Disc Jockey
Entertainer who mixes recorded music for a live audience at clubs, festivals and on radio.
Overview
A Disc Jockey or DJ is an entertainer who mixes different sources of recorded music for a live audience. The term DJ is a reminder of a time when these entertainers primarily worked with vinyl records. These days, DJs may work with digital music files rather than physical discs, but the details of their job essentially remain the same.
Where they work
- Clubs
- Night clubs
- Radio
- Concert venues
- Music festivals among others
Work environment
You will be working both indoors and outdoors. Local travel is part of the job profile. Full-time and part-time job opportunities are available. Work hours are likely to be irregular and you may have to work weekends and holidays. Entrepreneurship: you can choose to be a freelancer as DJ.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You enjoy music
- You have excellent communication skills
- You are a creative person
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream.
- 2Complete a Diploma or professional course in DJing
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's in Performing Arts/Music or any related subject.
- 2Pursue an internship programme.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
Institutes offering courses in Disc Jockeying. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Asian Academy of Film and Television, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Azaredo Acoustics, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Dream Beats Studio, Dwarka, New Delhi
- Electronyk Academy, New Delhi
- Global D.J. Music Production & D.J. Training Academy, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- I Love Music Academy, Gurgaon, Haryana
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Disc Jockey → Music Producer → Start Record Label
- 2Disc Jockey → Collaborate with music artist
- 3Disc Jockey → Club Promoter
Expected income
₹15,000 – ₹85,000 per month or more
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Musician
Plays instruments, writes lyrics and performs music.
Radio Jockey (RJ)
Hosts shows on radio — plays songs, talks to listeners, handles ads and interviews guests.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Arts.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to creating.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Snehal Shah (DJ Rink) — Also known as the Desi Diva of Bollywood Dance Music, she is one of the top Indian women DJs in a traditionally male-dominated industry. A certified sound engineer from Government Polytechnic (Bandra), and music producer, she has produced over 2,000 Bollywood records.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 101 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Disc_Jockey_(DJ)/Hourly_Rate
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The card's institute list names the Asian Academy of Film and Television, Noida twice (entries 1 and 5); it appears once here. The list is printed without a government/private split — all of the named institutes are private academies.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.