How to Launch Your PR Career in India? [Step-by-Step Guide 2025]

Products and services don't build a brand themselves. It's a work of art, research, and details that lie on the shoulders of Public Relations (PR). In a world where reputation and communication make or break the brand, PR not only retains the business appeal but also forms a bond with the customers. This must already encourage you to know how to launch PR career in India.

But wait, know that this is why the public relations or PR industry is worth over $112.98 billion in 2025. As the businesses and competition within the industry are growing, there is a need to create a brand image and reputation that helps stand out. With this, there is also a demand for PR professionals. Hence, there is a greater need for you to know how to launch PR career in India.

Public relations professionals assist businesses by providing the appropriate direction and counsel, creating a successful plan to propel your business into the spotlight. But how to launch PR career in India? This blog outlines the simple steps on how to launch PR career in India and the top public relations jobs in India.

Step-by-Step Guide to Launching Your PR Career in India

A career in public relations is one of the most extroverted and enthusiastic in nature. It stands as one of the most effective ways to influence public opinion and strategically market companies, groups, or individuals through public relations. This is why PR career opportunities can also be highly rewarding and lucrative.

If you're searching for a stimulating new career path or want to hone your leadership abilities in the communication sector, you must know how to launch PR career in India. Follow these steps to kickstart your public relations career:

Step 1: Acquire Relevant Education

In order to make yourself a perfect fit for growing PR career opportunities, the first step that you should take is acquiring relevant and crucial PR skills. A degree in journalism, communications, or public relations will help you acquire these skills.

You can enroll in prestigious institutions that offer specific PR programs that offer a greater understanding of the field. These courses inculcate skills such as writing, research, and strategic thinking. A public relations career requires a bachelor's or master's degree.

You can pursue a two-year master's degree in a public relations-related profession or a one-year post-graduate certification or diploma after graduation. Here are some programs you can opt for:

• Bachelor of Public Relations
• BA (Bachelor of Arts) in English
• BA in Journalism
• BA in Marketing
• BA in Corporate Communications
• B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) in Mass Communication
• B.Sc. in Marketing
• Master of Public Relations
• MA (Master of Arts) in Journalism
• MA in Corporate Communications
• MA in Mass Communication

All these courses not only equip you with the right skills but also ensure your employability. Understanding digital media trends is essential when considering how to launch PR career in India.

Step 2: Gain Practical Experience

Once you have enrolled, you can work for governmental, non-governmental, and educational institutions during or after your educational program. Many organizations welcome PR interns who can assist them with their public relations-related tasks. This helps you gain a practical understanding and experience of the career.

While interning or working full time, you will learn the subtleties and foundations of developing public relations strategy with print and social media. This is what the rest of the world is looking for when they want information.

• You can gain experience by joining PR professional associations, clubs, or groups, contacting PR peers or mentors, or going to PR networking events are all ways to grow your network.
• Intern at a company to run media campaigns, publicity campaigns, and event management workflows as it helps gain practical experience.
• You can also find many PR career opportunities at advertising PR agencies in India, print and visual media companies, and businesses with a dedicated public relations division.
• The other ways to gain experience are to take volunteer, freelancing, or internship work, and producing your public relations content for a personal blog or website.

Internships are a great way to gain experience and understand how to launch PR career in India.

Step 3: Develop Essential PR Skills

Public relations (PR) is an exciting and dynamic field that demands people to be not just good communicators but also flexible and affable. It thrives on extroversion. PR practitioners also need to establish and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including clients, media representatives, and the general public.

As with any other career, PR also demands a specific set of skills. Writing, research, communication, creativity, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork are just a few of the many abilities needed in the varied and multifaceted area of public relations. Here are some PR skills you must perfect to seize better PR career opportunities:

• Outstanding communication skills both in writing and speaking
• Superior interpersonal abilities
• Speaking and presentation skills
• Computer proficiency and IT expertise, particularly concerning social media and digital communication
• Proficiency in project management
• Capabilities and skills for leadership
• Knowledge of media agendas
• Knowledge of current affairs, both domestically and globally
• Relationship-building abilities
• Research abilities

Step 4: Build a Professional Network

Professionals in communications and public relations are the social butterflies of the business world. They can establish personal connections with people and establish trust as if it were a dying art. They successfully communicate information in a way that will compel even the most uninterested stakeholder to pay attention.

Establishing and preserving professional connections is one of the essential duties of a public relations professional. This includes:

• Maintaining ties to the businesses where you began your career or interned.
• .Signing up for professional networking sites to maintain relationships with other public relations professionals.
• Creating a network of print and visual media professionals as well as government departments and PR agencies in India that are relevant to your line of work.

Many industry experts also offer advice on how to launch PR career in India through workshops.

Step 5: Stay Updated with Industry Trends

Just like in any other business, PR trends are impacted by a variety of factors, including consumer tastes, technology, and staff expectations. The use of AI in PR campaigns, the growth of influencer marketing, and the growing significance of data analytics in gauging public opinion are only the beginning. Anyone hoping to establish themselves in the PR sector must comprehend these patterns.

Effective communication is not enough to succeed in public relations. You will stand out if you have a strong grasp of digital technologies, analytics, and content marketing in addition to a talent for creating stories and an awareness of current trends. You must leverage your strength for innovation and adaptation with free online courses.

Top PR Career Paths in India in 2025

The PR industry as a whole is very welcoming and attracts professionals from different walks of life. Students interested in marketing can also pursue a profitable career in public relations. In 2022–2023, the Indian PR sector grew by 13% to reach ₹2,100 crore, according to PRCAI. So, it is a financially successful professional path with great salary and benefit packages.

The curriculum of the top PR programs provides a perfect basis for developing abilities such as writing, communication, and trend knowledge. All these are applicable to the field of public relations. Here are a few career paths you can go for:

1. Corporate Communications Specialist

Never before has the demand for skilled communicators been higher, as organizations are striving to enhance brand perception, facilitate internal collaboration, and establish effective communication with external stakeholders. The comprehensive and modern PR program curriculum furnishes you with the skills needed to navigate effectively through corporate communications.

If you are contemplating a career change or simply intend to enhance your strategic communication skills even further. You must:

• Create and put into action efficient communication plans for both internal and external audiences.
• Produce, revise, and disseminate newsletters, press releases, and other correspondence.
• Oversee media relations, which includes answering questions and setting up interviews with business leaders.
• Organize press conferences, company events, and other public relations initiatives.
• Keep up with and update the business's social media profile to guarantee timely and pertinent posts.
• Work together with marketing and other departments to guarantee a consistent brand message.
• Track and evaluate communication data to gauge how well campaigns and strategies are working.
• Prepare speeches and give business executives briefing materials.
• Handle crises and create crisis communication plans to reduce bad press.

2. Media Relations Manager

A public relations expert is responsible for assuring the goodwill of the client at all times. These experts organize events, engage in outreach with the media, and create press releases so as to secure positive coverage.

The main objective of a media relations manager is to establish and preserve a positive reputation for the customer or business. Additionally, they respond to questions from the media and work to minimize any bad press so that the public's opinion of the brand remains unchanged. As a media relations manager, you must:

• Create and carry out a thorough marketing communications plan that includes strategy, objectives, budget, and techniques.
• Plan and execute a media relations plan with the goal of landing prominent positions in print, television, and internet media.
• Organize all public relations initiatives, making sure that the messaging is impactful and consistent across all platforms.
• Oversee the social media team to interact with audiences on new and conventional media channels.
• Make connections with business and industry media outlets.
• Maintain and grow your relationships with current media contacts.
• As a firm representative for print and broadcast media, handle requests for interviews and media queries.
• Produce engaging material for keynote speeches, byline articles, and press releases.
• Every quarter, track, evaluate, and share PR outcomes while refining tactics for ongoing enhancement.
• Find and assess potential sponsorships, advertising, and strategic alliances.

3. Public Affairs Consultant

A public affairs consultant gives advice and assists an organization through the complex world of public policy and government relations. As a public affairs consultant, you mediate in helping your client understand and operate within the political environment while bridging the dialogue between the government and business communities.

Due to their ability to influence public and governmental decisions, public affairs consultants are highly sought after. They are essential in defending the rights of their clients and making sure that their opinions are heard in the political sphere. As a consultant in public affairs, you must:

• Monitor proceedings to keep clients updated on anything relevant in their industry, giving insight into activities in parliament, government departments, political parties, local government, think tanks, pressure groups, NGOs, and other similar organizations.
• Examining publication transcripts and parliamentary documents and monitoring events such as debates, inquiries, committee investigations, statements, reports, orders, and laws.
• Investigate, predict, and assess how public policy will affect an organization using public sources, political intelligence, and personal connections.
• Compose press releases, campaign materials, briefings, and newsletters.
• Attend party conferences, hearings of select committees, and other activities.
• Create and preserve two-way communication with stakeholders and pertinent government agencies.

4. Digital PR Specialist

Public relations has evolved beyond traditional media with the arrival of the digital age, creating a need for professionals who can successfully traverse the digital terrain.  The digital public relations manager is responsible for managing the organization's online image and reputation.

As a digital PR specialist, you are in charge of creating and carrying out plans that improve an organization's reputation, interact with the public, and oversee digital material across several platforms. You will find skills like media relations, SEO expertise, content curation, social media acumen, and data analytics at your side to evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns.

You can look for Social Media Marketing Courses on upGrad for added support. 

The job profile requires you to:

• Investigate specialized/industry subjects in-depth in the public relations courses in India on Best Fundamentals of Journalism, considering current and emerging trends.
• Examine the topics covered by specialized journalists and determine the most popular article formats.
• Find seasonal or national events to bolster campaign concepts and come up with original ideas with certain elements.
• Make sure the data is timely, multi-variable, and easily interpretable by sourcing it from reliable sources.
• Create creative digital PR plans and record them.
• Compose pitches and press releases in an understandable, expert manner.
• Choose and call out to journalists who are related to your expertise, giving priority to contacts in your state, nation, or city.
• Using outreach tools, track the effectiveness of the campaign and suggest new tactics as necessary.
• To establish trusting connections, keep lines of communication open with journalists.

5. Event PR Coordinator

A marketing events PR coordinator is a highly valuable member of the marketing team who works toward planning and organizing events to attract clients and potential clients. The role includes carrying out rigorous planning, coordination of many elements, and the ability to deal with logistics.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that events run smoothly and achieve their intended impact. The coordinator makes sure that every event reflects the company's values and brand and is intended to strengthen client connections and advance corporate goals.

• Creating and overseeing project plans for marketing events.
• Coordinating pricing and resources with suppliers.
• Using social media platforms to advertise events.
• Creating post-event satisfaction surveys and keeping track of event attendance.

Skills Required for a Successful PR Career

A successful career in public relations (PR) requires a unique combination of abilities that go beyond conventional communication skills. PR specialists need to be skilled at negotiating intricate social environments and striking a balance between strategic thought and creativity.

The home-grown Indian businesses today are crossing boundaries and expanding in other countries. This is why public relations in India plays an inevitable part in business strategy, crisis management, and brand-building. Here are the key skills that help you achieve the goal:

Strong Writing and Storytelling

Strong writing helps convert regular blog posts, articles, press releases, and social media updates into good reads. The skill is also important for writing engaging emails, articles, and other pieces. Ensure your writing is up to par if you want a long and prosperous PR job.

Public relations practitioners should have strong written communication skills that are both attention-grabbing and concise while delivering important information. It helps separate campaigns that are remembered from those that are forgotten.

Additionally, whether composing a tweet or an official statement, writing for several venues necessitates flexibility in tone and style. Look for Writing and Editing for Print Media Course on upgrade to refine your skills.

Digital & Social Media Expertise

Social media sites are essential to public relations plans. Professionals must know how to monitor brand discussions, manage online communities, and produce interesting material. Developing connections with influencers and journalists also requires using social media sites like LinkedIn and  X (Twitter).

Having a firm grasp of social media analytics helps in improving audience engagement tactics. Here are a few PR certifications that upgrade can help you to refine your digital and social media skills:

Crisis Management and Problem-Solving

The foundation of any successful PR effort is an effective strategy. Professionals must coordinate their efforts with a brand's overarching goals to guarantee that every campaign yields quantifiable outcomes. To maximize impact, strategic thinking also entails foreseeing obstacles and opportunities.

You can develop long-term successful campaigns through a data-oriented approach. PR consultants must also know how to handle crisis situations while protecting their company's image. It requires prompt resolution of the stakeholder issues and developing responses that are open and sympathetic.

In addition to resolving problems, good crisis management increases loyalty and trust. Enroll in free certification courses for a Complete Guide To Problem Solving Skills.

Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

PR specialists often speak at events, conduct interviews, or oversee press briefings in their capacity as brand ambassadors. They also deliver powerful messages that connect with audiences. Flexibility is another aspect of public speaking that enables experts to address unforeseen inquiries or difficulties.

In public relations, public speaking focuses on creating and preserving the intended public perception of the company or person. To make sure the message is in line with the organization's objectives and the PR campaign as a whole, this calls for strategic storytelling. This is where the Public Speaking and Presentation Skills Course helps you improve public speaking. 

Challenges of Starting a PR Career in India

Communication matters in today's digital age. However, the question is, which mode of communication is ideal for the organization? With the increase in complexity of an organization, the need for smarter and more strategic communication is arising.

Corporate communication is merely one aspect of the field of public relations. Breaking into PR in India comes with challenges like intense competition, evolving media landscapes, and the need for strong adaptability and networking in the PR industry. You must expand your horizons and improve your skills to stay ahead.

High Competition in the Industry

The intense competition is one of the biggest obstacles to launching a PR profession in India. Over the past few years, the PR sector in India has grown significantly, drawing many young professionals. Due to this influx, the employment market has become extremely competitive, and it takes more than just the most basic credentials to stand out.

The Solution

Aspiring PR professionals must constantly improve their abilities and keep up with the most recent developments in the field if they are to succeed in such a cutthroat setting. Gaining a competitive edge can also come from establishing a strong personal brand, using social media, and networking widely.

Additionally, developing a solid foundation and improving employability in India's cutthroat PR market can be achieved by obtaining real-world experience through volunteer work, PR internships, or freelance initiatives. You can also use client endorsements and successful initiatives to highlight your influence.

Building Credibility Without Experience

In case you are starting out, changing careers, or entering an entirely new sector, chances are you might feel under-confident due to your lack of experience. Highlight your relevant skills with a number of options and learn some new ones that will help you in your role. No matter your experience level, you can use some well-planned approaches to show potential employers that you will make a good candidate for this position.

The Solution

When changing a career, potential employers want an assurance that your past experience will enable you to succeed in a new position. In your cover letter and CV, emphasize work done related to the specific responsibilities in the new role. You must also highlight transferable skills developed in former positions on your resume.

Networking in PR industry within the professional circles you wish to work in is a great way of developing your career path. You could arrange informational interviews that would connect you with industry professionals and provide you an insight into the career you are after. Also, a portfolio must highlight your determination and keenness in a new position or field.

Keeping Up with Industry Trends

A successful public relations professional must be adaptable, as the industry is dynamic and forever changing. PR trends will always play in the back of your mind as to what is current, what is emerging, and what is hot. When you keep the most important PR industry trends India on your radar, your strategic decision-making will be well-informed.

The Solution

AI in business and marketing is the newest trend unfolding in the market. Top-tier thought leadership content can make you stand out and, with careful writing, can make it more difficult for AI to imitate. Thought leadership can be found in LinkedIn posts as well as blog entries, manuals, and white papers.

You can interview influencers or podcasts or secure a quote in a reputable newspaper to build their reputation and support the growth of their social media following. upGrad’s expert-led public relations courses in India help you master crucial PR skills like communication, media strategy, and networking, everything you need to land top PR roles.

How upGrad Helps You Build a Career in PR

You require an extensive set of skills to build a successful PR career in India. Mastering these PR skills can feel like a challenge, but knowing how to launch PR career in India can add more to it. upGrad provides several programs from prestigious universities worldwide with specializations that cover every important aspect of public relations.

The courses also assign students with in-field work to cover various news reporting beats, allowing them to experience the process in real time. Here are other benefits you receive by signing up on upGrad:

Industry-Aligned Certification

With our extensive industry-aligned courses in advertising, public relations, and corporate communications, you can fully immerse yourself in the craft of storytelling, strategic communication, and market influence.

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Our curriculum has been painstakingly created to enable you to meet the changing needs of the business. It also influences the development of effective branding, advertising, public relations, and internal communication strategies in the future.
• Latest Tools: You can examine the most recent modules that are seamlessly integrated with cutting-edge tools and technology. The tools guarantee experience in corporate communications, public relations, and advertising.
• Industry-approved Curriculum: The program covers corporate communications, public relations, and advertising that is pertinent to the industry.

Mentorship and Networking Opportunities

The programs invite seasoned public affairs, PR, and communication practitioners to offer candidates advice and guidance in their areas of interest. It includes insights into the industry, PR skills development, employability support, and guiding career advancement. Mentors come from diverse sectors, including technology, public affairs, consumer PR, and corporate PR.

• You get the opportunity to develop and broaden your professional network.
• You have the chance to hone your coaching and mentoring abilities for your career advancement and PR career growth.

To create a comprehensive learning experience, upGrad uses a blended learning strategy. It blends in-person instruction and engaging online public relations courses in India. Our dedicated placement cell and extensive network of corporate partners guarantee access to lucrative PR career opportunities and placement assistance.

Career Transition Support

At upGrad, we understand that businesses are often changing and restructuring, and roles often change. Our advanced career assistance team offers support to individuals in a career transition to start over more quickly. 

• The career transition services under our programs include personal evaluations, coaching, upskilling classes, branding, interview preparation, and even onboarding when they land a new position. 
• upGrad’s courses are designed in collaboration with top industry leaders, ensuring you gain the skills that employers look for. With real-world case studies, live projects, and expert mentorship, you’ll be job-ready from day one.
• Our course connects learners with top companies worldwide. From resume-building workshops to interview prep and direct recruiter access, we provide end-to-end support to help you land the right job faster.

Conclusion

In India, mid-sized PR players have recorded the highest growth rate of any segment at 19.5%. Given the rapid growth and expansion of India's economy and PR professional associations, public relations professionals play a crucial role.

With the growing PR job market 2025, it is an ideal time to launch your career. If you're wondering how to launch PR career in India, pursuing an online course or degree in communications can be beneficial.

The professionals are in charge of promoting the business to the public and ensuring its success. It explains why there is a greater need for PR experts in India, which leads to a greater demand for PR certifications and courses. With perseverance, education, and the appropriate tools, you can establish a prosperous public relations profession in India.

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