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If you're looking for a no-frills, practical journalism education in Hyderabad that gets you into a newsroom fast, A P College of Journalism (APCJ) is a name that comes up. Founded in 1997 by veteran journalist Satish Chandar, it’s built a reputation as a direct pipeline into Telugu and English media in the region. Forget sprawling campuses and university affiliations—this is a focused, private institute where the curriculum is approved by the State Council for Higher Education and, crucially, its flagship Post Graduate Diploma is recognized by the Andhra Pradesh government's Information and Public Relations Department. That last bit is a key differentiator, as it formally qualifies graduates for government media officer roles. The vibe here is less about academic theory and more about hands-on skills, from TV journalism to social media brand engagement, all wrapped in programs that last from three months to a year.
APCJ doesn't offer traditional BA or MA degrees. Its model is built on shorter, intensive diplomas and certificates designed for quick industry entry. The academic calendar is tight, and the focus is overwhelmingly practical.
The cornerstone is the one-year Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism (PGDJ). Its syllabus is a broad sweep of modern media: Creative Writing, Investigative & Political Reporting, Feature Writing, Crime and Business Journalism. But it also digs into the digital side with modules on Newsroom Ethics, Digital Journalism, YouTube Channel Management, and Social Media Brand Engagement. Completing this program opens a specific door—it's one of the few courses recognized by the Andhra Pradesh government's Information and Public Relations Department, making graduates eligible for District Public Relations Officer (DPRO) posts. That's a tangible career path you won't find at many other journalism schools.
For those seeking even shorter commitments, there are 6-month Diplomas in Journalism (DJ) and TV Journalism (DTVJ), and a 3-month Certificate Course in Journalism (CJ). All programs are offered in both English and Telugu, which is a significant advantage for students targeting the robust Telugu media market.
Faculty details are sparse beyond the founder's pedigree. Student reviews consistently praise teachers as "helpful," "cooperative," and "knowledgeable." The academic culture seems to be one of direct mentorship rather than large lecture halls. You're here to learn the craft from people who've done it, in classrooms that students describe as spacious and well-equipped.
This is where you need to read between the lines of the official brochure. The college's public claim is 100% placements. A student review from 2020, however, paints a more nuanced picture, stating approximately 70% of students were placed from their batch. That gap between official claim and ground reality is notable and worth keeping in mind. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle, heavily dependent on the individual's drive and the prevailing media job market.
The highest package mentioned in available data is 5 LPA (2020), though the college also states the "highest average salary package" in the course is 10 LPA. There's no clear median package or widely reported average from student testimonials.
Where APCJ seems to deliver is in its recruiter network and the diversity of roles graduates land. Top recruiters are regional media powerhouses: iNews, NTV, 6TV, TV9, and Network18. The career paths aren't limited to traditional news desks. Alumni find work as reporters and sub-editors for newspapers and digital platforms, take up PR roles in corporate firms, and build careers in content writing, video journalism, anchoring, and social media management. The college says it maintains strong ties with media houses and PR agencies to facilitate this.
Internships are a key part of the process, with about 65% of students securing them according to the 2020 review. These stints are with reputed newspapers, TV channels, and online media platforms, providing the crucial bylines and reel footage needed for a first job.
The alumni network appears to be a genuine strength. The institute highlights that its former students include IPS and IRS officers who took the PGDJ, along with many who now lead media institutions as CEOs, Editors, and senior journalists. That's a decent track record for a compact, focused college.
One of APCJ's biggest selling points is its affordability, especially compared to many private media institutes. The fee structure is straightforward, with the most recent concrete numbers coming from the 2020-2021 academic year (and referenced in contexts for 2025-2026).
There was an application/prospectus fee of ₹500. There's no data on hostel or mess fees, suggesting most students are local or arrange their own accommodation. Information on scholarships or formal financial aid schemes is also not available. The total cost is just the tuition, which students in reviews have called "worth for money"—a fair assessment given the low upfront investment for a potential media career.
The admissions process at APCJ is refreshingly simple and doesn't involve national entrance exams. It's primarily merit-based, leaning on your past academic performance.
Eligibility is clear-cut: you need a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university for the PGDJ, DJ, and DTVJ courses. For the short Certificate Course in Journalism, passing the 10th grade is sufficient.
The selection process typically involves a review of your academic background. For diploma courses and likely for the PGDJ, this review may be followed by an interview to assess your aptitude and interest in journalism. The college offers an online admission procedure for convenience.
As of April 2025, admissions for the upcoming session are open, with a last date for applications listed as April 28, 2025. There are no mentioned cutoffs or ranks to worry about, making it accessible if you have the basic qualifications and can demonstrate your interest.
Don't expect a residential campus life here. APCJ is located in a building complex in Hyderabad's Jawahar Nagar, near Ashoknagar 'X' Roads. It's an urban, commuter-style institute. There's no confirmed data on hostels, so students likely need to find their own PG accommodations or commute.
The infrastructure that exists is consistently praised by students. They mention spacious, well-equipped classrooms and, importantly, specialized new technology labs for practical sessions. The library gets good marks for being well-stocked with books, periodicals, and having a digital section for e-resources—essential for any journalism student.
A cafeteria is available on campus, and reviews specifically highlight the food arrangements as being good. Details on sports facilities, comprehensive Wi-Fi, banks, or medical facilities aren't available, reinforcing the image of a compact, academically-focused setup. Social life, fests, and clubs aren't detailed either; the experience seems centered on the classroom, the lab, and the library.
Synthesizing student sentiment, a clear picture emerges. The overwhelming positive is teaching quality. One review sums it up: "Teachers here were very helpful and cooperating with us. Their knowledge was absolutely good, and their teaching quality was very nice." That practical, supportive mentorship is a recurring theme.
They also consistently appreciate the infrastructure—the smart classrooms, new labs, and good library. Combined with the low fees, this leads to the verdict of good "value for money."
On the downside, one review pointed to a desire for more focus on improving communication skills within the curriculum. The most significant point of contention is the placement figure. While the institute claims 100%, a student's firsthand account suggests a 70% placement rate, which is a substantial discrepancy that prospective students should factor into their decision.
Management behavior and administrative details aren't commented on much, and the lack of hostel info means campus life feedback is limited to academic facilities and food.
APCJ is a specific solution for a specific type of student. It's absolutely worth it if you're a Telugu or English-speaking student in Hyderabad looking for a fast, affordable, and practical route into regional media, PR, or digital content. The government recognition of its PGDJ for PR officer posts is a unique and valuable asset. The teaching quality and infrastructure, per reviews, deliver solid value for the very reasonable fee.
But you have to manage expectations. This isn't a university with a broad college life. Placement success, while supported by a strong recruiter list and alumni network, may require more individual hustle than a 100% claim suggests. If you want a degree, a sprawling campus, or are targeting national English media outlets outside the South, this isn't your best bet. For a focused, skills-first journalism launchpad in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, APCJ has carved out a credible and cost-effective niche.
Find a program, read its fee details and explore the admission requirements.
Summary of the programs shown below. Fee periods can differ by program. Check the note beside each amount before comparing costs.
| Course | Stream | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Course in Journalism | Mass Communications | 8000 |
| Diploma | Mass Communications | 16000 |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism | Mass Communications | 21000 |
Specializations
Eligibility: 10th
Specializations
Eligibility: Graduation
Specializations
Eligibility: Graduation
A P College of Journalism offers a focused set of programs: a 1-year Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism (PGDJ), 6-month Diplomas in Journalism and TV Journalism, and a 3-month Certificate Course in Journalism. All are full-time and available in both English and Telugu mediums.
The total fee for the one-year Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism (PGDJ) at APCJ is ₹21,000. This fee information is based on the 2020-2021 academic year and is the figure referenced for the 2025-2026 period as well.
For the PGDJ and the 6-month Diploma courses, you need a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university. The 3-month Certificate Course only requires passing the 10th grade. Admission is merit-based, primarily on your academic record, and often includes an interview. You can apply online through their official process.
Placement prospects are centered on the Telugu and English media markets in South India. The college officially claims 100% placements, though a student review indicated a rate closer to 70%. Top recruiters include major regional channels like iNews, NTV, 6TV, TV9, and Network18. Graduates find roles in news reporting, editing, PR, digital content, and video journalism.
APCJ provides practical, career-focused infrastructure. Students report spacious, well-equipped classrooms, specialized labs for hands-on training, and a well-stocked library with physical and digital resources. A cafeteria with good food is also available on campus. It's a compact, urban institute without hostel facilities.
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