ANNAPURNA COLLEGE OF FILM AND MEDIA

Annapurna College of Film and Media (ACFM), located in the heart of Hyderabad's film district, remains a premier destination for aspiring filmmakers and media professionals in 2026. As part of the legendary 22-acre Annapurna Studios, it offers students a unique ecosystem where education meets the real-world Telugu film industry (Tollywood).

• Establishment: Founded by the legendary late Dr. Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR).
• Location: Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana.
• Affiliation: Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU).
• Industry Integration: Direct access to professional sound stages, post-production facilities, and live film sets.
• Key Focus: Film Making, Animation, Visual Effects, and Media Management.
• Global Outlook: Strategic partnerships with international film schools and media houses.

In 2026, ACFM continues to offer specialized programs that cater to the evolving needs of the global entertainment industry. The most sought-after courses include:

• BFA in Film Making: A comprehensive 4-year undergraduate program with specializations in Direction, Cinematography, Editing, and Sound Design.
• MA in Film Making: A 2-year postgraduate program designed for advanced storytelling and technical mastery.
• BFA in Animation & VFX: Focusing on high-end CGI and visual effects, heavily influenced by Hyderabad’s booming IT and gaming sector.
• MA in Media Management: Preparing students for the business side of entertainment, including production and distribution.

The admission process for the 2026 academic session is merit-based, involving a creative aptitude test and personal interviews.

Applicants must demonstrate a strong passion for storytelling and a basic portfolio of creative work for the BFA and MA programs.

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

ACFM does not rely solely on traditional academic cutoffs like EAMCET. Instead, admission is determined by the ACFM Entrance Exam (AEE) and the Statement of Purpose (SOP).

• Minimum Academic Requirement: 50% aggregate in 10+2 for UG and 50% in Graduation for PG.
• AEE Cutoff: Generally, a score in the top 30th percentile is required to clear the first round.
• Portfolio: A significant weightage (approx. 40%) is given to the creative portfolio during the final selection process.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

The 2025 placement season saw robust recruitment from both traditional film houses and new-age digital platforms.

• Highest Package: INR 12 LPA (Offered to a Media Management graduate).
• Average Package: INR 4.5 - 6 LPA.
• Top Recruiters: Netflix India, Amazon Prime Video, Vyjayanthi Movies, Green Gold Animation, and various Telugu news networks.
• Roles Offered: Assistant Director, VFX Artist, Junior Cinematographer, Content Strategist, and Video Editor.

ACFM offers several scholarships to support talented students from diverse backgrounds for the 2026 session:

• ANR Merit Scholarship: Awarded to the top performers in the entrance exam.
• Women in Film Scholarship: A special initiative to encourage female participation in technical film roles.
• Need-based Financial Aid: Available for students with a family income below a certain threshold, subject to verification.
• Telangana State Scholarships: Eligible students can apply for state-sponsored fee reimbursement schemes for BC/SC/ST categories.

The fee structure for 2026 reflects the high cost of maintaining professional-grade equipment and studio facilities.

*Fees are subject to change and include laboratory and studio access charges.

Step-by-step guide for 2026 applications:

1. Visit the official website (acfm.edu.in) and register on the admission portal.
2. Fill out the personal and academic details.
3. Upload a Creative Portfolio (videos, photography, stories, or drawings).
4. Pay the application fee of INR 2,500.
5. Book a slot for the ACFM Entrance Exam (AEE).
6. Attend the online/offline interview if shortlisted.

ACFM boasts one of the best campuses for media studies in Asia:

• Studio Access: 22 acres of professional film sets and floors.
• Post-Production: High-end DI suites, Foley stages, and dubbing studios.
• Library: A massive collection of world cinema, screenplays, and technical books.
• Preview Theater: A state-of-the-art 4K theater for student screenings.
• Hostel: Tie-ups with premium student housing providers in Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills.

The college is divided into specialized departments to ensure focused learning:

• Department of Direction: Focused on storytelling and leadership.
• Department of Cinematography: Training in lighting and camera technology.
• Department of Animation & VFX: Covering the pipeline from concept to render.
• Department of Sound Design: Focused on acoustic physics and creative audio.
• Department of Media Management: For future producers and studio heads.