Top Photography Colleges and Institutes in India 2025

Wonder If you've got a camera in hand and a head full of creative ideas, the next big step is finding the right place to sharpen those skills. Photography in India is booming. From weddings and ads to fashion shoots and content creation, skilled photographers are in demand everywhere.

But talent alone isn’t always enough. A solid foundation from a good institute can help turn passion into a real career. That’s where top photography colleges come in. They offer more than just theory, think hands-on training, full-time studios, real mentors, and even placement support.

If you're looking for the best photography schools in India, here’s your go-to list: practical, updated, and focused on what actually matters to students in 2025.

Top Photography Colleges in India

These institutes are not just about getting a certificate. They’re about helping you shoot better, think deeper, and grow in today’s competitive market.

1. National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad

Courses Offered: B.Des in Communication Design (Photography Specialisation)
Duration: 4 years
Fees: ₹12–14 Lakhs
Scholarships: Need-based and merit-based scholarships available
Specialisation: Photography Design, Visual Communication
Entry Method: Through NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test) + Studio Test and Personal Interview
Website: nid.edu
Instagram: @nationalinstituteofdesign

Why it’s worth it:
NID teaches you to think beyond just the camera. The course dives deep into design, storytelling, and visual culture. You’ll work on interdisciplinary projects and graduate with a portfolio that has both depth and originality. With design festivals, exhibitions, and top mentors, it’s easily one of the most respected photography colleges in the country.

2. JNAFAU, Hyderabad

Courses Offered: BFA in Photography
Duration: 4 years
Fees: ₹60,000 – ₹1 Lakh per year
Scholarships: State scholarships available for SC, ST, OBC students
Specialisation: Commercial, Documentary, and Fine Art Photography
Entry Method: State-level entrance exam conducted by the university
Website: jnafau.ac.in
Instagram: @jnafau_official

Why it’s worth it:
JNAFAU also known as Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University is a strong choice for anyone looking for affordable and balanced learning. From darkroom practice to digital post-production, students work on all types of photography. The course also includes street and documentary assignments, making it great for those who want to explore multiple genres.

3. Delhi College of Photography

Courses Offered: Short-Term, Weekend, and Diploma Programs
Duration: 3 months to 1 year
Fees: ₹1.5 – ₹3.5 Lakhs
Scholarships: No formal scholarships, seasonal discounts available
Specialisation: Fashion, Wildlife, Product, Wedding, Food, and Drone Photography
Entry Method: Direct admission, no entrance exam required
Website: dcop.in
Instagram: @delhicollegeofphotography

Why it’s worth it:
This institute is hands-on from day one. You get to work with real gear, real clients, and real shoots. Whether you want to shoot fashion models or fly a drone, the learning is practical and industry-aligned. Perfect for those who want compact yet focused training.

4. Sir JJ School of Applied Art, Mumbai

Courses Offered: BFA with Photography as part of the curriculum
Duration: 4 years
Fees: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 per year
Scholarships: Central and state scholarships available
Specialisation: Visual Arts, Aesthetic Photography, Mixed Media
Entry Method: Common Entrance Test (MAH-AAC-CET) for Fine Arts
Website: sirjjschoolofart.in
Instagram: @sirjjschoolofart

Why it’s worth it:
This is one of the oldest art schools in India and gives you deep roots in art and design. Photography here blends with painting, sculpture, and design, perfect for someone who wants to be more than just a camera operator.

5. Light & Life Academy, Ooty

Courses Offered: PG Diploma in Professional Photography
Duration: 1 year
Fees: ₹5 – ₹6 Lakhs
Scholarships: Partial need-based scholarships available
Specialisation: Commercial, Product, Architecture, Travel, Nature Photography
Entry Method: Graduation in any stream plus interview and portfolio
Website: llacademy.org
Instagram: @lightandlifeacademy

Why it’s worth it:
Founded by Iqbal Mohamed, this academy is set in the beautiful hills of Ooty and built for serious photographers. With 24/7 access to world-class studios and modules across genres, this is ideal for someone looking to go pro.

6. AAFT School of Photography, Noida

Courses Offered: B.Sc, M.Sc, Diploma in Photography
Duration: 1 to 3 years
Fees: ₹3 – ₹6 Lakhs
Scholarships: Available on need and merit
Specialisation: Fashion, Advertising, Documentary, Film Stills
Entry Method: Direct admission through application and personal interview
Website: aaft.com/schoolofphotography
Instagram: @aaft_india

Why it’s worth it:
With in-house fashion shows, film shoots, and media collaborations, this school is packed with opportunities. It’s part of a larger media university, which means better exposure and networking for creative careers.

7. Symbiosis School of Photography, Pune

Courses Offered: BA in Visual Arts and Photography
Duration: 3 years
Fees: ₹9 – ₹10 Lakhs
Scholarships: Limited merit-based scholarships available
Specialisation: Visual Arts, Creative Direction, Professional Practice
Entry Method: Online application, followed by portfolio review and interview
Website: ssvap.edu.in
Instagram: @ssvap_official

Why it’s worth it:
Great for those who want the best of both worlds, artistic freedom and business knowledge. The program includes client management, legal rights, and portfolio development. Modern infrastructure and practical modules make this a top pick.

8. SACAC, New Delhi

Courses Offered: Diploma in Photography
Duration: 1 year
Fees: ₹3 – ₹4 Lakhs
Scholarships: Need-based aid available
Specialisation: Photojournalism, Visual Storytelling, Contemporary Practice
Entry Method: Application with portfolio submission, followed by interview
Website: sac.ac.in
Instagram: @sacac_india

Why it’s worth it:
If you're interested in telling stories through your lens, this is the place. With a focus on expression, social themes, and narrative building, SACAC is perfect for aspiring documentary or editorial photographers.

9. International Institute of Photography, Kolkata

Courses Offered: Certificate and Diploma Programs
Duration: 6 months to 1 year
Fees: ₹80,000 – ₹1.5 Lakhs
Scholarships: Discounts offered during special admissions
Specialisation: Basic DSLR, Lighting, Freelance Business Skills
Entry Method: Open admissions, no entrance exam required
Website: iipkolkata.com
Instagram: @iip.kolkata

Why it’s worth it:
Focused on practical learning, this institute is great for beginners. It’s affordable, flexible, and offers a wide range of modules, from shooting to freelancing. Ideal for students in Eastern India looking to get started.

10. Pixel Institute of Photography, Delhi

Courses Offered: Beginner to Advanced Courses
Duration: 3 to 12 months
Fees: ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 Lakhs
Scholarships: Not available
Specialisation: Event Photography, Portfolio Building, Editing and Retouching
Entry Method: Open to all, no entrance test needed
Website: pixelphotography.info
Instagram: @pixelinstituteofphotography

Why it’s worth it:
If you’re working or studying and want flexible timing, this is a great pick. You’ll work on real assignments like weddings, live shoots, and editing projects. It’s a smart and practical option for learners at any stage.

Conclusion

Whether you're chasing a career in commercial photography, dreaming of telling stories through portraits or simply want to level up your creative game, India offers a wide range of photography colleges for every kind of learner.

From legacy institutions like NID and JJ to creative hubs like Light & Life or SACAC, there’s something here for every budget and career goal. Some schools go deep into visual arts, while others throw you right into the real-world action.

So take your time, check their websites, attend open days if possible and go with what feels right. Your photography journey deserves a strong start.