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ARTS · After 10th or PU

Video Editing & Filmmaking

Assistant Editor / YouTube Editor → Freelance Editor / Cinematographer → Director / Producer → Own Production House

Duration

3–6 months (self-taught editing) / 2–3 years (formal diploma from FTII/SRFTI) / 3 years (BSc Film/Media)

Stream

ARTS

Entry Salary

₹15,000–₹40,000/month (freelance video editor or assistant at a production house)

5-Year Salary

₹50,000–₹2,00,000/month (established editor, cinematographer, or director)

Eligibility

FTII: Graduation in any field. Skill-based: No degree required. Smartphone or laptop with editing software. Creativity and storytelling sense matter most.

Entrance Exam Details

ExamNo entrance exam for skill-based path / FTII entrance for formal film institutes
Conducting BodyFTII (Film and Television Institute of India) for formal. No body for freelance — platforms are YouTube, Behance, Vimeo.
ScheduleFTII: February (applications). Skill route: start anytime.
PatternFTII: Written test (film analysis, general awareness) + Interview + Portfolio. Skill route: No exam — learn editing software, build a reel of work.

Career Progression

Assistant Editor / YouTube EditorFreelance Editor / CinematographerDirector / ProducerOwn Production House

Expected Salary Range

Entry Level (Year 1)

₹15,000–₹40,000/month (freelance video editor or assistant at a production house)

Starting salary for freshers

After 5 Years (Experienced)

₹50,000–₹2,00,000/month (established editor, cinematographer, or director)

With relevant experience and specialisation

Preparation Roadmap

Learn DaVinci Resolve (free, professional-grade editor). Start by editing your own short films or other creators' content. YouTube is full of free tutorials. Build a showreel of 5–10 edited videos. Freelance on Fiverr/ Upwork — demand for video editors is constantly growing (every business needs video content). Wedding videography is a reliable income stream locally. Smartphone filmmaking is a legitimate art form now.

Related Career Paths

If this path interests you, you might also want to explore these alternatives.

Animation & VFX (post-production specialisation)
Photography (still images rather than video)