Here is a summary of student feedback:

• Academic Excellence: "The faculty members are seasoned journalists who bring real-world experience into the classroom."
• Industry Exposure: "Being in Jaipur, we get frequent opportunities to visit the offices of major dailies like Rajasthan Patrika and Dainik Bhaskar."
• Affordability: "As a state university, the fee structure is very reasonable compared to private media institutes in Jaipur."
• Room for Improvement: Some students suggest that the campus infrastructure, specifically the studio equipment, needs more frequent upgrades to match global standards.

The cutoff for 2026 is determined by the number of applicants and the difficulty level of the entrance exam. Historically, the MJMC program sees the highest competition.

HJU is steadily climbing the ranks among specialized media universities in India. In 2026, it holds a significant position in the regional context:

• Top Media Universities in Rajasthan: Ranked #1 among state-run media institutions.
• India Today - MDRA Survey 2026: Featured in the top 20 emerging media colleges in India.
• Outlook ICare: Noted for its high 'Value for Money' score due to low tuition fees and quality faculty.

The 2025 placement season saw a healthy participation from both regional and national media houses. Jaipur's thriving tourism and textile industries also recruited for PR and communication roles.

• Highest Package: INR 7.5 LPA (Digital Media Role)
• Average Package: INR 3.8 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Rajasthan Patrika, Dainik Bhaskar, ETV Bharat, First India News, Zee Rajasthan, and various Jaipur-based PR firms.
• Placement Rate: Approximately 78% of students seeking jobs were successfully placed.

HJU facilitates various government scholarships to support meritorious and underprivileged students:

• Post-Matric Scholarship: For SC/ST/OBC students as per Rajasthan State Government guidelines.
• Chief Minister’s Higher Education Scholarship: For students who have performed exceptionally in their Class 12 exams.
• Girl Child Scholarship: Special fee concessions and stipends aimed at increasing female participation in journalism.
• Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: University-level assistance for students with high academic scores and low family income.

While Journalism is the core, HJU has diversified its offerings to stay relevant in the 2026 job market. Popular courses include:

• MA in Electronic Media: Focuses on TV production and radio broadcasting.
• MA in Public Relations and Advertising: Highly sought after by students looking for corporate careers.
• PG Diploma in Photojournalism: A niche course for visual storytellers.
• Short-term Certificate in Fact-Checking: A new addition to combat misinformation.

The fee structure at HJU is designed to be inclusive. Below are the estimated annual fees for 2026:

Note: Additional charges for library, media lab, and examinations may apply.

When comparing HJU with other institutions in Rajasthan, such as the University of Rajasthan (UNIRAJ) or private universities like Manipal University Jaipur, several factors come into play:

• Vs UNIRAJ: HJU offers a more specialized curriculum solely focused on media, whereas UNIRAJ provides a more traditional academic experience.
• Vs Private Universities: While private colleges may have more advanced high-end equipment, HJU offers significantly lower fees and a stronger brand value in the government sector and traditional Hindi media.
• Verdict: For students aiming for careers in Hindi journalism or looking for an affordable yet prestigious media degree, HJU is the preferred choice.

The application process for 2026 is entirely digital:

1. Visit the official HJU website at www.hju.ac.in.
2. Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Fill in the academic and personal details in the online application form.
4. Upload scanned copies of required documents (Mark sheets, Caste Certificate, Photo, Signature).
5. Pay the application fee (approx. INR 500-800) via Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.
6. Download and print the application confirmation for future reference.

HJU operates with facilities designed to provide hands-on training to students:

• Media Lab: Equipped with computers featuring latest editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro and QuarkXPress.
• Studio: A dedicated space for news reading, podcasting, and video production.
• Library: A rich collection of over 10,000 books on media, communication, and social sciences, along with international journals.
• Auditorium: Used for guest lectures by veteran journalists and industry seminars.
• Hostel: While the university has limited on-campus housing, it assists students in finding nearby PG accommodations in Jaipur's central areas.

The university is organized into specialized departments to ensure focused learning:

• Department of Print Journalism: The oldest department, focusing on news reporting and editing.
• Department of Electronic Media: Covering television, radio, and mobile journalism.
• Department of Public Relations and Advertising: Managing corporate communication and brand building.
• Department of New Media: Focusing on web portals, social media, and SEO for journalists.
• Department of Media Management: For those interested in the business side of media houses.

Students at HJU are encouraged to supplement their degrees with certifications in digital skills:

• Digital Marketing Certification: Essential for modern PR roles.
• Data Journalism: Learning to interpret and visualize complex data sets.
• Mobile Journalism (MoJo): Training on how to produce professional news using smartphones.
• Fact-Checking and Verification: Specialized courses offered via platforms like Coursera or Google News Initiative.

The faculty at HJU consists of a blend of academic scholars and industry veterans. Many professors have over two decades of experience in mainstream media organizations like PTI, AIR, and Doordarshan. The university also invites visiting faculty from Jaipur's leading newsrooms to provide students with current industry perspectives.

In 2026, HJU offers several blended learning options and short-term online certificates:

• Certificate in Social Media Ethics: A 3-month online program.
• Online Workshop on Hindi Creative Writing: Designed for aspiring bloggers and scriptwriters.
• Webinar Series: Regular online sessions with international media experts.

Alumni of HJU have made significant marks in the Indian media landscape. Graduates are currently working as:

• News Anchors at leading Hindi news channels.
• Senior Reporters at national dailies in Delhi and Mumbai.
• Communication Officers in the Rajasthan State Government.
• Independent Documentary Filmmakers and Digital Content Creators.