For all those friends who want to join the IIMC and plan their future in the field of journalism, one word of advice — take a chill pill.
Basically it is not knowledge that gets you through the entrance exams but 20% each of spontaneity, common sense, presentability, general awareness and luck. As you all must have noticed from the question papers of the past couple of years that cracking the entrance exams is not a rocket science.
All you need to do is follow the news of the past one year if there is something as big as Bhutto assassination; but do keep track of things for the past couple of months. Surf the net and the papers for important events. Develop an opinion about that event. Try to write it down and compare it with others and repeat this exercise till you are satisfied with your performance.
Trust me, no book will help you as much as you yourself writing the report. And no book can teach you how to write. That you can do only by writing and comparing it with other reports.
One more thing. Always read at least 3 versions of the same story so that you have enough material to analyse and develop your opinion and angle about that particular event.
Again try avoiding ornamental language. Leave it for the poets. Remember, a newspaper is for masses and not some elite class. So use the common, simple language and avoid redundancy and jargons. Also avoid sentences bigger than at max 25-30 words. Have your facts right.
Again as much we need to form our opinion, it is extremely important not to force them. We publish news, and views are strictly confined to the editorial and op-ed pages. So try and be very very objective.
SO keep this mantra in mind and follow news religiously and you are on guys...
Now for the interview, it is not much different from the written exam. More often than not, they start conversation from your background. Then they will drag you to the battle-field.
Basically it is not knowledge that gets you through the entrance exams but 20% each of spontaneity, common sense, presentability, general awareness and luck. As you all must have noticed from the question papers of the past couple of years that cracking the entrance exams is not a rocket science.
All you need to do is follow the news of the past one year if there is something as big as Bhutto assassination; but do keep track of things for the past couple of months. Surf the net and the papers for important events. Develop an opinion about that event. Try to write it down and compare it with others and repeat this exercise till you are satisfied with your performance.
Trust me, no book will help you as much as you yourself writing the report. And no book can teach you how to write. That you can do only by writing and comparing it with other reports.
One more thing. Always read at least 3 versions of the same story so that you have enough material to analyse and develop your opinion and angle about that particular event.
Again try avoiding ornamental language. Leave it for the poets. Remember, a newspaper is for masses and not some elite class. So use the common, simple language and avoid redundancy and jargons. Also avoid sentences bigger than at max 25-30 words. Have your facts right.
Again as much we need to form our opinion, it is extremely important not to force them. We publish news, and views are strictly confined to the editorial and op-ed pages. So try and be very very objective.
SO keep this mantra in mind and follow news religiously and you are on guys...
Now for the interview, it is not much different from the written exam. More often than not, they start conversation from your background. Then they will drag you to the battle-field.
But remember one thing. Be original and swift to counter attack by dragging them to your stronghold. Be pleasant and confident. Another formula here. 20% each of confidence, accuracy of facts, presence of mind, approach, and a pleasant smile can get you through any interview.
The interviewers can sometimes go ridiculous, but you must hold your ground.
At last an honest suggestion. Journalism is enormously vast, much bigger than IIMC, ACJ, MANORAMA, JAMIA and all these institutes put together. So even if you don't turn up at the positive side of the result, don't worry. You can go to any media house and do your internship and then get a job if you have the flair.
So all dear friends, all the very best. And hope to see your article on this blog next year.
The interviewers can sometimes go ridiculous, but you must hold your ground.
At last an honest suggestion. Journalism is enormously vast, much bigger than IIMC, ACJ, MANORAMA, JAMIA and all these institutes put together. So even if you don't turn up at the positive side of the result, don't worry. You can go to any media house and do your internship and then get a job if you have the flair.
So all dear friends, all the very best. And hope to see your article on this blog next year.
Cheers,
Pradip Kumar Saha
Sub-editor cum correspondent, Deccan Chronicle
Hyderabad
09948342292
Pradip Kumar Saha
Sub-editor cum correspondent, Deccan Chronicle
Hyderabad
09948342292
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