Best Animation Colleges in India: Fees, Admission 2026, Courses, Salary
The Indian Media & entertainment industry, including Animation, is booming, according to industry reports. It is expected to go beyond INR 4 lakh crore by 2030. India has more than 1400 Animation Colleges consisting of government, private and semi-government colleges. Animation education is offered at multiple levels like certificate and diploma level, UG, PG, and integrated programmes. LPU, Amity University Noida, NID Ahmedabad, Loyola College, Parul University, etc. are some of the top colleges. Admission to these colleges are mainly based on Class 12 marks basis or some universities accept entrance exam like CUET.
The Indian Media & entertainment industry, including Animation, is booming, according to industry reports. It is expected to go beyond INR 4 lakh crore by 2030. India has more than 1400 Animation Colleges consisting of government, private and semi-government colleges. Animation education is offered at multiple levels like certificate and diploma level, UG, PG, and integrated programmes. LPU, Amity University Noida, NID Ahmedabad, Loyola College, Parul University, etc. are some of the top colleges. Admission to these colleges are mainly based on Class 12 marks basis or some universities accept entrance exam like CUET.
- Best Animation Colleges in India: Known Facts 2026
- Eligibility Criteria for Admission to Indian Animation Colleges 2026
- Entrance Exams Accepted in Animation Colleges in India 2026
- Best Private Animation Colleges in India
- ROI of the Best Private Animation Colleges in India
- Low-cost Private Animation Colleges in India
- Best Government Animation Colleges in India
- Best Animation Colleges in India with Direct Admission
- Comparison of the Best Animation Colleges in India 2026
Best Animation Colleges in India: Known Facts 2026
| Particulars |
Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total No. of Animation colleges in India |
1,400+ colleges |
| Top Animation specialisations offered in Indian colleges |
Graphic Design, Web Design, Game Design, 3DS Max, Photoshop, etc. |
| Tuition fee range of Animation colleges |
~ INR 800 - INR 30+ lakh |
| Median Salary offered by Animation Institutes |
~ INR 3 LPA - INR 10 LPA |
| Admission Process |
Eligibility Criteria for Admission to Indian Animation Colleges 2026
Listed below is the eligibility criteria of the top Animation colleges in India -
- To get admission to Animation colleges in India, candidates must pass Class 12 boards ith 50% aggregate.
- Admissions are based on merit or entrance exams like NID DAT, CUET, NIFT, or college-specific tests.
Entrance Exams Accepted in Animation Colleges in India 2026
Candidates have score 50% aggregate marks in UG courses or clear entrance exams like CUET, NID and NIFT for admission to Animation colleges. Here is the table below showing entrance exams with schedule and college predictor -
| Exam Name |
Exam Schedule |
Exam College Predictor |
|---|---|---|
| CUET |
CUET College Predictor | |
| NID College Predictor | ||
| NIFT Entrance Exam |
NIFT College Predictor |
Best Private Animation Colleges in India
Top private animation colleges in India offer BSc, BDes, diplomas with fees ranging from INR 89,000 to 20+ Lakhs. Private colleges have better studio standard infrastructure, better placement and creative collaborations than normal universities. Listed below are some of the top 10 animation colleges in India privately owned and their fees -
| Private Colleges | Tuition Fee | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|
| LPU Animation Courses | INR 3 lakh - INR 11.2 lakh | LPU NEST, NIFT, NID, etc. |
| Amity University Noida Animation Courses | INR 2.88 lakh - INR 6.36 lakh | CUET |
| Loyola College Animation Courses | INR 1.23 lakh - INR 3.28 lakh | Merit basis |
| Parul University Animation Courses | INR 25,000 - INR 7 lakh | Merit basis |
| Chandigarh University Animation Courses | INR 2.48 lakh - INR 8.52 lakh | CUCET |
| Amity University Mumbai Animation Courses | INR 3 lakh - INR 4.5 lakh | Merit basis |
| Arena Animation Mumbai Animation Courses | INR 89,100 - INR 5 lakh | Merit basis |
| Galgotias University Animation Courses | INR 75,000 - INR 4.23 lakh | CUET |
| Chitkara University, Himachal Pradesh Animation Courses | INR 7.2 lakh | JEE Main |
| VIT Vellore Animation Courses | INR 1 lakh - INR 2.97 lakh | VITREE |
Note: All info. is from official sites and can change.
ROI of the Best Private Animation Colleges in India
Private animation colleges in India offer a moderate to high ROI, with top colleges like AAFT Noida reporting median packages around INR 10 LPA, often costing INR 97,000 - INR 8.32 lakh. Top private colleges offer excellent placement support in VFX/gaming. Here is the table below showing the top private Animation colleges with fees and median salary -
| Top Colleges |
Tuition Fee |
Median Placement Package |
|---|---|---|
| Amity University, Gurugram Placements | INR 4.16 lakh | INR 3.6 LPA |
| Sister Nivedita University Placements | INR 50,000 - INR 5.95 lakh | INR 5.5 LPA - INR 7.5 LPA |
| AAFT Noida Placements | INR 97,000 - INR 8.32 lakh | INR 10 LPA |
| SVSU - Swami Vivekanand Subharti University Placements | INR 1.01 lakh - INR 2.3 lakh | INR 3 LPA |
| School of Architecture and Design, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies Placements | INR 12.23 lakh | INR 5 LPA |
Note: All info. is from official sites and can change.
Low-cost Private Animation Colleges in India
Several private animation colleges in India offer industry-relevant courses at very reasonable fees. Check out the tuition fee details of some of the most popular affordable private colleges options below.
| Cheap Animation Colleges in India | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Sri Aurobindo Centre For Arts And Communication Fees | INR 75,000 |
| Moople Institute of Animation and Design, Barrackpore Fees | INR 49,560 - INR 64,900 |
| Tron School of Animation, Aurangabad Fees | INR 28,000 - INR 80,000 |
| Arena Animation, Vile Parle Fees | INR 23,000 - INR 80,000 |
| Sankalchand Patel University Fees | INR 45,000 - INR 65,000 |
NOTE: The affordable tuition fees given above are from the college's official site and can change.
Best Government Animation Colleges in India
Top govt. Animation colleges in India like NID Ahmedabad, IIT Bombay (IDC), have the best education and placement opportunities and relatively low fees compared to the private animation colleges. Admission is highly competitive and normally requires the Design Aptitude Test (DAT). Given below are some of the top colleges with tuition fees -
| Government Colleges | Tuition Fee | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|
| INR 13.1 lakh – INR 18.04 lakh |
NID DAT |
|
| UNIPUNE - Savitribai Phule Pune University Animation Courses | INR 1.35 lakh - INR 2.9 lakh | Merit basis |
| IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University Animation Courses | INR 10,000 | Merit basis |
| University of Madras Animation Courses | INR 3,000 | Merit basis |
| Bangalore University Animation Courses | INR 20,500 | Merit basis |
Note: All info. given above are from official college's sites and can change.
Best Animation Colleges in India with Direct Admission
Top animation colleges in India with direct admission include top private institutions. Animation colleges offer B.Sc, B.Des, and diploma programs in animation without rigorous entrance exams.
| College Names | Tuition Fee | Direct Admission Process |
|---|---|---|
| IIFA Multimedia Bangalore Admission | INR 1.9 lakh - INR 6.2 lakh | based on academic merit |
| ICAT Design and Media College Admission | INR 1.6 lakh - INR 6 lakh | passing a mandatory Aptitude Test and Personal Interview |
| Adamas University, Kolkata Admission | INR 1.7 lakh - INR 8.7 lakh | based on academic merit |
Note: All info. is from official sites and can change.
Comparison of the Best Animation Colleges in India 2026
To check the comparison between the top Animation colleges in India, click on the links below.
Best Animation Colleges in India: Fees, Admission 2026, Courses, Salary
Commonly asked questions On Best Animation Colleges in India: Fees, Admission 2026, Courses, Salary
As per the popularity basis by shiksha.com, listed below are some of the top Animation colleges in India with their tuition fees -
| Top Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| LPU | INR 3 lakh - INR 11.2 lakh |
| Amity University Noida | INR 2.88 lakh - INR 6.36 lakh |
| NID Ahmedabad | INR 13.1 lakh - INR 18.04 lakh |
| Loyola College | INR 1.23 lakh - INR 3.82 lakh |
| Parul University | INR 25,000 - INR 7 lakh |
Source: Official site of the colleges and may vary.
India has about 1,400+ Animation colleges, including private, government, and semi-government colleges. The top colleges are LPU, Amity University Noida, Arena Animation, NID Ahmedabad, and many others.
Admission usually based on merit basis or through CUET, NID, NIFT entrance exam in the best Animation colleges in India.
No there should not be any hassle in case of admission after a gap year in private universities. Every year many students take gap year or some like to call it a drop year to take their time to reflect and decide on their eventual career path
Here are some popular Online VFX certification options you can consider:
| Course Name | Course Provider | Course Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Program in Visual Effects (ADVFX Plus) | Maya Academy | INR 3.08 Lakh |
| Advanced Program in 3D Animation (AD3D EDGE Plus) | Frameboxx 2.0 | INR 2.25 Lakh |
| ACS-CGI and VFZ for Films (VFX Film making) | Arena Animation | INR 3.27 Lakh |
| Certificate in Graphics, Animation, VFX, and Gaming | Boston Institute of Analytics | INR 75,000 |
| Professional Development Program In 3D Animation and VFX | Zee Institute of Creative Art | INR 3.3 Lakh |
Note: The information is taken from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
The mode of application for Indian Institute of Fashion and Animation, Bangalore is both online and offline. Students can apply through the institute page. There is also offline mode of applications where students can visit the campus and purchase the application form.
Commonly asked questions On Best Animation Colleges in India: Fees, Admission 2026, Courses, Salary
It is estimated that joining Animation colleges in India can be affordable as most colleges have tuition fees of less than INR 1 lakh. Listed below are some of the colleges along with their fees:
| Low-cost Colleges | Total Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Loyola College | Rs. 62,000 - INR 93,000 |
| Arena Animation | INR 89,000 |
| SGT University Gurgaon | INR 83,000 |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University | INR 80,000 |
| Bangalore University | INR 51,000 |
AAFT Noida offered the highest placement package of INR 10 LPA. Here is the table below shows the top Animation colleges in India with average median package -
Top Colleges | Median Placement Package |
|---|---|
| Amity University, Gurugram Placements | INR 3.6 LPA |
| Sister Nivedita University Placements | INR 5.5 LPA - INR 7.5 LPA |
| AAFT Noida Placements | INR 10 LPA |
| SVSU - Swami Vivekanand Subharti University Placements | INR 3 LPA |
| School of Architecture and Design, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies Placements | INR 5 LPA |
Note: All info. is from official sites and can change.
Yes, animators are in demand. You can refer below for the career options below:
- Advertising
- Online and Print News Media
- Film & Television
- Cartoon production
- Theater
- Video Gaming
- E-learning
Scope of Animation:
- Storyboarding Artists
- Character Animators
- Rigging Artists
- Texture Artists
- Layout Artists
- Compositor
- Roto Artists
- Match Moving Artists
Globally the animation industry is huge and as an animation artist, applicants have great scope both in India and abroad. Animation as a profession is a very high-paying job. The animation industry in India as well as abroad is expected to grow at a pace faster than the Information Technology industry. For more details, you may visit the Shiksha Animation page. (https://www.shiksha.com/animation-chp). I hope this will help you.
Students can pursue VFX courses through online mode of learning. Some of the popular courses are tabulated below:
Name of Online Courses | Course Provider | Duration |
|---|---|---|
i-Nurture | 36 months | |
MAAC | 432 hours | |
Aptech | - | |
TCS ion | 145 hours |
Note: The information is taken from external sites and may vary.
To secure a seat at Alva's College, students can check the following steps presented below:
- Visit the official website and complete the online application process.
- Ensure eligibility and merit-based selection for UG and PG programs.
- Attend personal interview as per the selection process.
- Upon being selected, pay the specified fee to confirm and secure your seat.
Animation Applications open. Apply Now
Commonly asked questions On Best Animation Colleges in India: Fees, Admission 2026, Courses, Salary
India has about 1285 Animation colleges which is distributed widely among its metropolitian cities and given below are some of the best cities to pursue Animation in India:
| City Name | No. of Colleges | Popular Colleges |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi/NCR | 220+ | Arena Animation, Amity University, World UNiversity of Design, etc. |
| Mumbai | 140+ | Arena Animation, Amity University, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, etc. |
| Kolkata | 100+ | Arena Animation, Sister Nivedita University, Amity University, etc. |
| Bangalore | 90+ | Arena Animation, Arena Creative Campus, Jain University, etc. |
Hope this helps!
Yes, A career in animation is one of the most highly-paying jobs in this digital world, especially for those who have good creative and drawing skills. The highest-paying companies for animation artists are The Walt Disney Company and Microsoft according to our most recent salary estimates.
In addition, companies like Blur Studio and Pixar Animation Studios report highly competitive wages for animation artists. The average salary for an Animator is INR 7 to 20 Lacs per annum in India. Animators make INR 63,55,835 per year on average, or INR 3,055 per hour, in the USA.
For more details, click here: Animation courses
I hope this will help you.
No. Animation colleges in India do not require NEET or JEE scores. These entrance exams are only for medical and engineering colleges respectively. Animation admissions are either based on Class 12 marks, a college-specific entrance test, a design aptitude test, or a portfolio review. Some prestigious institutes like NID (National Institute of Design) conduct their own separate entrance exams like NID DAT, and NIFT conducts the NIFT Entrance Test for design-related programs.
Because of the convenience and flexibility, online VFX courses are becoming popular day by day. In an online programme, lectures are given via video conferencing, while notes, exams, and checking are done via an LMS.
One can enrol in an Online courses while residing in another city because there are no on-site classes. It also gives an opportunity to the students to learn and perform at their own pace and take their career to further growth.
Hope this helps!!!
Chandigarh University, UP Campus admissions to all its courses through CUCET are currently open. Eligible candidates can register online by visiting the official website of the university. Students can check the table below to know course-wise total tuition fees for some of the courses:
Courses | Total tuition fee |
|---|---|
BTech | INR 5.1 lakh- INR 14 lakh |
BCom | INR 5.8 Lacs - INR 7.9 lakh |
BPharma | INR 8.1 lakh-INR 10.8 lakh |
MTech | INR 2.6 Lacs - INR 3.4 lakh |
Note: This information is sourced from official website/ sanctioning body and is subject to change.
Commonly asked questions On Best Animation Colleges in India: Fees, Admission 2026, Courses, Salary
There are a number of scholarships that are available for animation students. National Scholarship Portal (NSP), run by the central govt, provides scholarships for students from economically weaker sections and SC/ST/OBC category. The state governments also offer merit-cum-means scholarships to students who are doing professional and creative courses. NID and NIFT also offer their own scholarship and fee waiver programmes for eligible candidates.
Many colleges in India also offer VFX courses and certifications online. You can check out the list of the best online VFX courses in India in the table below -
| VFX Course Online | Course Provider | Course Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Graphics, Animation, VFX, and Gaming | Boston Institute of Analytics | INR 75,000 |
| PG Diploma in Motion Graphic Design | AND Academy | INR 1 Lakh |
| Online BBA in Animation and VFX Management | Jain Deemed-to-be University | INR 1.65 Lakh |
| Program in Visual Effects (VFX Plus) | Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity | INR 1.92 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Arts in VFX and Animation | Arena Animation | INR 3.07 Lakh |
Note - The information is taken from the official website of the institute.
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Of course, you can. The basic eligibility requirement to pursue a PG degree or Diploma course is to have a bachelor's degree only. Irrespective of the discipline you got your degree from, you are eligible to pursue a PG degree or Diploma course in VFX. Though you'll need to crack entrance exams for some PG degree courses.
Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences provides the flagship Bachelor of Science (BSc) program, which provides a solid Scientific foundation to students. The course is available in various specializations, and is geared towards the Agricultural fields. The SHUATS BSc programme is available in various relevant specializations like Nursing, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Community Science, among others.
MAAC, South Extension offers over 12 certificate and 10 UG Diploma courses. The institute offers courses in various specialisations such as 2D / 3D Animation, Animation Film Making, Graphic / Web Design, etc. Admission to MAAC, South Delhi courses is merit. Candidates can apply online via the institute's website or visit the campus for further details.
Commonly asked questions On Best Animation Colleges in India: Fees, Admission 2026, Courses, Salary
ZICA Bhubaneshwar offers a solitary degree course. The institute offers a BVoc programme in Animation Visual Effects, the programme is for three years. Candidates who want to secure admission into the programme should make sure they have cleared their Class 12 exam. The institute does not provide any other degree programme and only offers Diploma and certificate programmes.
Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R and D Institute of Science and Technology provides various programmes and specialisations to students. These courses are available in different streams. For obtaining Vel Tech admission, candidates are selected on the basis of entrance tests. For further details, candidates may visit the official website and learn more regarding the eligibility details for their preferred course choice. Accepted exams include VTUEEE, CLAT, TANCET, etc.
Alliance University is considered as a Tier 2 university. It is a 1st private university in South India in Karnataka State by Act No. 34 and is recognised by the UGC. The university offers UG, PG, Diploma and PhD courses through 10+ constitutent colleges across various streams like Engineering, Management, Commerce, Law, Design, and others.
Dev Bhoomi School of Architecture and Design offers both undergraduate and graduate courses in architecture and design. The key programs include
Bachelor of Architecture B.Arch A comprehensive five year course covering architectural design, construction and urban planning.
Bachelor of Design B.Des A four year programme with specializations in interior design, product design and graphic design.
Master of Architecture M.Arch A two year advanced course for postgraduate studies in architecture.
Diploma in Architecture A shorter programme providing foundational knowledge, in architecture and design.
The school focuses on practical learning through studio work, internships and partnerships with the industry to equip students for diverse careers in design and architecture.
Commonly asked questions On Best Animation Colleges in India: Fees, Admission 2026, Courses, Salary
No, students cannot apply offline for admission in Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research. Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research application process is conducted in online mode. For the offline process, students must check with the college administration.
Yes, Amity School of Media and Drama accept CBSE 12th score. The basic eligibility criteria is 10+2 passed. For UG candidates scoring above 80%, a direct admission will be provided for them, Irrespective of the boards they belong to (CBSE/ISC/State-Boards).Students from any of the aboveboard can easily gain admission to the college.
The various courses at Kalapurnam Institute are offered across 4 departments of Multimedia, Design, Cinematic, and Marketing. These courses offer the students with a solid foundation in the Media and Design sector. Below mentioned are the various specializations at Kalapurnam Institute in the Multimedia domain:
Multimedia |
Animation |
Visual Effects |
Graphic Design |
Compositing & Editing |
Web Design |
Motion Graphics |
UI/UX Design |
Sister Nivedita University is a good choice for students interested in either the Engineering or Management streams with the university being ranked 113 and 105 in the Engineering and Management categories, respectively by Outlook Ranking 2025.
The university is also known for its other UG, PG, Diploma and certificate courses with Sister Nivedita University Kolkata being a good choice overall for many students depending on their interests.
Commonly asked questions On Best Animation Colleges in India: Fees, Admission 2026, Courses, Salary
Yes, CGC University Mohali offers on-campus hostel facilities to its students. The insitute has a capacity to accomodate a total of 4,800 students. Provision for seperate hostel buildings for male and female students are made. The students have choice for the room format and AC/Non-AC room type. The rooms are offered in 2 seater, 3 seater, 4 seater and 5 seater room format. The hostel rooms are furnished with basic amenities like a bed, an almira, a study desk and a personal locker. To ensure safety CCTV cameras and gaurds are on duty 24*7. Medical facility is also provided by a medical room operational 24*7 and in case of emergencies the nearest hospitals are contacted.
Arena Animation Aurobindo Institute offers various courses for the students interested in Animation, Game Development, UI-UX, Graphic Designing, VFX, Digital Marketing, Mass Communication and Web Design. These courses are offered at UG, short-term and Certification levels. Some of the courses with their specialisations include Animation Prime, Graphic and Web Design, Game Development, UI-UX Professional, BSc in Multimedia and Animation and BA Multimedia and Mass Communication.
Adamas University in Kolkata offers direct admission to most undergraduate courses if students score 80% or higher in their Class 12 exams or 70% in other Higher Secondary examinations. This waives the need for the AUAT entrance exam.
Swaminarayan University is visited by top companies for placements such as Wipro, Godrej, and others. Some of the Swaminarayan University campus facilities include digital classrooms, library and labs, hostel facilities, gym, and others. The university is approved by UGC, AICTE, Ministry of Education, Education Department Govt. of Gujarat, Bar Council of India, Pharmacy Council of India, Gujarat Nursing Council, Indian Nursing Council, and others. Hence, choosing this university can prove as a great decision.