List of Animation entrance exams in India: Courses, Top Colleges, Eligibility, Fee & Sample Papers

List of Animation entrance exams in India: Courses, Top Colleges, Eligibility, Fee & Sample Papers

Team Careers360Updated on 01 Nov 2024, 05:01 PM IST

Animation is a diverse and rewarding domain that offers a variety of opportunities for those who are passionate about creating, narrating, and designing stories. To pursue a career in animation, candidates have to appear for various animation entrance exams in India 2024 that test their skills and aptitude in this domain. Entrance exams for animation after 12th grade enable candidates to get admission to various animation courses offered by some of the best animation colleges and institutes in the country.

This Story also Contains

  1. List of Animation Entrance Exams in India
  2. Types of Animation Courses in India
  3. Animation Entrance Exams in India Eligibility
  4. Animation Entrance Exams in India Fees
  5. Animation Entrance Exams in India Fees
  6. Animation Course Fee In India
  7. Top Animation Colleges in India with Fees
  8. Animation Entrance Exams Dates
  9. Animation Entrance Exam Sample Papers
List of Animation entrance exams in India: Courses, Top Colleges, Eligibility, Fee & Sample Papers
animation-entrance-exams-in-india

Animation courses in India range from diploma, certificate, bachelor’s, to master’s level and cover various aspects of animation, such as 2D animation, 3D animation, visual effects, graphic design, etc. In this article by Careers360, we have provided all the essential information about animation entrance exams in India 2024, including their importance, eligibility criteria, application process, dates, syllabus, preparation tips, and more.

List of Animation Entrance Exams in India

Animation is a vibrant field that opens a world of opportunities for those who have a passion for storytelling, drawing, and design. In India, there are several entrance exams at different levels that enable aspirants to make their mark in this creative industry.

List of Animation Entrance Exams in India with eligibility criteria

Entrance Exam

Eligibility Criteria

UCEED

Candidates should have passed the qualifying examination (Class XII or equivalent) in 2023, or be appearing for the first time in 2024. Students from all streams (Science, Commerce, and Arts & Humanities) are eligible.

NID DAT

Candidates must have passed or be appearing for their higher secondary (10+2) qualifying examination from any stream (Science, Commerce or Humanities) from a recognised board (AISSE/ICSE/CBSE) or equivalent.

Pearl Academy Entrance Exam

Candidates must have passed 12th from any recognised board or university to be eligible. They must score a minimum of 50% marks.

SMEAT

Candidates must have passed 12th grade from any recognised board or university to be eligible.

UID Entrance Exam

Applicants must have passed a minimum of 10+2 in higher secondary education with at least a 50% aggregate score from a recognised board.

CUCET

Candidates must have passed the class 10+2 board exam from any recognised board. Students who are going to appear for class 12 exam in 2024 are also eligible for CUET 2024.

CUET UG

Candidates must have passed the class 10+2 board exam from any recognised board. Students who are going to appear for the class 12 exam in 2024 are also eligible for CUET UG 2024.

NIFT Entrance Exam

Aspiring candidates must have passed the 10 + 2 exam from a recognised board of secondary education (State/Central) with minimum 50% marks.

CUET

Candidates must have passed the class 10+2 board exam from any recognised board. Students who are going to appear for the class 12 exam in 2024 are also eligible for CUET 2024.

Types of Animation Courses in India

In Indian education, animation courses stand out for their ability to blend creativity with technology. They range from short-term certificate courses to comprehensive degree programmes. To get admission to these courses, students have to appear for various entrance exams for animation after 12th, which test their aptitude, skills, and creativity in this field. Here’s a look at some of the popular types of animation courses and the entrance exams for them

Type of Course

Duration

Curriculum

Scope

Diploma in 2D Animation

1-2 years

Basics of 2D Animation, Storyboarding, and Character Animation

Animator, Storyboard Artist

Diploma in 3D Animation

1-2 years

Basics of 3D Animation, Modelling, and Texturing

3D Animator, modeller

Diploma in CG Arts

1-2 years

Computer Graphics, Digital Painting, and Visual Effects

CG Artist, Visual Effects Artist

Certificate in 2D & 3D Animation

6 months - 1 year

2D Animation, 3D Animation, Graphic Design

2D/3D Animator, Graphic Designer

Certificate in VFX

6 months - 1 year

Visual Effects, Compositing, and Motion Graphics

VFX Artist, Compositor,

BSc Animation

3 years

Animation, Multimedia, and graphic design

Animator, Multimedia Artist

BA Animation

3 years

Animation, filmmaking, and Effects

Animator, Film Maker

Bachelor of Visual Arts in Animation

3 years

Animation, Visual Arts, and Graphic Design

Animator, Visual Artist

MSc Animation

2 years

Advanced Animation, Multimedia, and Visual Effects

Animator, Multimedia Artist

MA Animation

2 years

Advanced Animation, Film Making, and Visual Effects

Animator, Film Maker

Animation Entrance Exams in India Eligibility

To apply for animation courses in India, candidates have to meet certain eligibility criteria that are set by the exam conducting authorities. These criteria may vary depending on the type and level of the animation course and the institute offering it. However, here are some of the common animation entrance exams in india eligibility criteria:

  • Candidates should have passed or be appearing for the 10+2 or equivalent examination from any recognised board or school in any stream (Science, Commerce, or Arts).

  • Securing a minimum of 50% marks in the 10+2 or equivalent examination. However, some exams may have a lower or higher cut-off percentage for different categories of candidates.

  • Obtaining a valid score in the animation entrance exam conducted by the respective institute or university. Some of the popular animation entrance exams in India are NID DAT, NIFT Entrance Exam, SEED, AIEED, CUET, etc.

  • Demonstrating a creative aptitude and a passion for animation and design. They may also have to submit a portfolio of their work or appear for a studio test or an interview as part of the admission process.

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Animation Entrance Exams in India Fees

Animation entrance exams are competitive tests that are conducted by various institutes and universities to select candidates for admission to animation courses. The animation entrance exams in india fees depending on various factors, such as the category of the candidate, the mode of the exam, the centre of the exam, etc.

Factors Affecting the Fees of Animation Entrance Exams in India

  • Category of the Candidate: Some animation exams offer fee concessions or exemptions for candidates belonging to, categories such as SC, ST, OBC, PwD, etc. For example, the NID Entrance Exam charges INR 2000 for general candidates, INR 1000 for OBC-NCL candidates, and INR 0 for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.

  • Mode of the Exam: Some animation exams are conducted online, while some are conducted offline or in a hybrid mode. The mode of the animation entrance exam in india may affect the fee structure, as online exams may require less infrastructure and logistics than offline exams. For example, the NIFT Entrance Exam charges INR 2000 for online candidates and INR 3000 for offline candidates.

  • Centre of the Exam: Some exams allow candidates to choose their preferred centre of the exam, while some assign the centre randomly or based on availability. The centre of the exam may affect the fee structure as different centres may have different costs of operation and maintenance. For example, the SEED exam charges INR 1500 for candidates who choose a centre within India and INR 3000 for candidates who choose a centre outside India.

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See Also : List of Animation Colleges in India


Mode of Payment, Refund Policy, and Scholarship Options for Animation Entrance Exams in India

  • Mode of Payment: Most of the animation entrance exams accept online payment modes such as debit card, credit card, net banking, UPI, etc. Some exams may also accept offline payment modes such as demand draft, cash, cheque, etc. Candidates should check the official website of the exam for the details of the payment mode and procedure.

  • Refund Policy: Most of the animation entrance exams in india do not offer any refund of the fee once it is paid. However, some exams may allow candidates to request a refund in case of cancellation, withdrawal, or error in payment. Candidates should check the official website of the exam for the details of the refund policy and procedure.

  • Scholarship Options: Some of the animation entrance exams in india may offer scholarships or fee waivers for candidates who perform well in the exam or belong to certain categories or backgrounds. For example, the NID Entrance Exam offers scholarships for candidates who are economically weak, physically challenged, or from the North-East region of India. Candidates should check the official website of the exam for details on the scholarship options and eligibility criteria.

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Suggestions for Saving Money and Managing Finances for Animation Entrance Exams in India

  • Compare the Fees of Different Exams: Candidates should compare the animation entrance exam fees of different animation entrance exams and choose the ones that suit their budget and preferences. Candidates should also consider the quality and reputation of the exam and the institute before applying.

  • Apply for Fee Concessions or Exemptions: Candidates should check if they are eligible for any animation exam fee concessions or exemptions based on their category, background, or performance. Candidates should also check the documents and proofs required for availing of the fee concessions or exemptions and submit them on time.

  • Apply for Scholarships or Fee Waivers: Candidates should check if they are eligible for any scholarships or fee waivers offered by the exam or the institute. Candidates should also check the animation entrance exam application process and deadlines for applying for scholarships or fee waivers and submit them on time.

  • Plan the Travel and Accommodation Expenses: Candidates should plan their travel and accommodation expenses in advance and book the tickets and rooms at the cheapest rates possible. Candidates should also check the distance and accessibility of the animation entrance exam centre from their place of stay and arrange transport accordingly.

  • Avoid Multiple Attempts or Reappearances: Candidates should prepare well for the animation entrance exam and try to clear it on the first attempt. Candidates should avoid multiple attempts or reappearances, as they may incur additional fees and expenses.

Animation Entrance Exams in India Fees

The table below shows the exam name, category, mode, centre, and fee for some of the animation entrance exams in 2023.

Exam Name

Category

Mode

Centre

Fee

NID Entrance Exam

General/EWS

Online

India

INR 3000

NID Entrance Exam

SC/ST/PwD

Online

India

INR 1500

NID Entrance Exam

Overseas

Online

Abroad

USD 90

NIFT Entrance Exam

General/EWS/OBC-NCL

Online

India

INR 3000

NIFT Entrance Exam

SC/ST/PwD

Online

India

INR 1500

SEED

All

Online

India

INR 3250

AIEED

All

Online

India

INR 2000

Animation Course Fee In India

There are various types of animation courses in India, ranging from diploma, certificate, bachelor’s, to master’s level, that cover different aspects of animation, such as 2D animation, 3D animation, visual effects, graphic design, etc. To pursue these courses, students have to appear for various animation entrance exams in India 2024, such as NID DAT, NIFT Entrance Exam, SEED, AIEED, CUET, etc.

The animation course fee in India depends on various factors, such as the level, duration, curriculum, and reputation of the course and the institute offering it. Generally, the animation course fees in India vary from INR 50,000 to INR 20 lakhs, depending on the type and quality of the course. The animation courses after 12th are usually more expensive than the animation courses after 10th, as they are more advanced and comprehensive. The animation course fees also vary depending on the mode of delivery, such as online, offline, or hybrid.

Here is a table that shows some of the top animation colleges in India with their animation course fees:

Animation Entrance Exams Dates

Candidates who are planning to pursue animation courses in India in 2024 need to be aware of the entrance exam for animation after 12th that will be conducted in that year. By qualifying for these exams, you can get admission to some of the best animation colleges and institutes in India. Here is a table that shows the animation entrance exams in India and their dates for 2024:

Animation Entrance Exams in India

Animation Exam Date

NID DAT (Design Aptitude Test)

December 24, 2023

UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design)

January 21, 2024

CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design)

January 21, 2024

NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology)

February 5, 2024

AIEED (All India Entrance Examination for Design)

December 15 to 25, 2023

Pearl Academy Entrance Exam

January 27 and 28, 2024

SMEAT

April 2024 (Tentative)

UID Entrance Exam

last week of January 2024 (Tentative)

CUET UG

May 15 to May 31, 2024

Animation Entrance Exam Sample Papers

Animation entrance exam sample papers are mock tests that simulate the actual exam pattern, syllabus, and difficulty level of the animation entrance exams in India. Solving these animation exam sample papers can help the candidates improve their performance, accuracy, speed, and confidence in the exam.

Animation Entrance Exam Sample Papers List

The candidates can refer to the following table to find the animation entrance exam sample papers and articles for some of the popular exams in India.

Entrance Exam Name

Sample Paper

NIFT Entrance Exam

NIFT Sample Paper

NID DAT

NID DAT Sample Paper

SEED

SEED Sample Paper

AIEED

AIEED Sample Paper

CUET

CUET Sample Paper

Solving these sample papers can help you ace the animation entrance exams in India.

Tips for Using Animation Entrance Exam Sample Papers Effectively

The candidates can use the following tips to use the animation entrance exam sample papers effectively:

  • Solve the Sample Papers Regularly: The candidates should solve the animation entrance exam sample papers regularly and consistently to improve their skills and knowledge. They should also follow the same exam pattern, syllabus, and duration as the actual exam while solving the sample papers.

  • Analyse the Sample Papers Thoroughly: Analyse the animation exam sample papers thoroughly and check their answers and solutions and also identify their errors, gaps, and areas of improvement and work on them accordingly.

  • Revise the Sample Papers Periodically: The candidates should revise the animation entrance exam sample papers periodically and refresh their concepts and topics. They should also review their performance and progress and set realistic and achievable goals for themselves.

Use the Sample Papers as a Learning Tool: The candidates should use the sample papers as a learning tool and not as a testing tool. They should not get demotivated or overconfident by their scores and focus on learning from their mistakes and improving their skills.

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Questions related to NIFT Entrance Exam

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NIFT Entrance Exam ?

Hello Neharika

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Hope this answer helps! Thank You!!!


Hello,

According to the sources, the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) entrance exam for 2026 will be held in February 2026. Also, the registration period may open from November 2025.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,
It’s completely understandable to feel disheartened after not getting a seat in the first and second rounds, especially when you’ve filled all the colleges and have your hopes set on a particular course like Fashion Communication . With an OBC rank of 1910 and CMR 7192, your chances can improve in the upcoming counselling rounds as more students withdraw or shift to other colleges.
So make sure to check the further rounds of counselling and don’t lose hope. Many students get seats in the 3rd, 4th, and mop-up rounds. You can also consider updating your preference list or keeping a wider range of courses and campuses open in case you're okay with related fields.
Keep checking the official NIFT website for updates on seat allotment and further counselling instructions.
Thank you

Dear Candidate ,
Yes , you are eligible for NIFT - UG 2026 . Based on your birthdate , you will be 19 years old as of August 1 , 2026 , which is well within the age limit .
NIFT requires applicants to be under 24 years of age on August 1 of the admission year , with a 5 year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD candidates .

Hello

The syllabus of NIFT 2026 will be released on October 2025 by Nift officials on their official website nift.ac.in . The syllabus comprises of topics General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT). The syllabus is different for UG and PG programmes. The GAT syllabus consists of :

  • Communication ability and English comprehension
  • Quantitative ability
  • Analytical and Reasoning
  • Case study
  • General knowledge and current affairs

The CAT syllabus consists important topics like

  • Creative ability
  • Observation power
  • Discernment ability
  • Design ability
  • Colour combination ability

To download the complete syllabus kindly refer this

https://design.careers360.com/articles/nift-syllabus

Good luck !