En Route: IIMC Entrance, Bon Voyage

Reva Malhotra | Currently working as an Account Executive at Edelman. Love the batch of 2013-14 and was a part of the same, for the course of Advertising and Public relations at IIMC. Formely, was a student of English literature at Jesus and Mary College, DU batch of 2013.

If you're reading this blog, it's fair to assume that you're taking your IIMC preparation seriously, which is smart. But although you're taking your study seriously, are you being smart about how you study? Both commitments are important if you want to do well on the entrance exam without driving yourself crazy and burning out before test day.

Most people preparing for the IIMC exam experience a range of emotions relating to the test: fear, excitement, and loathing -- you name it. The excitement to start a new phase of life a new chapter and the expectations that come with it can set you in a tizzy. So how do we start?

You must Assess, Acquire and Achieve :) Asses the problem in hand, acquire the skills to overcome it and then got for the kill and achieve it!

Everyone who is preparing for the exam on Advertising and Public relations must approach the exam with an open mind. They must be aware of the current advertising campaigns which are doing well or have captured their attention as consumers. It can be anything from a simple Mentos ad to the Vodafone zoo zoo and advertisements which created an impact or which can still be recalled easily must be pre prepared by reading about the same.

In the written exam, write your answer to the point and chose the correct vocabulary to express yourself creatively. The length of the answer is of little importance as compared to the content of the answer. Thus, you must try and stick to the word limit (which is usually mentioned in the question paper) If you don't fully understand the question type, you should spend some time reviewing it. However, it would be a mistake to devote a large chunk of your time on understanding one question or answering one question for that matter, because you know it thoroughly. In both cases you'll screw up on the time management part for other answers.

Thinking rationally, analyzing a question is necessary yet the beauty lies in answering them creatively. So “think hatke” and nobody will reprimand you for it :) You must break out of your comfort zone.

As far as the interview and GD is concerned the only sane piece of advice I can give is: Be yourself and wear a smile. The people in the panel are very learned and experienced so do not try to fake something if you do not know about it but do not be intimidated by the pressure created on you either. The panelists might want to grill you and have the last laugh yet believe in yourself stay confident and stay positive.

You've already made the critical decision to take your preparation seriously. Now reward yourself, by making your study time as efficient, effective, and fun as possible: read. Read as much as you can on variety of topics ranging from political campaigns to consumable products to gadgets, their advertisements etc and then pause. Why? It is important to stop, think and analyze the content and visuals, why did you like or dislike it? You must reason it out with yourself and your friends and try to gather opinions which might come to your rescue while drafting answers.

IIMC offers a plethora of activities, grooms your personality and adds to your knowledge bank by giving a fresh perspective on simple things around you. It has been a treat to be a part of the IIMC AD-PR journey with the best minds around you from friends to mentors…and as I write this.. The nostalgia creeps in and I am lost on the track of memory lane yet again :)

P.S. Good luck and feel free to contact me at reva.malhotar4@gmail.com. Will definitely help you with even the stupidest of questions: P

Read & Write, As Much As You Can !

Mohi Narayan is an alumnus of 2013-14 batch of English Journalism, New Delhi Campus. She got placed with news agency Cogencis Information Services as a reporter in Mumbai. She has been the co-founder of Cine Manch, the film society that was functional at IIMC New Delhi during academic year 2013-14.

Read. Yes, read as much as you can. Newspapers, magazines, journals or whatever comes your way. Reading consolidates both understanding and language. For English Journalism, you need both. You don't need to be an expert, that is not expected from you at this point. But, you have to exhibit clarity and coherence of thoughts in your writing. For everything you read, search for a counter argument piece. Analyse it from all the possible sides and try to form an opinion.

Be precise. Understand that journalism requires to-the-point accounts. Beating around the bushes kills the copy for the reader. Think critically before you write. Try writing everyday.

You have your entrance on 31st, so start writing extensively now. Write about budget 2014 that the new government is expected to present, the challenges that the economy is facing, emergence of AAP, reasons of failure of the UPA government, the national film awards, media corruption and paid news. Prepare yourself to think quickly and clearly on all current issues. You'd also be asked to identify famous personalities who made news this year or the last year. Keep track of some names.

It is not difficult, you just need to be a good thinker. Keep it brief, simple, accurate and readable.

All the best! Hope to see you there!

All You Need is Madness to Excel

Ankita Upadhyay is an alumnus of Radio and Television Journalism, from the batch of 2012-2013 and is currently working with The Pioneer newspaper as a Sub Editor.

Siddhartha Vardharajan was once asked by an interviewer why he became a journalist. He simply replied that he was interested in news. Remember Suhasini Haider who once disclosed that her mother was about to call off her marriage as she was busy in covering a J&K elections? Such people had the madness and quirkiness towards news. They knew their targets and ambitions which led them towards a very successful career in journalism.

Those of you, who are all set to appear for the IIMC entrance test on 31st of May for English Journalism, Radio -Television and Hindi Journalism, make sure the reason, why you want to be a journalist. If your mornings are incomplete without a newspaper, if you watch Arnab Goswami every night but hate him at the same time, if you still like All India Radio’s news bulletin, if you have all the news apps on your phone, you better spin the dreams for this madhouse. Most importantly, if you can’t stop yourself raising questions on the system which runs this huge country, you are most welcome in this world where intellect is each one’s fashion.

Dear future Journalists, you all are aware that IIMC being one of the prestigious colleges in the country for learning Journalism and media studies is desired by many but some get through only. To make it a sure shot victory, you must have the knack of the news sense. Well news sense doesn’t come in a day or two. Now that you all are looking forward for the written test, keep a track of events and happenings of the past six months.

Read newspapers every day, if possible, read at least two three newspapers and make a comparison between them, analyse the manner in which the news have been presented.

Journalism cannot be done without a language. If you want to become a good journalist, then you must have an excellent command over a particular language and as well as writing. There is saying that the more you read, the more you write. Along with your general knowledge, the IIMC written test is taken to evaluate your vocabulary, comprehension skills, writing and finally grammar. Make sure you try to enhance these few things before the written test.

Besides everything, your concern for the society and the country will take you further. The minute details mentioned above are enough for you to crack the entrance. There will be days where you will feel wretched and disheartened. But the madness for news and journalism will heal all wounds. All the best for the entrance test folks.

You can reach for further queries at- ankita.1991.25@gmail.com

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

The Perfect Blend of Aptitude & Attitude

Ajra is an alumna of Advt-PR, 2013-14 batch. After completing her Bachelors in Journalism and Mass Communication, she interned and worked for two years, gathering a little experience for the Advertising field, where she always longed to be. Fond of books and music, she is not-a-very social element but a lover of Instagram. She is currently placed at Grey Group India through campus placement, where she is a Copy Intern. She thinks she found “It” in IIMC, and hopes, you might.

Entrance exams, brings along jitters and anxiety, but for the aspirants of IIMC, a pinch of patience, an ounce of ideation and loads of common sense is the right potion to be gulped down during these freaking times.

To start with-

A. Read newspapers, articles and keep yourselves regularly updated. Brand Equity, www.afaqs.com, www.exchange4media.com and any one daily which you completely rely on, are must reads throughout the course of your preparation.

B. Read about the major current events, recently, about the Political campaigns of both INC and BJP, the AAP Govt., etc., and all other national and international events.

C. Campaigns say a lot about creativity, hence fish out some advertising campaigns,old and new, memorable ones; pick out your favourites and question why were they successful.

D. Try and remember the taglines, the agencies behind the campaigns,people in the advertising field or otherwise who have influenced you in some or the other way. 

E. As far as attempting the question paper is concerned,read all the questions carefully and answer only if you are sure you can pen it down well.

F. Don't exaggerate or run around the bush, keep your answers simple and easy to understand keeping intact the main idea behind it.

G. Nervousness is healthy,but not in abundance,(just like I am a little and wrote point "d" again)(now don't scroll back..!!!!).

H. Read all your answers carefully before you submit and most importantly manage your time according to the length of the paper.

After the months of toil and effort you have put in(I hope you have), this is the time, to channelize all your energy and work more towards both the APTITUDE and the ATTITUDE.

The Group Discussion and the Personal Interview are the next challenges to be faced,where these elements are amongst the most hunted ones.

The Group Discussions may include defining a FULL STOP or your take on the Arab Uprising,it is your command over your chosen language,either Hindi or English, along with a dash of wit and genius that will take you through.

The Personal Interviews too, can be as random and as dramatic as your dreams.Here,just be a LITTLE confident and here I stress on little, and carry yourselves well.Answer what you know and please deny if you have no freaking idea about "it",where the "it" could be the colour you choose to wear that day, or your Kolhapuri's.

If you have longed to be here and are ready to join the premiere institute of communication, please take a call well before the 'Eleventh' hour and start preparing, as you will sooner or later understand and feel that it was all worth it.

All the best to everyone and before I conclude,remember there are no set rules and directions for success.

Work hard,read and most importantly keep alive the passion and zeal you have.I am sure; the rest will be HIS-STORY.

Caution: These are not guidelines but just a few May-Help lines...please don't blindly follow, USE YOUR BRAINS.

The Journey Is Smooth If You Are Passionate!!

Richa Banka is an alumna of Radio and Television Department, 2013-14 Batch. She had topped the IIMC Entrance Exam among the girls in the country and has received the Gunjan Gujral Scholarship for this. She had also cleared the English Journalism Entrance. A consistent performer in the class, Richa got several job offers through campus placements. She is currently working with PTI.

One of the premier institutes in the country, IIMC was a dream for me. I aspired to come over here by hook or by crook. But like all other students who have applied for IIMC, even I was tense and nervous before the exams. However, the task was made easy by one of my seniors who gave me some useful advice which I would like to pass on to you guys. These advices helped me in topping the IIMC entrance exam for Radio and Television department among the girls in the country and I was fortunate enough to crack the English Journalism entrance as well.

What should be done?

The first and foremost is read newspapers thoroughly. Even the smallest of the news in the newspaper should not be missed out. I would not suggest you to read newspapers all day long because I know it might turn out to be boring. Since we are living in a tech savvy world, the best thing that you can do is to like the pages of the various news channels and the online portals of the newspapers and magazines. So, you get the news alerts and updates as and when they happen and it’s not even boring. I would suggest you to be active on Twitter because that is one of the forums where news generally breaks nowadays.

But when I say that you read the online version of the news, do not miss out reading the stories in the newspapers and the editorials of newspapers like The Hindu, The Indian Express and the Economic Times for the detailed information. Blogs of eminent journalists and analysts may come handy. Be an all rounder and gather knowledge in all fields, be it business –economics, sports, entertainment or politics.

I would suggest you to read magazines like Tehelka, which is my personal favourite, Open and Caravan for a detailed view of every happening in the country. A few days before the exams, I had made a list of around 30 probable topics which might come in the exam and trust me all the questions were from the list that I had made. Get thinking critically and start analyzing every incident as it happens. The questions that you get are all opinion based so think analytically.

From the question paper

The English Journalism paper has a section where one has to answer 10 similar sounding words. But one should not worry much about it and just Google up similar sounding words and take a glance at the list as it’s a scoring area. That is what I had just the night before the exams. Get to know a bit about the technical terms for the Radio and Television Paper as a section in the question paper has 5 technical terms to be explained. Do watch the debates on television (the sensible ones) and get a sense of writing crisp and short.

What should not be done?

The answers should be too the point and should not have jargons. Don’t try to show that you know a lot. Just be simple. Take a stand. Don’t be in doldrums.

Develop your Opinion and stand by it

Last but not the least, make a note of the topics that you think are important including all the fields and chalk out a blueprint of the questions. All the questions are opinion based so try building up news sense and think about the latent meaning of the event. Be familiar with the celebrities and personalities who have been in news, both in India and abroad. For the foreign affairs, stick to The Hindu and also read the Washington Post and The New York Times. Be aware of the developments in relation to India. Do read about the stock market and how Indians have been faring in the global market. For Eg- Rajiv Suri( CEO, Nokia, Satya Nadella etc)

So, to end, take a deep breath, sleep tight the night before and take the exam.  I wish luck to each one f you dreaming to come at IIMC. Just stay calm and rock it!

Short Questions | Why in The News

Rajiv Suri | Satya Nadella | Giriraj Singh | Nitin Gadkari | Jawahar Sircar | Jaswant Singh | Boko Haram | Bappi Lahiri | Misa Bharti | Oscar Pistorious | Ramkripal Yadav | Chirag Paswan | Digvijay Singh | Karan Thapar | Sabir Ali | Azam Khan | Imran Masood | HS Brahma | Amit Shah | Jeetan Ram Manjhi

Broad Questions

1. Is it correct for the journalists to go and join politics? Is it becoming a trend? Are they going to help the society? Is Journalism a forum to enter politics?

2. Do you think that the PR or the publicity of Narendra Modi the sole reason for him getting famous? Is it because of this that there is a Modi Wave in the country?

3. Do you think that the government ruled Prasar Bharti (DD and AIR) needs changes in its policies? Should they be made autonomous entity? Explain in connection to the recent Modi- Interview Controversy.

4. Do you think that the interviews of the Political leaders in various news channels is sponsored or rigged? Give suitable examples to support your answer.


Let's Do It !