A road map to a career in animation courses In India


Do animations and visual effects amaze you? Do you possess the right skills for an animation course? Know more about animation courses in India, the eligibility criteria and the skill sets required, where to study, and which kind of course to take up before you make your tough career decision in animation.

Animation as a career is growing rapidly among the young. The increase in the animation series in TVs and movies has encouraged the youth who are possessing creativity and good drawing skills to explore more into it and take it up as a profession. The good news about it is that it is no longer confined to just the media and entertainment industries but has now become a mode of communication and expression among the other lines of professions as well. Enthusiasts need to know more about the course and its career prospects. So, let us explore the field a little bit.

What is animation?

Animation, in simple words, is a process by which the pictures or static images are given motion and changes. This way the static images turn into live things. Thus the pictures here are manipulated to give an illusion of motion and movement. The traditional hand-generated pictures have given way to the Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) making it even more lively.

Where is Animation used?

Animation had started with using the 2D drawings and sketches. Then, it seemed to be having a restricted usage. But with time and advances in technology, animation and visual effects are now being used in a wide range of industries.

In the Entertainment industry

Animations are widely used in TV to keep the children glued to it and to create a fun, humorous environment in the house. Many movies are also using the technology. We know about Narnia, Kung Fu Panda, and our very own Life of Pi - all have used technology to earn huge amounts.

Along with the TV and Film industry, it is also popular in the gaming zones. Initially, the technology was used only in video games. But now, just look around! You will hardly find any person not playing web games; and web games do rely a lot on this.

In the classrooms

Animation has become part of classroom teaching through smart classes. Teaching and learning are both easier this way. Interest in the subject also increases when it is taught in an animated way. Much official training is also conducted through animated slides.

In the medical training field

Animation teachings have moved to a higher level with the professional courses also using the technology. These days, even medical practitioners like to have the 3D computer graphics for the training of their students. Further, animations are also used for the patients' understanding of the diagnosis.

In the field of architecture

Architectural movies are prepared using animation tools to attract the customers to invest money in the real estate project. The whole landscape of a building or the complex is recreated using the computer so that the occupants know about the facilities provided by the builder/landowner.

In the field of product designs

The virtual models of the designs of products help the companies in understanding the products. These virtual models are very helpful in the initial stages of product designing and launching where a lot of discussion and experimentation are required. It also cuts down their costs heavily in case the design needs modifications or even when the current design does not work properly and needs to be changed in total.

In criminal investigation

Animations can help investigators in recreating the crime scene virtually for a better understanding of the investigation, and better understanding gives them the places for searching for clues and evidence and thereby solving the cases.

Eligibility criteria for Animation Courses

The candidate needs to possess the defined set of educational qualifications. but he should also possess the skills for the field.
  1. Educational requirements:
  2. One should have completed the 12th Board exam in any stream i.e. Science, Arts or Commerce to enroll for an animation course. Many colleges in India also ask for a minimum of 50% aggregate in the 12th Board examinations. However, there are few certification courses that can be done after the 10th class.
  3. Skills and qualities:
  4. Educational qualifications alone are not enough; one must possess the required skills and qualities to do well in the field. Some of these are:
    • Drawing and sketching
    • Creativity and thinking
    • Observation power
    • Patience
    • Communication skills
    • Team work
    • Motivational skills

Animation Courses in India

A person keen on a career in animation may choose from among the following formats of courses in India:

Bachelor's Degree Courses

The bachelor's courses are 3 years courses. There are many Bachelors' courses in Arts (BA), Fine Arts (BFA), Visual Arts (BVA) and Science (B.Sc) with Animation and Multilmedia. Subjects like Animation, Visual Effects, Digital Filmmaking, Gaming, 2D and 3D Animation are taught in these courses.
  • BA in Animation & Multimedia
  • BA in Animation and CG Arts
  • BA in Animation and Graphic Design
  • BA in Digital Filmmaking and Animation
  • BFA in Animation
  • BFA in Animation, Graphics and Web Design
  • B.Sc. in Animation & Multimedia
  • B.Sc. in Animation and Gaming
  • B.Sc. in Animation and VFX

Diploma Courses

The Diploma Courses are of for lesser duration i.e. six months to one year, depending on the institute from where the course is being done. Animation, Digital Animation and Visual Effects are taught in these diploma courses.

  • Diploma in 2D and 3D Animation
  • Diploma in Digital Animation
  • Diploma in Animation and Filmmaking
  • Diploma in VFX
  • Diploma in Animation, Video Editing and post-production works

Certificate Courses

These Certificate courses are good moves by the institutes for students who are enthusiasts and want to know more about the subject but do not wish to pursue a many year's courses. Thus, these courses are not as extensive as in the bachelor's courses, but yet are enough to give a feel of the subjects. These can be taken even after complete Class 10. The duration of these courses is between 3 months to 6 months depending on the institute. The Certificate courses also help the so-called enthusiasts to decide if they are really interested in pursuing it further as a career or not. Some of the courses are-
  • Certificates in 2D and 3D Animation
  • Certificate in VFX
  • Certificate in CG
  • Certificate in Editing, Mixing and Post Production Works

Post-Graduation Courses

The advanced courses in animation include specialization in the fields of Animation. A few specializations include Visual Effects, 3D Animation, Modelling, Game Designing, Illustration and Texturing, etc. The duration of the courses could be 1 year or 2 years, depending on the course. The PG Diploma and the PG certificate courses are of one-year duration or less while the other advanced courses are of two-year's duration. Some of the courses are-
  • MA in Animation and Multimedia
  • MA in Digital Filmmaking and Animation
  • M.Sc in Animation and Multimedia
  • M.Sc in Animation and Digital Filmmaking
  • M.Sc in Visual Effects
  • PG Diploma in Animation

Colleges/ Institutes offering Animation courses in India

Many Institutes and Universities across the country offer animation courses. Few of the leading institutes are given below:
  • VIT University, Vellore
  • Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada
  • Whistling Woods International, Mumbai
  • Global Institute of Gaming and Animation, Chennai
  • Indian Institute of Film and Animation, Bangalore
  • Zee Institute of Creative Arts, New Delhi & Cochin, Bangalore
  • Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics, (MAAC) Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Delhi
  • Apeejay Institute of Design, South Delhi
  • Indian Institute of Digital Art and Animation, Kolkata
  • National Institute of Film and Fine Arts, Kolkata
  • Frameboxx Animation and Visual Effects, Mumbai
  • St. Xavier's college (autonomous), Kolkata
  • Arena Animation, all over the country
  • Picasso animation College, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Udaipur
  • Toonz Academy, Thiruvananthapuram

How to apply

One can enquire about the institute from the website and register online for the upcoming batch. One may also opt to go to the campus and see the facilities for oneself and then register. The UG and PG courses start in July in most of the institutes. However, the Diploma and the Certification courses have more batches per year, generally four batches i.e. in January, April, July, and October.

Many institutes conduct their own entrance exams for selecting the candidates for admission. Once through with the entrance exam, you can take the admission in the institute. The fee may range from two to six lakhs depending on the institute. You may also avail of some education loans if needed.

Final decision

Now, you need to make your choice. It might so happen, that you are also interested in fine arts as both fields are interrelated. Check out the basic road map if you are interested in fine arts. With the wide range of career prospects available in the field and the increasing number of institutes that would help you in achieving the dream jobs, you need to set your own goals and work towards them.


Comments

Author: Swati Sharma23 May 2021 Member Level: Gold   Points : 2

An informative article by the author. The field of animation is best for those who are creative. Many types of technical information are required in animation such as scripting, sculpting, life drawing, model animation etc. To become a perfect animator, it is necessary to have a habit of working within the deadline with hard work, visualizing ability, imagination, creativity, logical understanding.



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