CUET Mass Media and Mass Communication Syllabus 2026: Check Unit-Wise Syllabus, Best Books, and Prep Tips Here

If you are in Class 12 or have just completed it and dream of building your future in the exciting world of media, then CUET Mass Media and Mass Communication is the way to go. To get into one of the universities, you have to know the CUET Mass Media and Mass Communication syllabus 2026 for CUET. The syllabus is designed to test your knowledge of communication, journalism, advertising, public relations, media laws, and the rapidly developing field of digital platforms. It covers all aspects, including media history and ethics, to prepare you to pursue a media career. In this article, we have discussed the full detailed syllabus, latest exam pattern, ways to prepare, and best books recommended by the toppers.

CUET Mass Media/Mass Communication Syllabus 2026

The CUET Mass Media and Mass Communication exam is part of CUET's domain subjects. The exam is online and contains objective MCQs. Students have 40 questions out of 50 questions to attempt in 45 minutes. +5 Marks for a correct answer and -1 for a wrong answer. The exam familiarizes students with reading about communication, journalism, advertising, PR, and media laws. Students can clear this paper to start their careers in journalism, filmmaking, advertising, digital marketing, or public relations. For better scores, one should practice the detailed syllabus, attend CUET Mock Tests, solve previous year questions (PYQs), and CUET UG Online Coaching as they sharpen concepts and are useful to improve speed, accuracy, and confidence.

1. Unit 1: Communication
2. Unit 2: Journalism
3. Unit 3: TV
4. Unit 4: Radio
5. Unit 5: Cinema
6. Unit 6: Social Media
7. Unit 7: New Media

CUET Mass Media and Communication Exam Pattern 2026

Before starting your preparation, it’s important to understand the exam pattern. The Mass Media and Mass Communication paper comes under the Domain-specific subject category.

• Section: Mass Media & Mass Communication
• Question Type: Objective (MCQs)
• Total Questions: 50 (students need to attempt any 40)
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Marking Scheme: +5 marks for every correct answer and -1 mark for each incorrect one

CUET UG Mass Media and Mass Communication Topic-Wise Syllabus

The CUET UG 2026 Mass Media and Mass Communication syllabus examines students' knowledge of and voluntary contribution to the media. The syllabus comprises of 7 important units which cover the following topics: Communication, Journalism, Broadcasting, Films, Advertising, and Media ethics.

The subject will not only help students develop a solid foundation but will also provide pathways for careers in journalism, digital media, public relations, and filmmaking. There is plenty of room to score well with the right preparation and to get into top universities. Students can refer to the below for the detailed CUET UG Mass Media and Mass Communication syllabus for a better understanding of all the topics.

Communication

• 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.

• Communication and Social Change

Social change: meaning, media as a catalyst for social change (with examples of various social movements).

Journalism

• Qualities of a Good Journalist

An understanding of the following: nose for News, inquisitiveness, language skills, trustworthy, and empathy.

• Ethical Issues in Journalism

A brief understanding of each of the following, with examples: sensationalism, fake news, paid news, plagiarism, advertorials, partisan reporting, and sting operations.

TV

• Advertising

(i) Advertising concepts & process

(ii) Functions of Advertising

(iii) Types of Advertising (Cross promotions, Merchandise, Convert Advertising)

(iv) Forms of Advertising

• Film

(i) Pre-Shooting Stage

(ii) Shooting Stage

(iii) Post-Shooting Stage

Radio

• Writing for Radio

Characteristics of a Radio Script: conversational language, active voice, simple sentences, avoidance of technical jargon, and the capability of creating imagery.

• Recording Radio Programmes

Brief understanding of the radio studio and transmission equipment: types of microphones, amplifier, sound mixer, speakers, and audio recording.

• Radio Jockeying

Role of a radio jockey: skills required: command of language (spoken and written), connectedness with the audience, knowledge about the recording equipment.

Cinema

• History of Cinema

A brief understanding of the early experiments done by the following: Lumiere Brothers, John Grierson, Robert Flaherty, and Dada Saheb Phalke

• Cinema Genres

Defining genre theory: an understanding of the various types of genres (with suitable examples): action, westerns, comedy, crime, drama, fantasy/sci-fi, historical, animation, romance, and musical.

• Cinema and Social Change

Parallel Cinema movement in India: Issues depicted and low-budget production process (with reference to examples such as Shyam Benegal’s Manthan).

Social Media

• Definition of Social Media
• Types of Social Media Platforms
• Role of Social Media in Democracy

Role of social media in creating collective identities with reference to sharing of information; cyber activism (with suitable examples)

• Cyber Crime

An understanding of online bullying, stalking, trolling, and online fraud.

• Netiquettes

Meaning and importance of netiquettes; an understanding of netiquettes such as: identification of oneself; respect for others’ privacy, use of appropriate language and imagery; and do not spam.

New Media

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

Preparation Tips for CUET Mass Media & Mass Communication

• Understand the Basics – Begin with fundamental concepts like types of communication, media history, and journalism basics. Clear basics make advanced topics easier.
• Stay Updated – Media is dynamic. Regularly read newspapers, follow current events, and keep an eye on social media trends, advertising strategies, and global media updates.
• Make Short Notes – While studying, prepare quick notes on definitions, important laws, and examples. These notes help a lot during last-minute revision.
• Practice MCQs – Attempt previous year questions and CUET sample papers. This helps in understanding the type of questions asked and improves accuracy.
• Time Management – Since the paper is only 45 minutes, solving mock tests will help you manage speed and accuracy together

Best Toppers Recommended Books for CUET Mass Media/Mass Communication

All students who want to pursue the Mass Media and Communication courses after Class 12th are required to clear the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). And to pass the CUET Mass Media and Communication exams, students will require a good reference guide. So here we are to help you. Below, we have provided a few books recommended by CUET Toppers.