Top Institutes for Photography and Cinematography in India 2025: Fees, Courses Offered, Duration
If you are passionate about photography or want to bring your ideas to life as a photographer or a cinematographer, then our blog is just for you. Explore the top institutes for photography and cinematography in India and make the right call about choosing the most suitable institute as per your professional aspirations and passion.
India is home to numerous top institutes that can transform your creative vision into a profession. From shooting wildlife to serving as a camera assistant for films or learning lighting skills, there is a course and college for every interest. From weekend courses to full-fledged degree programs, this blog highlights some of the finest institutions in India that offer top-notch training, industry experience, and practical exposure to photography and cinematography.
- Best Institutes for Photography and Cinematography in India
- 1. Delhi College of Photography
- 2. RK Films & Media Academy (RKFMA)
- 3. Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment (RSACE)
- 4. M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute
- 5. Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT)
- 6. Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) School of Photography & Cinematography (BVSP)
- 7. A.J.K. Mass Communication Research Centre (AJK MCRC)
- 8. Light & Life Academy (LLA), Ooty
- 9. Symbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography (SSVAP), Pune
- 10. NRAI School of Mass Communication, Delhi
- Conclusion
Best Institutes for Photography and Cinematography in India
Listed below are the Top Institutes for Photography and Cinematography in India, along with the photography and cinematography courses they offer -
1. Delhi College of Photography
Delhi College of Photography is a reputed institute offering long-term and short-term photography programs in creative, commercial, and organisational photography. The college emphasises practical training utilising modern facilities and industry-standard equipment. While not affiliated with a university or ranked by NIRF, it is recognised for its specialisation in professional photography training. No entrance test is required; admissions are generally granted on a first-come, first-served basis after the form submission.
| Details |
Information |
| Location |
Kingsway Camp, near North Campus, Delhi |
| Ownership |
Private |
| Fees |
Varies by course (Short-term & long-term) |
| Eligibility |
Class 12 pass; no stream restriction |
| Placement & Career Support |
Career assistance is available based on students’ skills and portfolios |
| USPs |
|
2. RK Films & Media Academy (RKFMA)
RKFMA is a well-known institute in Delhi for media, photography, and journalism education. It offers autonomous diploma and certificate programs in digital photography, film, sound, and acting. Photography classes are available in regular and weekend modes. There is no entrance exam. The academy offers hands-on studio training and maintains a strong placement network in Bollywood and regional cinema.
| Details |
Information |
| Location |
Mandi House area, New Delhi (main campus) |
| Ownership |
Private |
| Fees |
Varies by course duration and type |
| Eligibility |
Open to all; basic educational qualification preferred |
| Placement & Career Support |
Placement support in the Bollywood and regional film industries |
| USPs |
|
3. Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment (RSACE)
Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment is a leading media instit affiliated with the University of Mumbai, offers UGC-recognized undergraduate degree programs in filmmaking, cinematography, editing, VFX, and sound. Founded by Ramesh Sippy, it emphasizes 70–75% practical training by industry professionals. Admission is through university norms, and placements are supported through industry collaborations.
| Details |
Information |
| Location |
Kalina Campus, University of Mumbai, Mumbai |
| Ownership |
Private (Affiliated with University of Mumbai) |
| Fees |
Approx. INR 2.5–4 lakhs per year (varies by program) |
| Eligibility |
Class 12 pass (admission as per Mumbai University guidelines) |
| Placement & Career Support |
|
| USPs |
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4. M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute
Established in 1945 and later renamed in honour of actor-politician M.G.R., M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute is a government-run body. It is affiliated with the Tamil Nadu Dr. J Jayalalithaa Music and Fine Arts University. It offers specialised degree programs in Cinematography, Audio, and Digital Intermediate. Admission is based on academic performance (with category-specific criteria), and there is no separate entrance exam. The institute offers state-of-the-art training facilities and provides students from across India with affordable fees and fee exemptions for specific categories.
| Details |
Information |
| Location |
Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Ownership |
Government |
| Fees |
INR 15,000 per year (fee waived for SC/ST and differently-abled candidates) |
| Eligibility |
|
| Placement & Career Support |
No official data availble, but graduates are placed in the Tamil and other regional film industries |
| USPs |
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5. Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT)
AAFT is a private creative education institute with over 30 years of experience and 4 campuses. It offers over 90 programs, including master's, bachelor's, diploma, and short-term courses in various fields such as cinema, journalism, animation, photography, fashion, public relations, music, and more. AAFT provides comprehensive placement support and global exposure through strategic collaborations, celebrity interactions, and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
| Details |
Information |
| Location |
Noida (main campus), with others across India |
| Ownership |
Private |
| Fees |
Varies widely by course (estimated INR 1–4 lakhs per year, depending on program) |
| Eligibility |
Varies by course; generally Class 12 for UG, graduation for PG courses |
| Placement & Career Support |
900+ placements, global opportunities, celebrity-led interactions |
| USPs |
|
6. Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) School of Photography & Cinematography (BVSP)
BVSP is a private institute under Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, accredited with NAAC A++. It offers NEP 2020-compliant B.A. and M.A. degrees, as well as diplomas and professional certificates in photography and cinematography. Admission is through a Common Entrance Test (CET) that includes a personal interview and portfolio assessment (no written exam). The curriculum is practical, skill-based, and delivered by experienced industry professionals.
| Details |
Information |
| Location |
Pune, Maharashtra |
| Ownership |
Private (Deemed-to-be University) |
| Fees |
INR 3,85,875 – INR 4,41,000 (depending on program) |
| Eligibility |
UG: 10+2 pass (any stream); PG: Graduation in any stream; Diploma: SSC 10th |
| Placement & Career Support |
Strong industry focus; practical readiness helps students secure work |
| USPs |
|
7. A.J.K. Mass Communication Research Centre (AJK MCRC)
AJK MCRC is a popular media institute under Jamia Millia Islamia (a Central University). It offers a PG Diploma in Still Photography & Visual Communication, among other graduate and postgraduate media programs. The institute is UGC-recognised and has a legacy of collaboration with international universities. Admission includes a written test, interview, and portfolio review. The centre is also known for producing award-winning content for the UGC.
| Details |
Information |
| Location |
New Delhi |
| Ownership |
Public (Central University - Jamia Millia Islamia) |
| Fees |
INR 74,020 for PG Diploma program |
| Eligibility |
Graduation in any stream with a minimum 50% marks (10+2+3 format) |
| Placement & Career Support |
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| USPs |
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8. Light & Life Academy (LLA), Ooty
Established in 2001, Light & Life Academy is a private photography and visual arts institute known for its immersive, hands-on learning approach. It offers postgraduate diploma programs in Professional Photography and Documentary & Corporate Filmmaking. Admission is open to graduates who submit a portfolio and participate in an interview—no entrance test is required. The institute features industry-grade studios and tailored learning experiences in a scenic campus environment.
| Details |
Information |
| Location |
Ooty, Tamil Nadu |
| Ownership |
Private |
| Fees |
INR 7.2 lakhs (+18% GST) for Photography; INR 3.75 lakhs (+18% GST) for Filmmaking |
| Eligibility |
Graduate (15 years of formal education) or equivalent work experience |
| Placement & Career Support |
Not officially disclosed; practical exposure through projects |
| USPs |
|
9. Symbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography (SSVAP), Pune
SSVAP is part of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), accredited with NAAC A++. The institute offers a 3-year BA in Visual Arts & Photography with an industry-aligned curriculum and full practical training. Admission is based on portfolio shortlisting and a personal interaction (CVPI). Students receive exposure through study tours, workshops, and internship opportunities.
| Details |
Information |
| Location |
Pune, Maharashtra |
| Ownership |
Private (Deemed University) |
| Fees |
INR 4,40,000 per year |
| Eligibility |
12th pass in any stream |
| Placement & Career Support |
Offers internship opportunities with reputed names like Incredible India & Lalit Kala Academy. |
| USPs |
|
10. NRAI School of Mass Communication, Delhi
NRAI is a private institute established in 2001 and is among the oldest media education providers in Delhi. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and short-term weekend programs in journalism, photography, and filmmaking. The weekend courses are open to all, with no formal educational eligibility. The institute is renowned for its practical training and boasts notable placements in leading media houses, including NDTV and BBC.
| Details |
Information |
| Location |
New Delhi |
| Ownership |
Private |
| Fees |
INR 18,000–INR 30,000 for short-term weekend courses |
| Eligibility |
Open to all (especially for weekend/short-term courses) |
| Placement & Career Support |
Acknowledged by BBC, NDTV, Doordarshan; placement assistance available |
| USPs |
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Conclusion
The type of photography or cinematography course or institute you choose depends on your goals, learning style, and budget. Some institutes offer recognised university degrees with placement, while many are more practical and project-oriented. Whether you are a beginner or looking to upskill, the above colleges will provide a solid foundation and offer real industry exposure. Explore these options, and take that first step onto your visual storytelling career.
Name: Rashmi Karan
Education: M.Sc. Biotechnology
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Rashmi Karan is a Postgraduate in Biotechnology with over 15 years of experience in content writing and editing. She speciali
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