The institute was established in 1960 and started its courses in 1961. The Television Training wing, which was earlier functioning in New Delhi, shifted to Pune in 1974. Thereafter, the institute became fully aided by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. In July 2011, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said that a bill in Parliament to develop the FTII into a 'Centre of Excellence' would be introduced. This would enable the institute to enjoy the academic status and privileges of a university.
In February 2015, Gajendra Chauhan was appointed as the chairman of the institute,[3] which sparked protests by students at the institute.
On 18 August 2015, police — in a night-time crackdown — arrested striking students who confined FTII director Prashant Pathrabe and other staffers in his office for eight hours. The director claimed that students harassed and mentally tortured him. The students were released on bail. A video showing students surrounding the director and shouting was released by the management. In response the students released an undated video of cops manhandling students and breaking glass in the director's office, The striking students vehemently condemned the act by the Pune police to come and arrest students past midnight.
Boys Hostel The college has a boys’ hostel facility which provides good hostel accommodation for the students.
Girls Hostel The college has a girl's hostel facility which provides good hostel accommodation for the students.
Gym FTII has a modern gymnasium of its own. Spread over 3000 square feet, it has basic and advanced equipment. FTII students, staff, faculty, and their families use the gym facilities free of cost. It is kept open for use 8 hours daily. 4 hours each in the morning and evening hours.
Library The college houses a large collection of books relating to film, television, theatre, arts, and literature and subscribes to a number of media-related periodicals and journals from India and abroad. The Institute has a sizeable collection of films and videos and also has access to the collection of the National Film Archive of India located near its campus.
Sports The college provides a variety of opportunities for students to engage in games and sports. The Institute has a gym, a swimming pool, and a playing field. The one-day cricket match between the students and the Alumni of the FTII is a celebrated event every year.
Wifi The college has a Wi-Fi facility for the students and staff.
IT Infrastructure The college has a computer laboratory equipped with the latest software helps students to hone their skills through multi-media practicals. Its primary aim is to help the student grasp the full range of computer applications for the media.
Laboratories The college has a departmental-based laboratory facility for the students.
Swimming Pool FTII has a swimming pool that can be utilized by FTII students, staff, faculty, and their families.