CUET Mass Media Syllabus 2026: Topics, Exam Pattern & Guide

Introduction

The CUET Mass Media / Mass Communication syllabus 2026 is designed to assess a student’s understanding of media, communication processes, journalism, and the role of mass media in society. This subject is ideal for students seeking admission into undergraduate programmes such as B.A. Journalism, Mass Communication, Media Studies, Advertising, Public Relations, Film Studies, and related fields through CUET UG.

The syllabus focuses on media awareness, communication concepts, and analytical understanding, aligned with the senior secondary level.

CUET Syllabus for Mass Media / Mass Communication 2026

1. Communication

(i) Understanding Communication

• Levels of communication
• Models of communication

(ii) Culture and Communication

• What is culture?
• Relationship between culture and mass media
• Communication in the cultural context
• Media as a vehicle of cultural transmission
• Representation and stereotyping in Mass Media

(iii) Communication and Social Change

• Social change: meaning
• Media as a catalyst for social change (with examples of various social movements)

(iv) Evolution of the Media

• History of Newspapers, Radio & Television in India
• New Media

2. Journalism

(i) Understanding News

• Definition
• News values
• Components of news

(ii) Qualities of a Good Journalist

• A nose for news
• Inquisitiveness
• Language skills
• Trustworthiness
• Empathy

(iv) Reporting and Editing Techniques

• Inverted Pyramid
• 5W’s & 1H
• Headlines
• Copy editing

(v) Photo Journalism

• Importance of photos
• Captions
• Visual depiction
• Photo essays

(vi) Media Laws & Ethical Issues in Journalism

• Sensationalism
• Fake news
• Paid news
• Plagiarism
• Advertorials
• Partisan reporting
• Sting operations
• Defamation
• Freedom of speech and expression
• Law and the media

3. Advertising and Public Relations

A. Advertising

• Advertising concepts & process
• Functions of Advertising
• Types of Advertising (Cross promotions, Merchandise, Convert Advertising)
• Forms of Advertising
• Advertising campaigns

B. Public Relations

• Understanding PR and media management
• Building Brand Image
• Tools and Steps in PR; PR campaigns
• Crisis Management
• Responsibility of a PRO

4. TV Production Process and Programmes

• Pre-production, Production, Post-production Stage
• Programs, Formats, Audiences

5. Radio

(i) Writing for Radio

• Characteristics of a Radio Script:
  • Conversational language
  • Active voice
  • Simple sentences
  • Avoidance of technical jargons
  • Capability of creating imageries

(ii) Radio Recording

• Radio studio and transmission equipment:
  • Types of microphones
  • Amplifier
  • Sound mixer
  • Speakers
  • Audio recording

6. Cinema

(i) History of Cinema

• Early experiments by:
  • Lumiere Brothers
  • John Grierson
  • Robert Flaharty
  • Dada Saheb Phalke

(ii) Production Process and Cinema Genres

• Production process and stages in films and documentary making
• Genre theory
• Types of genres (with examples):
  • Action
  • Westerns
  • Comedy
  • Crime
  • Drama
  • Fantasy / sci-fi
  • Historical
  • Animation
  • Romance
  • Musical

(iii) Cinema and Social Change

• Parallel Cinema movement in India
• Issues depicted and low budget production process
• Example: Shyam Benegal’s Manthan

7. Social Media

• Definition of social media
• Types of social media platforms
  • Social networking
  • Blogging
  • Photo and video sharing
• Role of social media in a democracy
  • Creating collective identities through sharing of information
  • Cyber activism (with suitable examples)
• Cyber Crime
  • Online bullying
  • Stalking
  • Trolling
  • Online frauds
• Netiquettes
  • Meaning and importance of netiquettes
  • Identification of oneself
  • Respect for others’ privacy
  • Use of appropriate language and imagery
  • Do not spam

8. New Media

• Internet as the meeting point of all the mass media
• Broadcasting
• Mass communication model of a few transmitting to a vast number of receivers
• Gigantic organization
• Huge technical infra-structure
• Large scale revenue
• The changed paradigm due to the Internet
• Empowering an individual to post data on the Internet
• Information/message in one medium triggering off activity in the others
• Many sources of the same information
• Distribution of information between individuals on a global scale
• Rapidity of opinion generation on local, national and global scale
• Socio-political implications of the new information order
• Strengthening of democracy
• Emerging trends in Mass Communication
• Media convergence

CUET Mass Media / Mass Communication Exam Overview 2026

Below is an overview of the CUET UG Mass Media / Mass Communication examination:

• Exam Name: Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG)
• Subject: Mass Media / Mass Communication
• Conducting Authority: National Testing Agency (NTA)
• Exam Level: Undergraduate
• Mode of Examination: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Medium of Paper: Multiple languages
• Syllabus Level: Senior secondary level
• Focus Areas: Communication theories, media studies, journalism, and media awareness

The paper evaluates a student’s understanding of media concepts, communication processes, and contemporary media issues.

CUET Mass Media / Mass Communication Preparation Strategy

Use the following preparation tips to score well in this subject:

• Understand Basic Communication Concepts: Focus on communication models and types.
• Study Media & Journalism Fundamentals: Know the role, functions, and ethics of media.
• Stay Updated with Media Trends: Awareness of digital media and current developments helps.
• Revise Terminology & Definitions: Many questions are concept and term-based.
• Attempt Mock Tests: Regular CUET-style MCQs improve speed and accuracy.

Best Books for CUET Mass Media / Mass Communication 2026

Use limited, syllabus-aligned resources for effective preparation.

Recommended Books

Tip: Focus on concept clarity and media awareness, not memorising news.

Topics to Refer for CUET Mass Media / Mass Communication

Students should prioritise the following important topics:

• Meaning and process of communication
• Types of communication
• Mass media and society
• Print media (newspapers, magazines)
• Electronic media (radio, television)
• Digital and social media
• Journalism ethics and values
• Advertising and public relations (basics)
• Media laws and regulations (introductory)
• Media and culture

These topics are frequently tested and conceptually important.

Conclusion

The CUET Mass Media / Mass Communication syllabus 2026 is concept-based and awareness-oriented. With a clear understanding of communication theories, media structures, and regular MCQ practice, students can perform well in this subject.

Mass Media / Mass Communication is a high-scoring subject for students interested in media, journalism, and communication studies.

FAQs – CUET Mass Media / Mass Communication 2026