What is Direction?: Course Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions
Akansha BishtSenior Executive
Direction courses prepare individuals for a career in film direction or filmmaking. Direction programmes are offered at UG, PG, Diploma, and Certification level. Some of the popular courses include Certificate in TV Direction, PG Diploma in Direction and Screenplay Writing, BVA in Direction and Screenplay Writing, BSc in Cinema, MSc in Cinema, etc.
Admission to Direction courses is mainly based on the merit basis. However, they need to fulfil the eligibility criteria. The minimum eligibility criteria is to pass Class 12 from any stream . Some popular Direction colleges in India include Film and Television Institute of India, MGR Government Film and Television Institute, AAFT, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, etc.
The average tuition fee ranges from Rs. 5 L - 15 L. Some popular job profiles among Direction students include Assistant Director, Cinematographer, Videographer, Video Editor, Director, Director of Photography, etc. The starting salary of an Assistant Director is Rs. 5.4 LPA in India.
Direction Course Details: Highlights
Direction courses allow students to focus on specific areas of interest within filmmaking. The table below shows the key points on this course:
| Parameters |
Direction Course Details |
|---|---|
| Direction Course Level |
UG, PG, Diploma, and Certification |
| Direction Course Duration |
UG: 3 years PG: 2 Years Diploma/Certification: 3 Months - 1 Year |
| Direction Admission Criteria | Merit-based |
| Direction Course Eligibility Criteria |
UG: Class 12 from a recognized board. PG: A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline. |
| Direction Top Colleges | Film and Television Institute of India, MGR Government Film and Television Institute, AAFT, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Annapurna College of Film and Media, Bennett University, etc. |
| Direction Course Fee | INR 5 Lakh - 15 Lakh |
| Direction Job Profiles | Cinematographer, Videographer, Video Editor, Director, Director of Photography, etc. |
| Direction Top Recruiters | Prime Focus, Casting Chhabra, Excel Entertainment, Saregama India, Iris Media, T-Series, etc. |
| Direction Average Salary | INR 5.4 LPA |
Art Direction Courses Relevant Information:
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Candidates can pursue certificate courses in Direction which are of short duration.
There is no subject requirement for a Direction course. The only requirement is a zest for filmmaking and storytelling.
There is no such fixed formula or criteria. If you have talent and creativity, then any media house can give you a chance. However, experience also plays a big role.
- Direction Course Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process 2025
- Direction Course Syllabus
- Best Direction Colleges in India
- Popular Private Direction Colleges in India
- Direction Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Top Recruiters
- Direction Course FAQs
- Most Popular Courses
- Popular Direction UG Courses
- Popular Direction PG Courses
- Popular Exams
Direction Course Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process 2025
The eligibility criteria for Direction course admission may vary depending on the course level, type, and the college providing the program. However, for candidates' reference, here's a general overview of conditions that every candidate has to fulfil:
| Course Level | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate/UG Diploma/Certificate |
|
| Postgraduate/PG Diploma/PG Certificate |
|
Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
Direction Course Admission Process 2025
Admission to the Direction programs is entirely based on the merit system. Here is a general step-by-step guide for Admission to the Direction Course:
- Select the Course First
- Check the eligibility criteria
- Fill out the application form
- Wait for the college to verify the application.
- Attend the counselling session.
Yes, you can take admission in several PG level courses like PGD in Direction, PGD in Screenwriting and Direction etc.
If you have technical knowledge of editing software and camera handling, this will be an add-on as directing requires a basic understanding of all of these.
The eligibility criteria for courses related to Direction are similar to that of any Mass Communication and Media course. A brief overview for the same is given below:
- For the Bachelor programme: Candidates must have passed 10+2 in any stream (Science, Arts or Commerce) from any recognised board. In some colleges, there is a requirement of a minimum percentage in the qualifying exam as well. Such colleges give admission to candidates only if a candidate has scored 45%-50% aggregate marks in 10+2.
- For Master or PG Diploma programmes: Candidates are required to have a graduate degree in any subject from a recognised university. Many colleges also conduct an entrance exam to give admission to their PG Diploma or Master level courses.
- For Certificate programme: The eligibility criteria for a certificate course are the same as for a Bachelor programme. Candidates should have passed 10+2 from any recognised board.
Direction Course Syllabus
The syllabus and course curriculum of every Direction course may vary depending on the course level and type. Direction programs are pursued through various streams, along with several other specializations such as Filmmaking, Video Production, and so on. For candidates' reference, here's an overview of Direction syllabus at various levels.
BA in Filmmaking and Direction
A BA in Filmmaking and Direction is a 3 year UG degree.
| BA in Filmmaking and Direction Subjects Semester I | |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Film and Television Studies | Fundamentals of Screenwriting |
| Basics of Cinematography | Introduction to Directing |
| Film and Television History | - |
| BA in Filmmaking and Direction Subjects Semester II | |
| Advanced Screenwriting Techniques | Lighting and Composition |
| Directing Actors | Film Production Management |
| Post-Production Techniques | - |
| BA in Filmmaking and Direction Subjects Semester III | |
| Advanced Cinematography | Sound Design and Mixing |
| Film Editing and Post-Production | Film and Television Marketing |
| Film and Television Genres | - |
| BA in Filmmaking and Direction Subjects Semester IV | |
| Advanced Directing Techniques | Production Design and Art Direction |
| Visual Effects and CGI | Film and Television Distribution |
| Film and Television Industry Practices | - |
| BA in Filmmaking and Direction Subjects Semester V | |
| Documentary Filmmaking | Web Series Production |
| Film and Television Ethics and Regulations | Film and Television Research Methods |
| Film and Television Criticism | - |
| BA in Filmmaking and Direction Subjects Semester VI | |
| Thesis Project | Internship in Film, Television, or OTT Production |
| Film and Television Entrepreneurship | Film and Television Law and Copyright |
| Emerging Technologies in Film and Television | - |
Disclaimer: The info. is taken from external sources and may vary.
MA in Filmmaking and Direction
MA in Filmmaking and Direction is a 2-year PG degree. Listed below is the syllabus:
| MA in Filmmaking and Direction Subjects Semester I | |
|---|---|
| Introduction to World Cinema | Basics of Cinematography |
| Screenplay Writing | Computational Skills |
| MA in Filmmaking and Direction Subjects Semester II | |
| Introduction to Indian Cinema | Film Editing |
| Documentary Production | Film Analysis |
| Public Relations for Films | TV Journalism |
| MA in Filmmaking and Direction Subjects Semester III | |
| Sound Design and SFX | Cinematics |
| Film and Media Laws | Film Research |
| Graphic Design for Film | Practical |
| MA in Filmmaking and Direction Subjects Semester IV | |
| Advertising for Film | Media Business |
| Digital Marketing | Cinema and society |
| Film Management & Marketing | Literature & Cinema |
Disclaimer: The info. is taken from external sources and may vary.
PG Diploma in Direction and Filmmaking Syllabus
PG Diploma in Direction and Filmmaking is a 1 year program. Listed below is the syllabus:
| PG Diploma in Direction and Filmmaking Subjects Semester I | |
|---|---|
| Art of Image Making | Film Theory - Appreciation & Criticism |
| Media Theory & Criticism | Script Writing & Storyboarding |
| PG Diploma in Direction and Filmmaking Subjects Semester II | |
| Audiography: Sound & SFX | Cinematography |
| Direction for Television & Films | Editing, VFX & Compositing |
Filmmaking and theatre are both art forms that tell stories through the use of visual images and dialogue. However, there are some key differences between the two mediums.
| Criteria | Film Making | Theatre |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Technical aspects of filmmaking | Performance aspects of theatre |
| Job Profiles | Director, screenwriter, cinematographer, editor, etc. | Actor, director, playwright, etc. |
Best Direction Colleges in India
There are more than 100 Direction in Film & TV colleges in India offering Direction courses at various levels and types. These colleges provide a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process to students and prepare them for a successful career. Here are some top government and private Direction colleges in India.
Best Government Colleges for Direction
MGR Government Film and Television Institute, RTMNU, Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute and National Film Archive of India are some top government colleges in India offering Direction courses in India. See the table below for more details.
| Best Government Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| MGR Government Film and Television Institute | INR 45,000 - 74,980 |
| Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University | INR 2,000 |
| Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute | INR 1.82 Lakh |
| S.J. Government Polytechnic | INR 12,810 |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Recommended links for Direction courses:
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Difference Between Theatre, Television and Film Actors: Skills, Courses
Top Acting Schools in India 2025: Offered Courses, Duration, Fees, Seats Intake & Famous Alumni
Top Direction Private Colleges
FTII, AAFT, Annapurna College of Film and Media, ICE Balaji Telefilms, Bennett University, and Ramoji Academy of Movies are some top private colleges in India offering Direction courses in India. See the table below for more details.
| Best Private Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| AAFT | INR 4.8 Lakh |
| Annapurna College of Film and Media | INR 1.28 Lakh |
| Atharva Institute of Film and Television | INR 3.75 Lakh |
| Bennett University | INR 10.11 Lakh |
| BVBFTS | INR 85,000 |
| Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) | INR 48,310 |
| FTIH - Film And Television Institute of Hyderabad | INR 50,000 - INR 2 Lakh |
| KIIT School of Film and Media | INR 5.76 Lakh |
| MIT School of Film and Theatre | INR 11.04 Lakh - 13.04 Lakh |
| Ramesh Sippy Academy | INR 14.64 Lakh |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Candidates can pursue a Direction course from below-mentioned colleges:
· Film and Television Institute of India
· Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute
· Asian Academy of Film & Television
· Whistling Woods International
Popular Private Direction Colleges in India
Direction Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Top Recruiters
Becoming a successful director is completely dependent on one's skills, talent, and ambition. After taking a course in Direction, you get familiar with the technical aspects, but experience is also important for success in this field. Hence, you can start your career in the industry and make your way toward becoming a director through the following job profiles:
| Job Profiles | Job Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Film Director | Leads the creative vision of a film, overseeing all aspects of production from script development to final edit. | INR 8.7 LPA |
| Assistant Director | Supports the film director in various tasks, including script breakdown, scheduling, and managing film sets. | INR 5.4 LPA |
| Casting Director | Oversees the casting process, identifying and selecting actors for film roles. | INR 3.5 LPA |
| Screenwriter | Writes the screenplay, which is the blueprint for the film, including dialogue, plot, and character development. | INR 4.6 LPA |
| Cinematographer | The "director of photography" is responsible for the visual style of the film through camera work, lighting, and shot composition. | INR 5.5 LPA |
| Film Editor | Assembles the film footage into a cohesive and impactful story through editing techniques. | INR 4 LPA |
Note: The above salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.
Direction Courses Relevant Information:
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Direction Top Recruiters
Here are some of the top recruiters actively seeking exceptional film directors in India:
|
Top Recruiters |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Entertainment Industry |
Films |
Tv Academies |
|
News Channels |
Production Houses |
Photo Studios |
| Streaming Platforms like Netflix | Broadcasters | NFDC |
Note: The information is sourced from external sources and may vary.
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Candidates can start their career as assistant directors, casting directors, script writers, cinematographers etc. With years of experience in filmmaking, candidates can move on to become film directors.
Many film production houses and advertising agencies hire directors and assistant directors for initial roles. Some of the companies are Balaji Telefilms, Yashraj Films, UTV movies, Ogilvy & Mather, McCann Erickson India etc.
Direction Course FAQs
Students can refer to this section for the Direction course FAQs.
Hi Esha, Film direction is a part of film making and when you enroll in a film making course, direction is also being taught.
Hence film making comprises of film direction as well, however there are certain courses that cater specifically to film direction.
All the best
There are many online courses available for Direction which candidates can pursue according to their interests and the scope of the course.
Most Popular Courses
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