IGNOU DCE-06 Project Guide
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing an IGNOU DCE-06 Project

Table of Contents
Introduction
If you are a student of the Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) from IGNOU, then you know how crucial the DCE-06: Writing for the Media project is. This practical exercise is meant to check your capability of putting creative writing skills to practice in actual media forms like print, radio, television, and internet media.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll take you through all the steps of working on your IGNOU DCE-06 Project — from choosing a topic and format of writing to submission tips and evaluation.
Whether you are a fresher or a working professional, this guide will simplify your project process, make it creative, and score-tastic.
What Is IGNOU DCE-06?
Course Code: DCE-06
Course Title: Writing for the Media
Programme: Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE)
Offered by: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
The course is aimed at achieving practical skills in writing for different media — newspaper, magazine, radio, television, and online platforms. The facilitates students to learn how to prepare effective messages, scripts, and articles for various targets.
Importance of the DCE-06 Project
Your DCE-06 project isn’t just another academic requirement. It’s your opportunity to show your understanding of media writing, creativity, and practical communication skills.
It helps you:
- Demonstrate your writing style and originality.
- Apply theoretical knowledge from other DCE courses.
- Build a real-world portfolio piece for your writing career.
- Improve editing, structuring, and media-specific writing abilities.
Step 1: Understand the Project Objective
Before you start, know what IGNOU requires. The DCE-06 project has the following objectives:
- Evaluate your creative writing ability for mass media.
- Determine your capacity to write for various audiences.
- Verify your ability to research and organize content effectively.
- Facilitate practical exercise of writing techniques.
The examiner anticipates clarity, originality, grammatical accuracy, and media appropriateness.
Step 2: Select the Appropriate Project Topic
Your subject dictates the strength of your project. Pick something workable, innovative, and pertinent to contemporary social or cultural topics.
Hot Topic Ideas for DCE-06 Projects:
For Print Media:
- Feature article on women empowerment.
- News story on neighborhood environmental concerns.
- Editorial on youth and new media.
For Radio: - Radio talk on health education.
- Radio drama script on education for everyone.
For Television: - Scripting a documentary on global warming.
- Anchoring script for a cultural programme.
For Online Media: - Blog series on mental health awareness.
- SEO content for a social campaign.
Tip: Pick a subject that interests you personally — your passion will shine through in your work.
Step 3: Understand the IGNOU Project Format
Your project should have a clear academic and creative organization. The conventional IGNOU DCE-06 Project Format consists of:
- Title Page
- Course Code & Title
- Student’s Name & Enrolment Number
- Programme: DCE
- Session: (e.g., July 2025 – January 2026)
- Regional Centre & Study Centre Code
- Certificate of Authenticity
- Student signature and Guide/Supervisor signature.
- Acknowledgment
- Not obligatory but nice to thank your guide, IGNOU, and others.
- Table of Contents
- All the headings and page numbers.
- Introduction
- Describe what your project is about and why you selected the topic.
- Objectives
- Define what you want to accomplish through this project.
- **Methodology
- Explain how you gathered data, held interviews, or created your writing.
- Main Content (Creative Work)
- Your actual writing — article, script, or report based on your subject.
- Findings / Observations
- State what you discovered through the process.
- Conclusion
- Recap your project results and thoughts.
- **References / Bibliography
- List of sources, books, or websites used.
Step 4: Writing Your Project
The following is how you can write and structure based on your media type:
A. Print Media Writing
- Employ short paragraphs and powerful headlines.
- Begin with a captivating lead paragraph.
- Maintain tone factual but creative.
- Add quotes, statistics, or interviews if feasible.
B. Radio Writing
- Write for the ear, not the eye.
- Short and chatty sentences.
- Sound cues or pauses for effect.
- Example: “[SFX: Birds chirping] Good morning listeners…”
C. Television Writing
- Visuals are just as important as words.
- Separate script into “Video” and “Audio” columns.
- Employ direct directions such as [CUT TO], [FADE IN].
D. Online Media Writing
- SEO-friendly.
- Use catchy titles, keywords, and links.
- Use headings (H2/H3), bullet points, and appropriate visuals.
Step 5: Writing the Objectives and Methodology
Objectives Example:
- To compose a creative article for print media based on environmental awareness.
- To identify how media writing can shape public opinions.
- To use creative techniques of writing for mass communication.
Methodology Example:
- Gathered information from online sources and newspapers.
- Interviewed local people.
- Used writing, editing, and formatting skills.
- Checked and proofread the final script.
Step 6: Writing the Findings and Conclusion
Findings:
- Understanding audience interest is necessary for writing for the media.
- Different writing style and tone are required for different mediums.
- Creative writing aids in making messages more effective.
Conclusion:
The project enhanced skills in creative and journalistic writing. It also exposed us to real-world reality about how information gets shaped for the media.
Step 7: Final Formatting & Presentation
Formatting Tips
- Font: Calibri or Times New Roman, size 12.
- Line spacing: 1.5.
- Margins: 1 inch on both sides.
- Number all pages neatly.
- Neatly bind your report before submission.
5 Step 8: Submission Process
- Prepare two copies — one to submit and the other to keep with you.
- Obtain your Guide’s signature on the Certificate of Authentication.
- Submit at your Regional Centre on or before the due date.
- Safely keep a receipt or acknowledgment slip.
You may also refer to IGNOU’s website or your study centre for the most recent submission date and guidelines.
Step 9: Evaluation Criteria
Your project will be marked on:
- Creativity & originality (30%)
- Clarity of expression (20%)
- Structure & organization (20%)
- Relevance to the medium (20%)
- Presentation & formatting (10%)
A properly set up and plagiarism-free project always gets a score above 80%.
Step 10: Tips to Score High in DCE-06 Project
- Be Original: Never plagiarize from online examples.
- Use Real Examples: Incorporate quotes or facts.
- Keep Language Simple: Steer clear of jargon.
- Follow the Format Strictly.
- Proofread: Find grammar and spelling mistakes.
- Add Creative Elements: Incorporate catchy headlines or intros.
- Stay Relevant: Keep content related to your selected medium.
Bonus Section: How to Use Online Tools for Project Help
These are a few tools that can improve your DCE-06 project:
- Grammarly: To correct grammar and tone.
- Canva: To design the cover page and visuals.
- ChatGPT / QuillBot: For generating ideas and editing.
- Hemingway Editor: To condense writing and make it readable.
- Google Docs: For drafting and formatting online.
Sample Project Outline (Example Topic: Feature Article on “Women in Journalism”)
- Title Page
- Certificate of Authenticity
- Acknowledgment
- Introduction – The role of women journalists in modern media.
- Objectives – To examine women’s contributions in journalism.
- Methodology – Research, interviews, and secondary data.
- Main Article – 1000–1500 words feature article.
- Findings – Challenges and success stories.
- Conclusion – Reflection and learning outcomes.
- References – Sources used.
Conclusion
The IGNOU DCE-06 Project is your opportunity to let your imagination, writing ability, and comprehension of media communication shine. By going through this guide — from selection of the topic to submission — you can simply prepare a professional, unique, and high-marking project.
Keep in mind, your best project is not only written — it’s researched, edited, and perfected with enthusiasm. Begin early, remain imaginative, and let your words leave a mark.