Raipur, Chhattisgarh — What if one photography degree could take you from a high-fashion studio to a wildlife shoot in the wild? A good photography degree in India should open many doors, not just one. At AAFT University Raipur, students train across both fashion and wildlife photography, and much more.
This is what makes the degree special. Students learn the full craft first, then go deep into the genres they love. They shoot from the very first semester, in studios and out in the field. For anyone serious about a photography course after 12th, this range is the real difference.
The B.A. (Photography) is taught at the AAFT University Raipur campus in Chhattisgarh, through the School of Still Photography. Admissions for the 2026 batch are now open.
Is Photography a Good Career in India?
Yes. Brands, media, fashion, and nature platforms all need strong images every day. Social media and digital content have made this demand even bigger. So trained photographers are in demand today.
A few figures show the scale:
- India’s media and entertainment sector is set to reach about US$36 billion by 2027 (FICCI-EY).
- Digital media and advertising are among the fastest-growing parts of this sector (FICCI-EY).
- E-commerce, fashion and travel media keep creating new demand for photographers.
Fashion or Wildlife: Two Signature Paths
The degree is best known for two very different paths. One takes you into the studio. The other takes you into the wild. You can go deep into either, or both.
| Path | What You Learn | Where It Leads |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion Photography | Studio lighting, editorial and high-fashion shoots, set design and styling | Fashion brands, magazines, ad agencies |
| Wildlife Photography | Field shoots, nature and birds, plus ornithology and animal behaviour | Nature and travel media, editorial, conservation |
The fashion photography track builds from Fashion Photography to Advanced Fashion Photography, plus set design for shoots. The wildlife photography track pairs field shooting with the study of birds and animal behaviour. Both go far beyond a basic class.
What Other Photography Can You Learn?
Fashion and wildlife are the headline paths, but the degree covers much more. Students also study advertising, fine art, product, travel, macro and photojournalism. So you leave with a wide skill set and a strong, varied portfolio.
Which Photography Degrees Can You Study?
AAFT University Raipur offers full degrees, not short courses. Whether you want a photography course after school or a postgraduate route, there is a clear path. Students from any stream can apply. The B.A. in Photography is the main entry point.
| Programme | Level | Duration | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.A. (Photography) | Undergraduate | 3 Years | 120 credits |
| B.A. (Honors) (Photography) | Undergraduate | 4 Years | 160 credits |
| M.A. (Photography) | Postgraduate | 2 Years | Advanced level |
Eligibility is a 10+2 pass with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories). Admission is through the AAFT Global Entrance Exam (AAFT GEE).
What Will You Learn and Master?
The course covers the full craft of photography. You learn visual literacy, composition and exposure. You master studio lighting for portrait, fashion and product work. You also learn digital imaging and post-production.
You train on the tools professional studios use, including Adobe Creative Suite, Lightroom, Capture One and Canva Pro. Every student also builds a research-led capstone project and a professional portfolio. This blend of craft and specialisation is what makes graduates job-ready.
What Jobs and Salary Can You Expect?
Photography graduates work as fashion, wildlife, advertising and editorial photographers, and pay grows with your portfolio and skills. Junior roles usually start around ₹3 to 5 LPA. This rises to ₹6 to 10 LPA with experience, and higher for senior and freelance photographers. Many also build their own studios. These are industry estimates, not figures promised by AAFT University.
| Career Role | Where They Work | Typical Salary (industry estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion / Advertising Photographer | Brands, magazines, ad agencies | ₹4–8 LPA |
| Wildlife / Travel Photographer | Nature media, travel, editorial | ₹3–6 LPA |
| Photojournalist / Event Photographer | News, media and events | ₹3–6 LPA |
| Senior / Freelance Photographer | Own studio, brands, agencies | ₹10 LPA and above |
Who Leads the School of Still Photography?
The School’s Industry Dean is Rohit Chawla, one of India’s most celebrated photographers. He is known for his striking portrait, fashion and conceptual work across leading magazines and campaigns. His mentorship connects students to real industry standards.
The department is led by Mr. Rishi Manik Das, Head of Department, supported by faculty who are working photographers:
- Mr. Arpit Agrawal — Assistant Professor, School of Still Photography.
- Mr. Dibyojyoti Mitra — Assistant Professor, School of Still Photography.
- Ms. Namrata Chandrakar — Assistant Professor, School of Still Photography.
- Mr. Rahul Shakya — Assistant Professor, School of Still Photography.
In Their Own Words
Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder, AAFT University, said: “Great photography is about range. A photographer should be as comfortable in a fashion studio as in a forest. That is why our Raipur students train across many genres, from high fashion to wildlife. They shoot from the first semester, on real gear, with industry mentors. They leave with a strong portfolio and a clear direction. That is how we build professional photographers in Central India.”
Placements and Industry Connect
A dedicated Career Resource Cell works with students from the start. Through live projects, photo walks, exhibitions and industry mentorship, students build the skills and contacts that lead to real work. Many also gain experience through internships and assignments during the course.
As part of the AAFT group, the university connects students to a 30,000+ alumni network across India and abroad. This makes it a strong choice for the best photography college in Chhattisgarh, and a leading option for a photography course in Raipur.
Admissions Open for 2026
Students who have finished 10+2 from any stream and any recognised board can apply for the B.A. in Photography. Graduates can apply for the M.A. Applicants need at least 50% marks in 10+2 (45% for reserved categories) and must clear the AAFT Global Entrance Exam (AAFT GEE). No prior photography experience is needed.
Seats are limited for the 2026 batch. Students can apply at admissions.aaft.edu.in or visit the AAFT University Raipur campus for a studio tour and a free counselling session.
About AAFT University Raipur
AAFT University of Media and Arts is a UGC-approved private university in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. It was founded in 1993 by Dr. Sandeep Marwah and is part of the AAFT group’s 33-year legacy in media and arts education.
The university runs 100+ programmes across 15 schools from a 27-acre campus in Raipur. It is ranked among the top 10 globally in media education, with a 30,000+ alumni network worldwide. Its School of Still Photography has professional studios, camera and lighting equipment and editing labs, so students train in a real photography setup.
For Admission and Media Inquiries, Contact:
AAFT University, Raipur
Campus: Vill. Manth, Kharora, District Raipur, Chhattisgarh – 493225
Admission Office: GF-18, Shyam Plaza, Pandri, Raipur, Chhattisgarh – 492001
Phone: +91-9109112078 / +91-8064057209
Website: www.aaft.edu.in
Apply: admissions.aaft.edu.in
