Radio Jockey (RJ)
Hosts shows on radio — plays songs, talks to listeners, handles ads and interviews guests.
Overview
A Radio Jockey (RJ) is a person who hosts shows on radio channels. She/he usually plays songs, interacts with the listeners, manages ads and interviews celebrities among other things.
Where they work
- Radio Stations
- Entertainment Industry, etc.
Work environment
You will be working in a studio set up. You might have to work unconventional hours – some radio shows take place early in the morning. Travel is not a part of the job role. You are likely to work on weekends as well. Entrepreneurship: you can start your own podcast.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are confident about making announcements on radio
- You can comfortably talk with all kinds of people
- You are a creative person
- You are good at working independently
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream.
- 2Complete Diploma in Radio Programming and Broadcast Management (DRPM)
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Diploma in Radio Programming and Broadcast Management (DRPM) followed by Master's degree in the same or related field
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree in any field followed by PGDM in Radio and Broadcast Management.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Mass Communication. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat
- University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Farook College, Kozhikode, Kerala
- Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Azaz Rizvi College of Journalism and Mass Communication, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- International School of Media and Entertainment Studies, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Himgiri Zee University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Pratap University, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi
- Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Film, TV and Animation Studies, New Delhi
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Radio Jockey
- 2Producer
- 3Manager
Expected income
₹20,000 – ₹40,000 per month and more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Anchor
Presents and hosts a programme or event, keeping the audience engaged and the show on track.
Disc Jockey
Entertainer who mixes recorded music for a live audience at clubs, festivals and on radio.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Languages.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to creating.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
RJ Malishka (Malishka Mendonsa) — She has been a radio jockey for more than 10 years. She is the youngest RJ in India to have won more than 10 awards. Malishka earned her Bachelor's in Political Science from Mumbai University and her Master's in Marketing and Advertising from the same institute.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 151 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/radio-jockey-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.