VFX & Animation

The VFX & Animation programme covers various aspects of animation, visual effects, graphics designing, cartoons, games, etc. The candidates learn to apply different tools and methods to create animated visuals and high-quality graphics for games, movies, television shows and extra. These courses are also required in the technical field to design graphics for websites.

Individuals who seek creative jobs in the technical, advertising or animation fields can consider VFX & Animation programmes. These programmes enable you to express your creativity through animation, graphics and other visual tools. It also offers great job opportunities in different fields of entertainment and technology.

Currently, in India, the VFX & Animation course is in high demand. Also, anyone with skills and required qualification can easily score the best jobs with great salary packages. The VFX & Animation subject is abstract and not like the mainline jobs. But within a short period, anyone can grow their career path rapidly. Therefore, candidates interested in games, cartoons, and animations must opt for a VFX & Animation course. 

VFX & Animation Overview

The VFX & Animation course is a professional course at undergraduate level for the students who have successfully completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognised board. The duration of the VFX & Animation course is 3 years. The students must have obtained a minimum of 50% marks in order to pursue this course. The VFX & Animation course trains the students to be an expert in 2D and 3D animation. The students are also taught and trained in learning about different aesthetics involved in VFX. In Visual effects, students also learn the art of storyboarding, compositing, comics design, infographics arts, etc.  

The  VFX & Animation course is liked by those students who are creative in their approach and have an artistic bent of mind. The students need to have different skill sets in order to be a good animator or VFX artist. They should observe things around them and must have an eye for detail. The imagination skills along with observation skills support the technical skills that are taught at the graduation level. The students need to be perfect in all these skills to excel in the field of animation and art. 

The students willing to explore career opportunities in the VFX & Animation industries must be aware about the latest trends. They must possess the knowledge of all the softwares that is used in the industry in the current scenario to prove their worth. The students must be technically sound, have good visual awareness, and must be able to comprehend the basics of design and Physics. The students who want to grow as a VFX artist must have an idea about how raw footage gets completed into a full fledged movie or commercials with the help of animation, graphics, visual effects, and design.

Candidates interested in pursuing a VFX & Animation course must be aware of the highlights of the programme. 

The VFX & Animation course is purely based on the interest of the candidate. Candidates are eligible to apply for the course anytime after their class 12. Therefore, there is no ideal or perfect time to choose a VFX & Animation subject for a career path. But opting for a VFX & Animation course will surely help candidates to a leap in the career path in their passion. Currently, in India the VFX & Animation course is highly-demanded and not many skilled candidates are available. Also, there are multiple opportunities to join any industry after completion of the VFX & Animation course. So, whenever a candidate is motivated to pursue their passion in a VFX & Animation course, they may opt for it.

VFX & Animation course is available for anyone. It does not require any candidate to be from any particular stream. Anyone who has the interest and passion to pursue a career in VFX & Animation may apply for it. The minimum qualification required is class 12. Therefore, any who has completed class 12, and wish to study VFX & Animation subject, may join any of the courses at a diploma or graduation level. The VFX & Animation course is also available in certificate programmes as well.

The scope of VFX & Animation in India is growing rapidly in the last few years. The entertainment industry, gaming industry, and TV channels depend on skilled animators to do their jobs. Therefore, there is always demand for candidates with VFX & Animation degrees. 

Anyone who is interested in editing, graphic design, photography, game development, or other such interests, must choose to study VFX & Animation subject. The VFX & Animation subject in itself is wide and offers a variety of options to choose a career path. Further, to emerge as a skilled animator after completion of the VFX & Animation course, candidates must have some skills. So, with skills and practical knowledge, the VFX & Animation industry offers great opportunities and jobs.

The eligibility criteria are the benchmark that is set for candidates to pursue VFX & Animation courses. Those who successfully meet the minimum required criteria may apply for the VFX & Animation course. Although different colleges/ institutes set their eligibility criteria and selection process for the admissions of VFX & Animation subjects, there are some basic requirements that are common. To get admission in VFX & Animation courses offered in India, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• Minimum Qualification Required: Candidates must have mandatorily completed their 10+2 (any stream) from a recognized education board. Some institutes also accept candidates on the basis of their class 10 performances for the certificate courses.
• Minimum Marks Required: For VFX & Animation admissions to a diploma or graduation programmes, candidates must pass class 12 Board Exams. There are no minimum marks required. However, some colleges may specify the requirements on their official website. Candidates may check online for the preferred colleges for the eligibility criteria.
• Work Experience: Almost none of the colleges require candidates to have prior work experience. For details, candidates should visit the website of the college online and go through the brochure.

The VFX & Animation course is not like other regular courses. It is a specialisation in itself and focuses on the core requirements. Hence, the course can be completed as a certificate course, diploma, or degree. Interested candidates can directly apply for any of the courses right after class 12. Here is the programme available for VFX & Animation courses in various colleges in India:

Also Read: List of Animation Courses After 12th: Details, Fees, Scope, Jobs & Salary

VFX & Animation Course Comparison

BSc Creative Multimedia & Animation is another course that has certain similarities with VFX & animation course as this course also deals with multimedia and animation. The students can check a few of the similarities and differences it shares with the VFX & Animation course.

The VFX & Animation admissions depend on the programme or course the candidate is opting for. All the courses have different admission criteria and procedures. Candidates must first check the minimum eligibility criteria of the college and then check the admission process of the particular college/institution. Further, the minimum admission criteria require the candidates to have completed their class 12. Here are the VFX & Animation admission process depending on the programme:

• Admission to the Certification in VFX & Animation (a two-months long programme) can be taken after passing the class 10 Board Exams.
• Candidates aspiring to enrol for other certificate programmes or diploma programmes in VFX & Animation can take admission after completing class 12 by filling the fees at the respective institute.
• Admissions to degree programmes are done on the basis of a merit list and candidates are required to score at least 60% marks in class 12 board exams from a recognised board of education.
• Some universities/colleges/institutes admit students directly without any minimum eligibility criteria.

There are no particular entrance exams for the diploma or certificate courses offered for VFX & Animation subjects. However, for the undergraduate programme some colleges accept entrance exam scores or conduct institute-level entrance exams. Candidates opting for undergraduate programmes for VFX & Animation must prepare to appear for entrance exams. Candidates are advised to check online on the official website of the college/institute for the admission process and selection process of the particular college first. Some of the entrance exams conducted are:

NID DAT 

NID DAT entrance exam is conducted by the National Institute of Design which stands for the National Institute of Design – Design Aptitude Test (NID DAT). The entrance exam comprises two parts. The first part is the prelims and the second is the main examination. The first stage is a pen-paper based entrance test. Whereas the second part of the entrance exams is a studio-based test. Candidates will have to qualify in both rounds to be admitted to the VFX & Animation course for the undergraduates. 

BIT Entrance Test 

The Birla Institute of Technology conducts the BIT Entrance test for admission to the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in VFX & Animation. The BIT Entrance Test is conducted online for 90 minutes. Candidates who qualify for the entrance exam will have to appear for a personal interview round. Candidates will be marked based on their performances in all the rounds. 40% weightage will be given to the entrance test, 50% for the class 12 performance and 10% for the personal interview round.

ITM IDM Entrance Test – 

The ITM IDM entrance test is a four-hour online entrance exam conducted by the ITM Group of institutions. The entrance exams are divided into two parts and each part is of two hours. The first stage of the ITM IDM Entrance Test is the Common Intelligence Test (CIT). Whereas the second is the Creative Aptitude Test (CAT). candidates will also have to appear for the personal interview rounds after the entrance test.

Other popular entrance exams that candidates may appear for VFX & Animation course admissions for undergraduate programmes are:

• DUET- Delhi University Entrance Test
• JNUEE- Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination
• IPU CET- Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test

Preparation Tips for VFX & Animation Entrance Exams

As Animation and VFX are specialized courses and are offered by limited institutions, it is important that the students must know how to prepare for the entrance examinations. Most of the questions that are asked in the entrance examination of VFX & Animation courses are aptitude based. The students are mainly judged on the basis of their creativity in the entrance examination alongside the theoretical and practical knowledge of the subject. The tests, whether they are based on intelligence or aptitude, ultimately try to assess the knowledge of the students. The students must keep certain points as mentioned below in their mind while preparing for entrance examinations for VFX & Animation course. 

• As the entrance examination mainly checks the aptitude of the students, they must practice questions from previous year papers and also mock tests based on aptitude.
• The students after clearing their written examination also have to go through the process of interview. The students must improve their interview skills by practicing questions that are usually asked in interviews. They should also work on their presentation and communication skills.
• The knowledge of the English language is of immense importance. As most of the programs related to this field are available in English, a good hold of English will always help in doing this course and clearing interviews easily. 

As still an emerging stream of career, the VFX & Animation course is available in a few colleges/institutes. Although the VFX & Animation subject is in demand, it is necessary to choose the college that is best suited for the candidate. There are various private minor institutes that may provide the VFX & Animation course. Candidates must first check the reviews and rankings of the institutes/colleges. Then they may apply to suitable colleges/institutes. Here are some of the top VFX & Animation Colleges in India:

Studying VFX & Animation abroad is a choice that many take. Going to study abroad involves a lot of expenses, but it also brings many new opportunities and jobs outside India. Although India is regarded as one of the top destinations to pursue VFX & Animation courses, many students still want to go abroad for their VFX & Animation courses. Candidates who have completed their class 12 may apply for VFX & Animation subjects abroad. The admission process differs from college to college and from country to country. Candidates must visit the official website of the particular college in order to apply online. Each institute/ college/ university has its own methods for the admission process. Some conduct interviews and some ask to submit research papers. Candidates will be judged on their academic performances, quality of the application forms, and the research paper submitted or personal interview for the final merit list. Candidates who meet the list must then fill out the application fees and join the institute for classes.

Some of the most popular destinations that are best for VFX & Animation courses apart from India are the USA, UK, Canada, and Spain. Other countries also offer the VFX & Animation subjects, but most Indian candidates opt for these destinations. Further, to avail of the student's visa to go abroad and study, candidates must appear for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A valid score in any of these exams is necessary. Candidates can check online on the official website of the colleges for the minimum score required.

Some of the best VFX & Animation colleges in the world are located in the prime cities of different countries. However, here are the best VFX & Animation colleges abroad that candidates may choose from to go to complete their education:

The VFX & Animation course fees differ from programme to college. The VFX & Animation course fees for diploma and certificate need to be submitted within the period of the course. However, for a graduation degree in VFX & Animation course, candidates will have to pay the course fees in semesters or annually as the college/university seeks. 

Here are the VFX & Animation course fees of some institutions/colleges:

A VFX & Animation course is merely a degree or certificate that one can acquire. But without skills, interest, motivation, and knowledge it is not quite useful. Candidates must have the urge to learn more and extend their horizons of learning to maintain the needs of the current generation. Degrees or certificates can be earned once. But skills can be developed through time and experience. And if one does not have an interest to improve their skills, the degree or certificate in VFX & Animation will not be of much use. Hence, here are some of the skills that are of utmost necessity to complete a VFX & Animation course:

• Creative mind to create unique and attractive animations and graphics
• Imaginative Skills
• Familiarity with Software
• An Eye for Detail
• Good Presentation Skills
• Original and Innovative
• Good Visual awareness
• Ability to Work in Strict Deadlines
• Communication Skills
• Passion
• Team Player

Key Softwares

Apart from these skills candidates must also have some knowledge and experience of these software on VFX & Animation tools to operate and perform the tasks:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Bojou/Syntheye
• Adobe After Effects
• The Foundry Nuke X
• Autodesk Maya
• Apple Final Cut Pro
• Ruine/XFrog
• Apple Soundtrack Pro

Also Read: Rise of Animation & Gaming Courses in India

The VFX & Animation course curriculum revolves around a few major aspects of the programme. Candidates will have to study VFX and Animation Course, 2D Classical & Digital Animation, Fundamentals of Art and Design, 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Learning about the mixing of real film footage with the animated images, and Modern world advancement in animations. All these are the important factors of the VFX & Animation course curriculum. All the subjects are designed and linked with these major topics. Candidates will have to have proper knowledge in all the aspects to complete the VFX & Animation course successfully. 

The syllabus for different VFX & Animation courses varies. Topics or subjects for VFX & Animation depend on the course type whether it is a certificate, diploma, or under-graduation. The syllabus for the particular programme is fixed by the institute/college.  But, some of the common subjects or topics that are taught in the courses are mentioned below.

VFX & Animation Syllabus for B.Sc. in Animation and VFX course

As an undergraduate programme for VFX & Animation, B.Sc. in Animation and VFX course has a standard course syllabus. Candidates will have these subjects throughout their course:

 VFX & Animation Course Important Books

It is important that the students must go through the important books prescribed for the VFX & Animation course . Even though there are hundreds of books available in the market, the students can refer to the below mentioned list for getting an idea about the most important and recognised books in the field of VFX & Animation. 

The income or revenue generation in the VFX & Animation industry has doubled since 2016. The industry seems to be developing and building a wide range of opportunities and scope for young candidates in India. After completion of a VFX & Animation course, candidates can easily get jobs in various sectors that require VFX & Animation. Candidates may practice freelancing, work under seniors or start their own companies or start-ups in the VFX & Animation field. There is an abundance of scope in India after VFX & Animation courses for all candidates. 

Also Read: Mass Communication Vs Animation - Which Course is a Better Option After Class 12?

There is no fixed, minimum, or maximum salary in the field of VFX & Animation subject. It completely depends on the skills, experience, and knowledge of the candidate. However, there are some basic salary pay grades depending on some factors. Here are the details of it:

• Salary after pursuing VFX & Animation courses can vary from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh per annum.
• Salary after degree courses combined with certificate courses is better than any of the courses pursued alone.
• Experienced candidates can earn up to Rs. 10 lakhs per annum or more in this field. Usually, salaries offered to individuals who have taken up technical profiles are more as compared to other jobs.

 VFX & Animation Job Roles

The best part of this course is the plenty of good job opportunities for the deserving students. The students can work on multiple profiles depending upon their expertise and interests. Some of the common job profiles that the students get after completing their graduation in VFX & Animation course are as follows.

• Animator - The job profile of a 3D artist includes making 3D models and images as desired by the client. They are responsible for creating three dimensional animation for videos, movies and video games. They also work for websites and help in the development of the website by enhancing their looks. The average salary is Rs 5-6 lakhs per annum.
• 3D Artist - The job profile of a 3D artist includes making 3D models and images as desired by the client. They are responsible for creating three dimensional animation for videos, movies and video games. They also work for websites and help in the development of the website by enhancing their looks. The average salary is Rs  5 – 7 lakhs per annum.
• Video Game Developer - As the anime suggests, they are interesting people who are experts in gaming design with the help of animation tools. They are engineers who use technical codes to develop games based on software. Most of the gaming industry sustains because of the concept of animation and visual effects. A video game is nothing without animation and effects.  The average salary is Rs  8 – 10 lakhs per annum.
• Animation Technical Director- They are the supreme in the field of animation. They give directions on making the exact visual graphics as per the need and demand. They direct animation films and videos. They are the most respected people.  The average salary is Rs  15 – 19 lakhs per annum.

VFX & Animation and Animation is a popular field, even in India, and various jobs are available for skilled animators who know how to work with VFX & Animation tools. Some of the top employment areas and job profiles that candidates can explore after completing VFX & Animation courses are:

Top Recruiters after completing VFX & Animation Course

After completing the VFX & Animation course, candidates can approach these recruiting agencies that provide the best salary jobs:

Also Read: Best Animation Courses after Class 10: Eligibility, Admission Process, Scope