Origins of the Collegian Newspaper
The term The Collegian traces its origin back to The Daily Collegian of Penn State in the United States, one of the oldest student newspapers in the world. Inspired by this legacy, Indian colleges began creating their own student-run newspapers—some adopting the name “The Collegian” and others taking inspiration from it.
Over time, the concept gained ground in Indian academic institutions such as Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, and various IITs and IIMs. These Indian editions of The Collegian evolved with local flavor, addressing national, cultural, and campus-specific issues, while preserving the spirit of student-led journalism.
Structure of The Collegian in India
Indian editions of The Collegian are entirely student-driven. The newsroom is led by an editor-in-chief, with teams that include managing editors, news editors, and a roster of staff writers. Each edition represents a collaborative effort of aspiring journalists, designers, photographers, and social media managers. The editorial board works with a deep sense of responsibility. Newsrooms function like real media organizations—ensuring timely publishing, fact-checking, and meeting weekly or monthly deadlines. These experiences prepare student leaders for careers in journalism, communications, public relations, and multimedia.
Content and Coverage: Beyond Campus Walls
- Campus News: A major strength of the Indian Collegian lies in covering campus news. From administrative changes and student protests to career fairs and student achievements, the newspaper serves as the primary voice of the student body. Regular updates also include notices, event schedules, and key academic announcements.
- Voter Awareness & Student Politics: Indian editions take a strong stance on democratic awareness—covering student elections and encouraging young voter participation. Editorials often analyze student union campaigns, debates, and the role of the vice president, offering critical insight into campus governance.
- Opinion Columns & Letter to the Editor: The Collegian thrives on diverse opinions. Through dedicated Letter to the Editor sections, students share views on national and global issues—be it local policies, education reforms, or figures and their international impact. These letters encourage open discourse and strengthen critical thinking on campus. One of the most impactful features of The Collegian is its opinion and editorial section. Here, students voice their takes on everything from environmental activism to caste discrimination on campuses. Pieces like "Uniform Civil Code: Are Indian Campuses Ready?" or "The Rise of Gender-Neutral Hostels in Indian Colleges" encourage debate and dialogue among the youth. For instance, a recent editorial focused on an art installation during India’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month, titled “Kapdon Se Nahi,” showcased clothing worn by survivors during their assaults. Organized in collaboration with youth-led NGOs, the piece sparked campus-wide conversations on consent and the systemic silencing of survivors.
- Strong Sports Reporting: Indian campuses are active sports hubs, and The Collegian covers it all. The sports desk reports on women's basketball, men's soccer, volleyball, and women's soccer, often highlighting performances during the regular season, inter-college tournaments, and annual sports days. Athletics stories don’t just report scores—they tell stories of resilience, competition, and student identity. Rankings, team photos, and player interviews offer readers complete coverage.
- Embracing Festivals and Culture: Indian students are deeply rooted in traditions and cultural fests. During events like Diwali, Holi, or even Halloween, The Collegian publishes special editions capturing the spirit of celebration on campus. Coverage includes photo essays, student reflections, and behind-the-scenes prep stories. Whether it’s a music fest, theatre production, or poetry slam, these newspapers document the cultural pulse of campus life with flair.
Top 5 Collegian Newspapers in India
- DU Beat – Delhi University: One of the most prominent student-run publications in India. Covers news, opinions, events, and student politics across Delhi University.
- The Jamia Times – Jamia Millia Islamia: A well-recognized student outlet offering critical perspectives on education, politics, and campus life.
- The Hindu College Gazette – Hindu College (Delhi University): A legacy student newspaper that shares campus events, cultural discussions, and editorial opinions.
- The Kalinga Chronicle – KIIT University, Bhubaneswar: While not exclusively student-run, it features a dedicated section for university news and student contributions.
- Campus Varta – Nationwide (based in Bihar): A student journalism platform covering news from colleges and universities across India, supporting grassroots student reporting.
How can I start a college newspaper in India? (Step-by-Step Guide)
Starting a student newspaper is a rewarding way to amplify student voices and build journalism skills. Here's a detailed guide:
Step 1: Define Your Vision and Purpose
Decide what kind of content your newspaper will focus on — campus news, opinion pieces, cultural events, student politics, etc. Choose a name and mission that aligns with your goals.
Step 2: Form an Editorial Team
Assemble a core team of:
- Editor-in-Chief
- Section Editors (News, Opinion, Culture, etc.)
- Writers/Reporters
- Photographers
- Designers and Social Media Managers
You can recruit through posters, college WhatsApp groups, or orientation events.
Step 3: Get Permission (If Required)
Check with your college administration about policies on student publications. Some colleges require approval from faculty or student unions; others encourage full independence.
Step 4: Choose Your Format (Print or Digital)
- Digital is cost-effective and reaches a wider audience via platforms like WordPress, Medium, or Wix.
- Print gives a tangible experience but requires funds for printing and distribution.
Step 5: Set Up Tools & Platforms
Recommended tools:
- Writing & Editing: Google Docs, Grammarly
- Design: Canva, Figma
- Publishing: WordPress, Medium, Substack
- Social Media Promotion: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
Step 6: Start Content Creation
Brainstorm article ideas like:
- Campus news (fests, elections)
- Interviews with faculty/students
- Opinion columns
- Event photography Create an editorial calendar and assign deadlines.
Step 7: Brand Your Newspaper
Design a logo, pick a name, and set up a website and social handles. Example: “The Hindu College Gazette” on Facebook.
Step 8: Plan Funding (Optional)
If you want to print or expand, consider:
- College grants
- Crowdfunding
- Local advertisers
- Alumni contributions
Step 9: Promote and Launch
Launch your first edition with an event, campaign, or teaser on social media. Encourage readers to engage and submit their own articles or letters.
Step 10: Maintain Regular Publishing
Stick to a weekly/bi-weekly/monthly schedule. Keep quality high and continue recruiting new students to sustain momentum.
Digital Shift and Design Tools
As print media evolves, so does The Collegian. Many Indian colleges have shifted their publication online, using themes like Flex Pro WordPress Theme to build visually engaging websites. These digital platforms make it easier to publish content frequently and reach larger student audiences. Some editions even offer a podcast to discuss student issues, career tips, and interview alumni or visiting speakers. A few are experimenting with multimedia features—combining text, video, and audio to tell richer stories.
Friday Night Features & Human Interest Stories
A standout section in many editions is the Friday night feature. This weekly highlight dives into dorm stories, friendships, late-night food adventures, music playlists, and quirky college traditions. It’s where the heart of the campus beats loudest—raw, fun, and beautifully human.
Role of the Collegian in Shaping Leaders
For Indian students, The Collegian is more than just a newspaper. It’s a platform to lead, think, and express. Every staff writer, editor-in-chief, and news editor learns to research, write, and communicate effectively. They shape public opinion on campus and take the skills forward into the professional world.
Impact on Student Identity
Publishing under The Collegian gives students a sense of belonging. It creates a documented history of campus events and intellectual life. From recognizing student leaders to highlighting college student innovations and achievements, these newspapers validate young voices.
How Students Can Use College.dev for Collegian Newspapers
Students running collegian newspapers can use College.dev as an all-in-one workspace to enhance their journalism efforts from planning to publishing. First, they can create a dedicated society or group for their newspaper where members like writers, editors, designers, and photographers can collaborate seamlessly. The post-creation tools allow them to write, edit, and publish articles directly within the platform, supporting text, images, and multimedia for richer storytelling. Through the events feature, students can promote open mic nights, panel discussions, or editorial workshops . Notifications and announcements can be used to push updates, submission deadlines, or new edition releases to the college community. Group chat and discussion boards help with real-time communication among the team, making brainstorming and editing more interactive. Additionally, College.dev enables each contributor to build a personal digital portfolio by linking their published work—making it a powerful tool for showcasing writing, reporting, and editing experience when applying for internships or media jobs. Ultimately, the platform gives student journalists the structure and digital tools needed to run a professional, engaging, and collaborative college newspaper.
Conclusion
The Collegian Newspaper in India captures the heartbeat of campus life and the voices of a rising generation. It serves as both a record and a mirror—documenting student struggles, celebrations, and aspirations. From student government elections and cricket match highlights to investigative reports on campus discrimination or educational reforms, The Collegian ensures students are informed, involved, and inspired. In a rapidly changing world, student-led publications like The Collegian offer more than just news—they build a culture of critical thinking, empathy, and action.
Contributors: Written by Riya Kumari Singh ; Edited by Disha N; Lead image by Shivendra Singh
