Screenwriter
Prepares a story script that carries the mood, emotion and setting of the story onto the screen.
Overview
A Screenwriter or a Screenplay Writer is a person who is responsible for preparing a story script in such a way that it reflects the mood, emotions and setting of the story. A Screenwriter works with the Scriptwriter and ensures the best version of the media to be shown on the screens.
Where they work
- Media Houses
- Gaming Companies
- Animation Companies
- Production Houses
- Self-Employment
Work environment
It is a desk job and you may need to handle a team. Travelling is a part of the job, though you may work from home at times. Working hours are 8 to 9 hours a day for 5 to 6 days a week, varying from company to company.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are a creative person
- You have an artistic bent of mind
- You like to read about music and art
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10 + 2 in any stream.
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree in Arts (B.A.) in Filmmaking (majoring in Multimedia with focus on Screenplay – writing)/English Literature/Journalism or similar discipline
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree as above followed by Master's in Filmmaking/Scriptwriting/any other related discipline
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree as above followed by PG Diploma in Filmmaking or Scriptwriting.
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/Media and Mass Communication. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, Maharashtra
- Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal
- MGR Government Film and Television Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Biju Patnaik Film and Television Institute, Cuttack, Odisha
- Dr Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and Television Institute, Changsari, Assam
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- University of Mumbai, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, Rajasthan
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Amity University, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Jalandhar, Punjab
- Whistling Woods International, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Asian Academy of Film and Television, New Delhi
- Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Techno India University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- CMR University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Annapurna College of Film and Media, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat
- R.K. Films & Media Academy, New Delhi
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
- 2Scriptwriter/Screenwriter
- 3Script Editor
- 4Assistant Script Editor
- 5Group Script Editor
- 6Content Head
Expected income
₹42,500 per month
The card gives a single figure of approximately INR 42,500 per month rather than a range. The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Scriptwriter
Writes scripts for films, TV, OTT productions, stage plays and computer games.
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 art director turned screenwriter. Juhi lived in New Delhi, India for a decade while working on her job which she could use as an experience to write the script for her debut film 'Vicky Donor'. Some of her notable films include Madras Cafe, Piku, Gulabo Sitabo.
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 157 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Skill=Screenwriting/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.