FTII JET, the Joint Entrance Test, is the first stage of admission to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, and the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata. Most of its postgraduate diploma and certificate courses ask for a bachelor degree in any discipline, and the written test is followed by further stages that depend on the course. The two institutes take turns organising the test, so the organiser changes from year to year.
Key takeaways
- FTII JET is the first admission stage for FTII Pune and SRFTI Kolkata.
- Most postgraduate diploma and certificate courses ask for a bachelor degree in any discipline.
- The written test is followed by further stages that depend on the course.
- The two institutes take turns organising the test, so the organiser changes from year to year.
FTII JET: courses covered by JET
| Wing | Courses |
|---|---|
| Film | Direction and screenplay writing, cinematography, editing, sound recording and sound design, acting, art direction and production design, screenwriting |
| Television | Direction, electronic cinematography, video editing, sound recording and television engineering |
Course lists differ between the two institutes and between years. Some film courses run for three years as a postgraduate diploma and carry master’s degree equivalence from the Association of Indian Universities, while some television certificate courses run for one year and are approved by AICTE. Read the current bulletin for the exact list and duration.
Eligibility in plain terms
For most postgraduate diploma and certificate courses, a bachelor’s degree in any discipline is the baseline. A few specialisations ask for subject backgrounds; sound recording, for example, may require Physics at an earlier level, and television engineering courses have their own conditions. Reservation applies to the seats, with percentages for SC, ST, OBC non-creamy layer and persons with disabilities as per the government norms the institutes use. Always check the age limit and other conditions in the bulletin for the year you apply.
How selection works
- Written test. A three-hour test with objective and subjective questions, conducted in dozens of cities. In a recent edition it ran in 28 cities. It covers general awareness on subjects such as national and international affairs, music and folk art, plus creative and aptitude components that depend on your course group.
- Course-specific stages. Shortlisted candidates move on to stages such as an orientation, an interview and, for acting, an audition.
- Final merit. Seats are filled on combined performance across the stages, subject to reservation.
The exam is usually held in the first half of the year. Dates and application windows change, so rely on the institute’s announcement.
How to prepare
- Watch films with a notebook. Write down how a scene was shot, edited and scored rather than just whether you liked it.
- Read about Indian and world cinema and follow current arts and cultural news; general awareness questions test breadth.
- Write short stories, treatments or scene descriptions regularly. Courses in direction and screenwriting reward a clear written voice.
- Learn basics of photography, editing software or sound recording if you are targeting technical courses.
- Practise timed writing, because the test is three hours long and mixes question types.
A realistic timeline for applicants
Start six to eight months before the likely test. In the first two months, build a viewing and reading habit and finish a short writing sample such as a three-page script or a photo essay. In the middle months, learn a technical skill that matches your course choice and practise timed mock papers. In the last month, revise general awareness, rest well and prepare your documents: marksheets, ID and passport photographs. Watch the official FTII and SRFTI websites for the bulletin, and do not rely on coaching ads for dates. If you are shortlisted for an interview, bring your portfolio and be ready to talk about films you have actually watched and what you took from them.
FTII JET: think about the career path
Film school gives craft, a network and a showreel, but not a job guarantee. Compare the costs and time with other routes into the industry, and check scholarships and loan options in advance. For a general view of choices open to you, read our guide to courses after 12th, and keep academic documents handy in DigiLocker for applications.
Rules, dates and amounts for FTII JET can change, so confirm the latest official notice before you act.
Frequently asked questions
What is FTII JET?
It is the Joint Entrance Test used for admission to FTII Pune and SRFTI Kolkata courses in film and television.
What is the minimum qualification?
For most postgraduate diploma and certificate courses, a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Some specialisations have extra subject conditions.
Is JET the only stage?
No. It is the first stage, followed by course-specific stages such as orientation, interview or audition.
Who conducts JET?
FTII Pune and SRFTI Kolkata take turns as the organising institute.
How long is the written test?
Three hours in recent editions, with objective and subjective questions.