Modelling Career Guide: Roles, Salary 2025 & Future Scope

Akansha BishtSenior Executive
Modelling as a career choice has been prevalent since the 1940s and is one of the most popular career choices of the youth today. In the early times during the 90s era, models were only hired to showcase and advertise products to the general public. However, with the rise in technology and social media, modelling has begun to offer a wide range of career opportunities in recent times for those candidates who wish to pursue this career.
The key advantage of making a career in modelling is that the candidates become a youth icon and gain popularity among the masses. Additionally, modelling is also considered to be a gateway for those who wish to work in the TV and Film industry. With that, the career trajectory of modelling as a career choice for the future will be quite positive.
R.K Films and Media Academy, Balaji ICE Institute, Asian Academy of Film & Television etc. are considered as the top colleges which the aspiring candidates who wish to make a career in modelling aim for.
Some of the top recruiters in this field of modelling are Frankfinn Institute of Modelling and Acting, Talent Next, Anima Creative Management, Runway Agency Talent and Model Management etc. Average Salary for a model in India is INR 50,000 - 1 Lakh per project.
Candidates who wish to know more about this field of modelling can continue reading further.
Top Careers in Modelling
Modelling is one of the most versatile career fields that one can get to work with. There are multiple industries that hire models from time to time. Additionally, modelling is just not limited to ramp walk but there are several other different types of sub-domain that come under the modelling, some of which are mentioned in the table below:
|
Name |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Fashion Models |
This is one of the highest-paid models in the fashion world and candidates are hired by top-notch fashion designers, magazine editors, and photographers. However, one has to be excellent in their craft to become a fashion model. Top magazines like Vogue, House of Masaba, Louis Vitton, etc brands hire fashion models. |
|
Runway Models |
Runway models are particularly those models whom we often get to see during fashion weeks. As the name suggests these models walk the ramp for prominent fashion designers of clothing brands. However, the basic prerequisite to becoming a runway model is to have a height of more than 5.9” as they have to showcase the apparel range in the most beautiful range. |
|
Swimsuit Models |
This is the third category of modelling. These models usually showcase the undergarments or swimwear for the brand they have been hired for. In order to do this, casting directors often search for models who have stout and curvy bodies such that it compliments the product. |
|
Commercial Models |
Commercial models are those who do not model for any particular product or category. These models can opt to model for a lot of categories ranging from apparel, cosmetics, FMCG, etc. There is no particular physical specification when it comes to getting a commercial model. |
|
Fitness Models |
As the name suggests, these models have to showcase and popularise fitness amongst their audience. Hence, clients want that the model is of a great build and physique. They usually model for fitness products such as activewear, fitness beverages, or gyms. |
|
Parts Models |
Parts is one of the most unique modelling streams. As the name suggests, the model has to showcase the body part that the campaign needs. For example, advertisements related to dental hygiene are always in search of models who have beautiful teeth. Similarly, while promoting eye products, the casting directors want models who have beautiful eyes and eyebrows to highlight their products. |
|
Promotional Models |
Promotional models are basically hired to promote the product in a sale. The basic skill set that is usually seen in these models is that they are outspoken in a way that they successfully attend live events on behalf of the marketers. |
Average Salary of a Model in India
India is known for its Bollywood and fashion industry. The reason for this is the plethora of top-rated brands and fashion studios that offer jobs to prospective models. The industry always wants people who are professional and have a gist of the basic skills that are helpful in thriving in this industry.
Also, the models are often employed by multiple agencies. From fashion to commercial to editorial models, one gets to work in a lot of fields. Hence, if you are going to make a career in modelling, the following table is going to provide insightful information regarding the average salary package based on the job position.
|
Job Position |
Average Salary Package (Per Project) |
|---|---|
|
Fashion Models |
INR 60,000 to 1 lakhs per project |
|
Runway Models |
INR 50,000 to 75,000 per project |
|
Swimsuit Models |
INR 1 lakhs to 2 lakhs per project |
|
Commercials Models |
INR 40,000 to 80,000 per project |
|
Fitness Models |
INR 50,000 to 90,000 per project |
|
Parts Models |
INR 25,000 to 45,000 per project |
|
Fit Models |
INR 1 lakhs to 2 lakhs per project |
|
Promotional Models |
INR 30,000 to 90,000 per project |
|
Glamour Models |
INR 60,000 to 80,000 per project |
|
Print Models |
INR 40,000 to 75,000 per project |
How to become a Model
Modelling is one of the most promising careers for those having a good physique and looks and are determined enough to work hard to make their dreams come true. However, the ones who are new to this field often find difficulty in finding the correct prospect. Hence, the correct way to start working as a model should always be creating a portfolio first. Once the portfolio is completed one can do the following things to get employed as a model:
- Get enrolled with any modelling agency - This is one of the easiest things one can do for getting modelling projects. Search for the top rated agencies in your cities and then approach them for work.
- Social Media and Networking - Approach modelling pioneers and casting directors via Instagram or Linkedin. These people always post brand requirements on their social media pages. One can connect with them on social media platforms to get work.
- Be Active on Social Media: These days casting directors also consider models who have a massive fan following on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. One can always go for content creation as it helps in highlighting your work in the eyes of the pioneer.
Skills Required to be a Model
Here are some basic necessary skills (for both males and females) to become a model and survive in this industry:
- Charisma
- Good Communication
- Physique
- Attractive Looks
- Confidence
- Time Management
- Ability to work in a Team
- Posing
- Acting
- Patience
- Handle Criticism
- Desire to Learn
- Open to New Challenges
Emerging Trends in Modelling
Majority of the youth today have their interests driven towards modelling, which makes this field one of the rising industries in the upcoming times. The ones who are successful in making their careers as a model have multiple sources of income from various advertisements and sponsors which leads to a luxurious lifestyle. This inspires the youth to start pursuing modelling and get a chance to uplift their financial conditions.
Here are some recently emerging trends in this field of modelling:
Social Media - One Of the best ways in recent times to kickstart your modelling career is to be an influencer. Even kids under 18 today are utilizing platforms like youtube and instagram to earn money and fame.
Web Series - Modelling isn’t just limited to giving poses in front of the camera only, you need to learn the basics of acting too so that producers can offer you roles in their movies and films which can help you boost your career.
Music Videos - Many labels and directors today require fashion models to feature in their music videos so that they can give a visual touch to their song’s audio.
Reality Shows: Many TV shows have started to invite models as judges and guests to their shows in different seasons to grab the target audience and build a connection with them, for which the models are heavily paid.
Modelling Career Scope in India
Modelling has been one of the oldest and the most promising careers in the country. Basically, companies use models to market their promotional campaigns for a particular brand. Hence, this is one such career that is never going out of fashion anytime soon. However, the only thing that is tough in this industry is tough competition. Hence, one has to always keep their skill set versatile in a way that they do not miss out on any professional projects.
Talking about the career scope of modelling is also positive. The advertising and fashion industry is booming citing a lot of new entries over the years. Also, these companies are always on the hunt for fresh faces to endorse their new products and launches. The models not only get work for promotional campaigns but also for TV commercials, TV series, and Bollywood too. The internet is flooded with a plethora of stories about models who have made successful careers in the TV and film industry after their successful modelling career. However, the basic skill set is always a good and active physique and attractive physical and communication skills.
- Advertising Industry – This is the largest industry that requires models for the marketing campaigns and TV commercials related to different products.
- Fashion Industry – This industry requires fashion models to showcase their new launches and collections via fashion weeks.
- Fitness Industry – This industry hires models to display the multiple fitness programmes and products thus promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Benefits of a Career as a Model
Here are some key benefits to consider for pursuing a career in modelling:
- High Demand: There has been a huge demand in the requirement of professional models who possess the desired physique and skills to maintain their relevance.
- Diverse Career Opportunities: Work as Fashion Models, Commercial Models, Fitness Models, Promotional Models etc.
- Luxurious Life: Models have various sources of income from advertisements, sponsors etc. which leads to high earning and rich lifestyle.
- Brand value: Popularity among the masses and getting to work with films, TV serials and music videos create a strong presence.
- Respected Profession: Very few people actually get a chance to achieve their dreams which makes this field an aspiring dream for the candidates.
Modelling Top Recruiters in India
Models are usually recruited by agencies who make these models work for the different industries and assignments. These agencies consider skills such as photogenic appearance, acting skills, confidence skills, and clear dialect.
Getting a job with the top players in the modelling and fashion industry is a dream for most of the models. However, citing the cut-throat competition the industry has, one has to do a lot of hard work. With that, here is our list of top recruiters in modelling sector:
|
Top Recruiters for Modelling |
|
|---|---|
|
Runway Agency Talent and Model Management |
Film & Television Institute of India |
|
Gladrags Career Academy |
Frankfinn Institute of Modeling & Acting |
|
Crizaze Modeling & Advertising Agency |
Strawberrifox Model Management |
|
Indossatore International Modeling Agency |
Talent Next |
|
Inega Models Management |
Anima Creative Management |
Top Modelling Colleges for Placement
A lot of colleges in India offer diploma and certification courses to candidates who wish to pursue modelling careers. The courses offered by them are usually of short duration and provide the basic insight related to modelling. Some of the colleges also offer placement after completion of the courses. Know the placement packages offered by modelling colleges in India.
|
College Name |
Placement Package |
|---|---|
|
INR 2.2 LPA |
|
|
INR 2.8 LPA |
|
|
INR 3 LPA |
|
|
INR 2.5 LPA |
|
|
INR 3 LPA |
|
|
INR 2.6 LPA |
|
|
INR 2.5 LPA |
|
|
INR 4.75 LPA |
Also Read:
- Popular Modelling Colleges in India
- Popular Private Modelling Colleges in India
- Popular Exams
- Popular Modelling UG Courses
- Popular Modelling PG Courses
Popular Modelling Colleges in India
Popular Private Modelling Colleges in India
Popular Exams
Mar '26 - Apr '26 | JMI Entrance Exam 2026 Application TENTATIVE |
Apr '26 | JMI Entrance Exam 2026 Application Correction Win... TENTATIVE |
27 Feb ' 26 | Last date to apply for March Attempt |
14 Mar ' 26 | SAT India exam (March attempt) |
Jun '26 - Jul '26 | FTII JET 2026 Application Process TENTATIVE |
Jul '26 | FTII JET 2026 Admit Card Download TENTATIVE |
Popular Modelling UG Courses
UG Courses
- UG Diploma
14 Colleges
- B.Sc.
3 Colleges
- B.Voc
1 College
- BBA
1 College
Popular Modelling PG Courses
PG Courses
- PG Diploma
5 Colleges
News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered 2 weeks ago
The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) released the Assam HS practical model question papers 2026 for all the subjects on its website. The students need to visit the board's website at ahsec.assam.gov.in to download the AHSEC class 12th practical suggestive question papers 2026. We hav
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) releases the Assam HS Board sample/model papers for practicals. The board released the suggestive HS model/sample question papers 2026 Assam on its website. We have provided the subject-wise AHSEC HS practical model papers 2026 download links
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Hi...
यहाँ AIIMS B.Sc. Nursing का पूरा Model Question Paper (हिंदी में) दिया जा रहा है। यह पेपर परीक्षा पैटर्न के अनुसार 100 अंकों का है और अभ्यास के लिए बहुत उपयोगी है।
AIIMS B.Sc. Nursing – मॉडल प्रश्न पत्र (हिंदी)
समय: 2 घंटे
कुल प्रश्न: 100
कुल अंक: 100
निर्देश: सभी प्रश्न वस्तुनिष्ठ (MCQ) हैं। प्रत्
h
Scholar-Level 17
Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 66k Colleges
- 1k Exams
- 686k Reviews
- 1800k Answers
Where can I download the Assam HS practical model question papers 2026?