Film and Television Institute of India Entrance Exam Overview 2026
Film and Television Institute of India Entrance Exam Overview
What is the FTII Entrance Test 2025-26?
The Film and Television Institute of India Entrance Test (FTII ET) 2025-26 is the national-level written examination for admission to postgraduate programs at FTII, Pune. It is also referred to as the FTII Joint Entrance Test (FTII JET). FTII is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
The test covers general knowledge, arts and culture, cinema awareness, and course-specific creative aptitude. Admission is through a two-stage selection process held at the FTII campus in Pune.
FTII ET 2025-26 Exam Cancellation and Re-examination
The original FTII ET 2025-26 written test was held on April 26, 2026. It was cancelled across all 28 examination centres because question paper packets were found unsealed at the Delhi centre.
FTII has scheduled a re-examination for July 12, 2026. No fresh registration or additional fee is required; all original registrations remain valid.
FTII ET 2025-26 Re-examination Admit Card
The FTII ET 2025-26 re-examination admit card was released on June 25, 2026. It is now available for download from ftii.ac.in.
Candidates need their application number and date of birth to download the admit card. A printed copy of the admit card and a valid government-issued photo ID must be carried to the exam centre on July 12, 2026.
FTII ET 2025-26 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Original written test | April 26, 2026 |
| Re-examination admit card release | June 25, 2026 |
| Re-examination written test | July 12, 2026 |
| Stage 2 (orientation and interview) | Tentatively August-September 2026 |
| Final merit list | Expected October-November 2026 |
| Counselling and seat allotment | Likely November-December 2026 |
FTII ET Exam Pattern 2025-26
The FTII ET 2025-26 re-examination is an offline pen-and-paper test. It is 3 hours long and carries 100 marks.
This written test is Stage 1 of the selection process. Candidates who clear Stage 1 are called to the FTII Pune campus for Stage 2.
FTII ET Stage 2 and Merit List
Stage 2 includes an orientation assessment and a personal interview at the FTII Pune campus. It carries 80% weightage in the final merit list calculation.
The final merit list is expected around October-November 2026, after both stages are completed. Counselling and seat allotment at FTII Pune are likely in November-December 2026.
Courses and Seats at FTII 2025-26
FTII offers postgraduate programs in filmmaking, acting, screenwriting, cinematography, sound recording, and related disciplines. In the previous cycle, FTII offered 87 seats across film and television programs.
FTII ET 2025-26: Key Facts at a Glance
The Film and Television Institute of India Entrance Test (FTII ET / FTII JET) is conducted by the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. It is held once a year in offline mode.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Film and Television Institute of India Entrance Test (FTII ET / FTII JET) |
| Conducting Body | Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune |
| Ministry | Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen-and-Paper) |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Programs Offered | MFA in Cinema (Film Wing), PG Certificate Courses (TV Wing) |
| Total Seats (2025-26) | 87 seats at FTII Pune |
| Re-examination Date (2025-26) | July 12, 2026 |
| Official Website | ftii.ac.in |
FTII Pune has studio infrastructure, industry-experienced faculty, and a long list of alumni who have shaped Indian and international cinema. For the 2025-26 cycle, all candidates who registered for the original April 26 exam are eligible for the July 12, 2026 re-examination without any fresh registration or additional fee.
FTII ET 2025-26: Exam Cancellation and Re-examination
The FTII ET 2025-26 original written test was scheduled for April 26, 2026, across 28 examination centres nationwide. Serious operational failures at the Delhi examination centre forced FTII to cancel the exam across all centres on the same day.
What Happened on April 26, 2026?
At the Delhi examination centre, the strong room where sealed question paper packets were stored was found to have been breached. Multiple question paper packets arrived at the centre torn and pre-opened. Some students received photocopies of question papers instead of the original sealed packets.
The delay in distributing papers meant the exam could not start at the scheduled time. The situation escalated into a law and order problem at the centre. After reviewing the incidents at Delhi and assessing the impact on the exam's integrity across all centres, FTII cancelled the entire written test nationwide.
FTII Students' Association Statement
The FTII Students' Association (FTIISA) issued a public statement condemning what it described as "gross misconduct and mismanagement" in the conduct of the FTII Entrance Test 2025-26. The association stated that the examination's integrity had been compromised across multiple centres and demanded accountability from those responsible for the logistical failures.
Re-examination Plan: What FTII Decided
On April 30, 2026, FTII issued an official re-examination notice. Key points of that notice:
- The complete written test, covering all papers and all courses, will be re-conducted at the national level
- All existing registrations remain valid — no fresh registration is required
- No additional examination fee will be charged to any candidate
- A change-of-centre window was opened from May 25 to May 29, 2026 for candidates who needed to update their examination city
- The re-examination date was set as July 12, 2026
If you registered for FTII ET 2025-26 before the April 7, 2026 deadline, you are automatically eligible for the July 12 re-examination. You do not need to register again or pay any additional fee.
Source: FTII Official Website — Re-examination Notice, April 30, 2026
FTII ET 2025-26 Re-examination Admit Card
The FTII ET 2025-26 re-examination admit card was released on June 25, 2026 on the official FTII website. All registered candidates can download their admit card from ftii.ac.in using their application number and date of birth.
Without the admit card, you will not be allowed to enter the examination hall on July 12, 2026.
How to Download the FTII ET Re-examination Admit Card
- Go to the official website at ftii.ac.in
- Click on the admit card download link for the FTII ET 2025-26 re-examination
- Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth
- Your admit card will appear on screen — review all details carefully before printing
- Download and print the admit card on A4 paper in clear black-and-white or colour print
- Keep at least two printed copies — one for the examination centre and one for your records
Details Printed on the Admit Card
Your FTII ET re-examination admit card will mention:
- Candidate's name and roll number
- Application number
- Examination centre name and full address
- Reporting time and examination time
- Course(s) applied for
- Important instructions for examination day
FTII ET 2025-26 Re-examination: Admit Card and Documents
Check all details on your admit card as soon as you download it. If your name, date of birth, roll number, or exam centre is incorrect, contact the FTII Office of the Controller of Examinations immediately. Do not wait until July 12 to raise a discrepancy.
Documents to Carry on July 12, 2026 (Re-examination Day)
- Printed FTII ET 2025-26 re-examination admit card (mandatory)
- One valid government-issued photo ID: Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, voter ID, or driving licence
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (matching the one submitted in your application)
FTII ET 2025-26 Important Dates
The table below lists all key dates for the FTII Entrance Test 2025-26 cycle. Upcoming events appear first in chronological order; completed and past events are listed below them. Always check ftii.ac.in for any revisions to the schedule.
| Event | Date / Period | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Re-examination Written Test (Stage 1) | July 12, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Stage 2 — Orientation Assessment (at FTII Pune) | August-September 2026 (tentative) | Upcoming |
| Stage 2 — Personal Interview (at FTII Pune) | August-October 2026 (tentative) | Upcoming |
| Final Merit List | October-November 2026 (tentative) | Upcoming |
| Counselling and Seat Allotment | November-December 2026 (tentative) | Upcoming |
| Notification / Prospectus Released | March 2026 | (Over) |
| Registration Opens | March 11, 2026 | (Over) |
| Registration Closes | April 7, 2026 (6:00 PM) | (Over) |
| Original Written Test (Cancelled Nationwide) | April 26, 2026 | (Cancelled) |
| Re-examination Announcement by FTII | April 30, 2026 | (Over) |
| Exam Centre Change Request Window | May 25–29, 2026 | (Over) |
| Re-examination Admit Card Released | June 25, 2026 | (Out) |
Stage 2 and counselling dates are tentative and will be officially announced on ftii.ac.in after Stage 1 results are declared.
FTII ET Eligibility Criteria 2025-26
Check the eligibility criteria carefully before appearing for the FTII ET re-examination on July 12, 2026. The conditions vary slightly by course, particularly for Art Direction and Sound Recording specialisations.
Age Limit
- Minimum age: You must be above 21 years at the time of admission to FTII
- Upper age limit: FTII does not specify an upper age limit for most courses — candidates of any age above 21 can apply, as long as they meet the educational qualification
Educational Qualification
- Film Wing (MFA in Cinema) — most courses: A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university
- Art Direction and Production Design: A Bachelor’s degree specifically in Applied Arts, Architecture, Painting, Sculpture, Interior Design, or a related fine arts discipline
- Sound Recording (Film Wing): A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, plus Physics as a subject at the 10+2 (Class 12) level
- TV Wing (1-Year PG Certificate Courses): A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university
Final-year students awaiting their degree results at the time of registration are eligible to apply. However, they must submit their final degree certificate if selected for admission. Candidates whose degree results are not yet declared by the time of admission may lose their seat.
If you applied for Sound Recording but do not have Physics at the 10+2 level, your application may be rejected at the document verification stage. Check this condition carefully before you appear for the exam.
Number of Attempts
FTII does not specify a maximum number of attempts for the entrance test. You can apply for FTII ET every year as long as you continue to meet the age and educational eligibility requirements.
Courses and Seats at FTII 2025-26
FTII Pune offers postgraduate programs through two distinct wings. The Film Wing offers a three-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Cinema across multiple specialisations. The Television Wing offers one-year Post-Graduate Certificate courses approved by AICTE. For the 2025-26 cycle, FTII has a total intake of 87 seats across all programs at its Pune campus.
Courses and Seats at FTII Pune (2025-26)
The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Pune offers courses through two wings: the Film Wing and the TV Wing. The total number of seats for the 2025-26 academic year is 87.
| Wing | Course / Specialisation | Program Duration | Seats (2025-26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Film Wing (MFA in Cinema) | Direction and Screenplay Writing | 3 Years | 11 |
| Screenwriting (Film, TV & Web Series) | 16 | ||
| Cinematography | 11 | ||
| Screen Acting | 16 | ||
| Editing | To be confirmed | ||
| Sound Recording (Film) | To be confirmed | ||
| Art Direction and Production Design | To be confirmed | ||
| TV Wing (PG Certificate — AICTE Approved) | TV Direction | 1 Year | 11 |
| Electronic Cinematography (Camera) | To be confirmed | ||
| Video Editing | To be confirmed | ||
| TV Sound Recording and Design | To be confirmed | ||
| Total Seats (FTII Pune — 2025-26) | 87 | ||
The MFA in Cinema programs at the Film Wing are three-year courses with a strong production focus. These courses are conducted at FTII’s studio campus in Pune. Batch sizes are kept small, between 11 and 16 students per specialisation, to allow for hands-on training.
The TV Wing offers one-year programs. These are suited for candidates who want to enter the electronic media and digital content industry with focused professional training.
Course Fee and Hostel Charges
The approximate annual course fee at FTII Pune is around ₹59,211 per year. This fee is subject to revision.
Hostel accommodation is available on campus at additional charges. Refundable security deposits also apply. Check the official fee schedule on ftii.ac.in for the exact and current figures.
FTII ET Application Process and Fee
The FTII ET 2025-26 registration window was open from March 11, 2026 to April 7, 2026. The window is now closed, and no new applications are being accepted for this cycle. All registered candidates are covered under the re-examination on July 12, 2026.
How to Register for FTII ET
- Visit the official FTII admissions portal at ftii.ac.in
- Click on 'Fresh Candidate / New Log-in' to create a new account
- Fill in personal details (name, date of birth, contact information) and academic details as per your original documents
- Upload required documents: passport-sized photograph, specimen signature, and educational qualification certificates in the specified format and size
- Select the course(s) you want to apply for — you can apply for more than one course in a single application
- Pay the application fee using the online payment gateway
- Submit the completed form and save the confirmation number for future reference
Application Fee and Payment Methods
FTII charges a registration fee that varies based on the number of courses applied for and the candidate’s category. The application fee is non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-adjustable under any circumstances.
Payment methods accepted at the time of registration:
- Internet Banking (SBI and other banks)
- Debit Card or Credit Card
- NEFT or RTGS transfer
- UPI and QR Code payment
Bank charges for online transactions are to be borne by the applicant. For the 2025-26 re-examination on July 12, 2026, no additional fee is required. The fee paid at the time of original registration covers the re-conduct of the written test.
Key Notes for Applicants
- Ensure your name and date of birth in the application exactly match your government-issued documents — mismatches can create problems at document verification
- Save your login credentials carefully — you will need them to download your admit card, check results, and access Stage 2 call letters
- FTII ET registration fees are published in the official prospectus on ftii.ac.in — check there for the exact amounts for the next cycle
FTII ET Exam Pattern 2025-26
The FTII ET 2025-26 exam pattern follows a two-part structure within a single 3-hour offline paper. Part I has objective questions with negative marking. Part II has descriptive, course-specific questions with no negative marking.
FTII ET Exam Pattern 2025-26
The FTII Entrance Test (FTII ET) is an offline, pen-and-paper exam with a total of 100 marks. The exam has two parts: Part I (Objective) and Part II (Descriptive), which are held together for a combined duration of 3 hours.
| Component | Part I (Objective) | Part II (Descriptive) |
|---|---|---|
| Question Type | Multiple Choice and Multiple Select Questions (MCQs / MSQs) | Descriptive and Essay-type (course-specific) |
| Number of Questions | 30 | Variable (based on course applied) |
| Total Marks | 40 | 60 |
| Negative Marking | –0.25 per wrong answer | No negative marking |
| Duration | 3 hours (combined for both parts) | |
| Exam Mode | Offline — pen-and-paper | |
| Total Marks | 100 | |
Two-Stage Selection Process and Final Merit Weightage
Clearing the written test (Stage 1) only gets you shortlisted for Stage 2 at the FTII campus. The final merit list is based on the combined performance across both stages. Here is the weightage formula:
| Stage | Component | Weightage in Final Merit |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Written Test (FTII ET) | 20% |
| Stage 2 | Orientation Assessment (at FTII Pune Campus) | 50% |
| Personal Interview (at FTII Pune Campus) | 30% | |
| Total | 100% | |
Stage 2 together carries 80% of your final merit score. This means that even a very high score in the written test will not guarantee a seat if your orientation and interview performance is weak. You should prepare for both stages simultaneously rather than treating the written test as the only hurdle.
Source: FTII Admission Process — ftii.ac.in
FTII ET Syllabus 2025-26
The FTII ET syllabus 2025-26 covers two broad areas. Part I tests general knowledge and cinema and arts awareness; Part II has course-specific descriptive questions that assess your creative and analytical depth in the specialisation you have applied for. FTII does not publish a rigid chapter-by-chapter syllabus — the exam is designed to test your broad cultural awareness and genuine passion for the art form.
Part I Syllabus (Objective — 30 Questions, 40 Marks)
- General Knowledge: Current affairs, history (Indian and world), geography, science and technology, and national events
- Arts and Culture: Indian art forms, classical and contemporary music, theatre traditions, literature, and cultural history
- Cinema Awareness: Indian and international cinema, landmark films, major filmmakers, film history, genres, and movements (Indian New Wave, French New Wave, Italian Neorealism, Soviet Montage, etc.)
- Television and Digital Media: Indian television history, OTT platforms, web series landscape, and media regulations in India
- Film Studies: Basic film theory, film language, cinematographic principles, narrative techniques, and editing concepts
Part II Syllabus (Descriptive — 60 Marks)
Part II is course-specific. The questions test your creative thinking, conceptual clarity, storytelling ability, and technical understanding of your chosen discipline. General areas covered for major specialisations:
- Direction and Screenplay Writing: Story development, scene structure, narrative arc, characterisation, directorial vision, and screenplay formatting
- Screenwriting (Film, TV and Web Series): Original storytelling, dialogue construction, dramatic structure, and the differences between writing for film, TV, and web formats
- Cinematography: Visual composition, light and shadow, camera placement, visual storytelling, and understanding of photographic and cinematic aesthetics
- Screen Acting: Character interpretation, emotional truth, scene analysis, and understanding of the actor-director relationship
- Editing: Editing theory, rhythm and pacing, continuity editing, montage principles, and narrative logic in post-production
- Sound Recording: Sound design concepts, microphone and recording techniques, acoustics fundamentals, and the role of sound in filmmaking
- Art Direction and Production Design: Production design principles, set construction, visual aesthetics, spatial planning, and period reconstruction
The most useful preparation for Part II is to watch widely and think analytically about what you have seen — understand why scenes work, not just what happens in them. FTII values candidates who bring their own genuine perspective on cinema and creative arts.
FTII ET Result 2025-26
The FTII ET 2025-26 result for Stage 1 will be declared after the re-examination is conducted on July 12, 2026. Based on how FTII handled the 2024-25 cycle timeline, Stage 1 results are typically declared four to six weeks after the written test. For 2025-26, Stage 1 results are tentatively expected around August-September 2026.
How the Result Process Works
FTII ET 2025-26 Result and Merit List
After Stage 1, FTII publishes the list of shortlisted candidates on ftii.ac.in. This is not the final merit list but a Stage 1 qualifier list.
Shortlisted candidates receive a call to the FTII Pune campus for Stage 2. Stage 2 includes an orientation assessment followed by a personal interview. The final merit list is prepared after Stage 2 is completed across all specialisations. It uses the combined weightage formula. FTII publishes the final merit list along with category-wise cutoff scores on the official website.
Checking Your Stage 1 Marks
In the 2024-25 cycle, FTII made a Google Form available for candidates to individually check their marks. The form was accessible from January 7 to January 30, 2026. It showed Paper-I marks, Paper-II marks, Stage 1 total, Stage 2 marks, and document verification status.
A similar mechanism is expected for the 2025-26 cycle after results are declared. Watch the official website for the announcement. The FTII ET 2025-26 final merit list is expected around October-November 2026. This is after both Stage 1 and Stage 2 are completed across all courses and categories. Qualified candidates will then move to counselling and seat allotment.
FTII ET Cutoff 2025-26
The FTII ET cutoff operates in two layers. First, there is a minimum qualifying mark for Stage 1 (written test). Candidates who fall below this are not considered for Stage 2. Second, after Stage 2, a merit-based final cutoff determines who gets a seat in each course and category.
Minimum Qualifying Marks for Stage 1 — Previous Year Reference
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks (Stage 1) |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 50% of total Stage 1 marks |
| OBC-NCL | 45% of total Stage 1 marks |
| SC / ST / PwBD | As per FTII and Government of India reservation norms |
The 50% minimum qualifying mark for General candidates is based on the previous cycle. The actual effective cutoff for final seat allocation is considerably higher. It reflects the combined performance of all candidates in both Stage 1 and Stage 2. The 2025-26 cutoffs will be announced after the July 12 re-examination results are declared and Stage 2 is completed.
How is the Final FTII ET Cutoff Determined?
The final merit cutoff for seat allocation uses the following formula:
- 20% of the written test (Stage 1) marks
- 50% of the orientation assessment (Stage 2) marks
- 30% of the personal interview (Stage 2) marks
Stage 2 carries 80% of the total weight. So the cutoff for final merit can differ significantly from what a candidate scored in just the written test. FTII releases course-wise and category-wise cutoff details on its official website after the merit list is published. This is expected around October-November 2026 for the 2025-26 cycle.
FTII publishes cutoffs at the course and category level, not just as an overall figure. The cutoff for Direction will be different from Cinematography or Screen Acting. Check the official website for detailed cutoffs once declared.
FTII ET Counselling Process
Candidates whose names appear on the FTII ET 2025-26 final merit list will be called for counselling and seat allotment at the FTII Pune campus. For the 2025-26 cycle, counselling is tentatively expected around November-December 2026. This is after the final merit list is published.
Step-by-Step Counselling Process
- Merit List Publication: FTII publishes course-wise and category-wise merit lists on ftii.ac.in
- Call Letter: Candidates on the merit list receive an official call letter from FTII specifying the reporting date, time, and venue (FTII Pune campus)
- Document Verification: You must bring original documents for on-site verification — degree certificate, all marksheets, government-issued ID proof, and a valid category certificate (if applicable)
- Medical Fitness Test: A mandatory medical fitness examination is conducted at the time of counselling; candidates who do not meet the fitness criteria may not be admitted
- Seat Allotment: Seats are allocated based on merit rank, category, and course specialisation preference
- Fee Payment: Candidates who are allotted a seat must pay the program fee within the specified deadline to confirm their admission
Reservation Policy
FTII follows the Government of India reservation policy for all its programs. Reservation categories include SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwBD, as applicable to central educational institutions. Category candidates must submit valid, current certificates at the time of document verification. Certificates that have expired or do not match the applying category will not be accepted.
If you appear on the merit list but do not attend the counselling on the specified date and time, your seat may be offered to the next candidate on the waitlist. FTII typically does not conduct multiple rounds of counselling — attend the first round if called.
Preparation Tips for FTII ET Re-examination 2025-26
The FTII ET 2025-26 re-examination is on July 12, 2026. The admit card has already been released. Here is a focused, practical preparation plan for the time you have left.
For Part I — Cinema, Arts, and General Knowledge
FTII Entrance Exam 2025-26: Re-Examination Details
The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Entrance Test (FTII ET), also known as FTII JET, is a national-level written exam for admission to postgraduate film and television programs. It is held once a year and is the first stage of a two-stage selection process. The 2025-26 re-examination is scheduled for July 12, 2026.
Why the Original Exam Was Cancelled
The original FTII ET written test, scheduled for April 26, 2026, was cancelled due to serious irregularities at the Delhi examination centre. The strong room was breached, and question paper packets arrived torn and unsealed; some students received photocopies instead of original sealed papers.
FTII cancelled the exam across all 28 centres nationwide. The re-examination was announced on April 30, 2026.
Admit Card for the Re-Examination
The FTII ET 2025-26 re-examination admit card was released on June 25, 2026. You can download it from the official website ftii.ac.in using your application number and date of birth.
- Print the admit card on A4 paper.
- Carry it along with a valid government-issued photo ID to the examination centre on July 12, 2026.
Registration and Fee for the Re-Examination
No re-registration or additional fee is required for the re-examination. All candidates who registered before the original April 7, 2026 deadline are automatically eligible for the July 12, 2026 re-examination.
Your existing application number and registration remain valid. The fee you paid at the time of original registration covers the re-conduct of the written test.
Exam Pattern
The FTII ET is the first of a two-stage selection process. Stage 2 comprises an orientation assessment and a personal interview at the FTII Pune campus.
| Stage | Component | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Written Entrance Test (FTII ET) | 20% |
| Stage 2 | Orientation assessment and personal interview at FTII Pune | 80% |
Preparation Strategy
For Part I — Objective Questions
FTII questions on cinema draw heavily from the classics. Start with Indian Parallel Cinema (Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen, Shyam Benegal) and extend to international masters — Ingmar Bergman, Akira Kurosawa, Federico Fellini, François Truffaut, Stanley Kubrick, and Andrei Tarkovsky.
- Watch canonical films: Quality matters more than quantity — watch carefully, not just widely.
- Study film history and movements: Know the key movements — French New Wave, Italian Neorealism, Soviet Montage Theory, Indian New Wave — and the directors and films associated with each. Understanding why these movements emerged helps you answer analytical questions, not just factual ones.
- Stay current on arts and media: Read newspapers and arts sections for developments in Indian cinema, OTT, media policy, and cultural events. NCERT history and culture textbooks are a reliable base for general arts and culture questions.
- Manage negative marking: Part I carries –0.25 per wrong answer. Do not guess randomly on MCQs. Attempt questions you are reasonably confident about; skip those you are uncertain of rather than losing marks.
For Part II — Course-Specific Descriptive Questions
Part II rewards clear, articulate, original thinking — not textbook answers. Practise writing detailed answers to open-ended questions about cinema, storytelling, and your chosen specialisation.
- Know your craft deeply: If you applied for Direction, think about what makes a scene work — camera perspective, blocking, tone, pace. For Screenwriting, practise constructing loglines, three-act outlines, and individual scenes. For Cinematography, study visual composition, the language of lenses, and how light shapes meaning.
- Write regularly: Write every day for the next few weeks.
- Read essential books on film: David Bordwell’s Film Art: An Introduction is the most comprehensive reference for film studies. For Screenwriting, Syd Field’s Screenplay and Robert McKee’s Story are standard. For Acting, Stanislavski’s An Actor Prepares remains foundational.
For Stage 2 — Start Preparing Now
Stage 2 carries 80% of your final merit score, so preparation cannot wait until after Stage 1. The orientation assessment tests your creative thinking and film knowledge under real conditions at FTII Pune; the interview assesses your personality, motivation, and clarity about why you want to study your chosen specialisation.
- Be able to discuss at least 10-15 films (Indian and international) in depth — director, themes, technique, and why those films matter to you personally.
- Articulate clearly why you want to study your chosen specialisation at FTII specifically, not just filmmaking in general.
- If you have any original creative work — scripts, short films, photographs, sketches — organise it and be ready to discuss it.
- Practise answering open-ended creative questions aloud — clarity and confidence in expression matter as much as the ideas themselves.
FTII ET 2025-26 Exam Pattern
The FTII ET 2025-26 written test is a 3-hour offline (pen-and-paper) exam carrying 100 marks. The exam is divided into two parts.
- Part I: 30 objective questions (MCQs and multiple-select) worth 40 marks. Negative marking of –0.25 applies per wrong answer. This part tests general knowledge, arts, and cinema awareness.
- Part II: Descriptive, course-specific questions worth 60 marks. No negative marking applies. This part tests creative aptitude in your chosen specialisation.
Eligibility Criteria
You must be above 21 years of age and hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university for most FTII ET courses. Final-year students awaiting results may apply but must submit their degree certificate at admission time.
Specific courses have additional requirements:
- Art Direction: Bachelor’s must be in applied arts, architecture, or a related fine arts field.
- Sound Recording (Film Wing): Physics at the 10+2 level is additionally required.
Seat Availability
FTII Pune has a total of 87 seats for the 2025-26 cycle. Seats are spread across the Film Wing (3-year MFA in Cinema) and Television Wing (1-year AICTE-approved PG Certificate courses).
| Course | Seats |
|---|---|
| Direction and Screenplay Writing | 11 |
| Screenwriting | 16 |
| Cinematography | 11 |
| Screen Acting | 16 |
| TV Direction | 11 |
Batch sizes are deliberately small to allow hands-on, intensive training.
Final Merit List Calculation
The final merit list combines Stage 1 and Stage 2 performance using a fixed weightage formula. Stage 2 together carries 80% of your total merit score.
- Written test (Stage 1): 20%
- Orientation assessment (Stage 2): 50%
- Personal interview (Stage 2): 30%
Performing well in just the written test is not enough. You must also prepare seriously for the orientation and interview at FTII Pune.
Minimum Qualifying Marks for Stage 1
Based on the previous cycle, General category candidates need a minimum of 50% of total Stage 1 marks to qualify for Stage 2. OBC-NCL candidates need 45%.
These are minimum qualifying marks, not the effective cutoffs. The actual cutoff for final seat allocation is higher because it depends on Stage 2 performance, the number of candidates, and exam difficulty that year. The 2025-26 cutoffs will be announced after the July 12 re-examination results are declared.
Result Declaration Dates
The FTII ET 2025-26 Stage 1 result is expected around August-September 2026, a few weeks after the July 12 re-examination. Shortlisted candidates will then appear for Stage 2 at FTII Pune.
The final merit list is expected around October-November 2026. It will be published on ftii.ac.in with course-wise and category-wise details.
Use of FTII ET for SRFTI Kolkata Admissions
Yes. The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata also uses the FTII JET (Joint Entrance Test) as the common entrance for its programs. SRFTI is another film institute under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
If you applied for SRFTI programs through the common JET registration, your July 12, 2026 re-examination covers that application as well. Check the official SRFTI website and the FTII JET prospectus for the exact list of participating institutions and courses.
The information above has been compiled from publicly available sources including the official FTII website (ftii.ac.in) and announcements from the Film and Television Institute of India. Dates and details are subject to change — always refer to the official website for the most current and accurate information before taking any action. MyKollege does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of third-party information.
What is the FTII Entrance Test (FTII ET)?
The FTII Entrance Test (FTII ET), also called FTII JET, is a national-level written examination. It is conducted by the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, for admission to its postgraduate film and television programs.
The exam is held once a year. It is the first of a two-stage selection process. Stage 2 comprises an orientation assessment and a personal interview at the FTII Pune campus.
The 2025-26 re-examination is scheduled for July 12, 2026. This follows the cancellation of the original April 26 exam.
FTII ET 2025-26 Re-examination Admit Card
Yes, the FTII ET 2025-26 re-examination admit card has been released. It was released on June 25, 2026.
You can download it from the official website ftii.ac.in. You will need your application number and date of birth to download it.
Print the admit card on A4 paper. Carry it along with a valid government-issued photo ID to the examination centre on July 12, 2026.
Why the Original FTII ET Exam Was Cancelled
The original FTII ET written test was scheduled for April 26, 2026. It was cancelled after serious irregularities were found at the Delhi examination centre.
The strong room was breached. Question paper packets arrived torn and unsealed. Some students received photocopies instead of the original sealed papers.
FTII cancelled the exam across all 28 centres nationwide. A re-examination was announced for July 12, 2026 on April 30, 2026.
Re-registration and Fee for the Re-examination
No, you do not need to re-register or pay any additional fee for the re-examination. All candidates who registered before the original April 7, 2026 deadline are automatically eligible for the July 12, 2026 re-examination.
Your existing application number and registration remain valid. The fee you paid at the time of original registration covers the re-conduct of the written test.
FTII ET 2025-26 Exam Pattern
The FTII ET 2025-26 written test is a 3-hour offline (pen-and-paper) exam. It carries 100 marks and is divided into two parts.
Part I has 30 objective questions (MCQs and multiple-select) worth 40 marks. There is 0.25 negative marking per wrong answer in Part I.
Part II has descriptive, course-specific questions worth 60 marks. There is no negative marking in Part II.
Part I tests general knowledge, arts, and cinema awareness. Part II tests creative aptitude in your chosen specialisation.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | 30 objective questions | 40 | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Part II | Descriptive, course-specific questions | 60 | None |
Eligibility Criteria for FTII ET 2025-26
You must be above 21 years of age to be eligible for most FTII ET courses. You must also hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
For Art Direction, your Bachelor's must be in applied arts, architecture, or a related fine arts field. For Sound Recording (Film Wing), you additionally need Physics at the 10+2 level.
Final-year students awaiting results may apply. They must submit their degree certificate at admission time.
Seats Available at FTII Pune for 2025-26
FTII Pune has a total of 87 seats for the 2025-26 cycle. These seats are across its Film Wing (3-year MFA in Cinema) and Television Wing (1-year AICTE-approved PG Certificate courses).
| Course | Seats |
|---|---|
| Direction and Screenplay Writing | 11 |
| Screenwriting | 16 |
| Cinematography | 11 |
| Screen Acting | 16 |
| TV Direction | 11 |
Batch sizes are deliberately small. This allows hands-on, intensive training.
FTII ET Final Merit List Calculation
The final merit list combines Stage 1 and Stage 2 performance using a fixed weightage formula. Stage 1 (written test) carries 20% weightage.
Stage 2 carries 80% of your total merit score. This is split as 50% from the orientation assessment and 30% from the personal interview.
Performing well in just the written test is not enough. You must also prepare seriously for the orientation and interview at FTII Pune.
| Stage | Component | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Written test | 20% |
| Stage 2 | Orientation assessment | 50% |
| Stage 2 | Personal interview | 30% |
Minimum Qualifying Mark for FTII ET Stage 1
Based on the previous cycle, General category candidates need a minimum of 50% of total Stage 1 marks to qualify for Stage 2. OBC-NCL candidates need 45%.
These are minimum qualifying marks, not the effective cutoffs. The actual cutoff for final seat allocation is higher because it depends on Stage 2 performance, the number of candidates, and exam difficulty that year.
The 2025-26 cutoffs will be announced after the July 12 re-examination results are declared.
FTII ET 2025-26 Result Dates
The FTII ET 2025-26 Stage 1 result is expected around August-September 2026. This is a few weeks after the July 12 re-examination.
Shortlisted candidates will then appear for Stage 2 at FTII Pune. The final merit list, based on both Stage 1 and Stage 2 combined, is expected around October-November 2026.
The final merit list will be published on ftii.ac.in. It will include course-wise and category-wise details.
FTII ET for SRFTI Kolkata Admissions
Yes, the FTII ET is also used for admissions at SRFTI Kolkata. The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata uses the FTII JET (Joint Entrance Test) as the common entrance for its programs.
SRFTI is another film institute under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
FTII JET 2026 Re-Examination
The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Joint Entrance Examination (JET) will hold a re-examination on July 12, 2026. This exam is for candidates who applied for admission to FTII programs.
If you applied for Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) programs through the common JET registration, the July 12, 2026 re-examination covers that application as well.
Participating Institutions
The JET is a common entrance test for multiple film institutes. The exact list of participating institutions and courses is available in the official FTII JET prospectus.
Candidates should check the official SRFTI website and the FTII JET prospectus for the complete list.