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When we think of Bollywood, we picture red carpets, film sets, and superstar lifestyles. But behind the scenes of every blockbuster are trained professionals—not just actors, but also cinematographers, stylists, editors, writers, and producers to name a few. The good news? There are academic courses that can help you build a real career in this larger-than-life industry.
Whether you're dreaming of directing like Zoya Akhtar or designing costumes like Manish Malhotra, here are 7 career-focused courses that can get you closer to Bollywood—and where you can find them. Explore the academic paths that lead to the glitz and glamour of Indian cinema – and where to study them!
1. Film Direction & Production
If your dream is to shout “Lights, camera, action!”, this one’s for you. Courses in film direction teach everything from script breakdown to actor management and post-production workflows.
College Name |
Course |
Duration |
Fees (INR) |
Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune |
PG Diploma in Direction & Screenplay Writing |
3 years |
INR 1,23,928 |
Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata |
PG Diploma in Direction & Screenplay Writing |
3 years |
INR 1,06,900 |
Whistling Woods International, Mumbai |
BSc in Filmmaking (Double Elective) |
3 years |
INR 25,00,000 |
Annapurna College of Film and Media, Hyderabad |
BA in Filmmaking |
3 years |
INR 7,50,000 |
2. Scriptwriting / Screenwriting
No movie exists without a compelling story. Courses in screenwriting focus on storytelling, plot structure, dialogue, and even adaptations.
College Name |
Course |
Duration |
Fees (INR) |
FTII, Pune |
PG Diploma in Screenwriting (Film, TV & Web Series) |
2 years |
INR 1,23,928 |
SRFTI, Kolkata |
PG Diploma in Screenwriting |
2 years |
INR 1,06,900 |
Whistling Woods International, Mumbai |
MA in Screenwriting |
2 years |
INR 10,00,000 |
3. Acting & Performance Arts
From Ranveer Singh's explosive performances to Alia Bhatt's nuanced portrayals—acting is a craft you can train for. There are many courses after 12th, that students can refer to:
College Name |
Course |
Duration |
Fees (INR) |
National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi |
Diploma in Dramatic Arts |
3 years |
INR 1,50,000 |
Whistling Woods International, Mumbai |
BA in Acting |
3 years |
INR 16,00,000 |
Annapurna College of Film and Media, Hyderabad |
BA in Acting |
3 years |
INR 7,50,000 |
4. Costume & Fashion Design
From period dramas to high-fashion films, costume designers are essential to a film’s visual appeal.
College Name |
Course |
Duration |
Fees (INR) |
NIRF Rank (2024) |
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Delhi |
B.Des in Fashion Design |
4 years |
INR 12,00,000 |
9 |
Pearl Academy, Mumbai |
BA (Hons) in Fashion Design |
3 years |
INR 10,50,000 |
Not Ranked |
Amity University, Noida |
B.Des in Fashion Design |
4 years |
INR 6,72,000 |
63 |
5. Film Editing & Post-Production
A good editor can make or break a film. Courses in post-production teach you how to work with industry software and storytelling through visuals.
College Name |
Course |
Duration |
Fees (INR) |
FTII, Pune |
PG Diploma in Editing |
3 years |
INR 1,23,928 |
SRFTI, Kolkata |
PG Diploma in Editing |
3 years |
INR 1,06,900 |
Whistling Woods International, Mumbai |
MA in Editing |
2 years |
INR 23,00,000 |
6. Music Composition & Sound Engineering
Behind every dramatic scene is a musical score or sound effect that heightens emotion.
College Name |
Course |
Duration |
Fees (INR) |
SAE Institute, Mumbai |
Diploma in Sound Engineering |
1 year |
INR 3,50,000 |
Seamedu School of Pro-Expressionism, Pune |
B.Sc in Sound Engineering |
3 years |
INR 5,50,000 |
Whistling Woods International, Mumbai |
BA in Music Production & Composition |
3 years |
INR 16,00,000 |
7. Media & Entertainment Management
Not everyone wants to be in front of the camera. If you’re into managing productions, marketing films, or handling celebrity branding, this course is your backstage pass.
College Name |
Course |
Duration |
Fees (INR) |
NIRF Rank (2024) |
MICA, Ahmedabad |
PGDM in Communications Management |
2 years |
INR 21,00,000 |
32 |
NMIMS, Mumbai |
MBA in Media & Entertainment |
2 years |
INR 14,00,000 |
21 |
Amity University, Noida |
MBA in Media Management |
2 years |
INR 6,60,000 |
63 |
Bollywood isn’t just a dream—it’s a booming industry looking for skilled professionals. With the right education, you can turn your passion for cinema into a full-fledged career.