Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute - SRFTI

Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), located in Panchasayar, Kolkata, West Bengal, is a premier national autonomous academic institution established in 1995. Funded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and named after the legendary Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray, SRFTI is recognized as a center of excellence in film, television, and digital media education.

Spread over a scenic 40-acre urban campus in South Kolkata, SRFTI provides a creative environment equipped with professional-grade production studios, sound stages, editing suites, digital color grading setups, and screening theaters. The institute offers full-time residential postgraduate programs that combine theoretical film studies, practical workshop sessions, project-based filmmaking, and hands-on production training.

Academically, SRFTI operates through two primary wings: the Film Wing and the Electronic & Digital Media (EDM) Wing. The institute emphasizes artistic expression, technical precision, critical thinking, and collaborative production workflows across undergraduate-equivalent and postgraduate specializations.

• Fees range: Approximately INR 1,82,000 – INR 3,02,000 for the full course duration (varying by specialization and course duration across Film and EDM wings).
• Flagship programs: Post Graduate Program (PGP) in Cinema and Post Graduate Program (PGP) in Electronic & Digital Media (EDM).
• Recognition: Autonomous institute funded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India; member of CILECT (International Association of Film and Television Schools).
• Academic focus: Direction & Screenplay Writing, Cinematography, Editing, Sound Recording & Design, Producing for Film & Television, Animation Cinema, Writing & Direction for EDM, and Electronic Cinematography.

Important Admission Dates (Tentative)

Admissions to post-graduate programs at SRFTI are conducted through a combined national-level entrance process (Joint Entrance Test - JET) shared with FTII Pune:

Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute Admissions 2026–27

Admissions to SRFTI follow central government reservation policies and a rigorous multi-stage national selection framework.

Postgraduate Programs Admission Process:

• Selection Criteria: Candidates must qualify the nationwide Joint Entrance Test (JET). Shortlisted applicants are invited to the SRFTI campus for a multi-day practical orientation, creative workshop, and personal interview. Final selection is based on cumulative performance in the written test, practical workshop, and interview.
• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. For specific technical tracks (such as Sound Recording & Design), candidates with a background in Physics or Mathematics at the 10+2 level are preferred.

Courses Offered at Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute

SRFTI offers specialized post-graduate diploma programs across cinema and digital media disciplines:

Film Wing (3-Year PG Program in Cinema):

• Direction & Screenplay Writing
• Cinematography
• Editing
• Sound Recording & Design
• Producing for Film & Television
• Animation Cinema

Electronic & Digital Media Wing (2-Year PGP in EDM):

• Electronic Cinematography
• Writing for Electronic & Digital Media
• Editing for Electronic & Digital Media
• Sound for Electronic & Digital Media
• Producing for Electronic & Digital Media
• Animation & Visual Effects

Fee Structure of Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute

The government-subsidized tuition fee structure for major programs at SRFTI Kolkata is outlined below:

• Hostel & Living Expenses: On-campus hostel facilities cost between INR 20,000 and INR 35,000 per year (excluding mess charges).
• Scholarships & Financial Aid: SRFTI offers merit-cum-means scholarships to top-performing students in each semester, covering up to 50% of tuition fees. Government post-matric scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates are also applicable.

Production & Technical Infrastructure at Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute

SRFTI provides film and television production infrastructure:

• Studios & Shooting Stages: Features air-conditioned shooting floors, professional track/trolley setups, studio lighting rigs, and digital camera systems (ARRI, RED, Sony).
• Audio & Post-Production Facilities: Dolby Atmos-enabled sound mixing stages, dubbing suites, Foley studios, and non-linear editing (NLE) suites running Avid and DaVinci Resolve.
• Screening Spaces & Library: Includes a 370-seat main projection auditorium, preview theaters, open-air screening zones, and a central library containing film literature, scripts, VHS/DVD archives, and media journals.

Career Prospects & Industry Networks at Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute

Rather than traditional corporate recruitment, career progression at SRFTI centers on industry integration, festival showcases, and professional networking:

• Industry Integration: Diploma films made by SRFTI students are regularly submitted to national and international film festivals (including Busan, Cannes, and the National Film Awards), earning global recognition.
• Career Trajectories: Alumni work across the Indian film industries (Bollywood, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu) as independent directors, cinematographers, sound designers, editors, showrunners, and OTT content creators.
• Prominent Alumni: Notable alumni include filmmakers and technicians such as Vipin Vijay, Amal Neerad, Kanu Behl, Sagar Ballary, Christo Tomy, and Modhura Palit.

Why Choose Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata?

Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute stands as one of India's premier public film institutions. With Ministry of Information & Broadcasting backing, subsidised fees, world-class production infrastructure, a residential creative community, and a distinguished alumni network, SRFTI offers a strong foundation for aspiring filmmakers, media creators, and technicians.

Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute FAQs

Q1. Is SRFTI Kolkata a government institute?

Yes, SRFTI is an autonomous institute funded by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.

Q2. What entrance examination is required for admission to SRFTI?

Admissions are conducted through the national-level Joint Entrance Test (JET) followed by on-campus workshops and interviews.

Q3. Where is the SRFTI campus located?

The campus is located in Panchasayar, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700094.

Q4. What is the duration of the courses offered at SRFTI?

The PG Diploma in Cinema is a 3-year full-time course, while the PG Diploma in Electronic & Digital Media (EDM) is a 2-year full-time course.

Q5. Does SRFTI provide hostel accommodation?

Yes, SRFTI offers hostel facilities for both male and female students on campus.