Young Journalist Program
Young Journalist Program for Students and Recent Graduates
Publish original reports, earn bylines and build a credible journalism portfolio.
The India News Grid Young Journalist Program gives school students, college students and recent graduates a remote opportunity to publish original, non-sponsored work under their own names.
The pilot programme is free and open to eligible applicants worldwide. It does not provide a stipend, salary, training, mentorship or guaranteed publication.
Who can apply
- School students interested in journalism or writing
- College and university students
- Journalism and mass-communication students
- English, media and content-writing students
- Aspiring journalists
- People who graduated within the previous one or two years
Applicants do not need professional experience or an existing portfolio. Participants under 18 must provide consent from a parent or legal guardian. India News Grid may request proof of student or recent-graduate status. The pilot currently accepts submissions only in English.
What participants can publish
- Original news reports based on credible sources, official information or original reporting
- Research-based articles that explain a relevant subject clearly
- Non-sponsored articles written without an undisclosed commercial interest
- Free listings for genuine upcoming educational, cultural, institutional or public-interest events
- Appropriate international news researched remotely and supported by reliable sources
Editorial review
The India News Grid editorial board reviews every contribution and may approve it, return it for changes or reject it. Only approved and published work counts towards programme recognition. The editorial review exists to enforce originality, sourcing, neutrality and the ban on sponsored content. It does not include mentoring or formal instruction.
Build a journalism portfolio
Early journalism opportunities often ask applicants for previous work. The Young Journalist Program gives eligible contributors a route to begin building that record through public bylines and a contributor profile.
Participants may include their India News Grid profile and published links in future college, employment or independent project applications. India News Grid does not guarantee admission, academic credit, internships or employment.
Digital certificate eligibility
A participant may qualify for a Young Journalist Program digital certificate after publishing at least five approved contributions per month for six consecutive months.
Only approved and published contributions count. Rejected, withdrawn, removed or unpublished work does not count. India News Grid will send the digital certificate to the participant's registered email address after verifying eligibility.
India News Grid may withhold or revoke a certificate in cases involving plagiarism, fabricated sources, false information, undisclosed sponsorship or another serious policy violation.
Original and online exclusive content
All written work submitted through the Young Journalist Program must be original and exclusive to India News Grid for online publication.
The same article, report or substantially identical written version must not appear on another news website, Medium, LinkedIn Articles, a personal blog, a school or college website or another online publishing platform.
A related story may appear in a traditional printed publication, radio programme or another offline format. The written version submitted to India News Grid must remain unique online.
Content excluded during the pilot
- Sponsored content or disguised promotion
- Party-political allegations
- Defamatory claims and crime accusations without authoritative sourcing
- Ongoing legal disputes
- Unsupported medical-treatment claims
- Investment or financial advice
- Paid links or undisclosed commercial relationships
- Plagiarised or substantially copied work
- Graphic, hateful or unsafe material
Is this an internship?
No. The Young Journalist Program is an independent experiential publishing opportunity. India News Grid does not provide formal training, classes, mentorship, fixed working hours, employment or an internship placement.
The programme may complement classroom learning by giving students practical exposure to research, writing, sourcing and editorial review. Schools and colleges must independently decide whether participation supports their experiential-learning objectives or qualifies for academic recognition.
Information for schools and colleges
Journalism schools, colleges, English departments and media departments may share this ongoing opportunity with eligible students. There is no fixed cohort size or annual application deadline during the pilot.
Institutional enquiries: [email protected]
Frequently asked questions
Is the Young Journalist Program free?
Yes. Eligible programme submissions do not require a fee. The programme does not provide a stipend, salary, honorarium or publication payment.
Can students outside India apply?
Yes. The remote pilot is open to eligible applicants worldwide, although it currently accepts content only in English.
Will every submitted article be published?
No. Every submission must meet India News Grid’s editorial standards. The editorial board may approve, return or reject it.
Will participants receive a certificate?
Eligible participants receive a digital certificate on their registered email address after publishing at least five approved contributions per month for six consecutive months.
Can an article be published elsewhere online?
No. Submitted written work must remain original and exclusive to India News Grid for online publication.
Start publishing your work
Begin building a public record of original reporting and research-based writing. Once India News Grid enrols your email address, sign in and use Submit News or Create Article in your dashboard — programme submissions carry no fee.
Questions: [email protected]
The Young Journalist Program is currently operating as a pilot. India News Grid may update its scope, eligibility, certificate requirements and editorial rules as the programme develops. Participation is governed by the Terms and Conditions.