Scriptwriter
Writes scripts for films, TV, OTT productions, stage plays and computer games.
Overview
A Scriptwriter writes scripts for films, television shows, OTT (Over-the-top) productions, stage plays and computer games. Scriptwriting involves writing a story in a clear way, along with developing characters and settings.
Where they work
- Publication houses
- Media houses
- Gaming companies
- Animation companies
- Production houses across India
- Opportunities for free-lancing and self-employment exist
Work environment
You are likely to work in a tech-equipped office or a studio. It may be convenient to work from home, and flexible working hours may often be offered. Working hours are 8 or 9 hours everyday for 5 or 6 days a week. This may vary from company to company.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have strong language skills and love for writing
- You are highly imaginative and are a keen observer
- You are a voracious reader and avid film/game/stage show watcher
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream.
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree, preferably in Literature/Mass communication/BFA
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a UG Diploma/Certificate course in Scriptwriting
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a PG Diploma/Certificate in Scriptwriting.
- 2The job of a scriptwriter does not always demand specific educational qualifications.
Forms, exams and applications
For admissions, one must qualify in entrance exams such as FTII JET, Whistling Woods International Test, AAFT. On the basis of entrance score and personal interview scores, a candidate gets selected in colleges. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
Some institutes offer Certificate and Diploma courses at Graduate and Postgraduate level. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Film and Television Institute of India, Erandwana, Pune, Maharashtra
- Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal
- MGR Government Film and Television Institute, Taramani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Takshashila Campus, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Seamedu School of Pro Expressionism, Pune, Maharashtra
- Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Asian Academy of Film And Television, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Glitters Film Academy, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Azaz Rizvi College of Journalism and Mass Communication, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Ramoji Academy of Film and Television, Ramoji Film City, Telangana
- CREO Valley School of Film and Television, Bengaluru, Karnataka
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Script Researcher
- 2Script-Writer
- 3Assistant Script Editor
- 4Script Editor
- 5Group Script Editor
- 6Content Head
Related careers to explore
Screenwriter
Prepares a story script that carries the mood, emotion and setting of the story onto the screen.
Creative Writer
Writes plays, short stories, poems and novels — writing driven by imagination, not format.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Languages, Arts.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to creating.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Juhi Chaturvedi — An Indian script writer who works in the Hindi film industry. She is a graduate in Fine Arts from the Lucknow College of Arts and Crafts. After having a long career in advertising, she started her career in writing under the guidance of Piyush Pandey and Rensil D. Silva. She collaborated with film-maker Soojit Sircar. She has written about 5 screenplays, and has received awards for most of them. She has written scripts for Vicky Donor, October, Piku among others.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 159 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Script_Writer/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.