FTII (Film and Television Institute of India)
India's premier government film school offering world-class training in film and television arts
Overview
The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) is India's foremost institution for training in film and television production, established in 1960 by the Government of India in Pune, Maharashtra. The institute is located on the historic premises of the former Prabhat Film Company studios, one of the most influential studios of the pre-independence Indian film era. FTII is recognized as a center of excellence for film education both in India and internationally, consistently producing graduates who go on to become leading figures in Indian and world cinema. The institute operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and is governed by a board that includes prominent figures from the Indian film industry.
FTII offers a comprehensive range of programs covering the major disciplines of filmmaking and television production. The flagship programs are three-year Post-Graduate Diplomas in Direction and Screenplay Writing, Cinematography, Film Editing, Sound Recording and Sound Design, and Art Direction and Production Design. A two-year Post-Graduate Diploma in Screen Acting is also offered, providing one of the few formal acting training programs in India with a focus specifically on film and television performance. Additionally, FTII offers one-year Post-Graduate Certificate courses in Electronic Cinematography, Audiography, and Television Production, along with various short-term workshops and weekend programs.
How It Works
The Screen Acting program at FTII is particularly notable as one of the few dedicated film acting programs in India. The two-year curriculum combines theoretical study of acting traditions and techniques with intensive practical training in front of the camera. Students work on exercises, scenes, and complete film projects throughout the program, developing the specific skills required for screen performance as distinct from stage acting. The program benefits from the collaborative environment at FTII, as acting students work with directing, cinematography, and editing students on joint projects, providing a realistic production experience.
FTII's campus on the former Prabhat Studios grounds provides a unique educational environment that is steeped in film history. The institute has multiple shooting floors, screening theatres, editing suites, sound studios, and an extensive equipment inventory that includes both film and digital cameras. The campus also includes residential facilities for students, creating an immersive learning community where students live and work together throughout their programs. The FTII library houses an extensive collection of films, books, and periodicals that support research and study across all departments.
Who Uses It
FTII's alumni roster reads like a who's who of Indian cinema, including many of the country's most celebrated directors, cinematographers, editors, and actors. The institute's graduates have received numerous national and international awards, including recognition at Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and the Academy Awards. This alumni network is one of FTII's greatest assets, as graduates frequently collaborate with one another and mentor current students and recent alumni. The institution's reputation within the Indian film industry ensures that FTII graduates receive serious consideration from producers, directors, and casting professionals working in both mainstream Bollywood and independent Indian cinema.
Pricing & Plans
FTII's tuition fees are heavily subsidized by the Government of India, making the cost of attending significantly lower than comparable film schools in the private sector or abroad. The exact fees vary by program and are updated periodically, with current rates published on the FTII website and in the admissions prospectus. In addition to tuition, students should budget for living expenses, personal equipment, and the costs of producing student projects that may exceed the institute's standard allocation. Scholarships and fee waivers are available for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and various state governments and cultural organizations offer additional financial support for FTII students. The overall cost of an FTII education, including tuition and living expenses in Pune, is a fraction of what students would pay at comparable institutions in the US, UK, or Europe. This affordability, combined with the institute's world-class reputation, makes FTII one of the highest value propositions in global film education.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
FTII provides a world-class film education at government-subsidized rates that make it accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds across India. The institute's unmatched alumni network in the Indian film industry provides graduates with connections and credibility that no other institution in the country can match. The practical, production-intensive curriculum ensures that graduates have extensive hands-on experience by the time they complete their programs. The Screen Acting program is one of the very few dedicated screen performance training programs in India, filling a critical gap in the country's film education landscape. The immersive campus environment, where students live and work together, fosters intense creative collaboration and lifelong professional relationships. FTII's location in Pune, a major cultural and educational center, provides a stimulating environment that is somewhat removed from the commercial pressures of Mumbai, allowing students to focus on artistic development.
What Could Be Better
FTII's admissions process is extremely competitive, with thousands of applicants vying for a handful of spots in each program, making acceptance rates very low and the selection process inherently stressful and uncertain. The institute has experienced periods of administrative disruption and controversy, including disputes over appointments to the governing board and student protests over institutional direction. Some students and alumni have noted that certain equipment and facilities, while functional, have not kept pace with the rapid technological evolution of the film industry. The campus in Pune is geographically distant from Mumbai, India's primary film production hub, which can create a sense of isolation from the active industry during the years of study. The structured academic calendar and mandatory residential requirement may not suit all learning styles or personal circumstances. Post-graduation career support and placement services have been identified as areas where FTII could improve, as the institute has historically relied on its reputation and alumni network rather than formal career services to support graduates.
Our Recommendation
We highly recommend FTII for any aspiring actor or filmmaker in India who is committed to pursuing a serious career in cinema and is willing to invest two to three years in intensive, immersive training. The Screen Acting program is particularly valuable for actors who want to develop film-specific performance skills in a rigorous academic environment. Applicants should prepare thoroughly for the competitive admissions process, which typically includes a written examination and interview. Students should embrace the residential campus experience as an opportunity for total immersion in the creative process, even though the intensity can be demanding. Graduates should plan their transition to the professional industry carefully, leveraging FTII's alumni network and institutional reputation while building their own independent professional identities.
Pro Tips
Begin preparing for FTII's entrance examination well in advance, familiarizing yourself with the format, syllabus, and types of questions asked in previous years, as thorough preparation significantly improves your chances of admission. Build a strong portfolio of creative work before applying, as demonstrating existing artistic sensibility and commitment to cinema strengthens your application. Once enrolled, take full advantage of every production opportunity, as the films and projects you create at FTII will form the foundation of your professional portfolio and showreel. Build relationships across departments, not just within your own, as the directors, cinematographers, editors, and sound designers you collaborate with at FTII may become your professional collaborators for decades to come. Engage actively with the FTII alumni network by attending institute events, reaching out to graduates working in areas that interest you, and participating in alumni forums and groups. Plan your post-graduation career strategy during your final year, identifying the specific areas of the industry you want to enter and the professionals you want to connect with, so that you can hit the ground running after completing your program.