Best Animation Colleges in India

In today’s tech-driven world, animation has emerged as a popular and in-demand career choice. From gaming and advertising to films and the broader entertainment sector, animation plays a central role across industries. As a result, many students are now eager to pursue professional courses in this field. To guide you, we’ve compiled a list of the top Animation Colleges in India where you can kickstart a successful career in animation.

Animation Colleges in India: Quick Overview

Here is a quick overview of the best animation colleges in India so that you know what’s coming. 

College Name	Location
National Institute of Design (NID)	Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Industrial Design Centre (IDC), IIT Bombay	Mumbai, Maharashtra
MIT Institute of Design (MITID)	Pune, Maharashtra
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT)	Vellore, Tamil Nadu
St. Xavier’s College	Mumbai, Maharashtra
IIFA Multimedia	Bangalore, Karnataka
Picasso Animation College	Delhi NCR
Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC)	Multiple Cities (India)

Animation Education in India

Animation is how we make pictures move and talk, like in cartoons, games, and movies. In India, many big schools now teach how to do this in a smart and proper way. After Class 12, students can join special courses to learn drawing, computer skills, and how to tell fun and powerful stories using pictures. These courses help them become great artists who can work in movies, games, and TV.

How to Select the Right Animation College

Picking the best college for animation is a big step. You need to look at a few important things to make sure the college will help you grow your talent and get a good job later.

Step 1: Pick a college that people trust
Make sure the college is well-known, has good reviews, and is approved by the government.

Step 2: Check the courses and what they teach
Look at the course list — does it have what you want to learn, like 2D, 3D, VFX, or game design?

Step 3: See the tools and teachers
A great college should have strong computers, new software, and teachers who’ve worked in real animation jobs.

Step 4: Know who gives jobs after
Check if big studios and companies come to hire students after the course ends.

Step 5: Think about money and help
Compare the fees and see if it fits your pocket. Also, ask if they give scholarships or payment help.

Also Read: BSc Animation

Top Animation Colleges in India

Now the best part, let’s see what’s here and what are some coolest colleges in India for animation. 

National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad

This is India’s most respected design school where animation is taught at a serious professional level. NID admission is extremely competitive, but graduates often work at top studios globally.

Overview:
NID is a central design university established in 1961 and designated as an Institute of National Importance. Its animation and film design programs are highly selective and globally recognized.

Quick Facts:

• Established: 1961
• Location: Ahmedabad (with campuses in Gandhinagar, Bengaluru)
• Notable Alumni: Lekha Washington, Rahul Mishra, Harun Robert

Courses Offered:

• B.Des in Animation & Film Design (4 years)
• M.Des in Animation & Film Design (~30 months)

Admission Process:

1. Fill application form.
2. Clear NID-DAT Prelims (aptitude test).
3. Clear DAT Mains (studio test + portfolio + interview).

Placement:
Most graduates land roles in top studios, UX divisions of tech firms, or global media agencies. The institute’s network and reputation help students get hired by leading companies like Adobe, Tata, or Reliance.

Also Read: Top VFX Courses: Universities, Fees, Eligibility

Industrial Design Centre (IDC), IIT Bombay

IDC at IIT Bombay is a top-tier design school offering a master’s in animation design and known for blending technology with creative design. With state-of-the-art studios and cross-disciplinary exposure, IDC shapes future leaders in animation.

Overview:
Part of IIT Bombay, IDC was founded in 1969 and offers B.Des, M.Des, and integrated design programs with animation focus. It’s dedicated Animation Studio provides tools for both academic and research-oriented work.

Quick Facts:

• Established: 1969
• Location: Powai, Mumbai
• Notable Alumni: Pranav Mistry, Udaya Kumar

Courses Offered:

• B.Des (4 years) — includes animation communication stream
• M.Des in Animation Design (2 years)

Admission Process:
Students apply via UCEED for UG and CEED for PG programs, followed by portfolio review and interviews.

Placement:
IDC graduates frequently join global creative firms, tech R&D labs, and leading design studios. Their cross-disciplinary training makes them highly employable.

MIT Institute of Design (MITID), Pune

MITID offers modern design education with an emphasis on animation design blended with emerging technologies. Its programs foster creativity and conceptual thinking alongside technical animation skills.

Overview:
Part of MIT Art, Design & Technology University, founded in 2015, MITID delivers UG and PG programs in animation, graphic, film, and immersive media design.

Quick Facts:

• Established: 2015
• Location: Pune, Maharashtra
• Notable alumni: Fresh graduates placed in creative agencies and startups

Courses Offered:

• B.Des in Animation Design (4 years)
• M.Des in Animation Design (2 years)

Admission Process:
Entrance via MIT University design test or UCEED, followed by portfolio submission and interview.

Placement:
MITID students have been placed in brands and studios in India and abroad, with focus on emerging technologies, UX, and animation startups.

Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore

VIT adds animation to its tech-heavy curriculum, crafting a unique blend of creativity and engineering for students. Their animation programs are integrated with game design and interactive media.

Overview:
VIT offers a BDes in Animation & Digital Arts that combines animation, game design, and digital storytelling. Emphasis is on practical, studio-based learning.

Quick Facts:

• Established: 1984
• Location: Vellore, Tamil Nadu
• Notable alumni: Game developers, multimedia designers

Courses Offered:

• B.Des in Animation & Digital Arts (4 yrs)

Admission Process:
Selection via VITEEE or design-specific test, followed by portfolio review and interview.

Placement:
Many graduates are placed in game studios, animation production houses, and interactive media firms across India.

Also Read: Top 5 Animation Courses in New Zealand

St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai

St. Xavier’s blends arts with animation courses to offer creative alternatives for design and multimedia aspirants. Its animation electives among liberal arts give a mixed experience.

Overview:
A historic liberal arts college offering certificate and elective courses in graphic design and animation within its mass media or visual arts degree framework.

Quick Facts:

• Established: 1869
• Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Notable alumni: Media professionals, visual artists

Courses Offered:

• Visual Arts / Mass Media degree with animation electives
• Certificate short courses in 2D animation

Admission Process:
Apply via the college entrance; select electives during program orientation.

Placement:
Graduates find roles in advertising firms, media agencies, digital marketing, and content studios.

IIFA Multimedia, Bangalore

IIFA Multimedia is a private training institute offering intensive animation and VFX courses tailored for industry readiness. It attracts students with its hands-on approach and Bangalore-based tech exposure.

Overview:
Specialized institute offering diplomas in animation, VFX, game design and multimedia with strong industry focus.

Quick Facts:

• Established: mid‑2000s
• Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
• Notable alumni: Animators working at tech and media studios

Courses Offered:

• Diploma in 2D/3D Animation
• Diploma in VFX & Game Design

Admission Process:
Apply online or on‑campus; course counseling and demo test.

Placement:
IIFA provides placement assistance; alumni work at startups, studios, and game companies in Bengaluru and beyond.

Picasso Animation College, Delhi

Picasso College is a major private animation school offering diplomas and degree-level programs focused on creativity and software expertise. Known for bridging academic learning with portfolio-ready skills.

Overview:
Founded as one of North India’s leading animation schools, Picasso offers degree and diploma programs across animation, VFX, broadcasting, and game art.

Quick Facts:

• Established: early 2000s
• Location: Delhi NCR
• Notable alumni: Animators in media houses and game studios

Courses Offered:

• B.Sc in Animation & Multimedia (3 years)
• Diploma in Animation & VFX

Admission Process:
Entrance test or merit-based review, followed by portfolio showcase.

Placement:
Picasso students are placed in media agencies, animation studios, and corporate digital teams.

Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC)

MAAC is India’s largest chain of institutes for VFX, animation, and game design, emphasizing job-readiness and industry-aligned courses. Strong network of centers and praxis makes MAAC a popular choice.

Overview:
Run by Aptech, MAAC started in 2001 and today has over 133 centers across India and one in Vietnam. Its curriculum is frequently updated to match industry standards.

Quick Facts:

• Established: 2001
• Location: Multiple cities across India
• Notable alumni: Placed at MPC, DNEG, Prime Focus, Amazon, Red Chillies VFX

Courses Offered:

• 3D Animation Pro
• IPVAD (International Program in Visual Arts & Design)
• Diploma in VFX, Game Design, Motion Graphics

Admission Process:
Enroll at local center, take demo class, course counseling, and register. No centralized exam.

Placement:
MAAC provides career training and showreel development. Recruiters include DQ Entertainment, MPC, Red Chillies, Amazon, NY VFXwaala, Green Gold Animation, Accenture, etc.

Also Read: Top 8 Online Animation Courses with Certificates

FAQs

So, this was our list of the best Animation Colleges in India. From the details we provided, you can easily find the college you find most suitable for yourself, where you would want to pursue your degree in animation. In case you have any other queries regarding these colleges and their admission procedure, you can contact us at Leverage Edu. Our experts are always there to help you out. Sign up for a free session today!