News anchoring looks like a talent job from the outside. It is closer to a skills job: language control, current affairs depth, camera comfort and the ability to keep talking when a live feed collapses. This guide covers how to become a news anchor in India, the courses that help and what the work pays.
Who is a News Anchor?
A news anchor presents bulletins, conducts interviews, and holds live debates together. The job starts well before airtime with story briefings, script reviews, and guest research. Most anchors write or edit their own copy, and on digital channels, they often shoot, host, and promote the segment themselves.
Eligibility Criteria to Become a News Anchor
There is no licensing body, so employers set the bar. In practice you need a Class 12 pass to enter a relevant degree, a bachelor’s degree for most newsroom roles, strong command of at least one broadcast language, and a showreel. Channels test voice, diction, and screen presence at auditions, which count for more than your marksheet.
How to Become a News Anchor After 12th (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Choose the Right Stream in 12th
Any stream qualifies. Arts gives a head start in political science, history, and language, but Commerce students do well on business news and Science students on health and technology beats. Reading news daily matters more than stream choice.
Step 2 – Pursue a Relevant Undergraduate Course
A three-year BJMC, BA in Journalism and Mass Communication, or BMM is the standard route. Pick a college with a working studio, a campus publication, and faculty with newsroom experience, because that is where your first showreel comes from.
Step 3 – Build Practical Skills (college radio/TV, internships)
Join campus radio and television, anchor college events, and record weekly bulletins on your phone. Review your own footage for filler words, pace, and eye contact. Two years of consistent practice separates confident freshers from nervous ones at audition.
Step 4 – Get Certifications/Diplomas
Short courses in voice modulation, teleprompter reading, and video editing add credibility and, more usefully, structured feedback. Media institutes and news channels run these over six weeks to six months.
Step 5 – Start with Internships or Entry-Level Roles
Apply as an intern, desk trainee, or production assistant. Anchors are usually promoted from inside, so proximity to the newsroom matters more than your starting title.
Must Read: How to Become a Journalist
How to Become a News Anchor After Graduation
Any degree keeps you eligible. Take a master’s in journalism or a postgraduate diploma at a recognized institute, then follow the same practical path. Graduates from other fields often reach specialized segments faster since domain knowledge in finance, law, sport, or science is scarce in newsrooms. Build a showreel of six to eight short pieces before applying.
Best Courses to Become a News Anchor in India
Any solid journalism and mass communication course will cover writing, ethics, reporting, and production. Anchoring specific training usually comes from a certificate on top.
UG Courses (BJMC, BA Journalism & Mass Comm, BMM)
Three-year degrees covering reporting, media law, editing, and broadcast production, with studio practice at the better colleges.
PG Courses (MA Journalism, MA Mass Comm.)
Two-year programs covering specialization, research, and television production. Useful for career changers and anyone targeting national newsrooms.
Diploma & Certificate Courses (IIMC, ACJ, Xavier Institute, etc.)
One-year postgraduate diplomas at IIMC, Asian College of Journalism, and Xavier Institute of Communications carry strong newsroom recognition and placement value.
Online Courses/Certifications (Coursera, upGrad, etc.)
Useful for scriptwriting, digital journalism, and video editing. Treat them as skill top-ups, not substitutes for studio time.
| Course | Duration | Approx. Fees |
| BJMC / BA Journalism | 3 years | 1.5 to 6 lakh total |
| MA Journalism / Mass Comm | 2 years | 1 to 4 lakh total |
| PG Diploma (IIMC, ACJ, XIC) | 1 year | 1 to 3 lakh total |
| Anchoring certificate | 6 weeks to 6 months | 20,000 to 1.5 lakh |
| Online certification | 4 to 12 weeks | 3,000 to 40,000 |
Top Colleges/Institutes for News Anchoring in India
Some of the top colleges/institutes are IIMC Delhi, Asian College of Journalism Chennai, Xavier Institute of Communications Mumbai, Symbiosis Pune, Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication, and Jamia Millia Islamia. Several reputed mass communication colleges in Delhi run degrees with in-house studios and channel tie-ups, which matters more for anchoring than rankings do.
Skills Required to Become a News Anchor
Voice modulation and clear diction. On-camera presence and controlled body language. Quick thinking when a script breaks or a guest goes off topic. Fluency in Hindi, English, or a regional language, with correct pronunciation of names and places. Daily current affairs awareness. Basic editing and production knowledge, now expected for digital bulletins.
Step-by-Step Career Roadmap (Recap Table/Infographic)
| Stage | What happens |
| 1. Education | Class 12, then BJMC or an equivalent degree |
| 2. Skill building | Campus radio and TV, voice training, showreel |
| 3. Internship | Newsroom internship or desk trainee role |
| 4. Entry role | Junior reporter, producer or field anchor |
| 5. Growth | Studio anchor, then senior anchor |
Salary of a News Anchor in India
Freshers in regional and digital newsrooms typically start between 2.5 and 4.5 lakh rupees a year. With three to seven years of experience and a regular slot, 6 to 15 lakh is common. Prime-time anchors at national channels earn well above that. Freelance and digital anchors are paid per show or campaign, which is less predictable but scales with audience.
Career Growth & Opportunities
The usual path runs trainee, reporter or producer, anchor, senior anchor, then editor or showrunner. Alternate routes open along the way: radio jockeying, YouTube and podcast news, corporate communications, spokesperson roles, and event hosting. Anchors who build a personal audience carry that leverage between employers.
Challenges in the News Anchoring Career
Shifts are odd and often overnight, competition for on-air slots is severe, and public criticism is constant and personal. Early pay is modest relative to the visibility, and job security tracks ratings.
Conclusion
Becoming a successful news anchor in India requires strong communication skills, confidence, industry knowledge, and the right academic foundation. While practical experience, internships, and consistent practice play a vital role, choosing the right institution can give you a competitive edge. Enrolling in reputed mass communication colleges in Delhi helps students gain hands-on training, industry exposure, and networking opportunities that prepare them for careers in television, digital news, and broadcasting. With dedication, continuous learning, and the right guidance, you can build a rewarding career as a professional news anchor in India’s dynamic media industry.
