What is Cinematography?: Course Fees 2026, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

Cinematography courses teach you how to handle a camera, frame a shot, use lighting, and visually tell a story just like what you see in movies, web series, or music videos. In simple words, cinematography is all about learning the art of shooting scenes as creatively and professionally as possible. Cinematography courses help you turn your love for visuals and storytelling into a real skill that’s used in films, TV, and digital content.

Students can choose the level of their course in cinematography from B.A, M.A, Bsc, MSc, Diploma courses and Certificate courses in cinematography. The Cinematography syllabus consists of subjects like fundamentals of camera, creative lighting, 3 point lighting, digital film production, film history, visual storytelling and basics of post production.

There are multiple online platforms that provide Ciematography course like Udemy, Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning. Students can also purrsue full time cinematograpgy degree from institutes like Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Gulshan Kumar Film and Television Institute of India, Amity School of Film and Drama, AAFT, Biju Pattanaik Film and Television Institute, Gujarat University, etc.
After completing the course, Cinematography graduates can find jobs in Film & TV (Production Houses, Studios, Broadcasts), Advertising, Digital Media (OTT, Online Content), Corporate Video, News Media and also in Government media departments in channels like DD and can earn anywhere between INR 2.8 LPA to INR 15+ LPA in India and $30k-$70k+ in abroad.

Cinematography Courses Details: Highlights

All motion images we see today are made possible by cinematographers working in the photography and film industries. The film and television industries are rapidly expanding, and with it, the opportunities for cinematographers in India and overseas. Many youngsters are inclined more towards these Cinematography courses.

You can go through the table below to learn the key details about the Cinematography courses:

Note: The information is taken from external sites and may differ.

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Cinematography courses are offered at various levels and types; hence, the eligibility criteria for the course may differ depending on the course type and the college providing the program. The table below contains some basic eligibility requirements that must be fulfilled by every candidate for Cinematography courses:

Note - The information has been taken from the official website and may vary.

Cinematography Courses Admission Process 2026

Admission to Cinematography courses in India is entirely based on the merit system; hence, there's no need to prepare or sit in an entrance exam. Here's the step-by-step guide for candidates to follow and complete their admission process to Cinematography courses seamlessly:

1. For Admission into cinematography firt of all you need to explore and decide the level and type of course that you want to pursue such as certification, diploma or degree.
2. Then you need to check the eligibility criteria of the particular course that you have selected which are usually the following :
   UG Courses: Typically 10+2 in any stream from a recognized board, often with 45-50% marks.
   PG Courses: Graduation in a related field.
3. Then you will have to register online on the college's website and fill out the application form accurately by uploading the required documents like mark sheets, ID, photos and pay application fee.
4. Then prepare and sit for the Entrance Exam if your course requires it and wait for your results.
5. After that, you have to submit your Portfolio to show your creative work, photography, or visual projects and then a personal Interview/group Discussion (GD) can also happen in some colleges.
6. Then a merit list or selection list is released. The students who are selected will need to attend counseling sessions and visit the college for Document verification (originals needed) and fee payment secure the seat. 

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Candidates interested in having a career in the field of Cinematography can pursue the program at certification, diploma, dual diploma, and degree levels. The time duration for the Cinematography courses can be as short as 3 months and as long as 3 years.
Popular courses under the Cinematography courses are given below.

Cinematography Courses - UG

Candidates can check a list of UG Cinematography courses below:

Note: The fee is taken from other sources and can be different.

Cinematography courses - PG

Candidates can check a list of PG Cinematography courses below:

Note: The fee is taken from other sources and can be different.

Cinematography courses - Diploma

Candidates can check a list of Diploma Cinematography courses below:

Note: The fee is taken from other sources and can be different.

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Cinematography syllabus teaches both the technical and creative parts of the visual story, like camera use, lighting, composition, lens, shot making and post-production. It has theory plus practical work f or real skills.

Candidates can see a general overview of the syllabus of all the Cinematography courses below:

UG Cinematography Courses Syllabus

UG syllabus of cinematography give intro to film grammar, basic camera work, camera angles, lighting, editing and visual looks. Students also do projects, workshop and short film shooting for practice. Candidates can see a general overview of the syllabus of UG below:

Note - The information has been taken from the official website of the institute and may vary.

PG Cinematography Syllabus

The syllabus for PG Cinematography focuses on advanced topics like cinematic lighting, color theory, digital workflows, production planning, and narrative techniques. It often includes specialisations, research work, and collaborations with direction or editing teams. Candidates can see a general overview of the syllabus of PG below:

Note - The information has been taken from the official website of the institute and may vary.

Diploma Cinematography Syllabus

Diploma in Cinematography syllabus is short and practical, teaching main things like camera use, lighting setup, shot making and basic editing. It focuses on fast skill learning so students can get an entry job in film and media industry. Candidates can see a general overview of the syllabus of Diploma below:

Note - The information has been taken from the official website of the institute and may vary.

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More than 70 colleges in India offer cinematography courses. They also give other courses like Film & TV Production and Photography. Candidates can see the tables below for top government and private college options in India.

Best Govt Colleges for Cinematography Course

Best government colleges have experienced teachers, strong teaching and industry-recognized training. They give good practical work and affordable fees, so many students want to join. Candidates can see the table below for top government options in India that provides Cinematography courses:

Note - The information has been taken from the official website of the institute and may vary.

Best Private Colleges for Cinematography Courses

Best private colleges have modern equipment, industry links and hands-on learning. They teach students for real film and media work with workshops and live shooting. Candidates can see the table below for the top private options in India which provides Cinematography courses:

Note - The information has been taken from the official website of the institute and may vary.

Unlike in the past, when the film industry was the only option, cinematographers can now work in TV and web series, film development units, studios, and video businesses. Not only in India but also worldwide, they have a plethora of work opportunities. Short films, web series, TV shows, documentaries, and other forms of media have also provided opportunities for aspiring cinematographers.

Read More: Cinematography Career

Cinematography Job Profiles

Some of the main job profiles that can be pursued after Cinematography graduates are stated below:

Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

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Students after completing a course in Cinematography can find work in the following fields:

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Refer to the section below for questions on Cinematography Course: