Introduction
Did you know that India is the largest film-producing country in the world? Every year, the country produces between 1,800 and 2,000 films in multiple languages and across various regions. In recent years, this growth has been further supported by the rise of OTT platforms, web series, and digital-first content.
As audiences increasingly engage with content across screens of all sizes, visual storytelling has become more important than ever. This growing reliance on strong visual language has led to a rising demand for skilled cinematographers who can adapt their craft across formats, budgets, and platforms.
If you want to be a part of this evolving space, cinematography courses in India can give you a head start.
Best Cinematography Courses in India
Through cinematography courses, students gain practical skills that prepare them for a creative career, including real projects, in-house studios, and mentorship from active industry professionals. To begin your journey, you can choose from this list of the top cinematography courses in India:
Undergraduate Cinematography Courses
A bachelor’s degree in cinematography is a three-year, practice-based programme that offers deep, career-ready learning formats. B.A, B.Sc. and other relevant UG courses introduce you to many crucial elements of cinematography, including screenplay writing, acting, video editing, and sound recording. This teaches you how different departments in filmmaking work together to produce visually appealing content.
What You’ll Learn
Introduction to core forms of films
Understanding early cinema
Fundamentals of still photography and design technology
Basics of acting and film direction
Principles of lighting, sound, and cinematography
Video editing
Frame composition
Writing skills
Media ethics and laws
Film financing, production management, marketing, and distribution
Eligibility:
You must have passed the 12th standard from a recognised board (any stream). Some institutes require an entrance test for selection.
Diploma in Cinematography
Diploma courses are short-term programmes, ideal for students who want a quick and smooth entry into the world of visual storytelling without having to commit to a full-time, 3-4-year degree course.
A diploma in cinematography at high-ranked Indian educational institutes focuses on building your technical and artistic skills in using professional cameras. The course teaches core concepts of cinematography. After completion, you can apply for entry-level positions in TV, ads, short films, and digital content.
What You’ll Learn
History and fundamentals of photography and cinematography
Camera operation and movement techniques
Indoor and outdoor lighting principles
Mise-en-scène and visual composition
Lighting techniques for commercial films and music videos
Eligibility:
You must have completed your 12th standard from a recognised board (any stream). The course is for aspiring cinematographers who prefer practical learning to theory-only programmes.
Postgraduate Cinematography Courses
Postgraduate cinematography courses in India are for students who have the foundational knowledge of cinematography, professional cameras, lighting, sound, editing, and other aspects of filmmaking. It’s a two-year master’s degree that helps you master the technical and creative skills needed to be a great cinematographer.
What You’ll Learn
Acting and presentation skills
Advanced video editing, sound editing, and sound recording
Use of movements, camera, lighting, make-up, sets, props, etc.
Marketing strategies for product films
Media ethics and laws
Eligibility:
You must have completed a bachelor’s degree in mass communication, visual arts, fine arts, or relevant fields.
Key Skills You Will Develop During the Cinematography Course
Cinematography courses in India don’t just provide a theoretical understanding of film production processes but also offer practical, hands-on training. Through these courses, you will develop these essential skills:
- Visual Storytelling: Cinematography is all about turning a written script into a visual shot that conveys emotions and tells stories perfectly. With the right cinematography courses in India, you learn to shoot scenes with different angles, framing, shot sizes, and movements.
- Lighting: The courses introduce you to lighting setups. You learn how to use lighting, artificial and natural, for different scenes.
- Understanding Lenses: You learn to work with different lenses. The course teaches how the lens choices can create a perfect shot and leave an emotional impact on the viewers.
- Colour Sense: A cinematographer has a great sense of colour, contrast, and texture. These cinematography courses teach you how to maintain colour consistency throughout the scene.
- On-set Workflow and Collaboration: You also learn how to work efficiently on set, coordinate with directors and lighting teams, and adapt to different shooting conditions.
- Composition and Framing: Courses emphasise frame composition, balance, and visual hierarchy, helping students create visually engaging and purposeful shots.
- Camera Operation and Movement: Students gain hands-on experience with professional cameras, learning how to execute smooth camera movements, stabilisation techniques, and controlled handheld shots.
Cinematography Course Fees
Course fees for learning cinematography vary from program to program. Diploma courses are quite affordable. Average fees for a diploma at Indian educational institutes range from ₹35,000 to ₹1,25,000, but can be on the higher or lower end of the fee scale, depending on the institute and programme type.
Undergraduate cinematography programmes typically cost between ₹3 lakh and ₹10 lakh. Postgraduate courses are the most expensive, with fees generally ranging from ₹6 lakh to ₹11 lakh, depending on the institute and programme structure.
Conclusion
Pursuing cinematography after Class 12 can open the door to a creative and rewarding career in visual storytelling. With several cinematography courses available across India, the key is choosing a programme that offers the right balance of technical training, practical exposure, and industry relevance. Learning to work confidently with cameras, lighting setups, lenses, and production equipment plays a crucial role in professional growth.
Training in an environment that mirrors real-world filmmaking can make this transition smoother. At AAFT University, we focus on hands-on learning that helps students build practical skills and industry readiness. If you would like to explore course details or understand which programme suits your goals, you can fill out the enquiry form for more information.
FAQs
Which course in cinematography should I choose?
After Class 12, you can choose a diploma or an undergraduate course. After graduation, a postgraduate course is suitable if you want to specialise.
What career options are available after completing a cinematography course?
Graduates can work as cinematographers, camera operators, lighting assistants, or in advertising, television, films, and digital media.
Will I get hands-on learning experience?
Yes, after completion, you can create your own short films, ads, and other digital content to showcase your skills and build your portfolio.
How long does it take to join the cinema?
There’s no specific timeline. The courses give you the foundational knowledge of Indian cinema, but the learning usually continues on sets.
Is maths or science required for cinematography?
No, advanced maths or science is not mandatory, though basic technical understanding is helpful.
Do I need my own camera to enrol in a cinematography course?
Not always. Most institutes provide equipment, though having a personal camera can help with practice.
What skills are important for a cinematography career?
Strong visual sense, creativity, technical knowledge of cameras and lighting, and teamwork skills are important.
Can I become a cinematographer in Raipur after completing a cinematography course?
Yes, after completing a recognised cinematography course, you can work as a cinematographer in Raipur. Local film, advertising, and media projects often look for trained professionals.
