Best Animation Courses in India: Top Colleges, Fees, Eligibility & Career Scope

The animation industry offers various opportunities and artistic satisfaction. Graduates can work in various companies and expect to earn a decent salary after graduation. Animation requires creative skill, expertise in computer applications, communication and cooperation. Career opportunities include visual effects artist, game animator, architectural visualization and advertising.

Animation courses teach students how to bring characters and stories to life through animation. Eligibility requirements differ depending on the level of the course. Students must have passed their 10+2 qualification with a minimum aggregate of 50% to be eligible for the bachelor’s degree after graduation. Creativity, drawing skills, technical proficiency, attention to detail, storytelling, communication skills, patience and time management are just some of the skills that can help you thrive in animation.

Why to Pursue Animation courses? 

• Animation is very important to the entertainment industry.
• The need for professional animators has increased dramatically in recent years thanks to the rise of streaming platforms and video game companies.
• Animation has the ability to transcend language boundaries, making it an effective tool for producers to express engaging stories through visually beautiful images.
• Animation companies work on a global scale, bringing together creative animators from around the world.
• The extremely competitive compensation offered to professional animators makes this a viable career for people who enjoy bringing characters and stories to life through animation.

Top Animation courses after class 12

There are several degree programs available in the field of visual and digital arts that provide students with a well-rounded education in animation, graphic design, visual effects, and multimedia production. These programs last between three and four years and offer a wide range of specializations and career paths.

Bachelor of Design In Communication Design 

• Duration: 4-year
• Fee: INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000.

Bachelor of Science In Graphic Design 

• Duration: 3 -year
• Fee: INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000.

The Bachelor of Design In Animation 

• Duration: 3 to 4 year

• Fee: INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000.

The Bachelor of Visual Arts in Animation 

• Duration: 4-year
• Fee: INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000.

The Bachelor of Science In Multimedia, Animation, and Graphics

• Duration: 4-year
• Fee: INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000.

The Bachelor of Science In 3D Animation Film 

• Duration: 3-year
• Fee: INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000.

The Bachelor of Science In VFX Film Making 

• Duration: 4-year
• Fee: INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000.

Eligibility Criteria to Pursue Animation Courses

• Minimum Qualifications Required: To apply for an animation course, students must have passed the 12th exam or equivalent from a recognized board. The aspirant must pass the 12th final exam with a minimum mark set at 50% to qualify for the admission test.

Types of Animation Courses

• Various Levels: Animation courses are available at various levels, ranging from short-term certification courses to postgraduate degrees. Certification courses last from two months to a year and usually offer basic training in animation.
• Online Courses: There are a large number of online animation courses and certifications on various online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, edX, and FutureLearn.

Entrance Exams to Pursue Animation Course

• Some institutes conduct entrance exams for admission such as NIFT entrance exam, NID entrance exam, MGU CAT, and VEE. Passing the exam can improve your chances of being offered a seat in some of the top animation colleges.

Average Course Fee:

• The average course fee for post-12th grade animation courses is at least somewhere within the range of approximately INR 1.25 lakh to 5 lakh per year.

Skills Required to Pursue Animation Courese

1. Drawing or Sketching Skills: A solid foundation in drawing or sketching is crucial for animators.
2. Good Observational Skills: As an animator, you’ll need to observe real-world motion, expressions, and details. 
3. Creativity: Animation is an art form that thrives on creativity. 
4. Patience and Concentration: Patience and focus are necessary to achieve smooth and realistic animations.
5. Computer and Software Skills: Familiarity with animation software.

Top colleges to study animation after class 12 

1. The Indian Institute of Film and Animation (IIFA) 

• Duration: 3-year
• Fee:  INR 10,000 to INR 5,00,000

2. Lovely Professional University (LPU)

•        Duration :3-4 years
•        Fee :INR 40,000 to INR 1,00,000.

3. The Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT)

• Duration :3 years
• Fee : INR 40,000 to INR 1,00,000.

4. The Arena Animation Group (AAG), 

•   Duration :3 years
•    Fee : INR 70,000 to INR 1,20,000

5. Amity University 

• Duration :3- 4 years
• Fee :INR 40,000 to INR 1,00,000.

Career prospects for Animation Courses

• 3D Animator: The role of a 3D animator is to bring characters and objects to life by creating realistic movements and interactions. 
• Video Game Designer: As a game designer, you will be responsible for conceptualizing game mechanics, character , environments and your creativity will shape immersive gaming experiences.
• Art Director: Art directors are responsible for overseeing the visual aspects of projects. This role combines creativity with leadership and is ideal for those who enjoy both.
• Film Editor: Film editors play a crucial role in post-production. They assemble raw footage, add special effects, and create a seamless visual narrative. 
• 3D Modeler: Modelers create 3D assets such as characters, props, and environments for animation, games, or architectural visualization. 
• Web Designer: Web designers blend animation skills with web design. They create visually appealing websites, incorporating animations and interactive elements. 

Salary Trends for Animation Courses

After completing an animation course, graduates can explore roles such as production designers, scriptwriters, animators, digital painters, and more. The average salary in the animation industry is around INR 3,12,000.

1. Certificate Animation Courses Salary:

• Course Duration:  2 months to 1 year
• Mode: online and offline. 
• Career and Salary Prospects:

2. Diploma in Animation Courses Salary:

3. Undergraduate (UG) Animation Courses Salary:

4. Highest Salary Potential:

•  While entry-level salaries vary, senior animators, 3D specialists, and VFX artists can command INR 7 lakhs to INR 10 lakhs annually.
•  Lead animators and directors may touch INR 15 lakhs and beyond. 

FAQs on Animation Courses

1. What are animation courses?

Answer: Animation courses are educational programs that aim to impart knowledge and skills related to animation. These courses cover various aspects of animation such as storyboarding, character design, 2D and 3D animation, and the use of different software tools. They are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the animation industry and the techniques used to create engaging and visually stunning animations.

2. Why pursue animation courses?

Answer: Pursuing animation courses can lead to a creative and fulfilling career in industries such as film, television, gaming, and advertising. These industries require skilled animators who can bring their ideas to life through animations. By completing animation courses, students can acquire the knowledge and skills required to succeed in this field and pursue a career that aligns with their interests and passions.

3. What are the eligibility criteria for animation courses?

Answer: Eligibility criteria for animation courses generally include completion of senior secondary education (12th grade). Some institutions may also require a portfolio or conduct entrance exams to assess a student’s aptitude for animation.

4. What skills are taught in animation courses?

Answer: Animation courses teach students a wide range of skills related to animation. These skills include drawing, storyboarding, digital painting, 3D modeling, rigging, and animation, along with soft skills such as storytelling and creativity. Students learn to use various software tools and techniques to create engaging animations that captivate audiences and convey the desired message.

5. What are the types of animation courses available?

Answer: There are various types of animation courses available to students, depending on their interests and career goals. Some of the most common types of animation courses include diplomas, undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and online certification courses. These courses offer students the flexibility to choose a program that best suits their needs and learning style.

6. Can I learn animation online?

Answer: Yes, many online platforms such as Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer animation courses. These courses are designed to give students a flexible and convenient way to learn animation from anywhere in the world. Online animation courses are a great option for students who are unable to attend traditional on-campus classes due to various reasons.

7. What is the duration of animation courses?

Answer: The duration of animation courses can vary depending on the type of program and the institution offering it. Short-term courses can last a few months, while full-time degree courses can last up to 4 years. Online animation courses can also be self-paced, allowing students to complete the program at their own pace.

8. What are the career prospects after completing an animation course?

Answer: The career prospects for students who complete animation courses are quite promising. There is a huge demand for trained animators in various industries including film, television, gaming, and advertising. Graduates of animation courses can pursue careers as animators, art directors, character animators, special effects artists, and production designers, among others.

9. What is the average salary of an animator?

Answer: In India, the average salary of an animator ranges from INR 3 to 5 LPA, depending on their experience, skill level, and location. However, the salary can vary significantly depending on the industry and the company offering the job.

10. What are the best colleges for animation courses?

Answer: The best colleges offering animation courses in India include Amity University, Noida, Loyola College, Chennai, IIT Mumbai, and JMI New Delhi, among others. These universities have a reputation for providing high-quality education and training to students, and their graduates are highly sought after by employers in the animation industry.