Augmented & Virtual Reality
Chanchal AggarwalSenior Executive Content
The global AR and VR market is poised for exponential growth, with the number of users expected to reach 3,674.0 million by 2028 (Statista). Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are transforming industries by creating immersive experiences. AR/VR courses are the way to get into this industry now.
These emerging technologies offer diverse opportunities, from gaming and entertainment to enterprise applications and digital commerce. Acquiring AR/VR skills can provide a competitive edge. They enable learners and professionals to capitalize on the industry's rapid expansion and evolving user demands.
- AR/VR Course Highlights
- What is Augmented Reality?
- What is Virtual Reality?
- Current Trends in AR/VR Industry
- Why Learn AR/VR in 2024?
- Role of VR and AR in Gaming
- Who Should Go for AR/VR Courses?
- Fundamental Concepts of AR/VR
- Top Online AR/VR Courses
- Top AR/VR Colleges in India
- Syllabus of AR/VR Courses
- How to Start Your Career in AR/VR
- Salary and Job Titles
- FAQs on AR & VR Courses
AR/VR Course Highlights
| Particulars |
Details |
| Course Level |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Online Programmes |
| Duration |
Offline Courses- 3-4 years |
| Eligibility |
For Offline/Online Courses - 10+2 in any stream |
| Fees |
Up to INR 14 lakhs |
| Resources |
|
| Average Salary |
INR 4.0 Lakhs onwards |
| Top Recruiters |
Meta (Facebook), Apple. Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Ninatic, Epic Games, Magic Leap, Sony, Amazon |
| Job Positions |
AR/VR developer intern, AR/VR QA tester, AR/VR application developer, AR/VR graphics 3D artist, AR/VR product manager, XR (Extended Reality developer), Mixed Reality Developer |
What is Augmented Reality?
Augmented reality is a part of VR that does not immerse users in a complete virtual environment but enhances the real world by using digitally produced perceptual overlays. Unlike VR, AR uses common equipment such as mobile phones and superimposes images such as characters on top of a camera viewer or a video.
Pokémon GO is one of the best known examples: millions of people around the world have been running with their smartphones in search of little virtual creatures. That is the most vivid example of augmented reality.
Another example of augmented reality is Snapchat filters, where people can put digital creations into the world around. If you own a modern smartphone, you can easily download any AR app and try this technology. However, there is a different way to experience it: with special headphones, where digital content is displayed on a small screen in front of the user's eye.
What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual reality is a broad term for a multi-sensory computer-generated experience that allows users to explore as well as interact with a virtual world. VR is mainly used for creating video games and 3D movies. However, apart from games and entertainment, VR is also used in other sectors like training and education.
This technology immerses users in a completely virtual environment generated by a computer. The most advanced virtual reality experiences even provide freedom of movement. In addition, special manual controllers can be used to enhance the sensations of virtual reality. Its use requires special headphones to experiment. Most of them are connected to a computer or a game console, but there are also independent devices. These generally work in combination with smartphones.
Virtual Reality is mainly used for:
- Creating an imaginary reality for games and entertainment (video games or 3D movies)
- Developing projects virtually so you can see them before they physically exist (such as applications for real estate or construction companies)
- Enhancing training in real-life environments by creating a reality simulation where people can practice beforehand (such as flight simulators for pilots)
Current Trends in AR/VR Industry
Here are the current and ongoing global trends of AR/VR as per Statista.
- It is estimated that manufacturing augmented reality IoT will have an economic value of between 40 and 50 billion U.S. dollars by 2025 and is expected to grow to between 90 and 110 billion U.S. dollars by 2030.
- The global extended reality (XR) market, which includes augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR), reached 29.26 billion U.S. dollars in 2022 and will reach over 100 billion U.S. dollars by 2026.
- Consumer mobile AR spending is forecast to rise to 1.93 billion U.S. dollars in 2021 and 4.18 billion U.S. dollars by 2024.
- Apple Vision Pro debuted worldwide in June 2023 as part of the company's annual developer conference. With an expected release sometime in 2024, analysts have suggested that the company could ship 350,000 Vision Pro devices in the first year of the launch, rising to 1.48 million devices in year two.
Why Learn AR/VR in 2024?
- New use cases are emerging in this industry such as virtual events, remote collaboration, and immersive training, driving the need for AR/VR expertise.
- Major tech companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Meta (Facebook) are heavily investing in AR/VR technologies. This showcases the long-term commitment and growth potential of the AR/VR industry.
- AR/VR professionals can take on a variety of roles, such as software engineers, UX designers, 3D artists, project managers, and researchers.
- Developing AR/VR skills can give you a competitive edge in the job market, as the demand for these skills often outpaces the supply.
-
As per Statista, revenue in the AR and VR market worldwide is projected to reach $40.4 billion by the end of 2024. This will lead to an increase in the demand for AR and VR professionals in gaming and other industries.
- The AR/VR Developer salary in India ranges between ₹1.8 Lakhs and ₹13.4 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹4.0 Lakhs. (Ambition box)
Role of VR and AR in Gaming
As per market estimates, the global gaming market is projected to grow to $665.77 billion and the AR and VR technologies are one of the major reasons for this exponential growth of the gaming industry.
Although AR and VR applications exist in sectors such as healthcare, education and manufacturing, so far, the technologies (AR and VR) have witnessed the highest traction in gaming industry. Going forward, with the rise of AR and VR games along with the availability of cloud, there is no doubt that AR/VR is also the future of gaming.
Who Should Go for AR/VR Courses?
- Professionals in industries like gaming, retail, real estate, education, and healthcare, canleverage AR/VR.
- Entrepreneurs looking to build innovative AR/VR-based products and services.
- Design students (UX/UX, graphic design, industrial design) interested in spatial computing.
- Computer science, software engineering, or technology students looking to specialize in immersive technologies.
- Professionals from software development, game development, or 3D/visual design backgrounds.
Fundamental Concepts of AR/VR
| Concept |
Description |
| 360-Degree Video |
A video recording where a view in every direction is recorded at the same time, shot using an omnidirectional camera or a collection of cameras. |
| Spatial Computing |
A type of computing, encompassing AR and VR, that uses the physical space around the user as a medium to interact with digital or virtual content. |
| Haptic Feedback |
Technology that simulates the sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, or motions to the user, enhancing the realism of VR experiences. |
| Head Tracking |
A technology used in VR that tracks the movement of your head to adjust the imagery on your VR display to reflect changes in perspective. |
| Eye Tracking |
The process of measuring either the point of gaze (where one is looking) or the motion of an eye relative to the head, used to enhance interactivity in VR environments. |
| Hand Tracking/Gesture Recognition |
Technologies that allow users to interact with digital environments through natural hand movements, improving user interface in AR/VR systems. |
| Photogrammetry |
The art and science of extracting 3D information from photographs, used in AR/VR to create realistic environments based on real-world objects and locations. |
| Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) |
A technique used in AR to map an environment and track the movements of a device within it, enabling the placement of digital objects in a physical space. |
| Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) |
A standard file format for representing 3D interactive vector graphics, designed particularly with the World Wide Web in mind. |
Top Online AR/VR Courses
| AR/VR Online Courses |
Provider/ University |
Duration |
| Coursera (Google) |
10 hours |
|
| AR (Augmented Reality) & Video Streaming Services Emerging Technologies |
Coursera |
10 hours |
| 40 hours |
||
| Unreal VR Dev: Make VR Experiences with Unreal Engine in C++ |
17 hours |
|
| 7 weeks |
Top AR/VR Colleges in India
| College Name |
Total Tuition Fees |
| Bennette University |
₹15.7 Lakhs |
| Amity University |
₹1.6 Lakhs |
| Chandigarh University (CU) |
₹4.5 Lakhs |
| Sharda University |
₹10.46 Lakhs |
| ₹5.7 Lakhs |
Syllabus of AR/VR Courses
| Module |
Description |
| Introduction to AR/VR |
Overview of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), history, current state of technology, and future trends. |
| Fundamentals of AR/VR |
Understanding the basic concepts, terminology, and differences between AR and VR. Introduction to the types of AR (marker-based, markerless, projection-based, and superimposition-based) and VR (non-immersive, semi-immersive, and fully immersive). |
| AR/VR Hardware |
Exploration of the hardware used in AR/VR systems, including head-mounted displays, smart glasses, sensors, input devices, and haptic feedback systems. |
| AR/VR Software Development |
Introduction to software development tools and platforms for AR/VR, such as Unity, Unreal Engine, ARKit, and ARCore. Basic programming concepts for creating AR/VR experiences. |
| Design Principles for AR/VR |
Best practices for designing user-friendly and immersive AR/VR experiences. Topics include user interface design, user experience design, spatial audio, and visual storytelling. |
| 3D Modeling and Animation for AR/VR |
Basics of 3D modeling and animation techniques relevant to AR/VR content creation. Use of software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max. |
| Developing AR Applications |
Hands-on projects focused on developing AR applications, including marker-based and location-based AR experiences. |
| Developing VR Applications |
Practical exercises in creating VR experiences, focusing on immersive environments, interaction design, and simulation. |
| AR/VR in Education and Training |
Exploration of AR/VR applications in educational and training contexts, including case studies and design strategies for effective learning experiences. |
| AR/VR in Entertainment and Gaming |
Examination of AR/VR's impact on entertainment and gaming, including game design principles, narrative development, and user engagement strategies. |
| AR/VR in Healthcare |
Overview of AR/VR applications in healthcare, including surgical simulation, patient education, and therapy. |
| Ethical Considerations and Future Implications |
Discussion of ethical issues, privacy concerns, and the societal impact of widespread AR/VR adoption. Future trends and emerging technologies in the AR/VR space. |
How to Start Your Career in AR/VR
| Action |
Description |
| Educate Yourself |
Gain a solid understanding of AR/VR fundamentals through online courses, workshops, or a degree in computer science, game design, or a related field. |
| Learn the Tools |
Familiarize with AR/VR development tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, ARKit, and ARCore. Practice building simple projects to understand the basics. |
| Develop Technical Skills |
Enhance your programming skills in languages relevant to AR/VR, such as C# for Unity or C++ for Unreal Engine. Learn about 3D modeling and animation with software like Blender or Maya. |
| Build a Portfolio |
Create a portfolio of AR/VR projects to showcase your skills. Include diverse projects that demonstrate your ability to design and develop AR/VR experiences. |
| Engage with the Community |
Join AR/VR communities online and offline. For online you can check XR hub, official unity discord, XR creators on discord. Attend meetups, conferences, and workshops to network with professionals and stay updated on industry trends. |
| Gain Practical Experience |
Participate in internships or freelance projects to gain real-world experience. Working on actual AR/VR projects can provide valuable insights and enhance your resume. |
| Stay Updated |
The AR/VR field is rapidly evolving. Regularly update your skills and knowledge by following industry news, reading research papers, and experimenting with new technologies. |
| Apply for Jobs |
Look for job openings in companies working on AR/VR technologies. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job requirements. |
Salary and Job Titles
| Designation |
Key Skills |
Salary Range (in Lakhs INR) |
| AR/VR Developer Intern |
Unity/Unreal, C#/C++, 3D modeling, basic computer vision |
2-3 |
| Junior AR/VR Developer |
Unity/Unreal, C#/C++, 3D modeling, computer vision, basic AR/VR SDK knowledge |
3-4.5 |
| AR/VR Software Engineer |
Advanced Unity/Unreal, C#/C++, computer vision, AR/VR SDK expertise, 3D graphics |
4.5 - 7.5 |
| AR/VR UX Designer |
UI/UX design, prototyping, user research, spatial computing, 3D modeling |
4.5 - 7.5 |
| AR/VR Technical Project Manager |
Project management, technical roadmapping, stakeholder management, Agile |
5.0 - 8.0 |
| Senior AR/VR Software Engineer |
Architecture design, advanced computer vision, real-time rendering, AR/VR platform expertise |
7.5 - 1.20 |
| Lead AR/VR Developer |
Unity/Unreal architecture, team leadership, advanced C++/C#, XR design patterns |
8.0 - 13.0 |
| AR/VR Research Scientist |
Computer vision, machine learning, spatial computing, user behavior analysis |
9.0 - 16.0 |
FAQs on AR & VR Courses
Q. What is Augmented Reality?
Q. What is Virtual Reality (VR)?
Q. What are the popular AR & VR colleges in India?
Q. What jobs are offered in the AR/VR field?
Q. What undergraduate courses are available in AR and VR?
Q. Which are the top recruiters in the AR & VR field?
Q. What are the basic eligibility criteria for AR & VR undergraduate courses?
Q. What are the important skills required to make a career in AR & VR?
Q. What are the important entrance exams for AR & VR courses?
- JEE Main
- JEE Advanced
- BITSAT
- MHTCET
- VITEEE
- GATE
- SRMJEEE
Q. What postgraduate courses are available in AR and VR?
Q. Can I pursue online courses in AR & VR?
Popular Augmented & Virtual Reality Colleges in India
Augmented & Virtual Reality Applications open. Apply Now
Popular Private Augmented & Virtual Reality Colleges in India
Augmented & Virtual Reality Applications open. Apply Now
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- BCA (Hons.) in Augmented Reality and Virtual RealityChandigarh University (CU)
- B.Tech. in Computer Science and EngineeringBennett University
- B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering (Gaming, AR and VR)The NorthCap University
- B.Tech. in Computer Science and EngineeringTula's Institute
- BCA in Augmented Reality and Virtual RealitySchool of Information Science, Presidency University, Bangalore
- B.E. in Computer Science and EngineeringChitkara University, Himachal Pradesh
- B.Tech. in Information TechnologyPIET - Panipat Institute of Engineering and Technology
- Discontinued (Mar 2024)-BCA in Artificial Intelligence & Virtual RealitySrinivas University
- VMware Certified Professional 6 - Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV)Skillsoft
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