About CIJ Chennai
Institution Overview
& History
Established in 1996, the Chennai Institute of Journalism (CIJ) is an autonomous, premier public training college under the direct governance of the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Tamil Nadu.
Over the past three decades, the institute has evolved from a traditional print journalism academy to a modern, state-of-the-art educational center. We offer specialized training in digital storytelling, television news production, media management, and information laws. We are committed to fostering truth, public service, and high-fidelity research that assists regional reporting.
Key Milestones
- 1996Foundation laid by DIPR, Govt of Tamil Nadu.
- 2008Inaugurated dedicated Television and Radio Broadcast Wing.
- 2018Shifted to a modern, fully digitized curriculum (MoJo & SEO focus).
- 2026Celebrated 30 years of excellence in journalism education.
Our Vision
To create a globally recognized center of excellence in media education, producing truth-driven, ethical journalists who positively influence public policy and democratic values.
Our Mission
To provide affordable, high-fidelity media training; bridge the gap between academic theory and newsroom operations; and instil high standards of media accountability.
Key Objectives
Provide real-world internship access; update curricula aligned with industry standards; conduct media summits; and support regional development through factual reporting.
Legal Status & Authority
The Chennai Institute of Journalism (CIJ) is an autonomous government-constituted training and educational institution established under the aegis of the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Tamil Nadu.
Constituted via Government Order (G.O. Ms. No. 124)
The institute is empowered to design and deliver professional diplomas, carry out media research, and offer consultancy to state departments on public communication. CIJ functions with complete administrative autonomy under a Governing Board, ensuring high academic standards.
CIJ Core Values
Integrity
Uncompromised dedication to moral ethics, avoiding conflicts of interest in journalism.
Truth
Seeking absolute accuracy and verifying facts thoroughly before publication.
Ethics
Fair representation of diverse societal viewpoints and respect for privacy.
Innovation
Adopting newer tech structures: AI, MoJo, VR, and digital data mapping.
Public Service
Supporting democratic growth by addressing grassroots civic issues.
Governance Mechanism
Board of Directors
CIJ is governed by a Board of Directors representing government authorities and industry experts.
Thiru Rajmohan
Minister for School Education, Tamil Development, Information and Publicity
Government of Tamil Nadu
Thiru N. Ravi
CHAIRPERSON
Nominated by Government from the Media Industry
Thiru A.S. Panneerselvan
DIRECTOR GENERAL
Chief Executive & Ex-officio Member
Thiru V. Rajaraman I.A.S.
SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT
Tamil Development and Information Department
Thiru Dr. R. Vaithinathan I.A.S.
DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION & PR
Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR)
Thiru R. Ramanathan
JOINT SECRETARY (PERSONNEL)
Finance Department, Government of Tamil Nadu
Thiru M. Gunasekaran
DIRECTOR
Eminent Media Expert & Director
Thiru S. Karthigaichelvan
DIRECTOR
Eminent Media Expert & Director
Thiru B. Anandaramakrishnan
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
Industry Advisory Member
Thiru B. Gandhi
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
Industry Advisory Member
Academic Council
Responsible for designing the curriculum, course content, and selecting faculty and candidates.
Constitution of the Council:
- Director of the Institute of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Associate Professor/Professor, Institute of Journalism and Mass Communication (Member Convener)
- Team of media experts from various platforms (Print, Visual, Digital, and Social Media)
- A Senior faculty from Loyola College, Chennai
- Head of the Department of Journalism and Communication at the University of Madras
Institutional Leadership
Thiru. N. Ravi
Hon'ble Chairman
Minister for Information & Publicity, Govt of Tamil Nadu
Guiding the institute to ensure state policies and public information training structures run with high integrity and transparency.
Thiru. A. S. Panneerselvan
From the desk of Director General
Director of Info & Public Relations, Govt of Tamil Nadu
Managing academic regulations, industrial partnerships, state newsroom integrations, and technological upgrades.
Institutional Structure
Academic Structure
Board of Studies
Responsible for revising course structures, keeping textbooks updated with modern tools, and reviewing student assessments.
Specialized Departments
CIJ functions through three core divisions: Print Journalism & PR, Broadcast & Television Production, and Digital & New Media Studies.
Internal Quality Cell (IQA)
Ensures strict adherence to national educational guidelines, coordinates external academic audits, and tracks placement feedback to maintain quality.
Administration & RTI
Administration Setup
The administrative wing manages student admissions, personnel affairs, institutional finance, and public relations, ensuring seamless back-office support.
Right to Information (RTI)
In compliance with the Right to Information Act, 2005, CIJ maintains proactive disclosures to ensure complete transparency. Citizens can submit requests regarding admissions and governance.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
TV News Production Studio
Equipped with professional multi-camera setups, teleprompters, chroma-key backdrops, and digital sound mixers for broadcast simulation.
Mobile Journalism (MoJo) Lab
A dedicated lab focused on mobile reporting techniques, live streaming setups, and quick smartphone editing suites.
Digital Media Library
Houses over 10,000 reference books, journals, archives of popular national daily newspapers, and subscription to premium e-libraries.
Smart Classrooms
Spacious, air-conditioned seminar halls fitted with interactive smart screens, visual projectors, and premium acoustic systems.
Industry Partnerships
CIJ maintains strong corporate tie-ups with leading news organizations, digital publishers, and research bodies to ensure excellent practical training.
Student Journey Timeline
Five milestones from application to career placement at CIJ.
Application Submission
Register online, fill details, choose your journalism stream, and upload academic transcripts.
Enrollment & Screening
Merit screening or entrance interview, certificate verification, and admissions counseling.
Rigorous Learning
Lectures, DIPR campus production studios, dummy newspapers, and live media coverage stories.
Professional Internship
2-month internship at partner broadcast channels, publication houses, digital networks, or DIPR agencies.
Career Placement
Graduate and join leading newspapers, digital portals, or public communication groups as a verified journalism specialist.