ITM Institute Of Design And Media

What Is Animation and VFX Course? Eligibility, Subjects, Fees, Scope & Career

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7 min
What Is Animation and VFX Course? Eligibility, Subjects, Fees, Scope & Career

Introduction: What Is Animation and VFX Course?

The question of what an Animation and VFX course is has become increasingly common among students drawn to films, OTT platforms, gaming, digital media, and visual storytelling. An Animation and VFX course is a professional program designed to teach students to create moving visuals, digital characters, immersive environments, and cinematic effects through a blend of creativity and technology.

Animation refers to the process of creating motion through illustrations, 2D frames, or 3D digital models, while Visual Effects (VFX) focus on enhancing live-action footage with computer-generated imagery (CGI). Together, Animation and VFX form the backbone of modern entertainment, from blockbuster movies and web series to advertisements, mobile games, and virtual experiences.

With the rapid growth of OTT platforms, gaming studios, advertising agencies, and global content production, India has witnessed a sharp rise in demand for trained Animation and VFX professionals. As a result, enrolling in an Animation and VFX course has become a practical and future-oriented career choice for creative students.

What Is the Difference Between Animation and VFX?

Although Animation and VFX are often grouped together, they serve different purposes within the production pipeline.

Animation Explained

Animation involves creating movement using drawings, illustrations, or digital models. It includes:

  • 2D Animation (traditional and digital)
  • 3D Animation (characters, environments)
  • Stop-motion and motion graphics

Animated content is entirely created from scratch and is widely used in cartoons, explainer videos, games, and animated films.

VFX Explained

VFX, or visual effects, are used to enhance or manipulate real-world footage. This includes:

  • Green screen compositing
  • CGI explosions, creatures, or environments
  • Set extensions and digital matte painting

VFX is heavily used in films, OTT series, advertisements, and high-end gaming visuals.

How Animation and VFX Work Together

In most productions, Animation and VFX are interconnected. For example, animated creatures are integrated into live-action scenes using VFX compositing. An Animation and VFX course teaches students how the two disciplines collaborate within real-world production workflows.

Animation and VFX Course Overview

An Animation and VFX course is designed to develop both creative thinking and technical proficiency.

What Students Learn

  • Visual storytelling and design principles
  • Character animation and environment creation
  • Live-action integration with CGI
  • Production pipelines used by studios

Software Tools Covered

Students are trained on industry-standard tools such as:

  • Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects
  • Autodesk Maya, Blender
  • Nuke, Houdini, ZBrush
  • Unreal Engine (for real-time visuals)

Skills Developed

  • Artistic visualization
  • 2D & 3D animation techniques
  • VFX compositing and rendering
  • Problem-solving and collaboration

These animation and VFX course details prepare students for real studio environments.

Animation and VFX Course Duration

The Animation and VFX course duration varies depending on the program type.

Certificate Courses

  • Duration: 6 months to 1 year
  • Focused on specific skills like motion graphics or compositing

Diploma Courses

  • Duration: 1 to 2 years
  • Covers both Animation and VFX fundamentals

Degree Courses (UG & PG)

  • Undergraduate: 3 to 4 years
  • Postgraduate: 1 to 2 years

Degree programs offer deeper conceptual learning and long-term career flexibility.

Animation and VFX Courses After 12th

Students can pursue Animation and VFX courses after 12th without a prior technical background.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Completion of 10+2 from a recognized board
  • Portfolio or aptitude test (for degree programs)

Accepted Streams

  • Arts
  • Science
  • Commerce

Entry Routes

  • Skill-based admission through portfolio review
  • Academic admission via entrance exams

This makes Animation and VFX courses after 12th accessible to creative students from all backgrounds.

Animation and VFX Degree Courses in India

  • India offers a wide range of Animation and VFX degree courses through reputed design schools and universities.
  • These programs are designed to build both creative and technical capabilities in students.

Popular degree options include:

  • B.Des in Animation:
    • A design-oriented program focused on creativity, visual storytelling, and communication.
    • Combines artistic thinking with essential technical animation skills.
  • B.Des in Animation & VFX:
    • Offers a balanced mix of artistic fundamentals and technical, software-based training.
    • Suitable for students interested in the technical side of animation and visual effects.
  • Integrated Programs:
    • Some institutes offer integrated or specialized degrees that combine animation, VFX, gaming, and motion design.
    • These programs provide broader exposure and multidisciplinary learning opportunities.

Animation and VFX Course Syllabus

While syllabi vary, most Animation and VFX courses include:

  • Fundamentals of design, color theory, and drawing
  • 2D animation and storyboarding
  • 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and rigging
  • VFX compositing and CGI integration
  • Motion graphics and visual storytelling
  • Portfolio development and studio projects

These animation and VFX course details ensure job-ready outcomes.

Animation and VFX Course Fees in India

Average Fee Range

  • Certificate courses: ₹50,000 - ₹1.5 lakh
  • Diploma courses: ₹1.5 - ₹3.5 lakh
  • Degree courses: ₹3 - ₹8 lakh (overall)

Factors Affecting Fees

  • Institute reputation
  • Software and lab access
  • Industry exposure and placements

Animation and VFX course fees in India vary significantly based on quality and outcomes.

Animation and VFX Course Fees in Mumbai

Mumbai is a major hub for animation and media education.

Typical Fees

  • Certificate/Diploma: ₹1.5 - ₹4 lakh
  • Degree programs: ₹4 - ₹8 lakh

Why Mumbai?

  • Proximity to film studios and OTT production houses
  • Industry internships and live projects
  • Strong professional networking opportunities

This explains why VFX and animation course fees in Mumbai are often higher than in other cities.

Top Animation and VFX Courses in India & Mumbai

India offers a wide range of Animation and VFX courses across major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Delhi NCR. Students can choose from degree programs like B.Des in Animation or B.Sc in Animation & VFX, diploma courses focused on practical training, and short-term certificate programs targeting specific skills such as 3D animation, VFX compositing, or motion graphics.

Among all cities, Mumbai stands out as a preferred destination for Animation and VFX education. Being the entertainment and media capital of India, Mumbai provides direct exposure to film studios, OTT platforms, advertising agencies, and animation production houses. Institutes in Mumbai emphasize hands-on learning, industry projects, internships, and studio-oriented training, which helps students understand real production workflows.

When choosing from the top Animation and VFX courses in India or Mumbai, students should focus on curriculum relevance, practical exposure, faculty expertise, and placement support to ensure strong career outcomes.

Career Scope After Animation and VFX Course

An Animation and VFX course opens doors to multiple roles:

  • 2D/3D Animator
  • VFX Artist or Compositor
  • Motion Graphics Designer
  • Game Artist
  • Lighting, FX, or Environment Artist

Industries include films, OTT, gaming, advertising, education, and AR/VR.

Salary After Animation and VFX Course

The salary after completing an Animation and VFX course varies based on skill level, portfolio strength, experience, and the type of projects handled.

Entry-Level Salary:

Freshers starting their careers as junior animators, VFX artists, or motion graphics designers typically earn between ₹3 - ₹5 LPA. At this stage, professionals focus on building practical experience and refining technical skills.

Mid-Level Professionals:

With 3-5 years of experience, improved creative expertise, and strong software knowledge, salaries generally range from ₹6 - ₹10 LPA. Mid-level professionals often handle complex tasks and take on greater creative responsibility.

Senior & International Roles:

Experienced artists, leads, and supervisors with advanced specialization can earn ₹12 LPA and above, especially in high-end studios, OTT platforms, gaming companies, and international projects.

Additionally, freelancing and global assignments significantly enhance earning potential, allowing skilled professionals to work with international clients and earn beyond fixed salary structures.

Skills Required to Succeed in Animation and VFX

To thrive in Animation and VFX, students need:

Creative Skills

  • Drawing and visualization
  • Storytelling and aesthetics

Technical Skills

  • Software proficiency
  • Understanding production workflows

Soft Skills

  • Team collaboration
  • Communication and time management

Why Choose ITM Institute of Design & Media for Animation and VFX?

Choosing the right institute is crucial for a successful career in Animation and VFX. ITM Institute of Design & Media stands out as a preferred choice for students who want industry-relevant education combined with strong creative foundations.

The Animation and VFX curriculum at ITM Institute of Design & Media is industry-aligned and regularly updated, ensuring students learn the tools, techniques, and workflows used by professional studios. The program balances creative concepts with technical training, helping students develop both artistic vision and production-ready skills.

A key strength of ITM IDM is its hands-on, project-based learning approach. Students work on practical assignments, studio simulations, and portfolio-driven projects that mirror real-world production environments. This experiential learning model prepares students to transition confidently from academics to professional roles.

The institute also offers access to experienced faculty and industry mentors who bring real studio insights into the classroom. Regular industry interactions, workshops, and internship opportunities further enhance exposure to the Animation and VFX ecosystem.

With a strong focus on career readiness, internships, and placement support, ITM Institute of Design & Media helps students build competitive portfolios and connect with leading studios, making it a reliable pathway for aspiring Animation and VFX professionals.

Conclusion: Is Animation and VFX the Right Career for You?

Animation and VFX is an ideal career choice for individuals who are passionate about visual storytelling, creativity, and digital technology. With the rapid expansion of films, OTT platforms, gaming, advertising, and immersive media, the demand for skilled animation and VFX professionals continues to grow in India and globally. This field offers diverse career paths, competitive salaries, and opportunities to work on high-impact creative projects across industries.

However, success in Animation and VFX depends on strong fundamentals, hands-on training, and continuous skill development. Choosing the right institute is therefore critical. Institutes like ITM Institute of Design & Media help students build a solid creative foundation, gain real-world exposure, and develop industry-ready portfolios.

For students who enjoy combining art with technology and are willing to learn, experiment, and evolve, studying Animation and VFX course can lead to a fulfilling, future-proof, and globally relevant career.

FAQs on What Is Animation and VFX Course

What is Animation and VFX course all about?

It focuses on creating animated visuals and enhancing live-action content using digital tools.

What is the duration of an Animation and VFX course?

It ranges from 6 months to 4 years, depending on the program type.

Can I pursue Animation and VFX courses after 12th?

Yes, students from all streams can apply.

Is B.Des in Animation a good career option?

Yes, it offers strong opportunities for creative and professional growth.

Which city is best for studying Animation and VFX in India?

Mumbai is considered the top hub due to its access to industry and opportunities.