Career as a Press Secretary in India: Role, Skills and How to Begin

Journalism, Publishing & Audio MediaPublic Policy, Government & Civic Tech

Updated

At a glance

A press secretary manages how a government office, minister or organisation talks to the media, by briefing journalists, answering queries and issuing official statements.

A press secretary is the official who manages communication between a government office, minister, political leader or organisation and the news media. They brief journalists, answer media queries and draft official statements so the public gets a clear, accurate account of decisions.

Most people in this role start in journalism, public relations, communications or political research, and build trust with reporters over several years. There is no single national exam or fixed course for it in India, so your route depends on whether you aim for government information services, a political office or a corporate communications team.

This page explains what the work involves, the education path, the skills that matter and the outlook for the field in India. Where we do not yet have verified figures, such as pay, we say so rather than guess.

Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree (typically)
Typical Degree
BA/BJMC (Journalism), MA in Journalism or Politics
Expected Entry Salary
To be confirmed
Entry-level to Senior
To be confirmed
Job Demand Growth
To be confirmed
Work Hours
Irregular, often long, including weekends
Places of Work
Government offices, parties, corporates, media

What Does a Press Secretary Do?

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Briefing journalists on official decisions, policies and announcements, on or off the record as agreed.

  • Drafting press releases, statements and talking points for the official or organisation.

  • Answering media queries quickly and accurately, and flagging questions that need senior approval.

  • Organising press conferences, interviews and media events, including venue set-up and speaker preparation.

  • Monitoring news coverage and social media, and correcting factual errors where needed.

  • Handling sensitive issues and crises, working with legal and policy teams to avoid harmful disclosures.

  • Advising the principal on how an announcement or event is likely to be reported and received.

Where They Work

In India, press secretaries and press officers work in central and state government ministries, chief ministers' and governors' offices, and the Press Information Bureau (PIB), which issues official releases for government departments. Political parties, public-sector undertakings and large companies also employ people for media relations and spokesperson roles.

Work in a senior political office is often tied to the term of the official who appoints you, so careers in this area can be less predictable than in a corporate or government service role. Many professionals move between newsrooms, PR agencies, corporate communications teams and government information services over their careers.

How to Become a Press Secretary in India?

After Class 12

Any stream is generally accepted for a degree in journalism, mass communication or political science. Build an interest in current affairs, writing and public speaking through school debates, school newspapers or college media clubs.

Undergraduate

Take a BA or BJMC in Journalism and Mass Communication, or a BA in Political Science, Public Administration or English. Use college media, newsroom internships and PR agency internships to build a portfolio of published work.

Postgraduate and Specialisation

An MA or PG diploma in Journalism, Mass Communication, Public Relations or Public Policy helps, especially for government and political roles. Specialise in media law, public policy or digital communication.

Early Career in Media or Communications

Work as a reporter, media relations executive, press assistant or communications officer for a few years (typically 2 to 5). Learn to brief reporters, handle queries and write under deadline.

Licence / Certification

No government licence is generally needed for this role. Short certifications in media law, crisis communication or digital PR can strengthen your application.

First Job

Apply for press officer, assistant press secretary or media relations roles in government offices, political offices or corporate communications teams. Senior press secretary roles usually come after years of experience and a strong record of trust with the media.

You might also
want to explore.

Government Relations Manager

Public Policy, Government & Civic Tech

Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy, Government & Civic Tech

Political Analyst

Public Policy, Government & Civic Tech

Broadcast Journalist

Journalism, Publishing & Audio Media

Government Relations Manager

Public Policy, Government & Civic Tech

Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy, Government & Civic Tech

Political Analyst

Public Policy, Government & Civic Tech

Broadcast Journalist

Journalism, Publishing & Audio Media

Government Relations Manager

Public Policy, Government & Civic Tech

Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy, Government & Civic Tech

Political Analyst

Public Policy, Government & Civic Tech

Broadcast Journalist

Journalism, Publishing & Audio Media

Government Relations Manager

Public Policy, Government & Civic Tech

Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy, Government & Civic Tech

Political Analyst

Public Policy, Government & Civic Tech

Broadcast Journalist

Journalism, Publishing & Audio Media

Eligibility and Subjects Required

Stream and Subject Requirements

  • Any Class 12 stream (Arts, Commerce or Science) is generally accepted for a degree in journalism, mass communication or political science.

  • Strong English writing is essential, and Hindi or a regional language is valued for many government and state-level roles.

  • No specific subject combination or fixed minimum marks apply to this role in general; individual college cut-offs apply.

Minimum Qualification

  • A bachelor's degree is typically required for press officer and press secretary roles.

  • Postgraduate study or several years of media or communications experience is often expected for senior roles.

  • Check each job advertisement for the exact qualification and experience required.

Courses and Degrees for Press Secretary

  • Undergraduate Degrees
    • BA in Journalism and Mass Communication (typically 3 years)
    • Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) (typically 3 years)
    • BA in Political Science (typically 3 years)
    Postgraduate Degrees
    • MA in Journalism and Mass Communication (typically 2 years)
    • MA in Political Science or Public Policy (typically 2 years)
    Diplomas
    • PG Diploma in Journalism (typically 1 year)
    • PG Diploma in Public Relations or Corporate Communications (typically 1 year)
    Certifications & Short-term Courses
    • Media law and ethics short course (typically a few weeks to a few months)
    • Crisis communication or digital PR certification (typically a few weeks to a few months)

Skills Required to Become a Press Secretary

Technical Skills

  • Press release and statement writing
  • Media relations and journalist networking
  • Crisis and reputation communication
  • Public speaking and media briefings
  • Fact-checking and verification
  • Social media and digital communication
  • Basic knowledge of media law and government information rules

Soft Skills

  • Discretion and confidentiality
  • Calm under pressure
  • Clear, concise communication
  • Political and policy awareness
  • Stamina for irregular hours
  • Diplomacy and tact

Press Secretary Salary in India

0 to 3 years (typical)

Entry Level

To be confirmed

  • Typical job titles: Press Assistant, Media Relations Executive, Assistant Press Officer
  • Work: drafting releases, handling media queries, monitoring coverage, organising media events

3 to 8 years (typical)

Mid Level

To be confirmed

  • Typical job titles: Press Officer, Deputy Press Secretary, Communications Manager
  • Work: leading briefings, managing spokesperson schedules, advising on announcements and crisis messaging

8+ years (typical)

Senior Level

To be confirmed

  • Typical job titles: Press Secretary, Chief Spokesperson, Head of Communications
  • Work: setting media strategy for the principal, representing the office publicly, advising senior leaders

Career Opportunities and Job Roles

Press Assistant

Supports the press office with media lists, clippings, scheduling and draft releases.

Assistant Press Officer

Writes releases and answers routine media queries for a ministry, department or organisation.

Media Relations Officer

Builds relationships with reporters and arranges interviews and press briefings.

Communications Manager

Plans and leads communication strategy across a company, party or public body.

Spokesperson

Speaks publicly on behalf of an organisation or office, using agreed positions.

Press Secretary

Leads media communication for a senior official or office and advises on messaging.

Scope and Future of Press Secretary in India

Every government office, political leader and large organisation needs to explain its decisions to the public, so demand for people who can do this well is steady. Digital media has added pressure: news moves faster, social platforms carry unverified claims, and offices need staff who can respond within hours. This makes skills in digital communication and fact-checking more valuable than they were a decade ago.

Government communication in India runs through bodies such as the Press Information Bureau, which publishes official releases from ministries and departments. Public bodies also issue recruitment notices for media and information roles from time to time, so it is worth tracking official job portals. Demand in any single office depends on its budget and political cycle, so career planning should allow for change.

Abroad, the role is well established. The White House press secretary is one of the most visible communication posts in the world, and news reports in August 2026 said Karoline Leavitt had left that position. Indian professionals can also work with international news agencies, embassies and global companies' communication teams, though these roles usually expect strong English and proven media experience.

Is Press Secretary
the Right Career for You?

Press Secretary can be an exciting career, but the right choice depends on more than academic eligibility.

Interests

What excites you?

Aptitude

What are you good at?

Personality

How do you work?

Work Preferences

What kind of environment suits you?

Discover careers that match your interests, strengths and preferences.

See how well this career fits you

Related Careers

More careers in Journalism, Publishing & Audio Media that students read about.

Newspaper Editor

Newspaper Editor

Journalism, Publishing & Audio Media

Podcast Network Manager

Podcast Network Manager

Journalism, Publishing & Audio Media

Data Journalist

Data Journalist

Journalism, Publishing & Audio Media

Book Editor

Book Editor

Journalism, Publishing & Audio Media

Illustrator

Illustrator

Design & Digital Media

Content Writer

Content Writer

Journalism, Publishing & Audio Media

Press Secretary: Frequently Asked Questions

What does a press secretary do?

A press secretary manages media relations for a government office, minister, political leader or organisation. Daily work includes briefing journalists, answering media questions, drafting statements and press releases, arranging press conferences and monitoring news coverage. The role also involves advising the principal on how an announcement will be received and handling sensitive questions carefully.

Is there a specific degree to become a press secretary in India?

No single degree is compulsory. Most people start with a BA or BJMC in journalism and mass communication, a BA in political science, or English, and many add a postgraduate course in journalism, public relations or public policy. What matters most is a strong portfolio of writing and media experience, along with a clear understanding of how government and the press work together.

How much does a press secretary earn in India?

Pay depends on the employer, the level of the post and your experience. A government office, a political party and a private company can pay very differently. We have not yet verified current pay ranges for this role, so this page does not quote a figure. Check recent job advertisements on official government and employer portals for the pay band stated in each post.

Is a press secretary the same as a PR manager?

They overlap but are not the same. A PR manager usually builds a brand's public image across marketing, events and customers. A press secretary works closely with a specific official or office, deals mainly with journalists, and speaks on their behalf on news and policy matters. Both roles require writing, media relations and crisis handling skills.

Can I become a press secretary without a journalism degree?

Yes, it is possible. Many press officers come from political science, English, public administration or law, and then build media skills through reporting, internships or work in communications teams. Employers usually look for proven writing, media contacts and sound judgement more than a specific degree. A journalism or mass communication qualification can still help you get a first foot in the door.

Is the job stressful, or are the hours fixed?

The hours are rarely fixed. News can break at any time, so press secretaries often work evenings, weekends and during crises or major events. Tight deadlines and sensitive questions are a real part of the job, so the role suits people who stay calm under pressure and enjoy fast-moving work. Hours and workload vary a great deal by employer and office.

What is the difference between a press secretary and a spokesperson?

A spokesperson speaks publicly for an organisation or office, usually on agreed positions. A press secretary often does that too, but also runs the press office, manages media requests, drafts statements and advises on messaging behind the scenes. In smaller offices, one person may do both jobs.

Book a Free Counselling Session to Know Your Perfect Career Fit!