Pallavi Priyadarshini PandaContent Writer
The number of students aspiring to take photography courses in India is constantly increasing. It is important for a student to first pursue a basic course in Photography and then choose a specialisation to become a professional photographer. Photography courses are offered by many colleges in India. The courses in this domain are mainly offered at UG, Diploma, Online and Certificate level. Aspirants looking for a professional career in Photography should take up an undergraduate course as this is a skill-based course focused on digital photography, image making etc. Candidates get to learn the technicalities as well as the skills needed to be a professional photographer. Some of the top specialisations in photography are Fashion Photography, Wildlife Photography, Wedding & Event Photography, Scroll down to know more details about Photography courses.
Types of Photography courses can be categorised based on the mode of study and the specialisation. Here is a complete guide for choosing the Photography course after Class 12 based on the mode of study and credentials imparted after the course.
Full Time Photography Courses: This is a classroom-based undergraduate degree course that has a three-year course duration. After completing the course candidates can pursue PG degree or PG diploma courses in Photography.
Photography Certificate Courses: These are the short duration courses offered by the colleges. Candidates willing to pursue short term courses focused on a particular specialisation or area can opt for such courses. There are also photography courses conducted by imaging products' brands such as Nikon, Canon etc.
The popular UG and PG level Photography courses are given below:
|
Popular Undergraduate Photography Courses |
Popular Postgraduate Photography Courses |
|---|---|
|
Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Photography |
|
| BA in Photography | Master of Fine Arts |
| Bachelor of Visual Arts | PG Diploma in Photography |
UG courses in Photography can be pursued after 10+2. Check the details of the UG Photography courses below:
|
Duration of the course |
3 years |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
10+2 from a recognised board with minimum aggregate marks in any stream |
|
Admission Process |
Admissions are granted on the basis of personal interviews or portfolio of photographs taken by the candidate, depending on the college requirements for admission. Some institutes also conduct entrance exams. |
|
Course Fee |
INR 65,000- INR 5 L |
|
Entrance Exams |
|
|
What after Undergraduate Course |
Candidates can pursue PG or Certificate specialisations in Photography or can start work in the field as Freelance photographer |
The undergraduate courses in Photography are tabulated below:
| Undergraduate Photography Courses | |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) | BA in Photography |
| Bachelor of Visual Arts | BFA in Applied Arts |
| B.A. in Visual Arts and Photography | B.A. (Hons) Communication Design - Photography |
| BSc in Photography | Bachelor of Film and Television Production Cinematography |
| BA in Still Photography | BA (Hons) Photojournalism |
| BSc Film & Photography | B.A. (Hons.) (Commercial Photography) |
Diploma courses in Photography are very popular choice among the candidates. The duration of such courses ranges from three months to one year. The eligibility criteria for Diploma courses is 10+2 passed in any stream. Usually there is no entrance test conducted for admission to diploma courses. Admission is given on a first come first serve basis. The Diploma courses in Photography are tabulated below:
| UG Diploma Courses in Photography | |
|---|---|
| Diploma in Photojournalism | Diploma in Fashion Photography |
| Diploma in Photography | Diploma in Wedding Photography |
| Diploma in Professional Photography | Diploma in Digital Photography |
| Diploma in Still Photography | Diploma in Wildlife Photography |
| Professional Diploma in Art of Photography | Diploma in Tabletop Photography |
|
Diploma in Travel and Nature Photography |
Diploma in Photography & Videography |
| Diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging | -- |
A certificate is also a short term course. A candidate who wishes to pursue a short term or certificate course can opt for below mentioned courses:
| Certificate Courses in Photography | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Course in Photography | Still Photography Course | Professional Certificate in Professional Photography, wedding photography, Fashion Photography, Contemporary photography | Foundation Course in Photography |
| Certificate in Advanced Photography and Photojournalism | Certificate in Photography | Certificate in Digital Photography | Certificate in Professional Photography |
| Certificate in Camera and Photography | Black & White Photography Workshop with Iqbal Mohamed | Wildlife Photography Workshop | Certificate in Still Photography |
| Professional Travel and Nature Photography | Advanced certificate in Photography | ||
PG courses in Photography can be pursued after completion of a UG course in Fine Arts or Photography. The details are tabulated below:
|
Duration of the course |
2 Years |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
Undergraduate degree or diploma in Fine Arts or Photography from a recognized university with minimum aggregate marks |
|
Admission Process |
Admissions are granted on the basis of personal interviews or portfolio of photographs taken by the candidate, depending on the college requirements for admission. Some institutes also conduct entrance exams. |
|
Course Fee |
INR 65,000- INR 5 L |
|
Entrance Exams |
|
|
What after Postgraduate Course |
Candidates can can work as a professional photographer |
The postgraduate courses in Photography are tabulated below:
|
Postgraduate Degree Photography Courses |
|
|---|---|
|
MFA Applied Arts |
MA Commercial Photography and Cinematography |
|
MA in Still Photography |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
|
MFA Photography (PTPG) |
|
|
MDes in Photography Design |
|
PG diploma courses in Photography are the most popular choice among the candidates after degree courses. The eligibility criteria is the same as PG degree courses. The admissions to such courses are mostly on merit basis. Though some institutes may conduct the entrance exam. Some of the PG Diploma courses in Photography are:
|
PG Diploma Photography Courses |
|
|---|---|
|
PG Diploma Still Photography Courses |
PG Diploma in Professional Photography & Digital Filmmaking |
|
PG Diploma in Travel, Nature & Wildlife Photography and Documentary Filmmaking |
PG Diploma Photography |
|
PG Diploma in Still Photography & Visual Communication |
Post Graduate Diploma in Commercial Photography |
|
Advanced Diploma in Photography |
|
Photography Applications open. Apply Now
Photography Applications open. Apply Now
Photography Applications open. Apply Now
Photography Applications open till Jan 13, 2026. Apply Now
14 Dec ' 25 - 14 Jan ' 26 | CUET PG 2026 Application Process |
18 Jan ' 26 - 20 Jan ' 26 | CUET PG 2026 Application Correction Window |
Mar '26 | PUBDET 2026 Applications TENTATIVE |
To Be Notified: | PUBDET 2026 Application Correction Window |
Sep '25 | MAH AAC CET 2025 Cut-off Date for all type of adm... TENTATIVE |
Sep '25 | MAH AAC CET 2025 Last date of uploading the data TENTATIVE |
28 Jan ' 25 - 5 Feb ' 25 | NSD Exam 2025 Workshop cum interview |
10 Jan ' 25 - 15 Jan ' 25 | NSD Entrance Exam Registrations 2025 |
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Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
Hi...
Here’s a complete and practical guide to photography courses — what they are, what you learn, how to join one, and what it takes to pursue photography as a skill or career
Photography education is offered at several levels, each suitable for different goals:
h
Scholar-Level 17
Answered 3 weeks ago
Hi...
AAFT (Asian Academy of Film & Television) offers professional photography programs that can help you build strong creative and technical skills, from basics to portfolio building.
Duration: ~3 months (short‑term)
Mo
h
Scholar-Level 17
Answered a month ago
Hi.
Since you've completed 12th grade and want to pursue photography, the best approach is to focus on Diploma programs or short-term courses from reputed colleges that offer practical, industry-oriented training. Here's a detailed guide:
Top Photography Colleges in India
| College / Institute | Location | Course Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Institute of Photography (NIP) | New Delhi | Diploma / Certificate | Offers practical-focused programs, photography workshops, and industry tie-ups. |
| MIT Institute of Photography | Pune | Diploma / Advanced Diploma | Covers fashion, product, advertising, and fine art photography; good placement assistance. |
| Pearl Academy | Delhi, Mumbai | Diploma / UG Foundation | Focuses on creative photography, visual storytelling, and commercial applications. |
| ITM Institute of Design | Mumbai | Diploma / UG Foundation | Offers hands-on studio and outdoor photography, post-processing, and portfolio building. |
| Light & Life Academy | Ooty | Short-term / Diploma | Renowned for fine art and landscape photography; intensive practical learning. |
| Symbiosis School of Photography | Pune | Diploma / Certificate | Industry-oriented with internships and workshops in digital and fashion photography. |
| Lester Arts Academy | Kolkata | Diploma | Specializes in fashion, advertising, and studio photography; small batches. |
h
Scholar-Level 17
Answered 2 months ago
The eligibility criteria for all the course are as follows:
3-Month Certification: Min. 10th Pass
1-Year Photography Certification course: Min. 12th pass
BA in Still Photography: Min 12th Pass
MA in Still Photography: Min. Graduation
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 months ago
Well, photography is one of the top domain to make career in Photography. It is the field which gives you the complete freedom to unleash your creativity.
Photography in the long run is a very lucrative career. The amount of career options you have after undergoing a Photography course from AAFT is
Beginner-Level 4
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I want details about the photography course. How to join this course, and can you provide full details about photography?