Just finished Class 12th and interested in animation, VFX, or gaming? Well, you absolutely do not need to be an expert artist to start. You need creativity, patience, and a willingness to learn industry software like Blender, Maya, After Effects, and Adobe Animate.
Now, here is something people often get stuck on- there are many animation courses after 12th, from short certificate programmes to full-time degrees- which one to pursue? Still, the right choice is in your hands- whether you want a quick entry into the industry, a strong design foundation, or a specialised career in 3D animation or VFX. So, to sort out this confusion of yours and give you clarity, we’ve dedicated this entire blog. Here you will find everything you need to begin your journey in the animation field after 12th.
Why Pursue Animation Courses After 12th?
So, at the very first, you should know that why exactly people pursue animation courses after 12th? Then this is the simple answer-
Job Security with High Salary
Animation offers strong career growth for people who keep improving their portfolio and specialise in areas such as 3D animation, VFX, gaming, or motion graphics. Entry-level pay may be modest, but experienced artists with strong portfolios can earn significantly more.
High Demand for Skilled Animators
Animation is everywhere now, and you can see that. It is used in films, OTT platforms, gaming, advertising, education, architecture, and social media. And as digital content consumption is growing, studios and brands need artists who can create engaging visuals, characters, and motion graphics. In fact, the government sector is planning to build a workforce of over 2 million people by 2030.
Multiple Career Options
An animation course does not limit you to one job. You can work as a 2D animator, 3D animator, VFX artist, motion graphics designer, game artist, storyboard artist, or visual effects compositor. That means you can expose yourself to more career options than you can think of.
Freelancing and Remote Work Opportunities
Not only the above ones, but animation skills can also help you earn through freelance projects, YouTube channels, social media content, brand collaborations, and remote work. However, freelancing income is not guaranteed in the beginning, so build your portfolio and then build your client base gradually.
Creative Satisfaction
Animation lets you turn ideas into characters, stories, worlds, and emotions. So, if you enjoy drawing, gaming, filmmaking, or visual storytelling, this field can be creatively rewarding for you.
Types of Animation Courses After 12th
So, which animation courses can you apply for after 12th? Here we have listed top-rated ones. But remember, not every course is meant for everyone. The choice depends on your goal, budget, time, and whether you want a job-ready skill or a formal degree.
| Course Type | Duration | Typical Eligibility | Best For |
| Certificate in 2D Animation | 3–6 months | 10th or 12th pass | Beginners and quick skill learners |
| Certificate in 3D Animation | 3–6 months | 10th or 12th pass | Students interested in 3D modelling and animation |
| Certificate in VFX and Compositing | 3–6 months | 10th or 12th pass | Students interested in films, ads and visual effects |
| Diploma in Animation and Multimedia | 6 months–2 years | 10th or 12th pass, depending on institute | Students who want broader practical training |
| Diploma in Motion Graphics | 6–12 months | 10th or 12th pass | Students interested in ads, social media and branding |
| B.Sc. Animation and Multimedia | 3 years | 12th pass from a recognised board | Students who want a degree with practical training |
| B.Sc. Animation and VFX | 3 years | 12th pass from a recognised board | Students targeting VFX, films and gaming |
| BA Animation and Multimedia | 3 years | 12th pass from a recognised board | Students who want a theory-plus-practical degree |
| BFA in Animation | 3–4 years | 12th pass, portfolio may be required | Students with strong drawing and visual art interest |
| B.Des. Animation Film Design | 4 years | 12th pass, entrance test or portfolio may be required | Students targeting design-led animation careers |
| Online Animation Course | 3–12 months | Usually open to beginners | Working students and self-paced learners |
However, there is something you need to note here: degree programmes usually require 12th pass from a recognised board, while many certificate and private diploma courses accept students after 10th or 12th. Some colleges may ask for 45–60% marks, an entrance test, or a portfolio, too.
Best Animation Courses After 12th
Now, let’s talk about what animation courses you can apply for after 12th.
Animation and Graphic Designing Course In Jaipur
Institute: Skill Waala
SkillWaala is a renowned IT institute known for its comprehensive Animation and Graphic Design courses in Jaipur. From 2D & 3D animation, VFX, and motion graphics to graphic design, Skill Waala offers the latest animation curriculum, along with the infusion of the latest AI tools.
Students here are trained under the guidance of industry experts. They provide real-world work experience, helping students gain industry insights. This institute is backed by a leading IT company, BRSoftech, allowing students to work with the in-house animators and graphic designers in the SMO team.
Duration- 3 to 6 Months
Placement Assistance- Skill Waala organises mock interviews and interview preparations for students.
Focus on: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Substance Painter, Autodesk Maya, V-Ray, and 3ds Max.
Fee: ₹30000 to ₹45000 (contact Skill Waala for offers and discounts)
Diploma in Animation and VFX
Institute– Arena Animation
When it comes to offering high-quality animation and VFX training in Jaipur, Arena Animation needs no introduction. With its Diploma in Animation and VFX, this institute provides 360-degree training in 2D and 3D animation. Moreover, it provides a hands-on learning experience for VFX, motion graphics, and compositing-like concepts.
Duration: 6 Months to 1 Year
Placement Assistance- Arena Animation gives students opportunities to work in top media houses and animation studios, which increases their industry connections.
Focus on: Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, Nuke, and Blender software.
Fee: ₹40,000 to ₹1,00,000, depending on course module and centre (Contact Arena Animation for more info)
Diploma in Animation
Institute- Zee Institute of Creative Art (ZICA)
Zee is a well-known name in the entertainment industry. Over time, it also started many educational ventures, including ZICA. The advanced diploma in Animation will help you master the skills of 3D animation, visual effects, and post-production. This makes it one of the few training programs that offer in-depth training for the animation industry and animation courses for beginners.
Duration- 1 to 2 years
Placement Assistance- Zee has a well-established network, and this helps students get into the best job roles in renowned companies.
Focus on: Autodesk Maya, Houdini, 3ds Max, and Blender.
Fee: ₹80,000 to ₹1,50,000 (contact ZICA for more details)
Diploma in Animation & VFX
Institute– Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity (MAAC)
The diploma in Animation and Visual Effects at MAAC introduces students to animation and VFX insights so that they can make their way into the gaming, animation, and film industries. Animation is widely used in creating exceptional pieces of animated films like the ones released recently, Inside Out 2 and Wild Robot. Both had an amazing storyline, but above that, their animation blew everyone’s mind. About VFX, we are all aware of what magic Marvel Studios has created with their movies in the past decade.
Duration- 1 to 1.5 years
Placement Assistance- MAAC internship opportunities for students through which they are able to crack interviews for top companies.
Focus on- Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, Houdini, and 3ds Max.
Fee: Range between ₹80,000 to ₹1,50,000 (contact MAAC to get accurate fee-related info)
Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) in Animation Film Design
Institute: National Institute of Design (NID)
NID is a leading design institute in India that focuses on technicalities and enhancing the creative thinking capabilities of the students. Pursuing a B.Des. at the National Institute of Design will give students opportunities for hands-on practice on real projects, apart from theoretical learning from expert faculty.
Duration- 4 years
Placement Assistance- Opportunities for internships and job assistance in reputed companies
Focus on- Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Autodesk Maya
Fee- ₹ 16.84 Lakh for the 4-year course (get in touch with NID to learn more)
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Animation
Institute: Whistling Woods International (WWI)
Based in Mumbai, WWI is India’s leading college for entertainment and media studies. The institute focuses on animation, visual effects, and game design training. Learning such key components of the animation and graphic design industry helps the students become worthy enough for top companies.
Duration- 3 years
Placement Assistance- WWI, with its Industry Interface Cell, ensures the best job opportunities for students graduating from here
Focus on- Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Nuke, ZBrush, and Adobe Premiere Pro
Fee- ₹ 210,000–1,500,000, plus a one-time fee of ₹ 100,000
Note: Before joining an online course, check whether it offers live sessions, practical projects, software access, placement support, and a final demo reel.
Skills Required for Animation Courses
Now, since you want to pursue your passion and explore animation courses, here are the major skills you need for them-
Creative Skills
- Drawing and sketching
- Visual storytelling
- Character design
- Observation and timing
- Colour sense
- Attention to detail
Technical Skills
- Blender
- Autodesk Maya
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Animate
- Photoshop
- Premiere Pro
- Nuke or Fusion for VFX
- Unreal Engine or Unity for game-related animation
Soft Skills
- Patience
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Deadline management
- Willingness to accept feedback
Eligibility Criteria for Animation Courses
Each course requires a minimum set of criteria, and animation is no exception. Here are the eligibility criteria for pursuing animation courses.
Completed 12th /Senior Secondary
Successful completion of the 12th standard is considered important to enroll in an animation course in Jaipur.
Minimum Marks Criteria
50% to 60% in the 12th class is a standard criterion for some institutes that take admissions for animation and VFX courses in Jaipur.
Age Limit
The average limit is 17 to 25 for taking admissions in any animation training program in Jaipur or outside.
Basic Computer Knowledge
Basic computer knowledge is important for anyone looking forward to making a career in the animation and graphic design industry.
Creative Mind
Above all, the person should be creative enough if they seek to make a successful career for themselves in this field.
If you don’t have basic computer knowledge, or if you have crossed the age limit, don’t worry! At Skill Waala, you are welcome to learn animation software for beginners, no matter your eligibility criteria.
Animation Course Syllabus
Here is what the basic animation course syllabus looks like. However, the actual animation and graphic design course curriculum may depend on the institute. To get the exact knowledge and free career guidance, you can reach Skill Waala at this number: +91 9001907950.
Here’s a basic animation course curriculum-
- Introduction to Animation
- Principles of Animation
- Drawing for Animation
- Character Design and Development
- 2D Animation Techniques
- 3D Animation Basics
- Storyboarding and Pre-production
- Animation Software Tools
- Motion Graphics Fundamentals
- Lighting and Rendering
- Post-production and Compositing
- Animation for Games and Interactive Media
- Creating an Animation Portfolio
- Industry Practices and Career Development
How to Choose the Right Animation Institute
But during all of this, you must be thinking, which institution should you choose or like which animation institute would be right for you. So here is the simple way to find that-
Before paying any fee, check these points-
- Is the syllabus updated with current industry software and workflows?
- Does the institute show real student work, not only promotional samples?
- Are mentors experienced in animation, VFX, gaming, or film production?
- Does the course include practical projects and a final demo reel?
- Does it provide software access, lab time, or licensed tools?
- Are placement claims clear, realistic, and verifiable?
- What is the total fee, including software, exam, and project costs?
- Can you speak with current students or view alumni work?
How to Build an Animation Portfolio After 12th
A course alone will not get you hired. Studios want to see what you can create. That’s why your portfolio should include-
- 2–3 character animation clips
- 1 short 2D or 3D animated scene
- 1 motion graphics project
- 1 VFX or compositing sample
- Character designs, storyboards, and environment concepts
- A 30–60 second demo reel
- Your best work hosted on ArtStation, Behance, YouTube, or a personal portfolio website
But yes, don’t upload every practice file. Select only your strongest work and show variety across modelling, animation, lighting, storytelling, and editing.
Job Roles, Average Salary, and Top Recruiting Companies in the Animation Field
| Job Role | Fresher Salary (INR) | Experienced Salary (INR) | Top Recruiting Companies |
| 2D Animator | ₹2.5–4.5 LPA | ₹5–9 LPA | Toonz Media Group, Green Gold Animation, Cosmos-Maya, Studio Eeksaurus |
| 3D Animator | ₹2.5–5 LPA | ₹6–12 LPA | Technicolor India, Prime Focus, Xentrix Studios, 88 Pictures, Makuta VFX |
| Character Designer | ₹3–5 LPA | ₹6–12 LPA | Green Gold Animation, Toonz Media Group, DQ Entertainment, Studio Eeksaurus |
| Storyboard Artist | ₹3–5.5 LPA | ₹6–12 LPA | Toonz Media Group, Green Gold Animation, Studio Eeksaurus, advertising and OTT production houses |
| Motion Graphics Designer | ₹2.5–5 LPA | ₹5–10 LPA | The Glitch, White Owl Studios, OML, social media agencies, OTT and ad-tech companies |
| VFX Artist | ₹3–5.5 LPA | ₹6–15 LPA | DNEG India, Prime Focus, MPC India, Technicolor India, Makuta VFX |
| Composer | ₹3–5.5 LPA | ₹6–15 LPA | DNEG India, Prime Focus, MPC India, Technicolor India, Framestore India |
| Game Artist | ₹3–5 LPA | ₹6–15 LPA | Zynga, Ubisoft India, Gameloft, Rockstar India, nCore Games |
| Animation Director | Not usually an entry-level role | ₹12–25+ LPA | Red Chillies VFX, Prime Focus, Technicolor India, major OTT and animation studios |
Note: Salary ranges are indicative estimates based on publicly available employee-reported salary platforms and industry reports. Actual pay depends on portfolio quality, software skills, specialisation, city, company size, and experience. Always verify the final salary and role responsibilities directly with the employer before accepting an offer.
But for regular updates on animation jobs, you can also check the latest job alerts for animation careers at Skillwaala. It will help you find the right job at the right time for you for free.
Other Higher Studies After Animation Courses
After animation courses, you can also continue with a degree such as B.Sc. Animation, BA Animation, BFA, or B.Des. If you have already completed a degree, you can pursue a master’s programme in animation, VFX, game design, or multimedia.
You can also specialise through short courses in-
- 3D character animation
- VFX compositing
- Game art and design
- Motion graphics
- Virtual production
- AI-assisted animation workflows
Conclusion
In the end, just take out this from this entire blog- animation courses after 12th can open doors to careers in 2D animation, 3D animation, VFX, gaming, motion graphics and digital content creation. But the right course will still depend on your goal, budget, and the kind of work you enjoy.
That’s why you should not choose a course only for its certificate. Focus on practical projects, software skills, mentor feedback, and a strong portfolio. This is because a good demo reel will always speak louder than a course name.
FAQs
Q1. Can I pursue animation courses after the 10th?
Ans. Yes! You can pursue the animation course after 10th. Some institutes have minimum criteria for selecting students who have completed their 12th grade. However, at SkillWaala, you can pursue an animation course even after completing your 10th standard.
Q2. Is animation a good career choice for the future?
Ans. With the rapidly increasing demand for animators and VFX artists across the globe for movies, games, and more, choosing animation as a career option will be a good choice.
Q3. Can I pursue animation courses online?
Ans. Yes! You can pursue an online animation course considering your own budget, time, and preferences. You can also do that at Skill Waala. The institute offers a flexible offline and online learning method, which helps in balancing personal and professional life seamlessly.
Q4. What is the duration of animation courses?
Ans. Usually, the course duration is 3-6 months, but it depends on the institute you choose. However, Skill Waala offers a 3- to 6-month animation and graphic design course, depending on the chosen learning module, at an affordable price.
Q5. Can I pursue a graphic design course along with animation?
Ans. Yes, you can opt for a graphic design course even if you’re already pursuing an animation course.
Q6. What skills are required for a successful career in animation?
Ans. If you want to become a successful animator, you’ll need to gain expertise in animation software like Autodesk Maya, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and more, along with a creative mindset.
Q7. Is animation a good career option for girls?
Yes. Animation is a skill-based creative field, and career opportunities depend on talent, portfolio, and specialisation, not gender.
Q8. Can I do animation after 12th commerce or arts?
Yes. Students from commerce, arts, and science streams can apply for most animation courses. But some degree colleges may have minimum marks or entrance requirements, so check the institute’s official eligibility criteria.
Q9. Will AI replace animators?
No, AI can assist with repetitive tasks, but it cannot replace storytelling, creative direction, and complex visual problem-solving. Learning both animation fundamentals and AI tools can make you more future-ready.
Q10. Can I do animation after 12th without drawing skills?
Yes. Drawing helps, but it is not compulsory for every animation role. You can start with 3D animation, VFX, motion graphics, or editing and improve your drawing skills gradually.
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