FTII Pune awarded university status: Education Ministry

In a historic move, the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune has been accorded the status of a 'Deemed University' under the 'distinct category' by the Central Government today. The step is being celebrated as a major leap forward for one of India's leading film and television training institutions. In addition to the FTII, the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata has also been conferred with the deemed-to-be university status, as per the Ministry of Education (MoE). FTII, which operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is both nationally and globally acclaimed for its work in film and television education. Although the proposal to make FTII a centre of excellence was first mooted by former Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar in 2014, the proposal failed to take shape then. Nevertheless, recent efforts have finally been realised.

The procedure to accord FTII Deemed University status was initiated a few months back when present Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had visited the campus. On his visit, he had extensive discussions with students and teachers, taking their suggestions on the proposal.

The proposal was then considered by the MoE. In July 2024, an expert committee was appointed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to assess whether the institute is ready for the new status or not. Considering the report from the committee, the UGC recommended to the Ministry of Education that FTII be given the status of a Deemed University on the condition that some specified conditions be fulfilled within three years.

According to this, FTII submitted its compliance report on 17 January, 2025. The report was examined by the expert committee and its recommendations, which were approved in the 588th meeting of UGC held on March 13, 2025. With these developments, on April 22, 2025, the Ministry of Education issued a circular formally announcing FTII as a Deemed University.

Both institutions will introduce doctoral, research and innovative academic programmes. They will also be a part of NIRF Rankings and also adopt the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC). In line with the vision of National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, this historic move will open doors for more autonomy, innovation and academic excellence in education in film and media," a top MoE official said.

This prestigious recognition is expected to further elevate FTII’s academic autonomy, allowing it to design its own curriculum, award degrees, and expand its global collaborations marking a new chapter in the institute’s celebrated legacy.