Last Updated: May 2026
Mass Communication / Mass Media Studies is a Domain Subject offered by NTA in CUET UG for candidates seeking admission to BA (Hons) Mass Communication, Journalism and Media Studies programmes at Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia, AMU, Christ University and BHU. The subject is computer-based, 50 questions of which 40 are attempted, +5 / -1 marking, 45 minutes. This guide gives the chapter-wise syllabus, top universities, indicative cutoffs and 25 NTA-style practice questions.
Snapshot — CUET Mass Communication 2027
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Subject Code (NTA) | 325 |
| Questions | 50 (attempt 40) |
| Marks | +5 / -1, max 200 |
| Time | 45 minutes |
| NCERT Reference | Mass Communication and Journalism, Class 12 |
| Top Programme | BA (Hons) Journalism — IPCW, DU |
1. Unit-wise Syllabus
Unit 1: Introduction to Mass Communication
Definitions of communication and mass communication; characteristics; types — intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, mass; SMCR (Source-Message-Channel-Receiver) model; barriers to communication.
Unit 2: Communication Models and Theories
Lasswell’s Model, Shannon-Weaver Model, Berlo’s SMCR Model, Schramm’s Model. Theories: Hypodermic Needle, Two-Step Flow, Agenda Setting, Cultivation Theory, Uses and Gratifications.
Unit 3: Print Journalism
History of Indian press — Hicky’s Bengal Gazette (1780), James Augustus Hicky, Raja Rammohan Roy, Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Press Acts: Vernacular Press Act 1878, Press and Registration of Books Act 1867. News reporting structure: 5W and 1H, inverted pyramid, lead types.
Unit 4: Radio
All India Radio (AIR), FM Rainbow, FM Gold, Vividh Bharati. Community radio — Anna FM (Chennai). Programme formats: news bulletin, talk show, drama, jingle.
Unit 5: Television
Doordarshan history (1959 launch). Public Service Broadcasting (Prasar Bharati Act 1990). Satellite TV revolution. Cable Television Networks Regulation Act 1995. TRP and BARC measurement.
Unit 6: Cinema
Indian Cinema phases: silent era (Raja Harishchandra 1913 — Dadasaheb Phalke), talkie era (Alam Ara 1931), parallel cinema, commercial cinema. Film censorship — Cinematograph Act 1952; Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Unit 7: Advertising
Definition, classification — consumer, business, professional, financial. Advertising agencies; AIDA model (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action). Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). Code of Self-Regulation.
Unit 8: Public Relations
Definition, scope, tools — press release, press conference, media kit, video news release. Public Relations Society of India (PRSI). Crisis communication.
Unit 9: New Media
Internet, social media platforms, blogging, citizen journalism, fake news, digital divide. Information Technology Act 2000 and amendment 2008 — sections 66A (struck down in Shreya Singhal vs Union of India 2015), 67, 69A.
Unit 10: Indian Constitution and Press
Article 19(1)(a) — freedom of speech and expression. Article 19(2) — reasonable restrictions. Press Council of India (Press Council Act 1978). Defamation, contempt of court, official secrets.
2. Top Universities Accepting CUET Mass Communication
| University | Programme | Indicative Cutoff (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi University (IPCW) | BA (Hons) Journalism | ~210 / 250 |
| Delhi University (Kalindi College) | BA (Hons) Journalism | ~190 / 250 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | BA (Hons) Mass Media Studies | ~200 / 250 |
| AMU (Aligarh Muslim University) | BA Mass Communication | ~180 / 250 |
| BHU | BA (Hons) Mass Communication | ~185 / 250 |
| Central University of Jharkhand | BA Mass Communication | ~150 / 250 |
3. Sample Practice Questions
Q1. Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, the first Indian newspaper, was launched in — (a) 1750 (b) 1780 (c) 1810 (d) 1857. Ans: (b)
Q2. The hypodermic needle theory implies that — (a) audiences interpret messages variably (b) media has a direct, powerful effect on passive audiences (c) opinion leaders mediate the message (d) cultivation occurs over long periods. Ans: (b)
Q3. The first talkie film of India was — (a) Raja Harishchandra (b) Alam Ara (c) Mother India (d) Pather Panchali. Ans: (b) Alam Ara, 1931.
Q4. Section 66A of the IT Act 2000 was struck down by the Supreme Court in — (a) Shreya Singhal vs UoI (2015) (b) S.R. Bommai vs UoI (c) Kesavananda Bharati (d) Maneka Gandhi vs UoI. Ans: (a)
Q5. AIDA in advertising stands for — (a) Attention, Interest, Desire, Action (b) Audience, Identity, Demography, Action (c) Advertise, Inform, Demonstrate, Approach (d) Acquire, Initiate, Deliver, Adapt. Ans: (a)
4. Strategy — How to Score 180+/200
- NCERT first. CBSE Class 12 Mass Communication and Journalism textbook is the spine. Read all 6 chapters thrice.
- Theory rote. Communication models and theories repeat in every paper. Memorise founding scholars and dates.
- History dates. Tagore-era newspapers, Press Acts, AIR launch, Doordarshan launch, Internet rollout — make a timeline poster.
- Constitutional provisions. Article 19(1)(a) and 19(2) appear in 80% of papers.
- Mock cycles. 12 mocks in the last 30 days, all 45-minute timed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUET Mass Communication only for IIMC?
No. IIMC has its own entrance for PG diploma. CUET Mass Communication is for UG admissions to DU, JMI, AMU, BHU and other central university programmes in Journalism and Media Studies.
Do I need Class 12 Mass Communication to take this paper?
No. NTA does not require subject continuity. Any Class 12 stream — Science, Commerce, Arts — can take the Mass Communication domain paper.
How is the paper marked?
+5 marks per correct, -1 per wrong, max 200. Attempt 40 of 50; the system picks the best 40.
Which book covers CUET Mass Communication best?
CBSE Class 12 NCERT (Mass Communication and Journalism) is the official primary source. Supplement with Keval J. Kumar, Mass Communication in India, for theory depth.
Can I clear DU IPCW Journalism with 200/250?
2025 cutoffs were around 210 for IPCW BA (Hons) Journalism. 200/250 typically secures Kalindi or Maharaja Agrasen College, both DU constituent.
