Top Animation Colleges in India 2024: Courses, Fees, Exams

Top Animation Colleges in India 2024: Courses, Fees, Exams

8 mins readComment
Kritika
Kritika Rai
Senior Executive Content
Updated on Jul 30, 2024 16:12 IST

Want to achieve mastery in animation? Study at one of the top animation colleges in the country. To assist you, we have compiled a list of the Top Animation Colleges in India in this article.

Top Animation Colleges in India

Top Animation Colleges in India

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To achieve mastery in a skill, individuals often seek education from the best institutions that specialize in that field. Studying at a top college allows them to gain proficiency under the guidance of expert faculty with practical industry experience. Similarly, those aspiring to excel in animation should aim to study at one of the leading animation colleges. A top college can provide numerous benefits, including hands-on experience in practical animation, exposure to the real-world animation industry, and opportunities to build a strong network with like-minded peers and industry experts. Considering these benefits and understanding your aspiration to become an expert in animation, we have provided a list of the Top Animation Colleges in India in this article.

Top Animation Colleges in India: Key Features

When deciding which colleges are the best for studying animation in India, aspiring animators, art directors, and other creative professionals need to consider specific key features of the institutions. These key features include:

1. Curriculum and Specialization

Nowadays, learners are required to stay updated on the latest developments in their fields to remain competitive as professionals. However, the animation field presents a unique scenario. Aspiring animators need to master both the fundamentals of animation—such as sketching, drawing, and classic animation techniques—and the latest technologies, including 3D animation tools, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR), to become experts in the field. Colleges that offer comprehensive training in these areas are often considered among the top animation colleges in India.

2. Faculty and Insdustry Experts

"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." — Isaac Newton

This quote by the great physicist, Sir Isaac Newton implies that an individual needs to learn from great mentors to succeed in life. Similarly, to succeed in the animation field, students need to learn from experienced and skilled teachers and industry experts. If an animation college has knowledgeable faculty and allows students to interact with industry experts, it is worth studying there.

3. Facilities and Infrastructure

Animation colleges must have proper infrastructure to facilitate the learning process for students. They should also be equipped with all the tools and technologies required to help students learn every aspect of animation.

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4. Industry Collaboration and Internships

Applied skills are essential for success in the real world. These skills can be developed through collaboration with various organizations in the industry and by providing students with internship opportunities. Therefore, the best animation colleges collaborate with major animation studios and media houses to offer students valuable internships, helping them acquire practical animation skills.

5. Practical Development and Portfolio

Practical experience is crucial for professional success. The best animation colleges in India facilitate the practical development of learners through hands-on projects. They also assist students in creating an impressive portfolio, which is essential for applying for jobs in the industry.

6. Career Opportunities and Placement Support

The best animation institutes in India aim to provide job opportunities to students through campus placements. To achieve this, they collaborate with major industry players.

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Top Animation Colleges in India

Considering the key features discussed, we have curated a list of the Best Animation Colleges in India. Details about these colleges can be found below:

Best Animation Colleges in India
National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad Whistling Woods International, Mumbai
Industrial Design Centre (IDC), IIT Bombay Toonz Academy, Thiruvananthapuram
Arena Animation Asian Institute of Design (AID), Bangalore
Frameboxx Animation & Visual Effects MIT Institute of Design, Pune
MAAC (Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics) ICAT Design & Media College

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1. National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad

NID Ahmedabad is considered as the best college for learning animation in India. The institute was declared as the Institution of National Importance by the Act of Parliament. It offers BDes in Animation Film Design and MDes in Animation in Animation Film Design courses. The admission to these courses offered though NID Entrance Exam

The names of animation faculty of NID Ahmedabad are Ajay Kumar Tiwari, Dhiman Sengupta and Kaushik Chakraborty. The institution provide students with acces to Animation Film Design Lab, Exhibition Design Studio and Lab, Film and Video Communication Design Labs and Design Vision Centre to harness creativity and problem-solving skills.

2. Industrial Design Centre (IDC), IIT Bombay

IDC - IIT Bombay is one of the prestigious organizations operating under the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. This institution provides high-quality education at an affordable cost to individuals seeking admission to design courses. IDC Bombay offers admission to the Bachelor of Design in Animation Design through the UCEED exam. Additionally, admission to the Master of Design in Animation Design course is based on CEED exam scores.

According to the official website of IDC Bombay, the institute covers all aspects of the filmmaking process, including concept development, drawing, shooting, and camera techniques.

3. Arena Animation 

Arena Animation Institute has multiple branches across various states of India, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. The widespread presence of these branches makes animation education highly accessible to people of different age groups.

The main animation courses offered by Arena Animation are Certificate Programs, Professional Skill Development courses related to animation, VFX and UX/UI Design. There are no specific eligibility criteria for admission to Arena animation courses. 

4. Frameboxx Animation and Visual Effects

Similar to Arena Animation, Frameboxx Animation and Visual Effects also offers certificate programs and professional skill development animation courses at its multiple branches across various Indian states. Additionally, the institute provides degree programs in animation. Frameboxx has expertise in the following animation-related areas:

  • Animation
  • VFX
  • Gaming
  • Metaverse
  • Motion Graphics
  • Graphic Design
  • Web Design & Development
  • Virtual Reality

Frameboxx has international teachers from European countries, like UK, France, Germany, Italy and other countries, including US and Australia. Main programs offered by institution are the following: 

  • International BVoc Media Graphics and Animation (offered by Silver Oak University)
  • Bachelor Degree in Media Graphics and Animation
  • BSc in 3D Animation and Visual Effects
  • Bachelor Degree in Animation & Multimedia 
  • 3-Year Program in Animation and Media Studies

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5. MAAC (Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics)

MAAC is a prominent institute specializing in animation, VFX, multimedia, and game design. It is known for its industry-oriented curriculum and extensive network in the animation sector. It offers a range of programs including Advanced Animation, VFX, Gaming, 3D Animation, and Post Production. The institute helps students gain hands-on training with state-of-the-art tools and software, and its programs often include practical projects and internships. MAAC has multiple branches across India, making it accessible to students nationwide.

6. Whistling Woods International, Mumbai

Whistling Woods International (WWI) is a renowned film, communication, and media arts institute located in Mumbai. It is well-regarded for its specialized programs in animation and related fields. WWI offers a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and diploma programs in Animation and Game Design.

The institute features modern facilities, experienced faculty, and strong industry connections, offering students valuable networking opportunities and hands-on experience. It is known for its comprehensive curriculum and focus on practical training, with projects and collaborations with industry professionals.

7. Toonz Academy, Thiruvananthapuram

Toonz Academy, part of the Toonz Group, is a leading institution in animation and visual effects education. It is located in Trivandrum and is known for its specialized programs in animation. The academy offers diploma and certificate courses in Animation, VFX, and Multimedia. It provides industry-relevant training with access to advanced tools and technologies. It also emphasizes practical experience through projects and internships. The academy’s affiliation with the Toonz Group provides students with exposure to real-world animation projects and industry insights.

Toonz Academy has built partnership with the following media companies: 

  • Nickelodeon 
  • Paramount Pictures
  • Sony 
  • BBC and BBC Worldwide
  • Discovery Kids 
  • Disney
  • YouTube
  • Marvel Studios

8. Asian Institute of Design (AID), Bangalore

Asian Institute of Design (AID) in Bangalore offers a diverse range of design and media programs, including animation. AID provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Animation and Game Design. The institute focuses on a holistic approach to design education, combining creativity with technical skills. It also offers industry connections and practical training. The institute emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach helps students develop a well-rounded skill set in animation and design.

9. MIT Institute of Design, Pune

MIT Institute of Design (MITID) is a well-known design institution in Pune offering various design programs, including animation. It offers a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) and Master of Design (M.Des) with specializations in Animation Design.

MITID provides a rigorous design education with a focus on creativity, technical skills, and industry relevance. The institute has modern facilities and experienced faculty. The institute’s strong industry links and emphasis on practical experience prepare students for careers in animation and related fields.

10. ICAT Design & Media College

ICAT Design & Media College has campuses in Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, and is known for its focus on design and media education. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Animation, VFX, and Game Design. The college provides a comprehensive curriculum with access to cutting-edge technology and software. It emphasizes hands-on learning and industry interaction.
ICAT’s multiple campuses and extensive network provide students with diverse opportunities and exposure to the animation industry. 

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Career Opportunities After Studying at a Top Animation College in India

Studying at a top animation college in India can open up a wide range of career opportunities in the animation and entertainment industry. Here are some potential career paths:

Best Animation Colleges in India: Career Opportunities
  • Animator
  • VFX Artist
  • Game Designer
  • Art Director
  • Storyboarding Artist
  • Character Designer
  • Modeling Artist
  • Layout Artist
  • Rotoscope Artist
  • Post-Production Specialist
  • Visual Development Artist
  • Animation Director
  • Creative Director
  • Freelancer/Independent Animator
  • Educator/Trainer for Teaching Animation 
  • Animation Producer
  • Animation Design Consultant

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About the Author
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Kritika Rai
Senior Executive Content

Kritika Rai is an accomplished content writer and researcher with over five years of experience, currently thriving at Shiksha.com and working for Law and Animation Domains. She has a proven track record of developi... Read Full Bio