Filmmaking Courses in India: Fees, Colleges, Duration and Admission Process

Filmmaking courses in India are offered by both:  government and private institutes. Fees start from a very low cost in public universities and go up in private film schools.

Cinematic education in India is offered through many colleges and institutes. Learners can choose from certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The fees, duration and admission process depend on the institute and course type.

Top Filmmaking Colleges and Fees

Some of the known institutes in India offer film education with different fee structures.

Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune offers PG Diploma and MFA courses. The total fees are around 1.35 lakh to 1.70 lakh.

Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata offers PG Diploma courses with fees between 1.82 lakh and 2 lakh.

Whistling Woods International, Mumbai offers BFA, MFA and diploma courses. Fees range between 22 lakh and 28.5 lakh.

Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT), Noida offers B.Sc, M.Sc and diploma programs. Fees range between 3 lakh and 8.5 lakh.

National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad offers B.Des and M.Des courses. Fees are between 12.5 lakh and 14 lakh. 

LV Prasad Film and TV Academy, Chennai offers PG Diploma courses with fees of 4.5 lakh and 6 lakh. 

MGR Government Film and Television Training Institute, Chennai offers UG diploma and BVA courses. Fees range between 45,000 and 75,000.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi offers MA and PhD courses. Fees can go as low as 432.

Annapurna College of Film and Media, Hyderabad offers BA and MA courses with fees ranging between 10 lakh and 15 lakh.

Course Duration and Cost

Filmmaking courses are divided into different levels.

Certificate Courses: These are short-term courses. Duration can be from a few weeks to six months. Fees usually range between 30,000 and 1.5 lakh. These courses focus on basic skills.

Diploma Programs: Diploma courses usually last one year. Some PG diplomas may take up to two years. Fees range between 50,000 and 3 lakh. 

Undergraduate Courses: BA, B.Sc., or BFA take three to four years. Private colleges’ fees range between 3 lakh and 10 lakh per year. Whereas, Government colleges charge less. These courses cover multiple areas of filmmaking.

Postgraduate Courses: PG courses like MA, M.Sc., or MFA take two years. Fees are between 5 lakh and 15 lakh. 

Popular Specialisations

Direction: This is on storytelling, working with artists and managing a film project.

Cinematography: Students learn camera work, lighting and visual planning.

Editing: Post-production, software, visual effects and more. 

Screenwriting: Writing scripts for films, series and digital platforms.

Each specialisation helps students choose a specific role in the film industry.

Admission Process

Admission depends on the institute.

Government institutes like FTII and SRFTI conduct entrance exams. The FTII Joint Entrance Test is one of the main exams for PG courses.

Some universities use national-level exams like the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).

Private institutes conduct their own entrance and interviews. For example, Whistling Woods International has its own selection process.

Most admissions include written tests, interviews and sometimes practical assessments.

How to Choose a Course

Learners should take up the course based on their budget, course duration and according to the career plan. Government institutes have lower fees, but they also have limited seats, whereas, private institutes offer more options but with higher fees.

Short courses can help newbies figure out the basics. Degree courses are useful for long-term careers.

In India, filmmaking courses provide optional different parts for learners. From low-cost university courses to private schools. There are so many options based on the interest and budget of the student.