MCU: पत्रकारों की फैक्ट्री या सिर्फ एक डिग्री सेंटर? स्टूडेंट्स का रियल फीडबैक

जहां पत्रकारिता सिर्फ किताबों में नहीं, ज़मीन पर सिखाई जाती है!
एशिया की पहली और भारत की सबसे बड़ी पत्रकारिता यूनिवर्सिटी , माखनलाल चतुर्वेदी राष्ट्रीय पत्रकारिता एवं संचार विश्वविद्यालय (MCU)। यहां पत्रकारिता एक कोर्स नहीं, बल्कि एक जुनून है। क्लासरूम से लेकर कैमरे तक, और स्टूडियो से लेकर स्टोरी तक , MCU का हर कोना पत्रकार बनने के सपने को आकार देता है। लेकिन क्या वाकई MCU छात्रों की उम्मीदों पर खरा उतरता है? क्या यहां की फैकल्टी, डिपार्टमेंट और प्लेसमेंट उतने ही सशक्त हैं जितनी इसकी पहचान? आइए, जानते हैं खुद छात्रों की ज़ुबानी MCU की असल तस्वीर।

Ayush Singh ( B.Sc. Electronic Media 2nd Year )

Hi, I’m Ayush and I’m currently in the 2nd year of B.Sc. Electronic Media at MCU.
In my opinion, MCU is one of the best choices for students who want to build a career in journalism. I’m from the Electronic Media department, and I’m happy with it. The teachers are experienced, and we even have our own studio called MCU Darshan. It gives us a great chance to improve our reporting and anchoring skills.
Classes are held regularly, but I believe that to really gain knowledge, you have to put in personal effort. If you want to learn something, you need to work hard yourself. Teachers are there to guide you, but they can’t teach you everything step-by-step.
When it comes to placements, it’s the same everywhere, without skills, expecting a job is not practical. But if you have the skills, you’ll definitely get good opportunities.
Overall, MCU is a good place to study. And if you want to become a reporter, anchor, or radio jockey, the Electronic Media department is the right place for you.

Kalyani Jaiswal [ BA(MC) 2nd Year]

Hello everyone, I’m Kalyani Jaiswal, and I’m studying for a BA in Mass Communication at Makhanlal Chaturvedi University, Bhopal. Mass Communication is one of the hyped courses at MCU Bhopal, but in reality, the classes last year were not scheduled well. At the beginning of the session, many students—almost everyone—used to attend classes, but after two months, students started being irregular due to poor class timings, such as gaps of 1 or 2 hours between subjects. Sometimes teachers were absent, and even when present, only a few taught attentively, making them the highlight of the semester. By the end, it was all about managing 75% attendance rather than learning something new.Talking about fests, Aagaaz 2.0—the freshers’ party—was the only highlight of the year. If I had to choose another, it would be Cinebration, a two-day event focused on the entertainment field. Apart from these two, Pratibha was the biggest event everyone waited for, but as freshers, most of us were disappointed as it didn’t live up to the hype.Regarding placements, the scale is average and depends more on individual skills than the department. Since media is evolving rapidly, only those with creativity and skills can stand out. If you think you can do something different and are perfect at what you do—whether editing or reporting or another area —you can not only survive but excel.Overall, I’d say MCU Bhopal is good for those who aren’t very studious but are curious about learning other aspects of media and focusing on self-directed learning. However, for those who rely heavily on the university to complete the syllabus and secure placements, it might not be the best fit.

Abhiraj Mishra [ BA(JCW) 2nd Year ]

I’m Abhiraj Mishra, a second-year student at Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication. Alongside my academics, I’m currently working as a social media intern and content writer for a Kolkata-based sports media company, something I owe greatly to the culture of opportunity at MCU. What sets this university apart is its emphasis on professionalism and real-world experience. Being from the Journalism department, I’ve had the chance to work on our in-house newspaper “Vikalp,” published every 15 days. It’s a hands-on platform where we report campus and off campus events, conduct interviews, and sharpen our journalistic skills. MCU goes beyond print media. We recently launched a video magazine that encourages anchoring and programming, giving students like me a chance to explore broadcast journalism. What I truly admire is how the university values every interest, regardless of one’s course. Whether it’s theatre, radio, video shoots, anchoring, or volunteering, the campus is always buzzing with creative energy. At MCU, learning is not confined to classrooms. It’s a place where you can build your voice, refine your skills, and most importantly, discover your potential. For any aspiring storyteller, this university is a nurturing ground of ideas, exploration, and growth.

Anushka Pandey [ BA(MC) 2nd Year]

This is Anushka here from BA(MC) . Life at MCU is quite mediocre I would say. Every university has its strengths and weaknesses and likewise MCU also has few positive and few negative points.
Faculties of MCU is actually very experienced and educated but they are not able to dwelve into the new teaching techniques and strategies. While this is the negative point it is always good to interact with professors and learn from their experiences. They are actually quite helpful too. About departments MCU offers variety of courses and each one has its own curriculum.
The reality I would say is that their is no regular classes happening and even if they are happening the schedule is quite not suitable , hence many students don’t feel like attending lectures. Being a journalism specific university professors should come up with an interesting curriculum and a more practical way of teaching.
About placement their isn’t much of a benefit. This is one of the most important thing that MCU needs to change. Calling themselves as the Asia’s largest journalism university students expect a better return from the university. They expect a more polished self after graduating from MCU and the university should work towards this actively and strongly.
While I really enjoy the few programs and appreciate the efforts of each and every performer and each and every faculty that helps students grow.

Yogesh Kumar  ( M.Sc. Electronic Media ,Pass-out )

MCU may not have all the fancy resources, but the support here is truly amazing. From the HOD to Hari Bhaiya, everyone stood by us. Teachers like Rahul Khadia Sir and Manoj Patel Sir not only taught us theory but also gave us real-life motivation and guidance.
For me, the real learning happened outside the classroom , through friendships and shared experiences. Even though Vishwajeet and I were in different classes, we learned so much from each other. And moments with Durga, Pranav, Parmeshwar, Sohan, and our film department friends were full of growth.
It’s true that placements at MCU haven’t been great, but things are slowly changing. If you focus on building skills, opportunities will come.
But let me be honest , if you join MCU just for placements and don’t attend classes, this place isn’t for you. You’ve got to show up, learn, and connect with people. And yes, hostel food might not be tasty, so be ready for that too!

In short : MCU might lack resources, but it gives you all the support you need , if you’re willing to put in the effort.

Abhilasha Jha [ BA( APR) 2nd Year]

Hey, I’m Abhilasha Jha, a student of B.A. Advertising and Public relations(2nd year) at MCU.
As a student at MCU, I’d say it’s a solid place if you’re serious about journalism or mass communication. The courses are practical and industry-focused—especially in digital media, PR, and advertising. Faculty are experienced and supportive, and the Bhopal campus has decent labs, studios, and editing suites.
Fees are super affordable since it’s a government university. Placements are decent—big names like Aaj Tak, ABP, and Zee do hire from here, but you’ll need to hustle a bit yourself too.
Downsides? Hostel food isn’t great, and sports facilities are limited. Also, some smaller campuses aren’t as developed as Bhopal. But overall, it’s a good launchpad if you’re proactive and love the media world.

Udyansh Pandey [ BA(JCW) 3rd Year ]

माखनलाल चतुर्वेदी राष्ट्रीय पत्रकारिता एवं संचार विश्वविद्यालय के बारे में अक्सर यह धारणा प्रचलित है कि यहां वैचारिक पत्रकारिता को बढ़ावा दिया जाता है और एक खास विचारधारा का प्रभाव देखने को मिलता है। परंतु, सच यह है कि यह विश्वविद्यालय विविध विचारधाराओं और दृष्टिकोणों के संवाद और सह-अस्तित्व का एक जीवंत मंच है। यहां हर विचारधारा के लोग न केवल मिलकर पढ़ते और सीखते हैं, बल्कि एक-दूसरे के दृष्टिकोण को समझने और चुनौती देने का अवसर भी प्राप्त करते हैं। यही लोकतांत्रिक और आलोचनात्मक वातावरण इस विश्वविद्यालय की सबसे बड़ी ताकत है, जो पत्रकारिता के सार को जीवित और प्रासंगिक बनाए रखता है।

हालांकि यह भी स्वीकार करना चाहिए कि अकादमिक गुणवत्ता या प्लेसमेंट के मोर्चे पर विश्वविद्यालय कभी-कभी छात्रों की अपेक्षाओं पर पूरी तरह खरा नहीं उतर पाता। फिर भी, पत्रकारिता और संचार शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में भारत के सर्वश्रेष्ठ संस्थानों में इसकी विशिष्ट पहचान बनी हुई है। इसका कारण है यहां की अद्भुत शैक्षणिक परंपरा, समृद्ध अनुभव रखने वाले शिक्षकगण और देशभर में फैले इसके पूर्व विद्यार्थियों का विशाल, सक्रिय और प्रभावी नेटवर्क।

यहां पढ़ाने वाली फैकल्टी में भारत के प्रतिष्ठित पत्रकार, विद्वान और मीडिया क्षेत्र के अनुभवी विशेषज्ञ शामिल हैं, जो विद्यार्थियों को केवल सैद्धांतिक ज्ञान ही नहीं, बल्कि व्यवहारिक पत्रकारिता के गूढ़ रहस्य भी सिखाते हैं। यहां का शिक्षण बेहद संवादात्मक और प्रयोगधर्मी है, जहां विद्यार्थी विचारों की खुली बहस करते हुए अपने दृष्टिकोण को विकसित कर सकते हैं।

विशेष बात यह है कि माखनलाल चतुर्वेदी विश्वविद्यालय में कुछ ऐसे पाठ्यक्रम और रचनात्मक प्रयोग देखने को मिलते हैं जो भारत में और कहीं नहीं मिलते। चाहे वह डिजिटल मीडिया में नवीनतम प्रशिक्षण हो, विकास संचार, फिल्म अध्ययन, डेटा जर्नलिज्म, विज्ञापन-जनसंपर्क, या भारतीय भाषाओं में पत्रकारिता का गहन अध्ययन इस विश्वविद्यालय ने मीडिया शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में अनूठे और अत्याधुनिक कोर्सेज विकसित किए हैं। यही कारण है कि यह संस्थान पत्रकारिता की शिक्षा के मानचित्र पर एक विशिष्ट और अपरिहार्य स्थान रखता है।

माखनलाल चतुर्वेदी राष्ट्रीय पत्रकारिता एवं संचार विश्वविद्यालय वास्तव में पत्रकारिता के क्षेत्र में एक विरला संस्थान है। यह केवल पत्रकार पैदा नहीं करता, बल्कि सोचने-विचारने वाले, सवाल पूछने वाले और समाज में बदलाव लाने वाले संवेदनशील संचारक तैयार करता है। यही वजह है कि आज भी इस विश्वविद्यालय की उपस्थिति और प्रतिष्ठा मीडिया जगत में एक सशक्त धमक के रूप में बनी हुई है।

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MCU का सफर हर छात्र के लिए अलग होता है — किसी के लिए यह आत्मविश्वास की पहली सीढ़ी बनता है, तो किसी के लिए सिस्टम से टकराने की जगह। फैकल्टी की समझदारी हो या संसाधनों की कमी, पढ़ाई का तरीका हो या प्लेसमेंट की हकीकत — माखनलाल यूनिवर्सिटी के भीतर एक साथ कई सच पल रहे हैं।यहां से निकले कई नाम आज पत्रकारिता की मुख्यधारा में अपनी पहचान बना चुके हैं। लेकिन सवाल ये भी है — क्या आज का MCU आने वाले छात्रों को वही ऊर्जा, वही दृष्टि और वही मंच दे पा रहा है?

छात्रों की राय हमें एक स्पष्ट तस्वीर देती है: MCU एक अवसर है, लेकिन उसके साथ चुनौतियों की लंबी लिस्ट भी है। यह संस्था आपको तैयार कर सकती है, पर दिशा खुद तय करनी होती है। क्योंकि पत्रकारिता सिर्फ एक कोर्स नहीं, एक सोच है — और MCU उसे आकार देने का एक पड़ाव भर है, मंज़िल नहीं।