UGC-NET Mass Communication & Journalism Exam 2025 Syllabus,Books,Cut-off,Previous year question Paper,Exam Pattern & Study Material

Mass Communication and Journalism, clearing the UGC-NET opens doors to academic, research, and professional excellence. With the 2025 UGC-NET exam approaching, it becomes crucial for candidates to have a thorough understanding of the exam pattern, updated syllabus, recommended books, previous year question papers, cut-off trends, and reliable study material. This article is a comprehensive guide to help you strategically and confidently navigate your preparation. Whether aiming for a JRF or qualifying as a lecturer, knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make all the difference in your success.

Here’s a concise overview of the UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism exam in table format:

UGC-NET Mass Communication & Journalism Latest Syllabus 2025

Here’s a well-organized table format for the UGC-NET Mass Communication & Journalism 2025 syllabus, neatly arranged unit-wise for clarity and quick reading:

Here’s a unit-wise list of important topics from the UGC NET Journalism & Mass Communication syllabus, based on analysis of frequently asked MCQs in past exams. These are the high-yield areas you should prioritize for preparation:

🟩 Unit 1: Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication

🟨 Unit 2: Communication for Development and Social Change

🟦 Unit 3: Reporting and Editing

🟧 Unit 4: Advertising and Marketing Communication

🟫 Unit 5: Public Relations and Corporate Communication

🟥 Unit 6: Media Laws and Ethics

🟩 Unit 7: Media Management and Production

🟨 Unit 8: ICT and Media

🟦 Unit 9: Film and Visual Communication

🟧 Unit 10: Communication Research

UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism Latest Books 2025

UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism Solved Previous year [PYQ] Solved Paper Book 2018 to 2024 With Detail Explanations of Questions

₹600.00 Original price was: ₹600.00.₹420.00Current price is: ₹420.00.

UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism Solved Previous year [PYQ] Solved Paper Book 2018 to 2024 With Detail Explanations of Questions

• UGC NET  Mass Communication & Journalism PYQ Book
• Year 2018 to 2024 Solved Previous year Paper 
• All Questions with Detail Solution
• Answer Written by Expert Faculty

Check Sample PDF – Click here

📚 Suggested Books for UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism 2025 Preparation (Unit-wise)

Unit 1: Introduction to Journalism and Mass Communication

Unit 2: Communication for Development and Social Change

Unit 3: Reporting and Editing

Unit 4: Advertising and Marketing Communication

Unit 5: Public Relations and Corporate Communication

Unit 6: Media Laws and Ethics

Unit 7: Media Management and Production

Unit 8: ICT and Media

Unit 9: Film and Visual Communication

Unit 10: Communication Research

UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism Cut-off 2023 & 2024

UGC NET Previous Year Question Paper [PYQ] Mass Communication & Journalism

Here is a table of UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) with the link to the National Digital Library of India (NDLI):

📘 UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism PYQs

How to Prepare for UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism

Preparing for the UGC NET in Mass Communication & Journalism requires a strategic and systematic approach, as the exam tests both your theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the subject. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare effectively:

1. Understand the UGC NET Syllabus and Exam Pattern

• The UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism exam consists of two papers:
  • Paper 1 (General Paper on Teaching and Research Aptitude): This paper is common for all candidates and tests general reasoning, teaching aptitude, research methodology, and comprehension skills.
  • Paper 2 (Mass Communication & Journalism): This paper focuses specifically on the subject of Mass Communication and Journalism, with questions on theory, concepts, and practical knowledge.
• Key Topics to Cover for Paper 2:
  • Communication theories and models
  • Journalism and media laws
  • Media ethics and freedom
  • Advertising and public relations
  • Media management and business
  • Digital and social media
  • Development communication
  • International communication
  • Research methodology in communication and media

2. Study from NCERT and Standard Textbooks

• NCERT Books: Start with NCERT textbooks as they provide a strong foundation for basic concepts.
• Key Books:
  • “Mass Communication Theory” by Denis McQuail
  • “Introduction to Mass Communication” by Keval J. Kumar
  • “Media and Society” by John R. C. Ross
  • “Broadcast Journalism” by Jim O’Rourke
  • “Advertising and Public Relations” by S.H. H. Rizvi

3. Make a Study Plan

• Create a daily study schedule that allocates sufficient time for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
• Focus more time on areas where you feel less confident.
• Prioritize topics based on the weightage in the syllabus and your understanding of the subject.

4. Focus on Research Methodology

• Understanding research methods is crucial for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
• Learn about qualitative and quantitative research, sampling methods, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Understand media research techniques, including content analysis and audience research.

5. Regular Practice with Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests

• Solve Previous Year Papers: This helps you understand the type and difficulty level of questions. Download UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism PYQs from resources like NDLI.
• Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to improve speed, accuracy, and time management during the exam.

6. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

• Mass Communication & Journalism is a dynamic field that is heavily influenced by current events. Stay updated with the latest developments in:
  • National and international media
  • Journalism ethics and media laws
  • Social media trends
  • Advertising and PR campaigns
  • Government regulations in media
• Read newspapers, magazines, and journals related to Mass Communication to build a strong understanding of contemporary media issues.

7. Focus on Important Concepts

Some important concepts to focus on include:

• Communication Models: Shannon-Weaver, Lasswell’s Model, Berlo’s SMCR Model, etc.
• Types of Media: Print, Broadcast, Digital, and Social Media
• Media Theories: Hypodermic Needle Theory, Cultivation Theory, Uses and Gratifications Theory
• Media Laws and Ethics: Freedom of the Press, Defamation Laws, RTI (Right to Information), Press Council of India, etc.
• Development Communication: Role of media in rural development, education, health communication, etc.

8. Join Study Groups and Discussions

• Join online study groups or forums where you can discuss doubts and share resources.
• Participate in webinars and workshops related to Mass Communication & Journalism.

9. Revise Regularly

• Consistent revision is key to retaining information.
• Revise major concepts and theories at regular intervals to avoid last-minute cramming.

10. Prepare Notes

• Make concise notes of important topics and definitions. These will be extremely helpful for quick revision, especially as the exam date approaches.

📅 UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism – 4-Month Study Plan

UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism Exam Pattern

The UGC NET exam consists of two papers:

• Paper 1: General Paper (Teaching & Research Aptitude)
• Paper 2: Subject-Specific (Mass Communication & Journalism)

Here is the detailed exam pattern:

1. Paper 1: General Paper (Teaching and Research Aptitude)

2. Paper 2: Mass Communication & Journalism

Key Points:

• Total Duration: 3 hours (1 hour for Paper 1 and 2 hours for Paper 2)
• No Negative Marking: There is no negative marking for incorrect answers, so it’s safe to attempt all questions.
• Total Marks: 300 marks (100 marks for Paper 1 and 200 marks for Paper 2)

Breakdown of Paper 1 Topics (General Paper):

1. Teaching Aptitude:
   • Education System and Learning
   • Teaching Methods
   • Evaluation Systems
   • Educational Psychology
2. Research Aptitude:
   • Research Methods and Methodology
   • Research Ethics
   • Data Analysis and Interpretation
   • Research Design
3. Communication:
   • Communication Process
   • Mass Communication Models
   • Basic Communication Skills
   • Data Sufficiency, Logical Reasoning

Breakdown of Paper 2 Topics (Mass Communication & Journalism):

1. Communication Theories and Models:
   • Shannon-Weaver, Lasswell, Berlo’s SMCR Model, etc.
2. Journalism:
   • History of Journalism
   • Types of Journalism (Print, Broadcast, Digital)
   • Journalism Ethics and Laws
3. Advertising and Public Relations:
   • Principles of Advertising
   • Public Relations Strategies
   • Media Planning and Campaigns
4. Research Methodology in Communication:
   • Types of Media Research (Quantitative, Qualitative)
   • Research Techniques (Content Analysis, Audience Research)
5. Media Management & Digital Media:
   • Media Business and Economics
   • Digital Media Trends
   • Social Media and its Influence
6. Development Communication:
   • Role in Social Development
   • Communication for Rural Development
   • NGOs and Communication

Frequently Asked Questions UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism exam, which can help you in your preparation:

1. What is the UGC NET exam for Mass Communication & Journalism?

• UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is a national-level exam conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for the post of Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Indian universities and colleges.
• Paper 2 of UGC NET focuses specifically on Mass Communication & Journalism.

2. What is the syllabus for the UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism?

• The syllabus for Paper 2 includes topics like:
  • Communication Theories: Models, Process, and Types of Communication
  • Journalism: Print, Broadcast, Digital, Ethics, and Laws
  • Media Management & Business: Advertising, PR, Media Economics
  • Research Methodology in Communication: Types of research, Sampling, Data Collection, Content Analysis
  • Digital & Social Media: Trends, Impact, and Role of Social Media
  • Development Communication: Role in Social and Rural Development
• For Paper 1, the syllabus includes general topics like Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Reasoning, and Data Interpretation.

3. How is the UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism exam structured?

• Paper 1 (General Paper) – 50 questions, 100 marks (based on Teaching and Research Aptitude, etc.)
• Paper 2 (Subject-Specific) – 100 questions, 200 marks (based on Mass Communication & Journalism)
• Duration: Both papers together last for 3 hours (1 hour for Paper 1 and 2 hours for Paper 2).

4. What are the eligibility criteria for the UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism exam?

• Educational Qualification: You must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in Mass Communication, Journalism, or related fields with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC).
• Age Limit: For JRF, candidates must be under 31 years of age. There is no age limit for the Assistant Professor position.

5. How should I prepare for the UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism exam?

• Understand the Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly understanding the syllabus and exam pattern.
• Use Standard Textbooks: Refer to textbooks such as Mass Communication Theory by Denis McQuail and Introduction to Mass Communication by Keval J. Kumar.
• Solve Previous Year Papers: Regularly practice previous year question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern.
• Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions by taking mock tests for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
• Stay Updated: Read newspapers, journals, and websites related to media and communication to stay updated with the latest trends.

6. How can I download UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism previous year question papers?

• You can download previous year question papers for Mass Communication & Journalism from various sources like the National Digital Library of India (NDLI) and other websites dedicated to UGC NET preparation.

7. What is the cutoff for UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism?

• The cutoff varies each year and depends on factors like the difficulty level of the exam and the number of candidates.
• Typically, the cutoff for Assistant Professor is around 40% for general category candidates and 35% for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC).
• For JRF, the cutoff is usually higher, around 50% for general category candidates.

8. How much time should I dedicate to study for UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism?

• You should aim to study for 6-8 hours a day, depending on your level of preparation.
• Devote time to both Paper 1 (General) and Paper 2 (Subject-Specific). Focus more on your weak areas.
• Ensure that you take regular breaks and revise frequently.

9. Can I attempt the UGC NET exam multiple times?

• Yes, you can attempt the UGC NET exam multiple times, provided you meet the eligibility criteria each time.

10. Is there any negative marking in the UGC NET exam?

• No, there is no negative marking in the UGC NET exam.

11. What are the important topics for UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism?

• Communication Theories and Models: Shannon-Weaver, Lasswell, etc.
• Media Laws and Ethics: Press Council, Defamation Laws, RTI
• Digital Media and Social Media: Influence, Trends, and Impact
• Research Methodology: Media Research, Data Collection, Sampling
• Development Communication: Role in Rural and Social Development
• Advertising and Public Relations: Campaign Strategies, Tools

12. How can I stay updated with current events for the exam?

• Follow major newspapers, magazines (like The Hindu, Times of India, Indian Express), and online portals related to Mass Communication & Journalism.
• Subscribe to media-related journals and blogs, and follow prominent figures and institutions on social media.

13. How long is the UGC NET Mass Communication & Journalism exam valid?

• The UGC NET qualification is valid for lifetime for the position of Assistant Professor.
• For Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the qualification is valid for 3 years.