Jyoti Punwani has obtained Diploma in Journalism and has graduated from the University of Bombay in Philosophy, Political Science. She has worked with "Economic and Political Weekly" and "Clarity" as a trainee and was free launce for "Sunday Free Press Journal" (Bharat Jyoti). She was the reporter for "Sunday Observer" (1981) Where she was promoted as Chief Reporter and worked as Chief of Bureau till 1987. She has joined "Indian Post" in 1987 as an assistant Editor and is now working as an Assistant Editor with "The Independent".

She is the first journalist who had an interview with Phoolan Devi in Gwalior Jail in 1983.

She writes regularly on various topics, ranging from cancer, environment, judiciary, legal matters, sati, dowry deaths etc.