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Artsmedia & film

Screenwriter

Screenwriters create narratives, dialogues and scene blueprints for films, web series, television and advertising across India's multilingual industry. Entry often comes via arts, mass-communication or film-school routes and through short courses, portfolios and practical experience in regional and national media.

Salary range
₹2.5–30 LPA
Job growth
medium
Work type
Remote/Hybrid
Paths to entry
3 routes

Actions for your grade

  • Join school drama, film clubs or short-film projects to understand performance and staging
  • Practice writing short scripts (5–10 pages) and get peer feedback
  • Learn basic screenplay formatting using free software (e.g., Celtx, WriterDuet)

Your complete path from Grade 10 to Screenwriter

Every step you need — from now to your first job.

BA → MA (English / Mass Communication)
Arts

CUET is used by many central universities; individual colleges may have separate entrance or portfolio requirements.

  1. Now
    Arts Stream
  2. Exams
    CUET UG
  3. Degree
    BA (English / Journalism / Mass Communication) → MA (Film Studies / Creative Writing) (3+2 years)
  4. Colleges
    Jamia Millia Islamia · Christ University Bengaluru · St Xaviers College Mumbai
  5. Career
    Screenwriter
Film school / Diploma in Screenwriting
Arts

Top film schools often require a portfolio or separate entrance; practical film-making exposure is key.

  1. Now
    Arts Stream
  2. Exams
    NID DAT
  3. Degree
    PG Diploma / Certificate in Screenwriting or Screen Studies (6 months–2 years)
  4. Colleges
    Film and Television Institute of India · Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute · Whistling Woods International Mumbai
  5. Career
    Screenwriter
Creative & design-led storytelling (alternate)
Arts

Design and storytelling programs build narrative and visual thinking useful for commercials, branded content and transmedia work.

  1. Now
    Arts Stream
  2. Exams
    NIFT Entrance
  3. Degree
    B.Des / Short courses in Story Design, Creative Writing and Content Creation (3 years / variable)
  4. Colleges
    National Institute of Fashion Technology · National Institute of Design
  5. Career
    Screenwriter

Entrance exams

ExamEligibilityDifficultyWindow
CUET UG
NTA
Class 12 (any stream)MediumMay-Jun
NIFT Entrance
NIFT
Class 12 (any stream)MediumFeb
NID DAT
National Institute of Design
Class 12 (any stream)HardJan (Prelims) + Apr (Mains)

Where to Study

Institutes known to offer this career pathway in India.

Jamia Millia Islamia
Christ University Bengaluru
St Xaviers College Mumbai
Film and Television Institute of India
Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute
Whistling Woods International Mumbai
National Institute of Fashion Technology
National Institute of Design
Recommendations only — verify eligibility, seat availability, and admission rules from official portals before applying.