What is Screenplay Writing?: Course Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions
Akansha BishtSenior Executive
Screenplay Writing is the art and craft of writing scripts for different media like films, television shows, and video games. It is a written work that serves as a blueprint for the video, describing each moment, action, and dialogue of the character on screen. Candidates interested in Screenplay Writing pursue its courses on various levels like UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate.
Some popular Screenplay Writing courses include Diploma in Creative Writing, PG Diploma in Direction and Screenplay Writing, BVA in Direction and Screenplay Writing, Certificate in Screenplay Writing, MA in Screenwriting, M.Sc. in Filmmaking (Direction and Screenplay Writing), and so on. The eligibility criteria for Screenplay Writing courses can vary depending on the course level, however, the minimum criteria is to pass Class 12 in any stream (Arts, Science, or Commerce) from a recognized board.
Admission to Screenplay Writing programs is primarily based on the merit system, hence, candidates are not required to prepare for entrance exams. Some top colleges in India offering Screenplay Writing courses are Film and Television Institute of India, MGR Government Film and Television Institute, AAFT, Whistling Woods International, and Gulshan Kumar Film and Television Institute of India.
The average course fee for Screenplay Writing colleges ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 13 Lakh. Interested candidates can continue reading the article for more details on the Screenplay Writing course.
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Screenplay Writing Course Details: Highlights
| Parameters | Course Details |
|---|---|
| Screenplay Writing Course Level | UG, PG, Diploma, and Certificate. |
| Screenplay Writing Course Duration | UG: 3 - 4 Years PG: 2 Years Diploma/Certificate: 3 Months - 2 Years |
| Screenplay Writing Admission Criteria | Merit-based |
| Screenplay Writing Eligibility Criteria | UG: Class 12 from a recognized board. PG: A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline. |
| Screenplay Writing Course Fees | INR 10,000 to INR 13 Lakh |
| Screenplay Writing Top Colleges | Film and Television Institute of India, MGR Government Film and Television Institute, AAFT, Whistling Woods International, and Gulshan Kumar Film and Television Institute of India. |
| Screenplay Writing Job Profiles | Script Writer, Content Writer, Film Writer, Editor, Blogger, etc. |
| Screenplay Writing Average Salary | INR 4.7 LPA |
| Screenplay Writing Top Recruiters | Eros International, T-Series, Reliance Entertainment, Red Chillies Entertainment, UTV Motion Pictures, Endemol Shine Group, etc. |
Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
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Hi, if you seriously want to build a career in this field, I believe it is totally worth your time and money. A good school of Screenplay writing and Direction will teach you not only how to write or use software but will also provide you with the right knowledge of the industry, its history, and other things that you might miss out on.
Pursuing a degree or certification course will help you grow network and communication skills with their industrial visits, internship programs, or maybe placement drives.
However, it is not mandatory to pursue a Screenplay Writing course to enter this field.
- Screenplay Writing Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process 2025
- Screenplay Writing Course Syllabus
- Best Screenplay Writing Colleges in India
- Popular Private Screenplay Writing Colleges in India
- Screenplay Writing Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary, and Top Recruiters
- Screenplay Writing Course FAQs
- Popular Screenplay Writing UG Courses
- Popular Screenplay Writing PG Courses
- Popular Exams
Screenplay Writing Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process 2025
The eligibility criteria for Screenplay Writing courses can differ depending on the course level and type. However, the table below offers an overview of different Screenplay Writing course levels offered in India:
| Course Level | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate/UG Diploma/Certificate |
|
| Postgraduate/PG Diploma/Certificate |
|
Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
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Screenplay Writing Admission Process 2025
Step 1: Eligibility Criteria
The first step is to check the eligibility criteria for the desired college/university and ensure their fulfillment.
Step 2: Registration and Application Form
The next step is to register for the college's official website and fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the application fee.
Step 3: Entrance Exams (if applicable)
If the program requires an entrance exam, such as CUET-PG, the candidates have to register and prepare for it. Take the exam and wait for the result.
Step 4: Result/Confirmation Email
Now, the college will verify the candidates' applications and send a confirmation email to the shortlisted candidates. Candidates who appeared for the entrance exam will check the merit lists released by colleges/exam bodies.
Step 5: Counselling Session
Now, the shortlisted candidates will appear for the counseling session conducted by colleges and confirm their enrollment in the program.
Of course, a few colleges in India offer Screenplay Writing and Direction courses at After 10th Diploma level. Here are some top options among them:
| After 10th Diploma Colleges for Screenplay Writing | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Gulshan Kumar Film and Television Institute of India | NA |
| Ramoji Academy of Movies | NA |
| Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment | INR 2.9 Lakh |
| Clusters Media College | NA |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Though there's no age limit to pursue a Direction and Screenplay Writing course in India. Some specific programs or colleges may have their own specific eligibility requirements. It is good to check the official website of your desired college for precise details.
Screenplay Writing Course Syllabus
Similar to the eligibility and admission process, the syllabus for Screenplay Writing courses also varies based on the course level, duration, and the college. For candidates' reference, here are some popular Screenplay Writing courses' syllabi.
BA in Screenplay Writing Syllabus
BA in Screenplay Writing is a 3-year-long UG degree program divided into 6 semesters. Here's the BA in Screenplay Writing syllabus overview:
| BA in Screenplay Writing Subjects Sem I | |
|---|---|
| Communication | Understanding Art |
| Process of Thinking | Basics of Photography |
| Introduction to Film Making | - |
| BA in Screenplay Writing Subjects Sem II | |
| The Writer Within | Creating & Building Characters |
| Story Telling | Film Appreciation |
| BA in Screenplay Writing Subjects Sem III | |
| Studying the Master's International | Copywriting, Brand Building |
| Writing Scene, transition, turning points | Study of Poetry, Literature, Epics |
| BA in Screenplay Writing Subjects Sem IV | |
| Studying the Masters-Indian | Writing for Television |
| Television & Multi-cam Set-up | Language & Dialogues |
| BA in Screenplay Writing Subjects Sem V | |
| Production Design & Art Direction | Narrative Structures |
| Adaptation from Literature | Study of a documentary |
| BA in Screenplay Writing Subjects Sem VI | |
| Creating a structure for a feature Film | Building the Characters |
| Conflict & Turning Points | Copyright & Business Contracts |
| Graduation Project | - |
Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
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MA in Screenplay Writing Syllabus
MA in Screenplay Writing is a 2-year-long PG degree program divided into 4 semesters. Here's the MA in Screenplay Writing syllabus overview:
| MA in Screenplay Writing Subjects Sem I | |
|---|---|
| Film Analysis and History I | Culture Studies I |
| Music in Film I | Introduction to Filmmaking |
| Fundamentals of Screenwriting | - |
| MA in Screenplay Writing Subjects Sem II | |
| Film Analysis and History II | Culture Studies II |
| Music in Film II | Advanced Screenplay Writing Theory |
| MA in Screenplay Writing Subjects Sem III | |
| Writing Feature Films | Film Analysis and History III |
| Mythology | Advanced Series Writing |
| MA in Screenplay Writing Subjects Sem IV | |
| Virtual Production I | Virtual Production II |
| Adapting for Films and Series | Graduation Project |
Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
Diploma in Screenplay Writing Syllabus
A UG Diploma in Screenplay Writing is a one-year-long program divided into 2 semesters. Here's the Diploma in Screenplay Writing syllabus overview:
| Diploma in Screenplay Writing Subjects Sem I | |
|---|---|
| Dynamics of Visual Communication | Art & Craft of Acting |
| Film Technology I | Production & Post-Production Process |
| Practical Training & Project Report I | - |
| Diploma in Screenplay Writing Subjects Sem II | |
| Film Technology II | Screenplay Writing Theory |
| First Cut to Final Cut | Directorial Research & Analytical Study |
| Practical Training & Project Report II | - |
Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
Hi, here are some popular books for Screenplay Writing students, they can read, along with the regular syllabus books:
- The Craft of Scene Writing by Jim Mercurio.
- Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting by Syd Field.
- Screenwriting by Paul Gulino.
- Save The Cat! The Last Book On Screenwriting Youll Ever Need by Blake Snyder.
- The Screenwriter'S Path From Idea To Script To Sale by Diane Lake.
A Screenplay Writing course teaches about many aspects of filmmaking. It teaches about how to improve the skills of storytelling, aesthetics & techniques of directing a movie, basics of photography, Music in a film, and so on. The curriculum of a Screenplay Writing programme also depends on the course level and the college you choose.
Best Screenplay Writing Colleges in India
There are around 25 Script Writing colleges in India offering Screenplay Script Writing courses at various levels and modes. These colleges include both government and private entities. Interested candidates can see the following tables for the top Screenwriting and Screenplay college options in India.
Best Government Colleges for Screenplay Writing in India
Here are some top government college options for Screenwriting Script courses in India:
| Best Government Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Central University of Rajasthan | INR 10,000 |
| Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya | INR 30,000 |
| MGR Government Film and Television Institute | INR 74,980 |
| Garware Institute of Career Education and Development | INR 7.5 Lakh |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
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Best Private Colleges for Screenplay Writing in India
Here are some top private college options for Screenwriting Script courses in India:
| Best Private Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Film and Television Institute of India | INR 1.5 Lakh |
| Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University | INR 30,000 |
| MIT School of Film and Theatre, MIT-ADT University | INR 11.04 Lakh - 13.04 Lakh |
| Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment | INR 7.5 Lakh |
| Whistling Woods International | INR 1.5 Lakh - 3.25 Lakh |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Screenplay Writing Applications open. Apply Now
Hi, some of the top Screenplay Writing college options for undergraduate-level courses, that'll go with your budget as well, are:
| Screenplay Writing Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Devi Government Film and Television Institute | INR 74,980 |
| Whistling Woods International | INR 1.5 Lakh |
| Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya | INR 30,000 |
| Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University | INR 32,000 |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Here are some top college options for Certification courses in Screenplay Writing in India:
| Certification in Screenplay Writing Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| AAFT | NA |
| Gulshan Kumar Film and Television Institute of India | NA |
| Annapurna College of Film and Media | INR 23,600 |
| Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment | INR 1.6 Lakh |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Popular Private Screenplay Writing Colleges in India
Screenplay Writing Applications open. Apply Now
Screenplay Writing Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary, and Top Recruiters
Those interested in the field can show their screenplays to a manager or agency that can represent them and submit their work to a potential employer. They can work in an office, from home, in a movie studio, a television studio, or on a movie set.
A professional’s day-to-day activities may include coming up with themes and ideas, researching background material, developing believable plots and characters, laying out the screenplay to an agreed format, preparing short summaries of your ideas, selling your ideas or "pitching" to producers, receiving feedback on your work from producers or script editors, and rewriting the script before final submission.
After having a few years of working experience, they can become a lecturer or professor at the colleges offering the programme. They can also become a guest speaker, have their own social media handle on YouTube or Podcast their expertise relayed to the same.
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Screenplay Writing Career Scope: Popular Job Profiles
The career scope of Screenplay Writing is vast, with countless opportunities in Entertainment, Education, Hospitality, etc., fields. Here are some popular job profiles that are generally opted for by Screenwriting students in India:
| Job Profiles | Job Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Content Developers | Content Developers write and edit online content for customers or companies on demand. These professionals are expected to have good knowledge of SEO. | INR 4.7 LPA |
| Content Writers | They create engaging and informative content for various platforms like websites, blogs, and social media. | INR 3.8 LPA |
| Editors | The Editor reviews, revises, and polishes written content for publication. Their responsibility is to ensure its accuracy, clarity, and adherence to guidelines. | INR 5.3 LPA |
| Bloggers | Bloggers write, edit, post, and promote content on their web pages or websites. Usually, they are freelancers and write only on topics related to the field of their choice. | INR 3 LPA |
| Film Writers | They create and edit scripts and give them life through character development. They generate unique and original storylines for film direction. | INR 4.9 LPA |
Note: The salary information is sourced from Ambitionbox.com.
Screenplay Writing Career Scope: Top Recruiters
Here are some top recruiting companies in India that offer job opportunities to scriptwriting students:
| Screenplay Writing Top Recruiters | ||
|---|---|---|
| Yash Raj Films | Red Chillies Entertainment | Eros International |
| Reliance International | UTV Motion Pictures | Viacom 18 Studios |
| Endemol Shine Group | Maddock Films | Star Studios |
Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.
The pay of a Screenplay Writer generally depends on the size of the project they get. For example, a Screenwriter of a full-fledged cinema can make around INR 3 to 5 Lakhs per project however, for a short documentary or movie, it can be less. Alongside, the pay of a Screenplay Writer also depends on the production house and the Producer they work for.
For script-writing jobs and projects, the big recruiters around the world are cinema production houses, OTT platforms, big YouTube channels, etc.. Some of the biggest production houses include Eros International, Star Studios, Red Chillies Entertainment, UTV Motion Pictures, Viacom18 Motion Pictures, Marvel Studios, etc. Similarly, big OTT platforms include Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+ Hotstar, and so on.
Screenplay Writing Course FAQs
Candidates can refer to this section for Screenplay Writing Course FAQs.
Generally, a candidate can directly apply for the programme by visiting the official website of the Screenplay Writing colleges. But, there are a few entrance exams through which the admissions are done. The same are listed below:
- IIMC Entrance Exam
- JMI Entrance Exam
- XIC OET
- DUET
If you are confused about the college you enroll in for the Screenplay Writing program, here are a few steps you can follow before making the decision:
- Visit the official website of the college offering the course.
- Scan the programmes that are on offer.
- Go through the Screenplay Writing Syllabus thoroughly and then compare it with the other institutes.
- Check the faculty, their portfolios or experience level.
- Check the social media pages of the colleges and try to get in touch with the graduates.
Popular Screenplay Writing UG Courses
UG Courses
- UG Diploma
7 Colleges
- B.A.
3 Colleges
- B.Sc.
2 Colleges
- BVA
1 College
Popular Screenplay Writing PG Courses
PG Courses
- PG Diploma
5 Colleges
- M.A.
1 College
- M.Sc.
1 College
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In recent years, a career in script writing is one of the favourable career options for many, but one must know that this profession is not for everyone. Individuals who are ready to go beyond their capabilities to give one great structure and have the ability to push their creative instincts to create a mind-blowing story can become successful in the industry. Given below are some basic skills that every screenwriter/ scriptwriter/ scenarist must possess: