FTII (Film and Television Institute of India), Pune is India's premier film institute under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, established in 1960. FTII offers prestigious UG and PG programmes in cinema and television. Admission to UG diploma programmes (effectively bachelor's equivalent) is via FTII's written entrance + creativity test + personal interview. Only ~10-12 seats per programme - among India's most selective creative arts admissions. Alumni include Indian cinema's leading directors, cinematographers and editors.
Exam Pattern
Mode:Written exam + creativity test + Personal Interview
Duration:180 minutes (written) + film viewing + creativity test + interview
Total Marks:100 (written) + creativity test + interview holistic
Marking Scheme:+1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong; creativity test and interview qualitative
Sections
General Knowledge & Current Affairs
30 Questions•30 Marks
Cinema, Art & Aesthetics Awareness
40 Questions•40 Marks
English Language
20 Questions•20 Marks
Aptitude (Reasoning + Creativity)
10 Questions•10 Marks
Syllabus
GK & Current Affairs
National/international news, government schemes
Famous personalities in arts and culture
Cinema Awareness
Indian and world cinema - directors, films, movements
Film grammar, mise-en-scène, narrative structure
Famous cinematographers, editors, composers
Aesthetic Awareness
Indian art history, music, literature
Aesthetics theory, art criticism basics
Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor's degree in any discipline OR equivalent qualification
Demonstrated interest in cinema/arts (portfolio/work samples encouraged)
Note: FTII UG diploma requires graduation, so it's effectively post-graduation - included for awareness
Important Dates
Notification
January 2027 (tentative - confirm on ftii.ac.in)
Written exam
May 2027 (tentative)
Interview & creativity test
June-July 2027 (tentative)
Application Process
Register on ftii.ac.in during the notification window
Fill application, choose specialisation (Direction/Cinematography/etc.)
Submit portfolio if available
Pay application fee online
Appear for written entrance at designated centres
Qualified candidates called for film viewing/creativity test + personal interview at FTII Pune
Final selection by faculty panel
💡 Preparation Tips
Watch a wide range of Indian and world cinema - Satyajit Ray, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Bergman, Tarkovsky, Wong Kar-wai, recent OTT films
Read film theory books - Bordwell-Thompson 'Film Art', Andrew Sarris essays
Develop a personal portfolio - short films (even phone-shot), photographs, scripts
Stay current with cinema festivals (Cannes, Berlin, MIFF, IFFI Goa)
Be prepared to discuss your favorite films and directors in detail
FTII selectors look for genuine cinema obsession + critical thinking
❓ FAQs
Is FTII a UG or PG institute?
FTII's main programmes are 3-year UG Diplomas (after Class 12 + entrance) and PG Diplomas (after graduation). Both award diplomas, not university degrees - though FTII is highly recognised in industry. Check current programme structure on FTII website.
What are placement prospects?
FTII alumni are spread across Indian cinema, OTT platforms, advertising, and documentaries. Direct placements aren't offered (it's a creative arts institute), but FTII connections in Bollywood and the film industry are exceptional. Many alumni become independent directors/cinematographers.
How competitive is FTII?
Extremely competitive - only 10-12 seats per programme with 2000+ applicants. Selectivity is among the highest in Indian creative arts education. The 3-year programme is rigorous and tuition is subsidised by Ministry of I&B.