The ACJ Entrance Exam is the admission test for the Asian College of Journalism’s postgraduate programs in Journalism and Business and Financial Journalism. Open to graduates from any discipline, it is conducted online and focuses on English language skills, journalistic aptitude, current affairs, and essay writing, with no negative marking. The selection process includes a personal interview after the exam. Candidates must apply online, pay an application fee, and submit necessary documents. Preparation involves strengthening writing skills, staying updated on news, and practicing comprehension and essay writing. ACJ offers scholarships, hostel facilities, and has a strong placement record with top media organizations.
The Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), located in Chennai, is a prestigious institution renowned for its postgraduate diploma programs in journalism. The ACJ Entrance Exam serves as the primary gateway for aspiring journalists to gain admission into these highly sought-after courses. While the official notification for the ACJ Entrance Exam 2026 is yet to be released, prospective candidates can gain valuable insights based on the patterns and information from the previous year’s examinations.
About the ACJ Entrance Exam
The ACJ Entrance Exam is a national-level examination conducted annually to select candidates for its postgraduate diploma programs. These programs include:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Multimedia Journalism
- ACJ-Bloomberg Postgraduate Business and Financial Multimedia Journalism
The exam is designed to assess candidates’ English language skills, general knowledge, and awareness of current affairs. It is conducted online, allowing candidates to appear for the test from the convenience of their homes or any location with a stable internet connection and a computer.
Eligibility Criteria for ACJ Entrance Exam 2026
Based on the previous year’s criteria, the eligibility requirements for the ACJ Entrance Exam 2026 are expected to be:
- Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university is mandatory.
- Appearing Candidates: Candidates awaiting their final year/semester results are also eligible to apply, provided they can submit their degree certificate by the end of March 2026.
Application Process (Based on 2025 Information)
The application process for the ACJ Entrance Exam is typically conducted online through the official website of the Asian College of Journalism. The general steps involved are:
- Online Registration: Visit the ACJ website and register for the entrance exam by providing the required details.
- Filling the Application Form: Complete the online application form with personal, academic, and other necessary information.
- Uploading Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the specified format.
- Payment of Application Fee: Pay the application fee of ₹2,360 (inclusive of GST), which can be done online via net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI. Offline payment through a Demand Draft (DD) in favor of “Media Development Foundation,” payable at Chennai, is also usually an option. SC/ST candidates are often exempted from the application fee upon producing their community certificate.
- Submission of Application: After completing all the steps and paying the fee, submit the online application form. Candidates opting for the offline DD payment method need to send the filled application form along with the DD and two passport-size photographs to the ACJ admissions office in Chennai.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The ACJ Entrance Exam is generally divided into two sections:
- English Language Skills: This section assesses the candidate’s proficiency in English grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and essay writing. Topics may include correct misspelled words, sentence formation, tenses, prepositions, and essay writing on current topics. The duration for this section is usually 2 hours, with a total of 100 marks.
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs: This section evaluates the candidate’s awareness of national and international current events, general knowledge, and basic reasoning. It often includes questions on scientific discoveries, space exploration, economics (basic terms like GDP), new media terms, significant personalities and events from the past year, and historical events like the 1857 revolution and the Indian independence movement. This section is typically 1.5 to 2 hours long, carrying 100 marks.
While the institute does not specify a detailed syllabus, focusing on consistent reading of newspapers and staying updated on current affairs is crucial. Brushing up on basic English grammar and practicing essay writing will also be beneficial.
For the Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Financial Journalism (BFJ), the exam pattern may additionally include questions on basic mathematics.
Important Dates (Based on 2025 Schedule – Tentative for 2026)
To provide a likely timeline for the 2026 examination, here are the important dates from the ACJ Entrance Exam 2025:
- Application Period (Phase 1): March 1, 2025 to April 7, 2025
- Entrance Exam (Phase 1): April 12, 2025
- Application Period (Phase 2): Ongoing until May 19, 2025
- Entrance Exam (Phase 2): May 24, 2025
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official ACJ website for the updated schedule for the 2026 entrance exam.
Admit Card
Candidates who successfully complete the application process will receive their admit cards via email, usually a week after the application deadline for each phase. The admit card contains essential details about the online examination process and instructions. It is crucial to keep this email safe.
Selection Process
The selection process for ACJ admissions typically involves:
- Online Entrance Examination: Candidates need to appear for and qualify in the online entrance test.
- Online Interview: Shortlisted candidates based on their entrance exam scores will be called for an online interview. The interview assesses the candidate’s overall suitability for the program, their communication skills, and their passion for journalism.
The final selection is based on the combined performance in the entrance examination and the online interview.
Preparing for the ACJ Entrance Exam 2026
- Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Regularly read national and international newspapers and follow credible news sources.
- Enhance English Language Skills: Focus on grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and practice writing essays on various topics.
- General Knowledge: Brush up on basic general knowledge, including history, geography, science, and economics.
- Analytical and Reasoning Skills: Practice analytical thinking and problem-solving.
- Previous Years’ Papers (if available): Although ACJ does not explicitly provide sample papers, if you can find any resources from previous years, they might offer some insight into the exam pattern.
The ACJ Entrance Exam is a competitive yet crucial step for individuals aspiring to build a successful career in journalism. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, and syllabus (based on previous years), prospective candidates for the 2026 examination can strategize their preparation effectively and increase their chances of securing a seat at the prestigious Asian College of Journalism. Keep a close watch on the official ACJ website for the release of the 2026 notification and important dates.
FAQs on ACJ (Asian College of Journalism) Entrance Exam 2026
What is the ACJ Entrance Exam?
The ACJ Entrance Exam is the admission test for candidates seeking admission into the Asian College of Journalism’s postgraduate diploma programs.
What courses does ACJ offer through this exam?
ACJ offers postgraduate diploma programs in Journalism (with specializations in Print, New Media, Radio, and Television) and Business and Financial Journalism.
When is the ACJ Entrance Exam usually conducted?
The exam is generally held in May every year, but exact dates are announced on the official website.
Is the ACJ Entrance Exam online or offline?
The exam is usually conducted online.
Who is eligible to apply for the ACJ Entrance Exam?
Candidates must have at least a Bachelor’s degree (in any discipline) to be eligible. Final-year students can also apply.
Is there an age limit for appearing in the ACJ Entrance Exam?
There is no specific age limit mentioned for applying.
How can I apply for the ACJ Entrance Exam?
Applications must be submitted online through ACJ’s official website along with the required documents and application fee.
What is the application fee for the ACJ Entrance Exam?
The application fee is around INR 2,360, but it may vary each year. Check the latest notification for updates.
What is the exam pattern for ACJ Entrance Exam?
The exam usually has two parts: English Language Skills and Journalism Aptitude. It involves comprehension, essay writing, and current affairs analysis.
What subjects/topics are tested in the ACJ Entrance Exam?
Subjects include English comprehension, general knowledge, current affairs, logical reasoning, and journalistic writing skills.
How many questions are asked in the ACJ Entrance Exam?
The test focuses more on essay-type and descriptive answers rather than multiple-choice questions, so the number of tasks varies.
What is the duration of the ACJ Entrance Exam?
The total duration of the exam is about 2 to 3 hours.
Is there any negative marking in the ACJ Entrance Exam?
No, there is no negative marking.
What kind of essays are asked in the ACJ Entrance Exam?
Candidates may be asked to write essays on current events, political issues, social problems, or media-related topics.
How should I prepare for the ACJ Entrance Exam?
Focus on improving writing skills, expanding general knowledge, and practicing essay writing and comprehension exercises.
Is there any recommended reading for the ACJ Entrance Exam?
Yes, regularly reading newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, and magazines like The Economist helps greatly.
Are mock tests available for the ACJ Entrance Exam?
Mock tests are not officially provided by ACJ, but you can practice using sample papers and previous year questions available online.
Is there a personal interview after the ACJ Entrance Exam?
Yes, shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview (and sometimes a group discussion) after the entrance exam.
What are the criteria for selection after the entrance exam?
Selection is based on the performance in the entrance exam, personal interview, academic record, and journalistic potential.
What documents are needed during application?
Scanned copies of academic certificates, photo ID, photograph, and proof of application fee payment are required.
What if I miss the exam date?
No alternate dates are generally provided. Missing the exam may forfeit your chance for that academic year.
Can international students apply for the ACJ Entrance Exam?
Yes, international students can apply, but they may have to meet additional requirements like English proficiency.
How is the ACJ Entrance Exam different from other journalism entrance tests?
It emphasizes practical writing ability, awareness of current affairs, and critical thinking more than rote memorization.
Is coaching necessary to crack the ACJ Entrance Exam?
Not necessarily. Strong self-preparation, reading, and writing practice are usually sufficient.
What is the syllabus for the ACJ Entrance Exam?
There is no fixed syllabus, but it broadly covers language comprehension, current affairs, logical reasoning, and journalism aptitude.
When will the results of the ACJ Entrance Exam be declared?
Results are usually declared within a few weeks after the exam.
How can I check my ACJ Entrance Exam result?
Results are published on ACJ’s official website, and candidates are also informed via email.
What is the fee structure for ACJ programs after clearing the exam?
The fee is approximately INR 6–7 lakhs for the entire program, including tuition and other expenses.
Does ACJ provide scholarships or financial aid?
Yes, ACJ offers a limited number of scholarships based on merit and financial need.
Is hostel accommodation available after admission through the ACJ Entrance Exam?
Yes, ACJ provides hostel facilities, but seats are limited.
What is the placement record of ACJ?
ACJ has a strong placement record with reputed media houses like The Hindu, Reuters, NDTV, and others recruiting from the campus.
Can I apply for more than one specialization through the ACJ Entrance Exam?
You can express your preference, but specialization is finally decided after admission and during counseling.
Does work experience help in admission to ACJ?
While not mandatory, relevant work experience can strengthen your application and performance in interviews.
What skills are essential to succeed in the ACJ Entrance Exam?
Strong writing skills, critical thinking, broad general knowledge, and clear communication abilities are essential.
Are there any sample papers or previous year question papers available for practice?
Yes, some sample papers and previous question trends are available online through education portals and forums.
What is the difficulty level of the ACJ Entrance Exam?
The exam is moderately difficult, emphasizing clarity of thought, analytical ability, and journalistic instinct.
Can I edit my ACJ Entrance Exam application form after submission?
Usually, editing is not allowed after final submission. Review carefully before submitting.
What happens if there is a technical glitch during the online ACJ Entrance Exam?
ACJ usually has support systems in place. You must immediately inform the exam authority using the helpline details provided.
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