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IIMC Opens Admissions for Regional Journalism: Opportunities in Odia and Marathi Courses for 2026 27 Academic Session

Apply now for IIMC’s 2026–27 PG Diploma in Odia and Marathi Journalism at Dhenkanal and Amravati campuses. Check eligibility, dates, fees, and admission details.

By : Saptadeepa 2026-04-04 18:51:23

NEW DELHI / DHENKANAL / AMRAVATI, April 4, 2026 — The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), a premier national media institute and a deemed-to-be-university under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has officially announced the opening of its admission process for specialized regional journalism programs. Starting this week, aspiring journalists can apply for the Post Graduate Diploma in Odia Journalism (PGDOJ) at the Dhenkanal campus and the Post Graduate Diploma in Marathi Journalism (PGDMJ) at the Amravati campus for the 2026-27 academic session.

Founded in 1965, IIMC is a leader in media education in Asia, consistently upholding high academic standards and developing media professionals who are well-versed in ethical practices and the latest technologies. The institute’s move to invite applications for these regional courses highlights its commitment to fostering high-quality journalism in local languages, which remains a vital pillar of the Indian media landscape.

The Dhenkanal campus, situated amidst the lush green hills of Paniohala in Odisha, is the second oldest campus of IIMC and serves as the Eastern Regional Campus. It has invited applications for its one-year full-time professional programme in Odia Journalism. This course is meticulously designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for the fast-paced requirements of print, electronic, and digital media.

Key Dates for Odia Journalism (2026-27):

  • Availability of Application Forms: April 5, 2026.
  • Last Date for Submission: April 30, 2026.
  • Entrance Examination & Interview: May 11, 2026.
  • Declaration of Results: May 15, 2026.

The curriculum for the Odia program covers a wide array of essential subjects, including communication theory, reporting and writing, editing and translation, digital media, media laws and ethics, and development journalism. Students are also required to complete a one-month internship in leading media organizations, such as newspapers and TV channels, to gain hands-on industry experience.

Simultaneously, the Western Regional Campus in Amravati, Maharashtra, is accepting applications for its Post Graduate Diploma in Marathi Journalism. This program aims to train students in media writing, research, and digital communication with a specific focus on the Marathi language. Graduates from this course often find abundant opportunities in newspapers, news channels, radio, social media, and PR agencies.

Key Dates for Marathi Journalism (2026-27):

  • Application Process: Already open (as of April 1, 2026).
  • Last Date for Submission: May 10, 2026.
  • Entrance Examination: June 5, 2026.
  • Declaration of Results: June 10, 2026.

For the Marathi course, entrance examination centers will be available in Amravati, Pune, and Mumbai, providing convenient access for candidates across the state.

The eligibility criteria for both the Odia and Marathi programs are standardized across the institute. Applicants must possess a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Interestingly, students who are currently appearing in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they can submit their final mark sheets by September 30, 2026.

The maximum age limit for candidates (as of August 1, 2026) is strictly enforced as follows:

  • General Category: 25 years (born on or after August 1, 2001).
  • OBC Category: 28 years (born on or after August 1, 1998).
  • SC/ST/PwD Category: 30 years (born on or after August 1, 1996).

To make the process accessible, IIMC has provided three distinct ways to apply for these courses:

  1. Online Application: Prospective students can fill out a Google Form available through the official IIMC website.
  2. Website Download: Candidates can download the application form and detailed instructions from www.iimc.gov.in.
  3. Physical Collection: Hard copies of the admission forms are available at the Dhenkanal and Amravati campuses, as well as the PIB Office in Bhubaneswar.

Completed offline forms for the Odia course should be sent to the Regional Director, IIMC Dhenkanal, while Marathi course applications should be directed to the Amravati campus. Applicants are reminded to pay the entrance examination fee via online modes such as UPI, BHIM, or NEFT. The fee for the Marathi course ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 800 depending on the candidate's category, while the Odia course fee is Rs. 350 to Rs. 500. Admission to these prestigious programs is highly competitive and based on an entrance examination. For the Odia course, the exam will assess language proficiency, general knowledge, writing skills, and aptitude for journalism, followed by an interview.

Successful candidates will benefit from state-of-the-art infrastructure. The Dhenkanal campus, for instance, is equipped with modern classrooms, audio-visual labs, a digital newsroom, and a media library. Separate hostel facilities for boys and girls are available, featuring Wi-Fi connectivity and mess facilities. Similarly, the Amravati campus offers placement assistance and scholarship schemes through the National Scholarship Portal to support students financially. With the media industry undergoing rapid digital transformation, IIMC’s regional journalism courses are designed to produce professionals who are not only skilled in traditional reporting but also proficient in digital communication and social media. The institute’s track record of placing students in top media organizations across India and abroad remains a significant draw for applicants.

For further assistance, candidates applying to the Dhenkanal campus may contact Mr. Jitendra Pati (Academic Coordinator) at +91 9437444200. Those interested in the Amravati campus can reach out to Dr. Rajesh Singh Kushwaha (Regional Director) at +91 9415862377 or the office at 0721-2668180.

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