Creative writing has evolved as a distinct academic field with carefully designed course curriculum and practical pedagogy. In India, some colleges and universities offer full-time and distance-learning programs on creative writing, which are not only comprehensive in nature, but are also extremely economical when compared to international courses. The duration of these programs vary from 2 weeks to 1 year, depending on the skill level taught. Before looking at the Best Creative Writing Courses in India let’s look at -
What to expect from a creative writing program
Creative writing programs are structured to teach in progressive stages to ensure students’ assimilation of information and nurture their creativity. Periodic writing assignments and constructive feedback from instructors help students to monitor their progress, and discover their area of interest in various forms of writing.
Creative writing curriculum usually comprises of the following aspects:
· Introduction to writing
· History and creative inspiration
· Grammar (punctuation, spelling and syntax)
· Introduction to literary genres
· Final written assignment
· Presentation of work and methods to approach publishers
Colleges offering the Best Creative Writing Courses in India
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers a Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCE) through its study centers across the country. This program includes training in feature articles, short stories, scripts for TV and radio, and poetry. Their website has the necessary information that applicants need to know before enrolling. Interestingly, IGNOU has a discussion forum and video channel on YouTube, which address students’ doubts related to admission process, curriculum, grading, etc.
Program Details
Program type: Diploma
Mode of delivery: Distance learning
Duration: 1 year
Validity: 4 years
Eligibility: pass marks in 10+2 and aged 20 or older
Admission criterion: First come, first served
Location: N/A
The British Council, Delhi, offers multiple creative writing programs. Students who wish to enroll must take a test (written test, interview, followed by counseling) and based on the result, they are guided by the instructors to join an appropriate program. Because of its short duration (4 to 8 weeks), the program focuses only on fiction (short story, poetry and dialogue) and feature articles.
Program Details
Program type: Certificate course
Mode of delivery: Campus
Duration: 8 weeks (regular program) and 4 weeks (intensive)
Validity: N/A
Eligibility: Applicants aged 16 or older.
Admission procedure: First come, first served
Location: Delhi.
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL), Pune, is offering a 1 year Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCWE). Similar to IGNOU’s diploma program, this too is a rigorous course best suited for students seeking a comprehensive overview of the craft. SDCL has a reputation for quality education, so their programs are often costlier than similar programs offered by other institutes.
Program Details
Program Type: Diploma course
Mode of delivery: Distance learning
Duration: 1 year
Validity: 2 years
Eligibility: pass marks in 10+2 with 50% in English
Admission procedure: First come, first served
Location: N/A
Xavier Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai, runs a certificate program in creative writing, which covers writing exercises, critiquing and practical exercises. The course is apt for beginners seeking quick introduction to professional writing, before embarking on more comprehensive programs.
Program Details
Program Type: Certificate course
Mode of delivery: Campus
Duration: 6 weeks (6 sessions of 2 hours each on Saturdays)
Validity: N/A
Eligibility: Open to all
Admission procedure: First come, first served
Location: Mumbai.
Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication (SACAC), New Delhi, also offers a certificate programme in creative writing in English. This program is offered in two levels: level 1 is apt for beginners and level 2 is apt for advanced learners. Students, depending on their level of writing skill, can seek admission into either or both the courses by qualifying in the entrance test. It is noteworthy that established writers, journalists, and editors instruct this program.
Program Details
Program Type: Certificate course
Mode of delivery: Campus
Duration: 3 months (72 hours across 24 sessions; classes on Saturday and Sunday)
Validity: N/A
Eligibility: pass marks in 10+2
Admission criterion: Entrance test (1 hour test for Level 1 and 3 hour test for Level 2)
Location: New Delhi
R.K. Film and Media Academy, Delhi, is going to introduce programs in creative writing and content writing from October 2012. At present, the institute is offering only script writing courses and therefore there is little information about the creative program on their website. Students can however call or visit the institute for more details.
Program Details
Program Type: Certificate
Mode of delivery: Full-time
Duration: 3 months (weekly 2 sessions of 2 hours each)
Validity: N/A
Eligibility: pass marks in 10+2
Admission procedure: first come, first served
Location: Campus.
Center for Research in Art and Film & Television (CRAFT), Delhi, runs creative programs of 3 months, 6 months and 1 year duration.
Program Details
Program Type: Certificate
Mode of delivery: Full-time and distance learning
Duration: 3 months, 6 months (distance learning), and 1 year full-time
Validity: N/A
Eligibility: Open to all with fair English language skills
Admission procedure: Interview
Location: Delhi and distance learning
Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU), Guwahati, is offering Diploma in Creative Writing in English (DCWE). The university came into existence only in the year 2008 so the study centers of this university, at present, are limited to north-east India. This program is therefore apt for students residing in that area.
Program Details
Program Type: Diploma course
Mode of delivery: Distance learning
Duration: 1 year
Validity: 4 years
Eligibility: pass marks in 10+2
Admission procedure: first come, first served
Location: N/A
Other institutes offering Creative Writing courses in India
Given below is a list of institutes offering creative writing programs, but there is only little course-related information on their websites. Students can obtain more information by phone (numbers are available on their websites) or by visiting the institute.
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Delhi, is offering Advanced English and Creative Writing program.
Central Institute of Indian languages, Mysore, is offering a program in creative writing in English. Students can contact the admissions coordinator on 0821 – 2345000 or 2515820.
Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), Mysore, is offering Diploma in Functional English (DFE). Students should speak with the helpdesk and request program information.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, is offering creative writing as an optional paper in Master of Arts (M.A.) in English. This program covers the aspects of Master of Arts and creative writing in a single program but the duration is 2 years.
A word of caution for eager minds
As you are aware by now, each creative writing program is unique in scope, duration, cost, delivery, and pedagogy. Therefore, students must thoroughly understand all the aspects of a program and carefully choose an appropriate one.
Contrary to the popular insistence that the art of creative writing can neither be taught nor learned, students must, at all times, bear in mind that creative writing is solely an individual pursuit and that talent can be developed and nurtured with discipline, perseverance and inspiration. A good writing program will guide them in this literary pursuit.
Note – For up-to-date information on Eligibility criteria and Fees, please visit the respective websites.