Finding and enrolling in the best creative writing courses in India has been more difficult than I thought. At least it used to be, seven years ago when I had just dived into freelance writing. I wanted to hone my skills and practice fiction writing too, which is when I started looking for creative writing courses online.
For a while, I even considered getting an MA in creative writing in India. But as many working professionals like me will agree — there is simply not enough time.
I was initially more inclined towards classroom courses since those would help me get out of the house more (I work from home) and they would also allow me to network with other writers. But most of the classroom courses I found were either not available in my city or were incredibly expensive. That is why I also started looking at free creative writing courses online.
In this article, I take you through all the top creative writing courses available both as classroom courses and online.
What is creative writing?
Creative writing is any writing where creativity is involved and differs from normal academic, professional, journalistic or technical forms of literature. This form of writing uses imagination and innovation in order to tell a story. It can involve fiction, essays, scripts and poetry. Professional writing courses give you the tools you need to ace creative writing.
Though constant learning and practicing will improve your creative writing skills. Free online content writing courses with certificates help you reach your writing goals.
For a freelance writer, taking up a creative writing course online can help you hone your skills and also move more towards fiction writing. There are many brands who need storytelling writers and even poets.
Why enroll in a creative writing course?
There are various learning benefits that you’ll get when you enroll in a creative writing course. Here are the major benefits of taking up an online English writing course as a freelance content writer:
- Find your own unique writer’s voice
- An experience of practical learning to gain the skills you need
- Master different writing styles and techniques
- Produce great fiction
- Understand and apply principles of creative writing in stories and poems
- Become a professional of literary masterpieces in English. You’ll understand how this plays a role in the creation of book or novel writing
- Write more convincing and captivating plots to hook readers
- Enhance your vocabulary and hence improve your communication skills
- Empower yourself as a writer and improve your creativity
Top creative writing courses online
Creative writing comes in many forms, and there are a variety of courses that focus on these forms. Here are some of the great creative writing courses available online:
(These courses are suitable for writers who are thinking about writing a fiction book but aren’t sure how to start. If you are looking to take up some content writing courses that are focused on online content, web copy, and articles, check out this post.)
1- British Council
In-person/Online: Weekend online classes
Price: INR 10,000
Duration: 36 hours over 9 weeks
Certificate: Yes
The British Council creative writing course is called Creative Writing for Adults – Module 1. While the course is conducted online, there are set timings to attend the sessions. The course also includes 14 hours of interaction and peer-learning through the British Council’s very own learning platform.
You need to have an upper-intermediate language level and above to be eligible for this creative writing course in Delhi.
The platform’s online writing classes include 14 hours of interaction. Instructors do the assessments between the course and at the end. The course content includes diverse topics, including:
2- Creative Writing Workshop by Xavier Institute of Communications
In-person/Online: In-person classes
Location – Mumbai
Eligibility – Non
Price – 8000 INR
Duration: 8 Sessions of 2 hours each
Check brochure for more details
Certificate: Yes
The workshop by Xaviers offers various writing exercises. Your content is then critiqued by professional writers and fellow writers. The goal is to help improve your writing through constructive feedback. The workshop is mostly useful for aspiring fiction writers who want to understand the different elements of creative writing.
This was the first course that I came across when I was in Mumbai. And I really liked it because it’s affordable, has flexible timings, and there are new classes every 2 months.
3- Writing: Book Writing: Creative Writing Skills: Punctuation (Udemy)
In-person/Online: Online access on mobile and PC
Price: 1600 – 1800 INR
Duration: 30 hours on-demand video
Certificate: Yes
This is one of Udemy content writing courses for writers who have an interest in publishing a book. The course content includes downloadable articles and resources along with 30 hours of on-demand video. The course focuses on helping you improve in different elements such as character development and plot.
As part of the book writing training, you’ll learn how to self-publish a book on digital platforms like Amazon. The course also aspiring novelists ways of editing their own book manuscript.
4- Creative Writing – Get Writing, Keep Writing (Udemy)
In-person/Online: Online access on mobile and TV
Price: 5300 – 5500 INR
Duration: 1-hour on-demand video
Certificate: Yes
For beginners looking to establish their writing style, this is one of the best Udemy content writing courses that offers professional tips from experts.
It provides you with practical advice to start writing every day to improve your creative writing skills. The goal of this course is to get your creativity flowing and get all those amazing ideas out of you.
5- Good with Words by University of Michigan
In-person/Online: Online
Price: Free to sign up and offers financial aid
Duration: 4 months approximately
Certificate: Yes
The name of this course is Good with Words: Writing and Editing Specialization. The course provides English writing classes for adults. The specialization is offered through Coursera and contains four sections about writing and editing.
This online English writing course focuses on every element of creative writing. From word choice and word order to how to write better sentences.
You will gain skills in creativity, editing, and persuasion. The goal is for you to become good with words, thus improving your ability to do good writing. By taking up English writing courses like these, you are guaranteed to handle both short-term and long-term projects with ease.
6- Creative Writing Specialization by Wesleyan University
In-person/Online: Online
Price: Free to sign up
Duration: 6 Months
Certificate: Yes
Coursera offers this Creative Writing Specialization course which can help you master all the important elements of a story. The goal of the course is to give you skills in short story writing, fiction writing, creativity and copy and editing.
The main elements of the story that this course focuses on include:
- Plot
- The craft of character
- Setting and description
- Style
7- English Literature Composition by University of California, Berkeley
In-person/Online: Online
Price: 13900 INR
Duration: 7 Weeks, spread over 4-5 hours per week
Certificate: Yes
This course offers advanced writing classes for literature and fiction. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to read and interpret fiction works much better and create your own fiction stories from scratch.
The course discusses the works of English novelist Mary Shelly (the author of Dracula) and American novelist Toni Morrison, making this specially a great course for anyone interested in gothic literature.
8- How to Write a Novel by University of British Colombia
In-person/Online: Online
Price: INR 24000 – 25000
Duration: 6 Weeks
Certificate: Yes
This course offered by UBC on edX is essentially a book writing training course which focuses on how to write a novel draft.
You’ll attend 4-5 hours of online classes per week. There is also a Q&A podcast each week for learners to ask instructors questions. You’ll be engaging in group discussions and doing assignments every week.
Furthermore, freelance content writers will learn how to manage complicated plots and craft real dramatic dialogue.
9- Masterclass: Neil Gaiman Teaches the Art of Storytelling
In-person/Online: Online
Price: Free Trial
Duration: 19 video lessons(4-5 hours)
Certificate: Yes
If you are looking for story writing courses, then this course offered by Masterclass, a video-based learning platform, is one of the best ones out there.
Masterclass instructors are not English writing experts or teachers. They are actual masters in their respective fields. Neil Gaiman is a best selling author and prolific award-winning writer who heads this masterclass in the art of storytelling.
The course contains 18 chapters that focus on everything about creating a story. Some of the content in the chapters includes word building, editing, and dealing with writer’s block.
10- Henry Harvin
In-person/Online: Online Interactive Classroom Sessions
Price: 12500 INR
Duration: 24 hours of two-way live sessions/1 year membership
Certificate: Yes
Henry Harvin is an edtech company that offers this writing course in India.
The course requires you to have language skills and basic technical know-how as a prerequisite. Creative writing classes for this course will teach you poetry, creative nonfiction, fiction, and drama.
Have you taken up any creative writing courses online? How was your experience?
FAQs
British Council offers one of the best creative writing courses in India. Henry Harvin also offers various courses throughout the country. You can consider applying for a course in these institutions.
There are five main types of creative writing: poetry, fiction stories, novels, personal essays, and speeches. The most well-known type of creative writing is storytelling. Each type of writing requires different, unique writing skills.
Creative writing courses give you the knowledge and the skills of each type of creative writing.
You can learn creative writing through online writing courses or even in-person writing courses. Also focus on writing on a daily basis and read as often as you can. You can also look for creative writing workshops to hone your writing skills.
Good writers engage in a lot of reading to enrich their own style of writing. Constant practicing will also help you find your writing style. Applying elements such as originality can also help you find your writing style.
You can consider attending online college writing courses as well. Experts and professional instructors can help you find your writing style.
Payment is different for each writing job, as it depends on the employer and the type of content being written. Creative writing courses give you the skill to improve your writing in high-paying jobs. Search for free creative writing courses and apply to increase your income. You can also consider content writing courses to another stream of revenue.
67 thoughts on “10 Best Creative Writing Courses in India”
Small Correction : For IGNOU, Its page no 86 in the prospectus and not 80. Thank you for the information.
Thanks Kunal 🙂
I did the DCE from IGNOU in 2002. The notes are pretty basic. The project work gets you to write a lot and that’s a bonus. I wouldn’t mind doing it again if their syllabus has been updated.
I am actually thinking of taking up that course in the summer, will definitely update you when I do
Hey Ritika! Did you take up the course? What is your feedback on this??
Hi Ashwini
No, I did not end up taking any of the above listed courses. I was thinking to take up IGNOU but I heard the curriculum wasn’t good. The only viable option is Symbiosis one but I am not sure if I am willing to put that much money in :/
Thanks for your reply Ritika! I too am on second thoughts about Symbiosis for the very same reason!!
Great compilation of courses with helpful and accurate descriptions! Thank you 🙂
Hi ritika
Plz give ur feedback .I think u should hav completed it now
Hi Jasdeep, I am not doing these courses right now. Though I do recommend, checking out the eBook mentioned above
Hi Ritika,
Interesting post! I have some experience of IGNOU, not in Creative Writing though, and that was like, a century ago and therefore out of date anyways, but my experience was positive all in all. Thanks for visiting my blog and see you after April! 🙂 Stay well.
Thanks for you inputs Nilanjana!
Now I am really inclined to do the IGNOU course. Lets see 🙂
Hi Ritika,
Useful post! Elsewhere i could find review about the course at IGNOU, and it wasnt a promising one. The syllabus is outdated and for a year or two the course was not conducted and people who had registered were’nt intimated about updates.
Since I am looking for a distance learning program, hence i am left with SCDL, Pune (as only IGNOU and SCDL have distance learning program on Creative Writing). I am looking for a review on its course. Kindly share if you have some review related info about the course. Thanks !
Taruna.
Hi Taruna
My research led me to the exact same place. IGNOU doesn’t seem worth it
Hi guys, I am pursuing a distance learning course from symbiosis pune on creative writing. It is good and has 6 exams and 6 projects to be completed in a year. It has been interesting and provides insights into creative writer’s lives and many other aspects of writing. It is expensive compared to other courses as mentioned here but I am working so this works for me.
That’s great to hear Rimpy! If it works for you and fits your schedule then there isn’t much you can ask for! Whenever you finish the course, do share your complete experience 🙂
Hi Rimpy ,
I m planning to pursue creative writing course in symbiosis .. please provide Info regarding modes n types of examination conducted. Its damn expensive so b4 joining wanna know wthr is it worthy .Thank you
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I registered for DCE in June with IGNOU in July my classes are only going to start on October :P. They told me that I have to attend 1 class every month in study centre. I also registered with SDCL from there I get a message every day that admission is extended a week more :P. let’s see what will happen
NB: I paid ignou fees it’s just 3k. Not having the courage to spend 22k on sdcl at least for now let’s see. will update you.
Hi Niyas
Yes, I was told the same thing about Study Centre,that I need to attend at least one in a month, which is really difficult for me, considering how much I travel.
Do let me know your experience with IGNOU. In fact, I would love it if you would write a post here on the website about the course experience because it will help A LOT of people 🙂
Hi niyas .Can u plz tell me some details
how many study centre they hav and where they are?
whats d total fee for 1 year course?
howz dere teaching sense?wat technique dey use ?R dey providing good knowledge or jst time pass material.
Hey Ritika
I want to improve my command on english writing, will these courses help.
Hi Rohit
These courses aren’t meant to improve your English, they are meant to improve your writing style
Hi Ritika
Myself Manish Tiwari from Allahabad. I am working as Trainer. i am about to quit my job and i am going to shift Mumbai for writing. New differnt types of ideas comes in my mind and when i start to write then i feel i am missing something
Hi Ritika
What i have to do to become a freelance writer.Is there any good center in Kerala or near by Bangalore to study creative English.is creative English course enough to improve writing style?
I don’t think writing starts by learning….for me mostly it’s an idea…a song….or just getting inspired after which everything falls into space
I have registered for DCE with IGNOU. I got a mail specifically informing me to collect study material from IGNOU regional center. I don’t know how this works. Have written a mail to send the materials to me directly. Will keep posted on what happens, so that other aspirants can take an informed decision.
Yes, that’s what I heard from some other sources. The thing with IGNOU is – they don’t really care. They have a way of doing things and they are not flexible. Please let me know how your course goes 🙂
Hi Ritika!
Well, surprise! IGNOU has sent me all the course material through courier. However submitting projects is still unclear. Timeline of the course is a bit vague as well. However all course books are with me. Content looks pretty decent. For all the aspirants out there, I suggest you to go ahead with the diploma in Creative Writing if its impossible for you to attend workshops or classroom certificate courses.
Thanks for all the details Nahusha. Would you like to write a review about the IGNOU course about the website? 🙂
I too planning about pursuing this course. Will it be beneficial plz suggest.
hi Nahusha
Can u plz tell me all d details for registration in DCE wid IGNOU .
What is the fee structure there?
how to pay?
how they send us data?
is there any exams or just assignments
Fee structure : 3300 Payment can be done by debit card. They will send all material by post. No exams. A project at the end of the course. Every info is available at their site.
Hi Ritika,
I am looking up for an MFA in creative writing which I guess is not worth if done in India. But if you have any idea about the course which would be beneficial if done here itself, do let me know. Because Symbiosis has a distance program which is like, we are just playing in the sands, instead of going in the oceans for much adventure. And being a passionate writer, I also have my blog but the thing is I want to work for some magazines, if you have the answers to any of my above queries please mail me at [email redacted] else awaiting for your reply here itself.
Regards,
Indrajeet
I would suggest going the internship way, instead of doing an MFA, if your end goal is to work in a magazine
he hi Rritika thanks for sharing such great info
thanks a lot
Thank You Ma’am for all the infos. I m a college stud,I belong to Kolkata, I think it will be useful for me to join British Council rather than any open university am I right? Is a PG degree in Journalism is essential for a freelance writer?
Hi Diganta
You don’t need a journalism degree to be a freelance writer. Yes, British Council is a great option if you are in Kolkata, just make sure the class timings suit you 🙂
Hi, Ritika Mam, I am from Mumbai and my passion is to Write Stories & Poems in Marathi Language, and i want your advice that from where should i got a proper guidance to grew up in this concern field.
Thank You.
Hi, Ritika, I am from Delhi and i want to do creative writing courses. But am not sure is that helpful for me or not?? Actually am from science background and detouch from education line past 12-13 years. Can u please suggest something??
Hey! Ritika ma’am , I have been working in the profile of english instructor and verbal ability trainer since 3 yrs and also persuing masters in english from SHIATS ALLAHABAD but now i want to take a leap and want to do some good writing couse and want to work as a freelance content writer work from home…..but i don’t know how to start please provide me a road map for this….thanking you….
Where did you join? Any update on any other college/Univ?
Mam which one is better for a creative writing course while I do my masters in English …. IGNOU or British council? Pls suggest
British Council , Delhi does have creative writing during the weekends too
Hi Himani
Have they started the weekend classes? Can you give me their official link to this so that I can update the article to help others?
I have tried the IGNOU course. The course material is totally outdated. The teaching at the study centre also is not up-to the mark. Dies anyone know about the symbiosis course?
Hi Byju,
I have done one course from Symbiosis (SCDL), syllabus is really updated but it didn’t helped me out as I found myself without guidance. I will rather suggest opt for the course where classes are held at least you can have a coach to guide you further.
Very very useful info. Thank you so much!
Hey Ritika! I have just purchased your book. Looking forward to read it. 🙂 This website is just what i was looking for to improve my writing skills. Thanks!
Thank you Aditi. Hope you like the book 🙂
Hi Ritika,
Since I am not involving in writing for long time and I also want to mentioned my writing skill is not so much good. i want to know Can I join content writer course If I am interested?
I was just going through your urge,
And not able to stop myself for the word Interest .
This word only matter of learning and all happiness
Which of these institutes provides distant courses?
IGNOU and symbiosis
Does any University provide courses for creative writing in India?
Yes, Xaviers, Symbiosis, and many more
I have taken the IGNOU DCE course and my classes are going to start this week. Till now I have been reading the ebooks available on the organisation site, and been preparing myself for the exam. Anyone who is interested in writing, and believe in self study is eligible for this course.
Hi Aparajita, thank you for the feedback! Would you want to review the IGNOU course on Write Freelance?
Hiii,
I really wish to join the course. Can you share your experience please.
Dear
/sir
i am a writer .so i have find a good write team is are you can joined my team.
Hello Ritika, I read your article on the various courses for creative writing…like you even I m kind of bored of my corporate job and want to pursue my passion in blogging and creative writing. Since it’s not possible for me to read and learn I need a institute which provides such courses. Can you recommend ?
Hello thank you so much for this. This was really helpful but do any of these provide online creative writing courses? Does SACAC provide those courses?
Do we have fellowship programme for Creative writing in india.
Hi Ritika, Mrinali here from Delhi. I loved your article and want to thank you for it. I am a blogger on social issues, which are covered by social media very weirdly, un-researched manner. With an intention to reorient the coverage, I started a blog site THE YOUNG EAGLE. Please find time to visit my site on FB.
How is IIM SKILLS Courses in Content Writing?
Hi Ritika,
Thank you for such an informative post.
I am an aspiring author from LA. Since any kind of education in US is quite expensive I opted for distance learning in India. Admissions are possible for International Students at IGNOU, although the fee varies. I have emailed them about registration process for international students. Having said that my goal is MFA is English, as I like to pursue Creative Writing Diploma at a more modern institute with up-to date techniques in writing. I have taken your advise and enrolled in the course offered by the Michigan state University.
Having deprived o the opportunity to choose a field of my liking during college, I like to pursue a cheap yet decent MFA degree. Do you have any suggestions about the Masters degree in English from IGNOU? I have no clue about the curriculum offered. To me all looks good as long as its literature. However, I am not sure if its contemporary. Please advise.
Hey Ritika,
How you doing? Well, hope you’re in the best of health at these times. I wanted to ask, if you can help me with this… , that is the Wesleyan University course available for a 15- year – old aspiring writer?