All About Animation Courses, Careers and Salaries in India

Animation is one of the most attractive industries for students. Every year more than 500+ big and small animation films are produced. Films like Avengers, Avatar, Toy Story, Frozen have completely changed the perspective of viewers. Animation is not just limited to teens and kids but has become all time favorite in all generations.

Animation Industry in India started in the 90s but within 2 decades India has become the hub of animation. Animation giants like Walt Disney, Pixar, Sony and Dreamworks Animation studios have many Indians working for them. Animation Studios in India have gained a lot of popularity over the years and programmes like Chota Bheem, Little Singham and Motu Patlu have become some of the most successful Animated shows of Indian animation Industry.

According to various reports of reputed bodies like KPMG, NASSCOM and FICCI Media & Entertainment Industry is expected to see a new boom in India.

ANIMATION COURSES IN INDIA

As the demand of Animation and VFX content is increasing rapidly, so is the demand for quality animators and vfx artists. Companies are now looking for creative artists who can be the part of various national and international animation projects. Fortunately the Animation Education scenario in India is quite better compared to a decade back. Now there are various reputed Universities and colleges offering various UG and PG programmes in this discipline.

Broadly you can divide these programmes into four categories like

  • PG/Post Graduate Courses in Animation
  • UG/Undergraduate Courses in Animation
  • Diploma Courses in Animation
  • Certificate Courses in Animation

Selection of the right animation course could be one of the most important decisions as it can make or break your future plans.  In this article we will also discuss the important points you should consider before selecting your right course and college.

1 PG DEGREE COURSES IN ANIMATION 

Post Graduate courses in Animation come in the top row. As this is the highest level of mainstream academic programme offered by Indian Universities. Postgraduate courses can give you scope of doing specialization in your favorite animation section such as Modelling, Lighting, Texturing, Animation or VFX.  A person who has completed a bachelor programme in Animation or VFX can pursue a PG degree course in Animation. The most common nomenclature of master programmes are as follows

  • M.Sc. in Animation
  • MA in Animation
  • M.Des (Master in Design)
  • M.Sc. Game Designing
  • MA Game Design
  • Master in Design and VFX
  • M.Sc. Film Making

Selection Criteria: Normally the master programmes of Animation need a student graduated from the same stream or at least poses required basic skills to join the course. Some universities conduct entrance examinations for the same. Duration of these master courses can be 2 to 4 years. A postgraduate course in Animation or VFX can cost you somewhere between 2 L to 5 L per annum.

2 UG COURSES IN ANIMATION

Bachelor degree courses in Animation and VFX design is one of the most searched categories of animation courses in India. Cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai are in the top 10 of the list. You can find many reputed institutes in these cities and since they are closely connected to animation and entertainment companies you can get internship opportunities and good placements too.  A bachelor course in animation and multimedia include one or more branches of visual arts like animation,vfx, graphic design, web design, video production and gaming. It is good to join a programme where you get a chance to explore all these areas. Some most popular UG degree programmes are as follows

  • B.Sc. Animation
  • B.Sc. Media, Graphics & Animation
  • B.Voc Animation
  • B.Des
  • B.A In Multimedia
  • B.A Animation
  • BSc Film Making
  • B.Sc. VFX and Game Design
  • BA Game Design

Duration of any bachelor animation course can be 3 to 5 year. Selection criteria varies from university to university. Maximum colleges conduct their entrance exam or live interview to select the students. Students who have cleared their 10+2 from any recognised Indian Education Board can apply for admission. Normally percentage of 12th class has no major impact on your selection but having good artists skills or drawing knowledge can add a plus in your application.

Fee: Many reputed Animation and VFX colleges In India charge 1 L to 3 L Rs per annum for the course.

3 DIPLOMA COURSES

Another very popular set of courses in the Animation and Media sector is Diploma level course. These courses are being offered by recognised colleges and universities. Although there are many private institutes offering Diploma courses in animation and design, their diploma is not approved by any Government Educational Body and hence students should verify the recognition of such diplomas. Some Popular diploma programmes are as follows

  • Diploma in 3D Animation
  • Diploma in 3D Animation & VFX
  • Diploma in VFX
  • Diploma in 2D Animation
  • Diploma in Web & Graphics Design
  • Diploma in Game Designing
  • Diploma in Graphics Designing
  • Diploma in Film Making
  • Diploma in Animation Film Making

Duration: Diploma Programmes are normally 1 to 2 year long. Admission to diploma programmes can be applied after 10th or 12th. Students who are already enrolled in any other degree course and want to get additional qualification should join such diploma level programmes.

Fee: Diploma Programmes in Media, Animation or Design can cost Rs 1L to 2.5 L for the complete programme. Fee of these programmes depends on the software, infrastructure and education quality of the institute.

4 CERTIFICATE COURSES IN ANIMATION & VFX

One good option to test your interest is to join a certificate course in Animation, VFX or Design. Certificate Course are normally of small duration and can be joined if you are not sure about your interest. Students who are looking for only a specific skill and do not have much time can also join a certificate course. But we strongly recommend that if you are really interested in making your career in Animation, Media or Design start your journey with a good degree programme. Some popular certificate programmes are

  • Certificate in 3D Animation
  • Certificate in Video Editing
  • Certificate in VFX
  • Certificate in Rotoscopy
  • Certificate in 2D Animation
  • Certificate in Web & Graphics Design
  • Certificate in Game Designing
  • Certificate in Graphics Designing
  • Certificate in Filmmaking
  • Certificate in Animation Film Making

Duration: These certificates can be done in a period of 6 to 12 months. Students having qualification of 10th or above are good to join such a course.

Fee: Institutes charge Rs. 20,000 to 1L for such certificate programmes.