Updated on Apr 1, 2022 06:46 IST
Anshuman Singh

Anshuman SinghSenior Executive - Content

The number of students aspiring to take photography courses in India is constantly increasing. It is important for a student to first pursue a basic course in Photography and then choose a specialisation to become a professional photographer. Photography courses are offered by many colleges in India. The courses in this domain are mainly offered at UG, Diploma, Online and Certificate level. Aspirants looking for a professional career in Photography should take up an undergraduate course as this is a skill-based course focused on digital photography, image making etc. Candidates get to learn the technicalities as well as the skills needed to be a professional photographer. Some of the top specialisations in photography are Fashion Photography, Wildlife Photography, Wedding & Event Photography, Scroll down to know more details about Photography courses.

Types of Photography Courses- UG & PG

Types of Photography courses can be categorised based on the mode of study and the specialisation. Here is a comprehensive guide for choosing the Photography course after Class 12 based on the mode of study and credentials imparted after the course.

Full Time Photography Courses: This is a classroom-based undergraduate degree course that has a three-year course duration. After completing the course candidates can pursue PG degree or PG diploma courses in Photography.

Photography Certificate Courses: These are the short duration courses offered by the colleges. Candidates willing to pursue short term courses focused on a particular specialisation or area can opt for such courses. There are also photography courses conducted by imaging products' brands such as Nikon, Canon etc.

Popular Photography Courses - UG & PG

The popular UG and PG level Photography courses are given below: 

Popular Undergraduate Photography Courses 

Popular Postgraduate Photography Courses

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Photography

BA in Photography Master of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Visual Arts PG Diploma in Photography

Photography Degree Courses – UG

UG courses in Photography can be pursued after 10+2. Check the details of the UG Photography courses below:

Duration of the course

3 years

Eligibility Criteria

10+2 from a recognised board with minimum aggregate marks in any stream

Admission Process

Admissions are granted on the basis of personal interviews or portfolio of photographs taken by the candidate, depending on the college requirements for admission. Some institutes also conduct entrance exams.

Course Fee

INR 65,000- INR 5 L 

Entrance Exams

What after Undergraduate Course

Candidates can pursue PG or Certificate specialisations in Photography or can start work in the field as Freelance photographer

The undergraduate courses in Photography are tabulated below:

Undergraduate Photography Courses 
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) BA in Photography
Bachelor of Visual Arts BFA in Applied Arts
B.A. in Visual Arts and Photography B.A. (Hons) Communication Design - Photography
BSc in Photography Bachelor of Film and Television Production Cinematography
BA in Still Photography BA (Hons) Photojournalism
BSc Film & Photography B.A. (Hons.) (Commercial Photography)

Photography Diploma Courses-UG

Diploma courses in Photography are very popular choice among the candidates. The duration of such courses ranges from three months to one year. The eligibility criteria for Diploma courses is 10+2 passed in any stream. Usually there is no entrance test conducted for admission to diploma courses. Admission is given on a first come first serve basis. The Diploma courses in Photography are tabulated below:

UG Diploma Courses in Photography
Diploma in Photojournalism Diploma in Fashion Photography
Diploma in Photography Diploma in Wedding Photography
Diploma in Professional Photography Diploma in Digital Photography
Diploma in Still Photography Diploma in Wildlife Photography
Professional Diploma in Art of Photography Diploma in Tabletop Photography

Diploma in Travel and Nature Photography

Diploma in Photography & Videography
Diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging --

Photography Certificate Courses-UG

A certificate is also a short term course. A candidate who wishes to pursue a short term or certificate course can opt for below mentioned courses:

Certificate Courses in Photography
Basic Course in Photography Still Photography Course Professional Certificate in Professional Photography, wedding photography, Fashion Photography, Contemporary photography Foundation Course in Photography
Certificate in Advanced Photography and Photojournalism Certificate in Photography Certificate in Digital Photography Certificate in Professional Photography
Certificate in Camera and Photography Black & White Photography Workshop with Iqbal Mohamed Wildlife Photography Workshop Certificate in Still Photography
Professional Travel and Nature Photography Advanced certificate in Photography    

Photography Degree Courses – PG

PG courses in Photography can be pursued after completion of a UG course in Fine Arts or Photography. The details are tabulated below:

Duration of the course

2 Years

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate degree or diploma in Fine Arts or Photography from a recognized university with minimum aggregate marks

Admission Process

Admissions are granted on the basis of personal interviews or portfolio of photographs taken by the candidate, depending on the college requirements for admission. Some institutes also conduct entrance exams.

Course Fee

INR 65,000- INR 5 L 

Entrance Exams

What after Postgraduate Course

Candidates can can work as a professional photographer 

The postgraduate courses in Photography are tabulated below:

Postgraduate Degree Photography Courses

MFA Applied Arts

MA Commercial Photography and Cinematography

MA in Still Photography

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Master of Visual Arts

MFA Photography (PTPG)

MDes in Photography Design

 

Photography Diploma Courses – PG

PG diploma courses in Photography are the most popular choice among the candidates after degree courses. The eligibility criteria is the same as PG degree courses. The admissions to such courses are mostly on merit basis. Though some institutes may conduct the entrance exam. Some of the PG Diploma courses in Photography are:

PG Diploma Photography Courses

PG Diploma Still Photography Courses

PG Diploma in Professional Photography & Digital Filmmaking

PG Diploma in Travel, Nature & Wildlife Photography and Documentary Filmmaking

PG Diploma Photography

PG Diploma in Still Photography & Visual Communication 

Post Graduate Diploma in Commercial Photography

Advanced Diploma in Photography

 

FAQs on Photography Courses

Q. Which are the most popular courses in Photography?

A. If you are looking for an undergraduate course, you should a pursue Bachelor in Fine Arts (Photography). This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of Photography and its aspects.

Q. What is the eligibility criteria for BFA (Photography)?

A. Candidates must pass class 12 in any stream from a recognised board to pursue the BFA (photography) course.

Q. Which are the popular specialisations in Photography?

A. The popular specialisations are Fashion Photography, Nature and Wildlife Photography, Wedding & Event Photography etc.

Q. Is it mandatory to pursue advanced courses in Photography?

A. Photography is a genre in which learning never stops. So always try to sharpen your skills by enrolling in new and advanced level courses.

Q. What is the scope of diploma level courses in Photography?

A. Diploma level courses give you the basic outline of a Photography course. If you aspire to become a professional photographer, you should pursue an internship or work as a freelancer.

Q. Which are the popular colleges in India for a Photography course?

Q. What skills are required for becoming a good photographer?

A. To be a good photographer candidates must know the technique and nuances of Photography, they should have a creative mind, who can draw the best from the viewed object and they must possess a keen eye to observe things and capture them in the lenses.

Q. Which are the important entrance exams for pursuing a photography course?

A. Although many colleges offer students admission on the basis of portfolio review and personal interview, some of the institutes conduct the entrance examination as well. These are:
  • Delhi School of Photography Entrance Exam
  • Andhra University - AU Entrance Exam
  • Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film Entrance Exam

Q. Which topics are mainly covered in the undergraduate photography courses?

A. The topics included in the curriculum are History of Photography, Introduction to Image-Making, Basics of Digital Photography, Basics of Photoshop, Basics of Printing, Street Photography and Photojournalism etc.

Q. Are the internships provided by the institutes in the undergraduate Photography courses?

A. This depends on the institute from which a candidate is pursuing the undergraduate Photography course. Some colleges provide the internships in various media houses whereas some only guide students about how to get hands-on training in this field.

Q. What are the career prospects after pursuing a Photography course?

A. Candidates can work as photojournalists in the print media, digital media, fashion photographer for magazines, video photographer for digital media, wildlife photographer etc.

Popular Photography Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Photography Colleges in India. Learn more about these Photography colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1.3 L - 8.4 L
4.35 - 5.5 LPA

Photography Applications open. Apply Now

25 K - 35 K
1 Course
75.32 K
7.46 LPA
1 Course
24.2 K
4 Courses
1.65 L - 4.98 L
4.0

Popular Private Photography Colleges in India

1.3 L - 8.4 L
4.35 - 5.5 LPA

Photography Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
1 Course
1.44 L
4 Courses
1.65 L - 4.98 L
4.0
55 K

Popular Photography UG Courses

Following are the most popular Photography UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Photography PG Courses

Following are the most popular Photography PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Photography Specializations

Following are the most popular Photography Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Photography. Students interested in pursuing a career on Photography, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

2 Jan ' 25 - 8 Feb ' 25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process

2 Jan ' 25 - 9 Feb ' 25

CUET PG 2025 Application Process Online Fee

13 Feb ' 25

MAH AAC CET 2025 Application Last Date

5 Apr ' 25

MAH AAC CET 2025 Exam

28 Jan ' 25 - 5 Feb ' 25

NSD Exam 2025 Workshop cum interview

10 Jan ' 25 - 15 Jan ' 25

NSD Entrance Exam Registrations 2025

Feb '25 - Mar '25

PUBDET 2025 Applications

TENTATIVE

Jun '25 - Jul '25

PUBDET 2025 Admit Card

TENTATIVE
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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 6 days ago

If you like to learn photography for free there are few online courses that can get you started such as coursera, udemy, edx etc. You can learn photography course from it and gain certificate. Or you can use YouTube tutorials to get started for free and you can watch and learn from professionals.

But

...Read more

A

Albin Thomas

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 weeks ago

The top specialisations offered by best Photography colleges in Mumbai (All) and the number of colleges it holds are given below in the form of table:

Top SpecialisationsNumber of colleges
Fashion Design5 Colleges 
Photoshop1 College
Print Media1 College
Camera Handling & Lighting 1 College
Calligraphy1 College

hope you find the answer well.

T

Taru Jain

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 weeks ago

Below is the table showing colleges with their rating and top recruiters:

College Name

Top Recruiters

Balaji Institute of Fashion Technology Mumbai Placements

Pantaloon
Zara
LimeRoad
Mandira Wirk
Calvin Klein
United Colors of Benetton

Balaji ICE Institute Placement

SONY
Life Ok
MTV
ZeeTV
Sony Entertainment
StarPlus
Balaji Telefilms

Reliance Bhilai Placement 

Affinity Expres
Prime Focus
9X Logo
Prana
Reliance MediaWorks

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

A

Aashi Singh

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 weeks ago

The scope of a photography course in Mumbai is vast in nature, Mumbai's thriving media, vast environment and fasion industries offer big careers to the photographers which includes opportunities in:

1. Media & Journalism – Photojournalist for news and magazines.

2. Fashion – Shoots for brands, designe

...Read more

N

Nitesh Anand

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 weeks ago

The admission process for photography courses typically depends on the type of program  (certificate, diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate) and the institution offering it. Here's a general outline:

Certificate/Diploma Courses

  • Students Usually require a Class 12 degree in any stream from a recognis

...Read more

S

SHRUTI TIWARI

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 4 weeks ago

Below is a table showcasing a list of the best private colleges for in with their total tuition fees, and entrance exam:

College Name

Total Tuition Fee

Entrance Exam

National Institute of Photography Admissions

INR 10000 - 90000

 Merit-Based

Le Mark School of Art Admissions

INR 12000 - 3.3 L

Merit-Based

Big Art Institute Admissions

INR 65000 - 1.1 L

Merit-Based

Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment Admissions

INR 10000 - 25000

Merit-Based

JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Vile Parle West Admissions

INR 85000

Merit-Based

Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

N

Nishtha Sinha

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 weeks ago

The monthly salary for a photography course in India can vary depending on their job role, experience and specializations as well, According to the Ambitionbox, the average starting salary for a photographer in India is around INR 0.6 - 2.0 Lacs per year, or INR 5000 - 16,700 per month.

A

Anshuman Saxena

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 weeks ago

A photography course teaches students how to use cameras to capture mages and tell stories through visuals, it helps boost your technical skills and enhance your knowledge about cameras, lenses, filters, and the knowledge required to make the most effective shot, by using different angles and positi

...Read more

V

Vikram Sharma

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 weeks ago

Although there are different colleges in Mumbai, but National Institute of Photography is the college that hold the No. 1 position in Photography courses in Mumbai (All) in the popularity basis category.

P

Piyush Hazarika

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 weeks ago

There are about 50+ Photography colleges in Mumbai (All) Out of which,  40+ are private, and only 1 college is owned by the government. The photography course teaches the art of capturing images using cameras

. National Institute of Photography, ICE Balaji Telefilms - Institute of Creative Excellence

...Read more

R

Rupali Garg

Beginner-Level 5

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