Delhi University Introduces MA in Hindi Journalism, Course to Launch in 2025–26 Academic Year
In a significant move to promote regional language media education, Delhi University (DU) has approved a Master’s programme in Hindi Journalism, set to commence from the 2025–26 academic session. The decision was made public on Hindi Journalism Day — May 30, 2025 — underscoring the symbolic importance of the date for Hindi-language journalism in India.
The new programme, which is designed in accordance with the university’s Postgraduate Curriculum Framework, will be offered through the Department of Hindi under the Faculty of Arts. This initiative marks a major step in promoting Hindi as a medium for advanced academic discourse in journalism and mass communication.
A Tribute to the Legacy of Hindi Journalism
The announcement fittingly coincided with Hindi Journalism Day, which commemorates the launch of “Udant Martand” in 1826 — the first Hindi-language newspaper in India. This day is celebrated across the country to recognize the historical and democratic importance of Hindi journalism, often described as the fourth pillar of democracy. By introducing a postgraduate journalism programme in Hindi, Delhi University aligns itself with this legacy and aims to empower future journalists with a strong grounding in their native language.
Final Approval Awaited from the Academic Council
While the Standing Committee on Academic Matters has formally approved the programme, it will be officially implemented only after the Academic Council grants final clearance. This is part of the university's procedural protocol for launching new courses.
Panel members expressed confidence that the Academic Council’s nod would be secured in due course, given the programme’s academic rigor and relevance in the evolving media landscape.
English-Medium Journalism Programme in the Pipeline
In addition to the Hindi-medium programme, the committee also revealed plans to introduce an English-medium counterpart in the 2026–27 academic session. This course will be offered under the Department of English, and like its Hindi counterpart, will fall under the Faculty of Arts. The phased rollout is seen as a balanced approach to developing multilingual media education within the university.
Curriculum Designed for Contemporary Relevance
The new MA programme in Hindi Journalism is built around the Postgraduate Curriculum Framework, which places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, practical training, and alignment with current industry standards. The curriculum is expected to cover:
- News reporting and editing in Hindi
- Media ethics and laws
- Investigative journalism
- Digital and multimedia journalism
- Radio and TV broadcasting
- Research methodologies in media studies
- Specialized modules on political and cultural reporting
With an emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills, the programme seeks to prepare students for modern newsrooms, digital platforms, and public communication roles, all while maintaining a firm foundation in the Hindi language.
Broader Curriculum Developments at DU
The committee’s decision to approve the Hindi Journalism MA programme came as part of a larger meeting held on Friday, May 30, where multiple curriculum changes and new course introductions were discussed and approved. These included syllabi finalisations for seventh and eighth semesters of undergraduate programmes in:
- Education
- Hindustani Music (programme and honours)
- Geography
All these undergraduate updates fall under the university’s Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF), which emphasizes flexibility, skill development, and employability.
In parallel, postgraduate syllabi in subjects such as Philosophy, Economics, Geography, Sociology, Political Science, and Mathematics were also reviewed. The updates were made in line with the evolving academic and industry needs and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
A Democratic and Consultative Approach
It’s worth noting that these curriculum decisions stemmed from a series of meetings held on May 2, 6, and 8, where faculty members, academic experts, and university officials gathered to deliberate and finalize changes. While some decisions sparked dissent — as is common in academic environments — the majority of the proposals were approved by the university’s Academic and Executive Councils, showcasing the university’s commitment to consensus-building and academic excellence.
Why This Move Matters
The approval of a master’s programme in Hindi Journalism holds far-reaching implications. It not only validates Hindi as a language of intellectual and professional engagement but also responds to the growing demand for regional-language journalists who are capable of navigating both legacy media and emerging digital platforms.
India’s linguistic diversity has often been underrepresented in formal media education, which predominantly focuses on English-language instruction. Delhi University’s decision could serve as a model for other universities seeking to broaden their linguistic and cultural inclusivity in academic offerings.
Conclusion
Delhi University’s announcement to launch an MA in Hindi Journalism is more than just a course introduction—it is a cultural milestone and an educational reform. Set against the backdrop of Hindi Journalism Day, the programme reflects a renewed commitment to regional language empowerment, democratic communication, and modern media literacy.
Once approved by the Academic Council, this programme will become a pioneering platform for aspiring Hindi journalists, equipping them with the tools and training needed to thrive in the fast-evolving world of media and public discourse.
