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    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 18 Mar 2026, 03:38 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 that test their skills and aptitude in this domain. The design 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 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, 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 the current year or the year immediately preceding that. 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.

    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 are also eligible for CUET UG

    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.

    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, 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 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,

    I am providing you the link below through which you will be able to download the NIFT Question papers with solutions PDF

    Here is the link :-

    https://design.careers360.com/articles/nift-question-paper

    In the above link , you will get the direct links to download the year vise question papers with solutions ,

    Hello,

    Yes, a diploma holder in Computer Engineering can apply for the NIFT entrance exam , but only through the lateral entry route.

    NIFT allows candidates with a 3-year or 4-year engineering diploma from a recognized board to apply for B.F.Tech (Fashion Technology) through lateral entry. The diploma must be

    Hello aspirant,

    The National Testing Agency (NTA) has determined the official date for NIFT 2026 applicant registrations, which is expected to open in November 2025. Online applications will be accepted through January 2026.

    For complete information, you can visit our site through following link:

    https://design.careers360.com/exams/nift-entrance-exam

    Thank you