The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) has reportedly paused admissions for its one-year postgraduate diploma in Urdu journalism for the 2026-2027 academic session, sparking student concerns about the program's future.
Former students and legal representatives for applicants claim the course is on a temporary hold. This pause fuels fears that a short suspension could lead to the program's permanent closure.
Program Concerns Grow
The Urdu journalism course trains students in reporting, editing, public relations, and digital communication. It focuses specifically on the Urdu language and media.
Journalist and IIMC guest faculty Prabhakar Kumar Mishra stated that a temporary halt could result in the course being shut down permanently. His comments have amplified anxiety among students and those involved in Urdu media education.
Admission Dispute Adds Complexity
The IIMC admission process faced a challenge over the language of the entrance test. Advocate Abhishek Kumar represented two applicants.
Initially, IIMC allowed applicants to write answers in either Hindi or Urdu. A subsequent notice changed this rule, requiring answers solely in Urdu.
IIMC informed the Delhi High Court that the first notice was an error. The institute stated the exam has always used the Urdu script.
A court filing revealed only four applications were submitted this year. Two students withdrew their applications after the Urdu-only rule was enforced.
The lawyer stated their request was for the exam to permit both Hindi and Urdu. He added that the course suspension was unexpected. This situation presents a new legal challenge.
The matter is scheduled for further court review near the end of July.
