Stay Logical and Crisp in Answers

Darpan Mago is an alumnus of English Journalism from IIMC, Jammu Campus and passed out in the year 2014. He has majored in English Literature from ARSD College, University of Delhi and currently works with The Pioneer newspaper, a job through campus placement. Darpan is an avid writer covering art, culture, entertainment and lifestyle for the publication.

I must congratulate that you’ve planned for the most prestigious institution for communication studies in India. This journey will be more than just an addition to your theoretical knowledge base. It’ll be a practical experience of all aspects that you’ll be facing in media industry.

IIMC has imparted me with many essential skills that one requires as a journalist. For me, the journey was more of a rigorous training, than giving exams and passing out with the ‘IIMC Tag’. When most of you would be looking down the lane, you’ll be proud to be ‘the chosen one’.

The entrance procedure for English Journalism at IIMC has two major milestones to accomplish, first the written exam then the personal interview. Both are designed to ascertain your abilities as a successful journalist in future.

First things first, let’s start with the written examination. All you have to do is take a copy of your favorite newspaper and read it conscientiously. Keep your focus on current events and especially those which have taken place around 3-4 months before the exam is scheduled. There are high chances that not much will be asked out of this sphere. You might have already gone through the previous year question papers and assessed that IIMC entrance exam is not a brain surgery. Unless informed in prior, the pattern for written test remains more or less unchanged. Questions will be assessing your opinion building abilities and knack for writing. Give you prior focus to the ‘elections circus’ and formulate your understanding of a few major political parties and their stand in India.

Different issues of national importance must also be explored, for instance Naxalism, IPL controversies, Russia-Crimea conflict, Malaysian Flight Mystery, BJP’s victory, J&K problem, MNREGA and Communal Violence Bill are few of them. You should also have an understanding of prominent govt. schemes and national flagship programs. You will also be quizzed for your knowledge on important people in news. Kejriwal, Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Kirran Bedi, Kirron Kher, Gul Panag and Anandiben make up few of such people. Stay logical and crisp in answers and don’t be carried away by lengths. Follow articles on Mainstream Weekly website and read Guardian’s online publications to improve your writing skills. It is also advisable to pen down your opinions on different issues and self-assess your writing skills.

After you’ve won more than half the battle, the personal interview session awaits you! You’ve reached far and now you have to proceed determined with not even a single thought of going home. The interview is basically real-time test of what you were asked in the written examination. There can be questions pulled from anything you speak. You have to have knowledge for whatever you are going to utter. Take a glance at your CV and make sure you haven’t decorated it with something you’re clueless about. 

Be confident and true to yourself, don’t fake and speak of only what you know. After a point, it is you who owns all the power to turn the interview in your favor. Speak all that you’re well versed with and throw an opportunity to the panel for testing you in familiar waters. If you happen to be unaware of anything choose honesty than dodging the ball and puzzling the panel. As far as the dress code is concerned, stick to formal and pick simple yet bold attire. Speak balanced and you’ll certainly get this one off your shoulders too!

All the very best! I’ll be happy to feed your curiosities at darpanmago@gmail.com