Public Relations Specialist

Writing press releases, keeping in touch with journalists, handling questions during a crisis, planning events and managing messages on social media and in company newsletters. Much of the job is planning ahead so that bad news is handled calmly.

A day in the work
A PR officer usually starts with a check of news coverage and social media to see what is being said about the client. The morning often goes on writing a press note, a reply to a journalist, or a speech for a senior executive. Afternoons may bring a meeting with the marketing or product team, or a press event to prepare for. If a story goes wrong, the day changes fast, and the officer works with leaders to respond calmly.

1. Step 1 · Class 10–12Any stream is fine. Read newspapers, practise writing short reports, and join the school magazine, debate or media club. Clear spoken and written English helps a lot.
2. Step 2 · After Class 12Take a BA or BMM in Mass Communication (3 years), or any degree you like. For a PG diploma later, any graduation is accepted. (reported — check with the official body)
3. Step 3 · Final year of graduationFor IIMC, apply through CUET (PG) with a valid score in Mass Communication and Journalism (COQP17). Admission is then done through e-counselling. Final-year students can apply too, but must show final marks in time.
4. Step 4 · 1 yearDo a PG Diploma in Public Relations, Advertising and PR, or a master's in communication. Internships with a PR agency, a company's communications team or a media house are the best way to build a portfolio.
5. Step 5 · Early careerStart as a PR executive or media coordinator in a company, PR agency or government information office. Senior roles usually come after several years of handling media and crises. (reported — check with the official body)

• Mass communication degree routeBA or BMM in Mass Communication after Class 12, then internships and a first job. Works well if you know early that you want media work.
• Any-degree plus PG diploma routeAny graduation in any subject, then a 1-year PG Diploma in PR or Advertising and PR. Suits students who first want a subject degree such as Economics or English.
• Government information service routeSome state governments recruit information officers through their public service commission, usually asking for a degree in journalism or mass communication, or experience in journalism or PR. Posts depend on vacancies.

Fees from: IIMC fee structure for all PG diploma courses (official) · IIMC – Tuition fee all PG Diploma Courses (imc.gov.in) · IIMM Delhi – PG Diploma in Advertising, Public Relations and Marketing · NTA – CUET (PG) 2026 information bulletin (fee table). Fees change every year — check the college's own fee page before you pay.

Entry-level pay varies a lot by employer, city and the kind of work, and people with many years of experience in large firms or corporate houses earn much more than beginners.

For IIMC PG diploma admissions, the upper age limit is relaxed to 28 years for OBC and 30 years for SC/ST/PwD candidates, as on 1 August 2026. The general limit is 25. I did not find PR-specific seats for women or students with disabilities.

• Class 7–9Write a short report on a school event, or start a class newsletter with a few friends. Read the same news story in two newspapers and note how each one reports it.
• Class 10–12Join a free media, communication or English course on SWAYAM, and finish one module this month.Open link ↗
• College or afterRead IIMC's admission notice and prospectus to see the PG diploma syllabus and eligibility rules, then compare them with a mass communication degree syllabus.Open link ↗

• A PR job does not need a government licence, but most employers look for a degree in mass communication or a PG diploma, plus internships.
• IIMC's PG diploma in Advertising and PR is one of the best-known government options. Check the official notice each year, because dates and rules change.
• The job often includes evening and weekend work during launches, events or a crisis.