Journalism training cannot come merely through lecturing on press laws or on basics of editing and reporting. It is something that one learns by doing. That’s why it has to be performative, interactive and production-oriented.
At ASCO, budding journalists are given regular practical exercises to accomplish the same through the following:

• Writing reports and features as per the subject or beat assigned.
• Producing a monthly newsletter, including writing articles, editing them and designing the newsletter.
• Editing PTI copies which are checked by prominent journalists.
• Producing documentaries under professional guidance.
• Freelancing for various national newspapers like TOI, HT, Pioneer, Hindu etc.

This ensures that students practice what they are taught. All pains are taken to update the course content on a regular basis, increase the practical component and bring the institute as close to the industry as possible. The curriculum provides the students with a firm grounding in the core elements and the techniques of print and electronic journalism, keeping in mind the rapid advancement in news coverage patterns and the need for infotainment.

Dissertation/Research
Every journalist is basically a researcher. Therefore it is imperative on the part of the student to imbibe the inquisitiveness and the curiosity to read between the lines. As part of the program, students are required to do a project devoted to their area of specialization. This helps the students zero down on the various issues confronting the media today, and use their imagination to highlight newer aspects.

Internship
As part of the program, students are required to undergo an internship with leading media organisations where they get first-hand industry experience. In the majority of cases, this experience coupled with the extensive training at ASCO proves to be an excellent launch pad for students.