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Any streamEntrance: NID DATDesign & media

Animator

Animators bring characters and stories to life in films, cartoons, games, ads and apps, using 2D and 3D animation.

Class 11–12 subjectsAny stream
Entrance / admissionNID DAT / UCEED
DegreeB.Des / B.Sc Animation
Duration3–4 years

Your route, step by step

  1. 1Class 11–12: any streamKeep drawing; build a sketchbook.
  2. 2Write NID DAT, UCEED or apply to animation coursesB.Des in animation at NID / IITs, or B.Sc Animation / Visual Communication on Class 12 marks.
  3. 3Degree · 3–4 yearsBuild a strong showreel.
  4. 4Join a studioJunior animator, then lead animator or director.

What an animator does

  • Draw or model characters and scenes
  • Animate movement and expressions
  • Work with storyboards and directors
  • Render and polish final shots

Entrance exams & admission

  • NID DATNational Institutes of Design
  • UCEEDB.Des at IITs
  • Class 12 marksMost Tamil Nadu arts & science colleges

Where you may work

Animation and VFX studios, game companies, advertising agencies, e-learning firms and freelance — Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru are hubs.

Well-known colleges in and near Tamil Nadu

  • National Institute of Design
  • IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay

Official links

Links checked: Oct 2026. Always confirm dates and rules on the official site.

Outlook

Streaming, games and global outsourcing are growing animation work in India; your showreel is everything.

Specialise later

  • 2D animation
  • 3D animation
  • Character animation
  • Game animation
  • Motion graphics