Direction Course: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope
Priyanka SehgalContent Writer
Direction course refers to a program of study that prepares individuals for a career in film direction or filmmaking. Some Direction courses offer specialized tracks or elective options that allow students to focus on specific areas of interest within filmmaking. These specializations may include film direction, documentary filmmaking, ad filmmaking, television direction, or digital filmmaking. Moreover, some direction courses encourage students to participate in film festivals and competitions. This provides a platform for showcasing their work, receiving feedback, and gaining recognition. It also helps in building a portfolio and establishing a professional reputation within the industry. Many film institutes in India offer courses related to Direction. These courses include certifications, Diploma, PG Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate and PhD degrees.
Direction courses are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process. The curriculum often includes theoretical and practical components covering various aspects of filmmaking, including pre-production, production, and post-production stages. When it comes to directing a film, TV program, or a theatre play, this definition includes many other functions as well such as Cinematography, Light Setting, Editing, Acting, etc.
Eligibility criteria typically require a completed 10+2 (higher secondary education), with some institutes having additional requirements such as a portfolio of creative work or an entrance exam. While there's no single national entrance exam, some prestigious institutes conduct their own entrance exams, like the FTII - Film and Television Institute of India Entrance Exam. Among the top colleges offering such programs are the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, WWI, AAFT, etc.
- Direction Course Details: Highlights
- Direction Eligibility Criteria
- Top Direction Entrance Exams 2024
- Direction Syllabus
- Top Direction Colleges
- 5.1 Top Direction Government Colleges
- 5.2 Top Direction Private Colleges
- Direction Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Recruiters
- 6.1 Direction Top Recruiters
- FAQs on Direction
- Direction Eligibility Criteria
- Top Direction Entrance Exams 2024
- Direction Syllabus
- Top Direction Colleges
- 11.1 Top Direction Government Colleges
- 11.2 Top Direction Private Colleges
- Direction Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Recruiters
- 12.1 Direction Top Recruiters
- FAQs on Direction Course
Direction Course Details: Highlights
Direction courses are often offered in diploma and bachelor's courses. To have a quick review of the course refer to the table below:
| Highlights |
Details |
|---|---|
| Course Level |
UG & PG Diploma, Certificate, Undergraduate |
| Eligibility |
Diploma: Class 10 Certificate: Class 12 UG: Class 12 along with entrance examination |
| Duration |
Certificate: 6 months - 1 year UG: 3 - 4 years Diploma: 3-6 Months |
| Examination Type |
Semester-wise |
| Fee Range |
INR 30000-INR 10 lakh |
| Top Colleges | Amity University, MGR Government Film and Television Institute, JNU, Jadavpur University, University of Mumbai |
| Average Starting Salary |
INR 4 LPA - INR 8 LPA |
| Job Scope |
Cinematographer, Videographer, Video Editor, Director, Director of Photography |
| Entrance Exams | PUBDET, CUET, URATPG, IPU CET, etc. |
| Top Recruiters |
Prime Focus, Casting Chhabra, Excel Entertainment, Saregama India, Iris Media, T-Series |
Note: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
Direction Courses Relevant Information:
Direction Eligibility Criteria
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 recognized 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.
Top Direction Entrance Exams 2024
Majority of film institutes/colleges give admission to candidates on the basis of an entrance examination. The admission process consists of a stage like a written exam followed by a personal interview round. However, some institutions also offer direct admission to candidates on the basis of their performance in the qualifying exam (Class XII or graduation). Some of the top entrance exams for Direction are as follows:
| Exams |
Exam Dates |
Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| JMI Entrance Exam |
Apr '24 - May '24 (Tentative) |
|
| IIMC Entrance Exam |
11 Mar '24 - 28 Mar '24 |
|
| ACJ Entrance Exam |
Feb ‘24 (Tentative) |
|
| FTII JET |
Mar '24 (Tentative) |
|
| GMCET |
Dec ‘24 (Tentative) |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.
Direction Courses Relevant Information:
Direction Syllabus
Candidates willing to become a successful director can opt for courses like BSc in Cinema (Specialisation in Direction), BA in Filmmaking (Direction), BA (Hons) in Film and Media (Direction and Scriptwriting), PGD in Direction, PGD in digital film making, PGD in Scriptwriting and Direction etc. The syllabus taught in the course depends on the level of the course and the college. The course curriculum of some of the courses are being explained in detail here:
| BSc in Cinema (Specialisation in Direction) | |
|---|---|
| Semester I | |
| Mise-en-scene: Meaning & Elements | Scene Examples |
| Decoding the Budgeting of a film | Directing and producing individually |
| Semester II | |
| Composition | Continuity |
| The Continuity System | -- |
| Semester III | |
| Visual communication & aesthetics | Cinematography & Rules of Composition |
| How to generate ideas | Writing for different formats |
| Space & Time in Direction, Maintaining Time & Space through Costumes and Make-up | -- |
| Semester IV | |
| Writing in Direction | Basics of Production Designing |
| Importance of Costumes, Jewelry & Make up | Directional Unity |
| Shots continuity | -- |
| Semester V | |
| Shot Division | Budgeting & its Format |
| Recce | Floor Plan & Storyboarding |
| Importance of storyboard | How to see a film through filmmaker’s eye |
| Semester VI | |
| Project | |
Top Direction Colleges
Direction is among the most inspiring fields for aspirants who want to bring life to a story on screen. Hence, those who want to learn this art professionally can enroll themselves in the institutes that provide direction as a course along with the learning equipment and setups. These courses are offered by both governmental and private institutes as shown below:
Top Direction Government Colleges
Some of the government institutes providing direction courses are given below:
| College |
Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| NA |
|
| 45 K - 74.98 K |
|
| 4,120 |
|
| 1.82 L |
|
| NA |
|
| 12,810 |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Top Direction Private Colleges
Some of the private institutes providing direction courses are given below:
| College |
Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| 48,310 |
|
| 4.8 L |
|
| NA |
|
| 30,700 - 1.21 L |
|
| 10.04 L - 19.04 L |
|
| 1.5 L |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Direction Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and 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 Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Film Director | Leads the creative vision of a film, overseeing all aspects of production from script development to final edit. | INR 10-30+ LPA (Highly variable based on experience, project budget, and success) |
| Assistant Director | Supports the film director in various tasks, including script breakdown, scheduling, and managing film sets. | INR 3-6 LPA |
| Casting Director | Oversees the casting process, identifying and selecting actors for film roles. | INR 4-8 LPA |
| Screenwriter | Writes the screenplay, which is the blueprint for the film, including dialogue, plot, and character development. | INR 3-10 LPA (Highly variable based on experience, project budget, and credit type) |
| Cinematographer | The "director of photography," responsible for the visual style of the film through camera work, lighting, and shot composition. | INR 5-15 LPA |
| Film Editor | Assembles the film footage into a cohesive and impactful story through editing techniques. | INR 4-8 LPA |
Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.
Direction Courses Relevant Information:
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 |
Read More:
FAQs on Direction
Q. Are there any subject requirements for specialisation in Direction?
Q. Are there any part-time courses in Direction?
Q. What are the necessary skills to become a film director?
Q. I am a BSc graduate, can I pursue a master-level course in film direction?
Q. How many years of experience it takes to become a film director?
Q. What are the popular film institutions where I can pursue a course in Direction?
Q. What are the career prospects after this course?
Q. What is the difference between filmmaking and film direction?
Q. Is it important to have knowledge about editing tools and cameras to become a director?
Q. What are the top companies to work for as a director?
Q. Can I pursue an online course in Direction?
Q: What qualities and skills should one possess to become a film director?
Q: Are there any part-time courses in Direction?
Candidates can pursue certificate courses in Direction which are of short duration.
Q: Are there any subject requirements for Direction course?
There is no subject requirement for a Direction course. The only requirement is a zest for filmmaking and storytelling.
Q: How many years of experience it takes to become a film director?
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 Eligibility Criteria
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 recognized 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.
Q: How to become a film director?
Q: I am a BSc graduate, can I pursue a master-level course in film direction?
Yes, you can take admission in several PG level courses like PGD in Direction, PGD in Screenwriting and Direction etc.
Q: Is it important to have knowledge about editing tools and cameras to become a director?
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.
Top Direction Entrance Exams 2024
Majority of film institutes/colleges give admission to candidates on the basis of an entrance examination. The admission process consists of a stage like a written exam followed by a personal interview round. However, some institutions also offer direct admission to candidates on the basis of their performance in the qualifying exam (Class XII or graduation). Some of the top entrance exams for Direction are as follows:
| Exams |
Exam Dates |
Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| JMI Entrance Exam |
Apr '24 - May '24 (Tentative) |
|
| IIMC Entrance Exam |
11 Mar '24 - 28 Mar '24 |
|
| ACJ Entrance Exam |
Feb ‘24 (Tentative) |
|
| FTII JET |
Mar '24 (Tentative) |
|
| GMCET |
Dec ‘24 (Tentative) |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.
Direction Courses Relevant Information:
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Counselling Start TENTATIVE |
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Result TENTATIVE |
Feb '25 - Mar '25 | JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Applications Open TENTATIVE |
Apr '25 | JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Application Correction Win... TENTATIVE |
7 Dec ' 24 | SAT Test December Date |
26 Nov ' 24 | SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a... |
Feb '25 - Mar '25 | FTII JET 2025 Applications Open TENTATIVE |
Apr '25 | FTII JET 2025 TENTATIVE |
Q: Which courses should I pursue to become a film director? What is the required qualification for the same?
Q: How to become a film director?
Direction Syllabus
Candidates willing to become a successful director can opt for courses like BSc in Cinema (Specialisation in Direction), BA in Filmmaking (Direction), BA (Hons) in Film and Media (Direction and Scriptwriting), PGD in Direction, PGD in digital film making, PGD in Scriptwriting and Direction etc. The syllabus taught in the course depends on the level of the course and the college. The course curriculum of some of the courses are being explained in detail here:
| BSc in Cinema (Specialisation in Direction) | |
|---|---|
| Semester I | |
| Mise-en-scene: Meaning & Elements | Scene Examples |
| Decoding the Budgeting of a film | Directing and producing individually |
| Semester II | |
| Composition | Continuity |
| The Continuity System | -- |
| Semester III | |
| Visual communication & aesthetics | Cinematography & Rules of Composition |
| How to generate ideas | Writing for different formats |
| Space & Time in Direction, Maintaining Time & Space through Costumes and Make-up | -- |
| Semester IV | |
| Writing in Direction | Basics of Production Designing |
| Importance of Costumes, Jewelry & Make up | Directional Unity |
| Shots continuity | -- |
| Semester V | |
| Shot Division | Budgeting & its Format |
| Recce | Floor Plan & Storyboarding |
| Importance of storyboard | How to see a film through Filmmaker’s eye |
| Semester VI | |
| Project | |
Q: What to study to become a director?
Q: What is the difference between Film Making and Theatre?
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. |
Q: Which course should I pursue to have a career in film direction?
Top Direction Colleges
Direction is among the most inspiring fields for aspirants who want to bring life to a story on screen. Hence, those who want to learn this art professionally can enroll themselves in the institutes that provide direction as a course along with the learning equipment and setups. These courses are offered by both governmental and private institutes as shown below:
Top Direction Government Colleges
Some of the government institutes providing direction courses are given below:
| College |
Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| NA |
|
| 45 K - 74.98 K |
|
| 4,120 |
|
| 1.82 L |
|
| NA |
|
| 12,810 |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Top Direction Private Colleges
Some of the private institutes providing direction courses are given below:
| College |
Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| 48,310 |
|
| 4.8 L |
|
| NA |
|
| 30,700 - 1.21 L |
|
| 10.04 L - 19.04 L |
|
| 1.5 L |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Q: How can I become a film director? Which course should I pursue?
Q: I want to study film direction and editing. How and from where can I get a degree in this?
Q: What are the popular film institutions where I can pursue a course in Direction?
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 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 Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Film Director | Leads the creative vision of a film, overseeing all aspects of production from script development to final edit. | INR 10-30+ LPA (Highly variable based on experience, project budget, and success) |
| Assistant Director | Supports the film director in various tasks, including script breakdown, scheduling, and managing film sets. | INR 3-6 LPA |
| Casting Director | Oversees the casting process, identifying and selecting actors for film roles. | INR 4-8 LPA |
| Screenwriter | Writes the screenplay, which is the blueprint for the film, including dialogue, plot, and character development. | INR 3-10 LPA (Highly variable based on experience, project budget, and credit type) |
| Cinematographer | The "director of photography," responsible for the visual style of the film through camera work, lighting, and shot composition. | INR 5-15 LPA |
| Film Editor | Assembles the film footage into a cohesive and impactful story through editing techniques. | INR 4-8 LPA |
Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.
Direction Courses Relevant Information:
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 |
Read More:
Q: How can I become a film director? What starting salary can I expect?
Q: What are the career prospects after this course?
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.
Q: What are the top companies to work for as a director?
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.
FAQs on Direction Course
FAQs on Direction Course
Q: What is the difference between film making and direction?
Q: Is digital Film making course different from film direction course ?
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
Q: Can I pursue an online course in Direction?
There are many online courses available for Direction which candidates can pursue according to their interests and the scope of the course.
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