ROOTS COLLEGE OF DESIGN, FILM AND MEDIA

ROOTS College of Design, Film and Media (RCDFM) continues to be a premier destination for creative education in Hyderabad for the academic year 2026. Strategically located in the heart of the city's media hub, the college offers a blend of academic rigor and industry exposure.

In 2026, the college sees high demand for programs that bridge the gap between traditional art and digital technology. The most sought-after courses include:

• B.A. (Film & Media): A comprehensive program covering direction, cinematography, and editing, leveraging Hyderabad's status as a film city.
• B.A. (Fashion Design): Focuses on contemporary trends, textile science, and retail management.
• B.A. (Animation & VFX): High demand due to the growing gaming and post-production industry in Telangana.
• B.A. (Interior Design): Combining spatial aesthetics with sustainable building practices.

Admissions for the 2026 batch are primarily merit-based followed by a creative assessment and personal interview.

• Application Start Date: January 15, 2026
• Last Date to Apply: June 30, 2026 (tentative)
• Entrance Test (Roots Creative Aptitude Test): Conducted in multiple cycles between April and July 2026.
• Portfolio Review: Required for Design and Film programs.
• Counseling Sessions: July 2026.

Students can apply through the official website or visit the campus in Hyderabad for walk-in counseling.

Students consistently highlight the creative freedom and industry-standard infrastructure at Roots. Common themes in reviews include:

• Practical Learning: "The hands-on approach to filmmaking, including access to professional cameras and editing suites, is exceptional."
• Faculty Support: "Instructors are mostly working professionals from the industry, providing real-world insights rather than just textbook knowledge."
• Location Advantage: "Being in Hyderabad gives us easy access to fashion shows, film sets, and design exhibitions."
• Campus Culture: A vibrant, inclusive environment that encourages experimental art and media projects.

While ROOTS does not strictly follow a rank-based cutoff like engineering colleges (EAMCET), the following criteria apply for 2026:

• Academic Requirement: Minimum 50% aggregate in 10+2 (any stream) from a recognized board.
• Creative Aptitude: Performance in the internal 'Roots Creative Test' is weighted at 40%.
• Interview: The personal interview carries significant weight for Film and Media aspirants to judge their passion and vision.

As of 2026, ROOTS College of Design, Film and Media has secured notable positions in regional and national rankings for creative education:

• Top 5 Private Design Colleges in Hyderabad (Regional Surveys).
• Top 20 Emerging Media Institutes in India by leading education magazines.
• Recognized for Excellence in Industry Interface at the 2025 Telangana Education Summit.

The 2025 placement season saw a significant uptick in hiring from digital media agencies and production houses.

Many students also choose the path of entrepreneurship or freelance creative consulting in the booming Hyderabad startup ecosystem.

ROOTS offers financial aid to ensure talent is not hindered by financial constraints:

• Merit Scholarship: Up to 25% tuition fee waiver for students scoring above 90% in 12th grade.
• Creative Excellence Scholarship: Awarded to students with an exceptional portfolio in art, photography, or short filmmaking.
• Early Bird Discount: 10% waiver for admissions confirmed before March 31, 2026.
• Sports & Extra-Curricular: Special quotas for national-level achievers.

The college offers a variety of undergraduate and diploma courses tailored to the creative industry:

• B.A. in Fashion Design (3 Years): Covers garment construction, fashion illustration, and marketing.
• B.A. in Film & Media (3 Years): Specializations in Direction, Editing, and Cinematography.
• Diploma in Photography: A 1-year intensive professional course.
• Certification in UI/UX Design: A short-term course focused on digital product design.

The following is the estimated fee structure for the 2026 academic session:

Note: Fees are subject to change based on university norms and lab charges.

Choosing between ROOTS and other institutions in Hyderabad depends on your career goals:

• ROOTS vs. Hamstech: ROOTS offers a more integrated film and media focus, whereas Hamstech is traditionally stronger in fashion and interior design.
• ROOTS vs. Woxsen: Woxsen provides a global campus experience at a much higher price point; ROOTS offers better local industry networking within Hyderabad city limits.
• ROOTS vs. NIFT: NIFT is a premier national institute with a very difficult entrance exam; ROOTS is a more accessible, industry-focused alternative for students who prefer staying in Hyderabad.

The application process for 2026 is streamlined for student convenience:

1. Online Registration: Visit the official portal and fill in basic details.
2. Document Upload: Submit scanned copies of 10th and 12th marks cards, and a digital portfolio (if applicable).
3. Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable fee of INR 1,000 online.
4. Aptitude Test: Attend the Roots Creative Aptitude Test (RCAT) online or at the Hyderabad campus.
5. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a virtual or in-person interview.
6. Admission Offer: Successful candidates receive an offer letter and must pay the registration fee to secure their seat.

The campus is designed to mimic a professional studio environment:

• Digital Labs: High-end iMac and Windows labs equipped with Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, and DaVinci Resolve.
• Film Studio: A dedicated floor with green mat facilities and professional lighting rigs.
• Fashion Lab: Modern sewing machines, pattern-making tables, and mannequin galleries.
• Library: A rich collection of design journals, international magazines, and film archives.
• Cafeteria: A creative hangout zone for student collaborations.

The institution is organized into specialized departments to ensure focused academic delivery:

• Department of Filmmaking and Visual Communication
• Department of Fashion and Textile Design
• Department of Interior and Spatial Design
• Department of Animation, VFX, and Gaming
• Department of Foundation Studies (Art and History)

For students looking to supplement their degree, these online certifications are highly recommended in 2026:

• Google UX Design Professional Certificate
• Masterclass: Filmmaking by James Cameron/Martin Scorsese
• Digital Marketing for Creative Entrepreneurs (Coursera/Udemy)
• CLO 3D Fashion Design Software Certification

The faculty at ROOTS comprises a mix of academic scholars and industry veterans. Many faculty members are active in the Telugu film industry as cinematographers, scriptwriters, and stylists. The student-to-faculty ratio is maintained at 15:1 to ensure personalized mentoring for creative projects.

In 2026, ROOTS offers several hybrid and online short-term courses for working professionals:

• Certificate in Digital Photography: 3-month weekend program.
• Social Media Content Creation: 8-week intensive online workshop.
• Introduction to Scriptwriting: 10-week virtual course with industry mentors.

Graduates of ROOTS have made significant strides in the creative sectors:

• Assistant Directors: Working with top Tollywood directors in major production houses.
• Fashion Entrepreneurs: Several alumni have launched their own labels showcased at Hyderabad Fashion Week.
• VFX Artists: Contributors to regional and national blockbuster films.
• Interior Designers: Leading residential and commercial projects in Jubilee Hills and Gachibowli.