Pune: FTII Students Allege Irregularities in Admission Process, Warn of Protest if Not Suspended

Pune, 27th October 2025: The students’ union of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) has alleged irregularities in the ongoing admission process and warned that it will launch a protest if the process is not immediately suspended. The union has claimed that violations in reservation norms and administrative negligence have caused injustice to several candidates.

In a joint statement issued by union representatives Vikul Shukla, Anushrita Chakraborty, Ajmal Shah, Ajayraj P., and Soumyadeep Mandal, the students accused the FTII administration of mishandling the admission procedure and ignoring repeated objections.

Alleged Violation of Reservation Policy
According to the statement, the final merit list announced on October 17 contained discrepancies that violated the reservation policy. After students raised objections, the administration reportedly admitted there was a clerical error and released a revised merit list on October 24.

However, students claim that the revised list also contains serious errors. The number of seats in the ‘Screen Acting’ course was increased from 16 to 23, but the reservation quota for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) was allegedly reduced, violating the prescribed limits.

‘Lack of Transparency in Admission Process’
The students further alleged that the administration failed to disclose essential details such as category-wise marks and cut-offs for both entry stages. They also objected to being forced to choose seat preferences at the start of the process instead of later, claiming it resulted in unfair treatment.

“The administration has not maintained transparency in the admission process. Many students have been treated unjustly, and the credibility of FTII’s functioning has come under question,” the statement said.

FTII Calls Students for Discussion
Following the uproar, the FTII administration has reportedly called the students for a meeting on Monday (October 27) to discuss the issues raised and has assured that the institute’s position will be clarified soon.

Students’ Demands
Immediate suspension of the ongoing admission process
Declaration of results and marks of both stages of selection
Appointment of an external inquiry committee to investigate the process
Inclusion of student representatives on the administrative board to ensure transparency