Top 10 Colleges for Animation Courses in India: Courses, Fee, Exam

The top 10 Animation Colleges in India that provide practical development and portfolios to candidates include NID Ahmedabad, IDC IIT Bombay, Arena Animation, Maya Academics of Advanced Cinematics, and various others.

Education, particularly at a top institution, is paramount in any field of proficiency. When it comes to animation, studying at one of the top colleges in India can give students access to top expert faculty, industry contacts and practical and hands-on experience. The best college possibility is a concern for anyone who wants to become an animator, VFX artist, or games designer.

The list of the top 10 Animation Colleges in India is as follows:

1. National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad

The National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad is probably the biggest name in India for animation learning. NID is the 'Institution of National Importance' which offers specialized degrees for courses like Bachelor of Design (BDes) and Master of Design (MDes) in disciplines like Animation Film Design.

Key Features:

• State-of-the-art labs such as the Animation Film Design Lab and Design Vision Centre.
• The students are taught animation by experienced faculty like Ajay Kumar Tiwari and Dhiman Sengupta.
• Admission in any semester is made based on the NID Entrance Exam.

This is one of the best colleges for animation courses in India because it offers a rigorous curriculum which boasts an equal blend of technical as well as creative skills.

Course Fee	Course Duration	Placement Companies	Average Package
B.Des- INR 3.94 lakh M.Des- INR 4.58 lakh	B.Des- 4 years M.Des- 2.5 years	Microsoft, Adobe, HCL Technologies, TCS, Wipro	INR 3 LPA- 50 LPA

2. Industrial Design Centre (IDC), IIT Bombay

Another prestige institution that provides excellent animation courses is IDC at IIT Bombay. IDC is known for its cutting-edge approach and is offering a Bachelor of Design (BDes) and a Master of Design (MDes) in Animation Design. For undergraduate courses, you need to appear in the UCEED exam, and for postgraduate courses, the CEED exam scores matter.

Key Features:

• It teaches filmmaking, from initiating with a concept to developing camera techniques, and drawing.
• Given the IIT umbrella, affordable, high-quality education.
• Strong industry connections and internships.

IDC provides a complete program for aspiring animators who have both theoretical and practical knowledge of animation.

Course Fee	Placement Companies	Average Package
B.Des- INR 16 lakh M.Des- INR 4.5 lakh	Google, Microsoft, Tata, Apple, Reddore, and LG	INR 4 LPA to INR 1.68 CPA

3. Arena Animation

Arena Animation with many branches around India is the most accessible to learn animation. The institute also offers professional courses along with certificate programs in the field of animation, VFX, and UX/UI design.

Key Features:

• There are no specific eligibility criteria for admission.
• It offers short and long-term courses for all levels of skill.
• Experience working with up-to-date animation tools and techniques.

With Arena Animation’s presence almost everywhere and amazing programs, it seems a good option to explore the world of animation.

Course Fee	Placement Companies	Average Package
B.Des- INR 3.15 lakh M.Des- INR 1.40 lakh	Prime Focus, UTV Movies, Star Plus, and Maya Entertainment	INR 4 LPA- INR 10 LPA

4. Frameboxx Animation & Visual Effects

Animation and some specialized certificate programs by Frameboxx Animation & Visual Effects provide various courses. Frameboxx has international faculty from the UK, France and the USA and gives a global perspective to animation.

Key Features:

• Programs in animation, VFX, gaming, and virtual reality.
• International university partnerships for BVoc programs with partners including Silver Oak University.
• Offers industry-related training with modern software and tools.

Frameboxx is one of the best colleges for animation courses in India, for students who want exposure to international animation standards.

Course Fee	Placement Companies	Average Package
B.Des- INR 3.15 lakh M.Des- INR 1.40 lakh	Red Chillies, Yasraj Studios, Rockstar Games, Pixel, Zee	INR 1 LPA-INR 12 LPA

5. MAAC (Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics)

MAAC is a popular name in the education sector of animation and VFX due to its industry-oriented training. The advanced animation, 3D animation and game design programs that MAAC has to offer.

Key Features:

• A large number of branches in India.
• Provides hands-on training on cutting-edge technology.
• More focus on practical projects and internships.

MAAC’s excellent industry relations with leading studios and specially designed curriculum make students very industry-ready with practical skills, ensuring a successful career in the industry of animation.

Course Fee	Placement Companies	Average Package
B.Des- INR 3 lakh M.Des- INR 3.50 lakh	Red Chillies, Yasraj Studios, Rockstar Games, Pixel, Zee	INR 2.4 LPA to INR 1 CPA

6. Whistling Woods International, Mumbai

Whistling Woods International (WWI) is a highly regarded media arts institution based in Mumbai. It offers comprehensive programs in animation, game design, and media arts.

Key Features:

• Offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs in animation.
• Located in the heart of India’s film industry, offering students networking opportunities with industry experts.
• Focus on practical training through projects and industry collaborations.

WWI’s blend of creative and technical education makes it one of the top choices for aspiring animators in India.

Course Fee	Placement Companies	Average Package
B.Des- INR 17 lakh	White Marque Solutions, The Trial, Dharma Productions, and Phantom	INR 7 LPA- INR 8 LPA

7. Toonz Academy, Thiruvananthapuram

Part of the Toonz Group, Toonz Academy is a premier institution for animation and VFX training. The academy offers diploma and certificate programs tailored to the needs of the animation industry.

Key Features:

• Strong industry ties with global brands like Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, and Marvel Studios.
• Provides real-world animation experience through partnerships and internships.
• Focus on industry-relevant curriculum and practical training.

For students looking to work with global animation studios, Toonz Academy is an excellent place to start.

8. Asian Institute of Design (AID), Bangalore

Asian Institute of Design (AID) offers a variety of design and media programs, with a focus on animation and game design. The institute emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to education, combining creativity with technical proficiency.

Key Features:

• Offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in animation.
• Provides industry-relevant training with a strong emphasis on practical experience.
• Collaboration with animation studios for internships and job placements.

AID’s holistic education approach makes it one of the top animation colleges in India for students seeking a balanced mix of creativity and technology.

Course Fee	Placement Companies	Average Package
B.Des-7.5 LPA	Rockstar, Dreamworks, Dhruva Interactive, Moving Picture Company	INR 4 LPA-INR 8 LPA

9. MIT Institute of Design, Pune

The MIT Institute of Design (MITID) in Pune is well-known for its design programs, including animation. MITID offers both undergraduate (B.Des) and postgraduate (M.Des) degrees in Animation Design.

Key Features:

• Rigorous curriculum combining creativity and technical skills.
• Strong industry links for internships and placements.
• Modern facilities and access to the latest animation software and tools.

MITID’s strong focus on practical experience and industry relevance ensures that its graduates are well-prepared for the animation industry.

Course Fee	Placement Companies	Average Package
B.Des-INR 17 lakh M.Des-INR 8.5 lakh	Axis Bank, Adani Wilmar, Thermax, ITC Ltd, TCS, Times Group, Larsen and Toubro	INR 4 LPA-INR 7 LPA

10. ICAT Design & Media College

ICAT Design & Media College has campuses in Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. It is known for its comprehensive programs in animation, VFX, and game design.

Key Features:

• Offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various media and animation disciplines.
• Emphasizes hands-on learning with access to cutting-edge technology.
• Strong industry network for internships and job placements.

ICAT’s focus on practical skills development and industry interaction makes it a great choice for students looking to excel in animation.

Course Fee	Placement Companies	Average Package
B.Des- INR 2.80 lakh	Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Ubisoft, Adobe	INR 6 LPA-INR 12 LPA

Also Check:

Bsc Animation Course

Bsc Animation Syllabus and Subjects

Bsc Animation Job, Scope and Salary

Career Opportunities After Studying in Top Animation Colleges in India

The animation course or discipline is not limited to any specific career option or job profile but rather provides a list of opportunities that individuals can thrive in. A list of career opportunities after studying animation is shared below:

1. Animator
2. VFX Artist
3. Modelling Artist
4. Game Designer
5. Rotoscope Artist
6. Character Designer
7. Art Director
8. Storyboarding Artist
9. Creative Director
10. Animator Tutor
11. Visual Development Artist
12. Post-Production Specialist
13. Animation Producer
14. Independent Animator
15. Animation Producer

Read More: List of Animation Courses in India