Sound Recordist
Operates the equipment that records sound on a shoot — placing mics and running the recorder.
Overview
A Sound Recordist is a person who operates electronic equipment which record sound. A Sound Recordist places microphones in position and connects them to recording equipment. Typically, the work of a Sound Recordist is further edited by a sound mixer.
Where they work
- Media and Entertainment Companies
- Radio Stations
- Television Channels
Work environment
Your work hours would typically depend on the shoot hours of the TV show/movie/commercial the crew is working on. It is typically 8 to 9 hours per day with shift system available. You would have to work outdoors often.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have a creative bent of mind
- You are good with gadgets
- You are comfortable working in groups
- You enjoy working with sounds, music and tunes
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
- 1Complete 10 + 2 in any stream.
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree in Arts (B.A.) in Broadcasting and Digital Media followed by Diploma in TV and Sound Engineering.
Forms, exams and applications
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
This course is offered by the department of Filmmaking. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, Maharashtra
- Biju Pattnaik Film and Television Institute of Odisha, Cuttack, Odisha
- Pandit Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts, Rohtak, Haryana
- Sitabai Arts Commerce and Science College, Akola, Maharashtra
- Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra
- Government Film & Television Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT), Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, Punjab
- Sanjeev Agrawal Global Educational University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Whistling Woods International, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- AAFT University of Media and Arts, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
- Annapurna College of Film and Media, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Bridge Academy College of Media and Fine Arts, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- CREO Valley School of Film and Television, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
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
- 1Assistant Sound Recordist
- 2Sound Recordist
- 3Senior Sound Recordist
Related careers to explore
Cameraperson
Operates the film or video camera that captures the footage for a film or TV show.
Musician
Plays instruments, writes lyrics and performs music.
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, 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
Jubin Raj — A Computer Science Engineer who graduated from Kerala University in 2012. His inclination towards Audio Designing led him to pursue a Diploma course in Audio Recording and Sound Design from Ramoji Academy of Film and Television, Hyderabad from where he graduated in 2013. He was an Associate Sound Editor in Movies Now and then was promoted to a sound engineer. He is currently working for a leading media network company Sony Pictures Networks India, Mumbai as an Audio Designer since December 2017.
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 169 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/sound-recordist-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm
- 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.