Students from the first batch of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Itanagar will return to campus by mid-January 2026 . This decision follows a class boycott that began in December 2025 . Students will assess on-ground progress and discuss unresolved issues regarding infrastructure, academic losses, and a proposed 5% fee hike.
The students, enrolled in Screen Acting and Documentary Cinema departments, halted classes due to concerns over campus readiness and faculty appointments. They seek transparency on infrastructure development, which they state has been slow and inconsistent.
Key Concerns and Boycott History
The boycott started in December 2025 when students refused to begin their second semester. This action stemmed from the ongoing absence of essential film-school infrastructure. Students had previously raised concerns through formal representations and RTI applications.
Two academic halts occurred in March and May 2025 , highlighting student frustration over repeated missed deadlines. The campus remains unfinished, despite earlier assurances. Students expressed concern over the planned release of admission forms for the 2026 academic session , arguing transparency is lacking regarding the institute’s readiness.
A proposed 5% fee hike for multiple courses is another major issue. Students argue that paying full fees entitles them to a complete film-school environment throughout their training. They state that the protest aims to safeguard the quality of film education at a national institution.
Recent Developments and Unfulfilled Promises
Following an online interaction with a review committee on December 21, 2025 , construction activity on campus reportedly increased. An announcement on December 23, 2025 , indicated a high-level visit by ministers and senior officials for January 5–6 . However, this visit did not occur.
Students report receiving no formal assurance or binding timeline for campus completion since the proposed visit. Previous completion deadlines, including December 31 , have been missed repeatedly. They criticize assurances that certain facilities are “not needed now” without firm deadlines.
Student Demands and Next Steps
The return to campus is not an unconditional acceptance of the current situation, students stated. They plan to verify the status of each demand, including the readiness of proposed interim facilities. Rectification of faults in the CRT block and other prior commitments will also be checked.
Students expect a physical meeting with the Vice-Chancellor. They also demand a formal, written response. This response must address each demand point-by-point, with clear completion timelines. The Vice-Chancellor and the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are expected to issue this joint statement.
The students’ objective is to ensure that the first batch of FTII Itanagar receives a complete and professional film education environment.