FTII vs. SRFTI: Which Film School is Better for You?
Introduction
When it comes to premier film education in India, the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune and the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata are two of the most prestigious institutions. Both offer world-class training in filmmaking, but each has its unique strengths. If you’re an aspiring director or screenwriter, choosing the right institute is crucial. This blog compares FTII and SRFTI across key factors to help you make an informed decision.
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1. Overview of FTII and SRFTI
| Feature | FTII, Pune | SRFTI, Kolkata |
|---|---|---|
| Established | 1960 | 1995 |
| Named After | Government-owned, independent entity | Named after Satyajit Ray, legendary filmmaker |
| Location | Pune, Maharashtra | Kolkata, West Bengal |
| Affiliation | Autonomous under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting | Autonomous under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting |
| Alumni | Rajkumar Hirani, Shyam Benegal, Sanjay Leela Bhansali | Aditya Vikram Sengupta, Gurvinder Singh |
| Campus Atmosphere | Rich legacy, industry networking | Strong focus on artistic and independent cinema |
2. Courses Offered
Both FTII and SRFTI offer diploma and postgraduate programs in various aspects of filmmaking.
FTII, Pune Courses
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Film Direction & Screenplay Writing
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Editing
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Cinematography
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Sound Recording & Design
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Acting
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Animation & Computer Graphics
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Television Courses (e.g., Direction, Editing, Sound)
SRFTI, Kolkata Courses
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Film Direction & Screenplay Writing
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Editing
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Cinematography
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Sound Recording & Design
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Producing for Film & TV
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Animation Cinema
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Electronic & Digital Media Courses
Verdict: FTII offers a broader variety of television courses, while SRFTI includes specialized programs like Producing and Animation Cinema.
3. Teaching Approach & Faculty
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FTII follows a blend of traditional and modern filmmaking techniques, with an emphasis on hands-on training.
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SRFTI offers an artistic and experimental approach, encouraging students to explore different storytelling methods.
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Both institutes have industry professionals and award-winning filmmakers as faculty members.
Verdict: If you’re interested in a structured, industry-oriented program, FTII is a great choice. If you prefer experimental and artistic filmmaking, SRFTI is ideal.
4. Infrastructure & Facilities
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FTII: Well-equipped studios, professional-grade editing labs, a large film archive, sound recording studios, and shooting sets.
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SRFTI: State-of-the-art soundstages, post-production labs, high-tech editing suites, and an extensive film library.
Verdict: Both institutes offer top-notch facilities, but SRFTI has newer infrastructure with advanced digital equipment.
5. Industry Exposure & Placements
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FTII alumni have strong Bollywood and mainstream industry connections. Many students find opportunities in Hindi cinema, television, and OTT platforms.
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SRFTI graduates often explore parallel cinema, independent filmmaking, and regional industries.
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Both institutes provide internships, workshops, and networking events with industry professionals.
Verdict: If you want to break into Bollywood, FTII has a stronger network. If you’re inclined towards independent or regional cinema, SRFTI is a better fit.
6. Admission Process & Fees
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Admission to both FTII and SRFTI is through the Joint Entrance Test for Film and Television (JET).
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The selection process includes an entrance exam, interview, and orientation program.
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The fee structure is similar, ranging between ₹3-5 lakhs for most diploma courses.
Verdict: The admission process is equally competitive at both institutions, and the fee structure is almost the same.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
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Choose FTII if: You want strong Bollywood connections, structured training, and exposure to commercial filmmaking.
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Choose SRFTI if: You prefer artistic and experimental cinema, regional film opportunities, and a more creative, risk-taking approach.
Ultimately, both institutes offer excellent education, and your choice should depend on your career goals and personal filmmaking style.