Read newspapers and keep yourself updated

To be honest and when I write this do not take me to be a pretentious snob, but getting through the English Journalism entrance is not a rocket science. I may sound a little ambitious but if I am asked how to crack IIMC entrance examinations, I have a simple answer- all you need to do is keep yourself updated with all you can. Sounds a little hard? It may at first but when you actually start thinking about it you might realise that reading a newspaper thoroughly for two to three hours daily is enough. It should be in your habit to read a newspaper on a daily basis. Your day should be incomplete unless you have read a newspaper.

Search for everything that has been in news in the last one year globally. You should be having a thorough understanding of what are all the burning issues. The issues can range from politics, economics to sports, movies et al. (whether national or international).

If possible try writing some essays on the issues that were in news recently and by news I mean major events. Every major English daily has a presence on web where you can find all the news to satiate your thirst. Read whatever you can about current issues you come across. Make it a habit of reading the newspaper editorial section.

Now how to answer questions. Generally, you get one statement on a current topic and are asked to give your viewpoints or do a critical analysis of the given problem. Of course there is a word limit for that ranging between 150-200 words. The examiners are not only checking your understanding of the issue and writing skills they are also looking at your own viewpoint on different issues. It is important to have a stand on issues. For example Jan Lok Pal Bill. You might be asked your viewpoint on it or to critically analyse whether India needs a law like this or not. You may also be also be asked about whether Anna Hazare's method of protest was right or wrong. This is just an example of the types that can be asked.

You should be ready to answer such questions with adequate reasons and facts backing your argument. Try giving both sides of an issue and then justifying one over other. Keep your sentences simple and short. Try not to beat around the bush. Avoid repetation.

Important thing to remeber is try not to cross word limit. You can end your essays short but try not to cross the limit. How effectively you can express yourself within prescribed limit is also a test. Give only relevant arguments i.e. only those which are related to the question asked.

Another question asked where there is a potential of scoring is where you are asked to write two-three sentences on various topics ranging from personalities to issues and organisations in news. If you are following the current events this one should not be a problem.

I must admit that I felt myself to be lucky to get through this test considering the fact that being the premier institute for Journalism it is an achievement in itself to get through its entrance examination. Again i would say read, read and read whatever you can on current topics and issues in news in the last few months. The more you read the better your understanding on issues will be and easier it will be to answer the questions. Become a “news junkie”!

To be succesfull in this field you should have a passion for writing and news. Best of luck for the exams.


Feroz Khan
2010-11, English Journalism