The Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC) is a professional media centre which offers a variety of services in training and production. The institute is located on the St Xaviers College campus, Mumbai, and is one of the biggest non-government media centres in Asia.

XIC provides an introduction to the world of media which emphasises professionalism and social values relevant to our unique social and cultural context. It is committed to the study and use of a variety of media — from street theatre, print journalism, audiovisual production to the digital media. The institute has a media resource centre, sound studios, video/CD recording units, an editing studio, a 120-seat air-conditioned mini-theatre with large screen video projection, an air-conditioned conference room and a computer lab.

The course on digital media is divided into two parts. Students start with photo retouching, illustration and electronic processing of 2D images. They are then trained in various concepts of 3D, beginning with modelling, texturing, lighting and animation that can be applied to any 3D animation software. They also learn the different aspects of video and sound editing. The students can choose either 3D computer graphics and animation or interactive multimedia and web design (IMWD) as their elective.

In addition to classroom teaching, the course lays emphasis on group projects, assignments, and independent study. The institute awards its own diplomas to students who successfully complete a total of 295 sessions (59 credits).

The prospectus and the application form are available from the XIC administrative office on payment of Rs 500 in cash. Outstation students should send a demand draft of Rs 550 (in favour of the Xavier Institute of Communications) to the Admissions Office, Xavier Institute of Communications, St Xaviers College, Mahapalika Marg, Mumbai-400001.

Eligibility

Graduation in either commercial art or science or commerce or humanities. Applicants must have some artistic ability and a flair for visualisation. Non-graduate students who have creative skills should submit their art portfolio and take a drawing test and interview which takes place in June, before admission is finalised.

Entrance exam

An entrance test will be held at the institute in June. Candidates who clear the written exam are called for a personal interview.

Pattern of exam

The written exam is of one hour duration and assesses your imagination. It also measures your logical ability, power of expression, English writing skills and a knowledge of the media.

How to prepare

You must read newspapers, magazines and books on literature, philosophy, fiction etc. You should be aware of current issues, particularly in the field of your interest. Watch programmes on TV as well as films which have a social theme or a message for society. Reading the newspapers and news magazines regularly will keep you updated. Watch BBC, CNN, Aaj Tak and other news channels. For current affairs, you can prepare from the Manorama Year Book or the GK guide by Pearson.

To brush up your English, consult the grammar book by Wren and Martin, English Grammar by Mason and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. To hone your reasoning skills, practise from Test of Reasoning by R.S. Agarwal, and General Ability and Quantitative Aptitude by Edgar Thorpe.

sample test paper

Write on One of the following. Your description should be as visual as possible.
1. A cricket match on the streets of your colony.
2. A trekking expedition in the hills.

Comment on One of the following:
1. Rise of spiritualism in the era of globalisation.
2. Satellite TV has revolutionised the presentation of news in India.
3. Has the MTV style of images influenced picturisation in films and music videos?

Write on One of the following:
1. Style and substance of R.K. Narayan.
2. Harvansh Rai Bachchan.
3. Ismat Chughtai.
4. Anjoli Ela Menon.

From the pairs of words given, choose the one that fills the gap most appropriately.
There was ______ among economists, bordering on ______, over the economy’s seeming inability to create jobs.
a) puzzlement, alarm b) bewilderment, surprise.
c) confusion, resentment.
d) disorder, chaos.