MA Animation: Admissions 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Colleges

• Updated on  14 Aug, 2025 by Ritika Kaul

MA Animation is a 2-year post-graduate degree program that has been divided into 4 semesters. Students who complete an MA in animation are prepared to design, produce, and develop animations-the appearance of movement-for a variety of media, especially film. This field is ideal for students who want to pursue careers in animation and gaming.

 

To pursue MA Animation, candidates must have completed a bachelor's degree in animation or related field. Candidates must have a minimum cumulative score 50% and hold a degree from a recognized university or college. Admission is usually based on merit, however, few reputed institutions grant admission based on CUET PG entrance exam score.

 

MA Animation degrees typically cost between INR 42,000 and INR 78,000. Employment in a variety of industries, including gaming, fashion, news, film, and animation, is one of the career options offered by this program. After completing an MA Animation course, students can expect to earn between INR 2,00,000 and INR 6,00,000 annually on average.

 

Table of Contents
  1. MA Animation Key Highlights
  2. What is an MA Animation?
  3. Why Study MA Animation?
  4. Who should pursue MA Animation?
  5. MA Animation Eligibility Criteria
  6. MA Animation Entrance Exams 2025
  7. MA Animation Colleges in India
  8. MA Animation Admission Process 2025
  9. MA Animation Syllabus
  10. MA Animation Job Opportunities in India
  11. MA Animation vs. MSc Animation
  12. MA Animation FAQs

 

MA Animation Key Highlights

Below are the key highlights of the MA Animation course in India:

Particulars

Details

Course Name

MA Animation

Course Level

Post-Graduate

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Course Type

Full-Time

Admission Process

Entrance Test + Personal Interview

Eligibility Criteria

Candidate must have a graduation degree with 50% aggregate marks

Course Fees

INR 42,000-78,000

Subjects

Visual Communication, Film-making, Design Research & Pre-Visualization, Visual Effects, 3D Computer Animation, Business and Management Skills

Top Colleges

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Amity University, Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule University, St. Joseph College of Communication (SJCC), Asian Academy of Film And Television etc.

Job Profiles

Teacher or Lecturer, Texture Artist, Flash Animator, 3D Graphic Artist, VFX Artist, Multimedia Artist etc.

Top Recruiters

TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, HCL, Accenture, Capgemini, Cognizant, IBM, Deloitte, Airtel & BSNL, BHEL, Qualcomm, Siemen etc.

Average Salary in India

INR 2.5-4 LPA (Freshers)

 

INR 4-6 LPA (Mid-Level)

 

INR 6-8 LPA (Experienced)

 

What is an MA Animation?

Master of Animation is a specialized postgraduate program intended for people who want to become experts in the art and technology of animation and visual storytelling. Students who complete this course will have advanced skills in motion graphics, visual effects, 2D and 3D animation, and digital post-production.

 

It offers a thorough grasp of industry-standard tools and software while fusing innovative technology with creative artistry. The course lasts for two years. The program prepares graduates for high-level jobs in film, television, gaming, advertising, and digital media by covering topics like character animation, environmental design, VFX simulations, compositing, and motion capture.

 

Why Study MA Animation?

Pursuing an MA in Animation will provide a relatively high level, specialized training to persons interested in the art, technology of animation, and in the story-telling element of animated media. Some major reasons to study MA Animation include:

  • The program develops skills in animation styles, visual effects, 3D modeling, characters, and digital storytelling.
  • Students learn about production pipelines, project management, and collaboration in production studios, making them ready to address the realities of the field and working practices.
  • It provides an opportunity to experiment with new types of animation, innovative media and projects, which challenge conventional narrative.
  • The skills learned during an MA in Animation will grant access to high-profile creative job positions like animation director, visual effects supervisor, game designer, storyboard artist and multimedia producer where deeper skills provide higher salary prospects.
  • Graduates have the opportunity to work with companies in more interconnected entertainment, advertising, and technology industries across the continents or open their own independent studios and digital content companies.

 

Who should pursue MA Animation?

Studying MA Animation is ideal for creative technologists and storytellers committed to advancing their craft and influencing the evolving global landscape of animated media through superior skills, innovative thinking, and professional expertise. Some of the ideal candidates for this course includes:

  • Students who have a solid undergraduate record in animation, fine arts, graphic design, computer graphics, or a similar discipline pursuing additional specialization.
  • Creative professionals with a passion to innovate in the realm of storytelling using animation, visual effects, virtual reality, or interactive media.
  • Individuals looking to move into leadership or research positions at an animation studio, digital agency or as an academic.
  • Candidates interested in exploring new storytelling formats and technologies, as well as connecting theoretical and practical issues in animation.

 

MA Animation Eligibility Criteria

To enroll in MA Animation in India, the applicant needs to meet certain criteria, without which admission into this course is not possible. Mentioned below are the MA Animation eligibility criteria:

  • Candidates must have a graduation degree with 50% aggregate marks from a recognized university.
  • Admission to MA courses are based on the entrance exams scores of CUET PG. Some universities also offer admission based on the merit of the candidate in the qualifying exams.

 

MA Animation Entrance Exams 2025

For pursuing a MA Animation in India, national-level entrance examinations are required to be taken. Reputed colleges and Universities in India offer admission depending on the marks or rank obtained in this exam. The details of the entrance examinations is given below:

Exams

Registration Date

Exam Date

Application Fee

CUET PG 2026

Feb 2026 (Tentative)

March 2026 (Tentative)

INR 1200 (UR)

 

INR 1000 (OBC-NCL/EWS)

 

INR 900 (SC/ST/TG)

 

MA Animation Colleges in India

Various institutions in India are offering MA Animation courses; each institute has got some entrance exam criteria for admitting students. Some of the top MA Animation colleges in India have been mentioned below, along with their total course fee, NIRF Ranking, and entrance exams required for admission:

College Name

Location

Course Fees

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)

Delhi

INR 1,60,840

Amity University

Noida

INR 1,80,000

Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule University

Jaipur

INR 1,45,000

St. Joseph College of Communication (SJCC)

Kerala

INR 95,000

Asian Academy of Film And Television (AAFT)

Noida

INR 3,32,500

Also read about M.A. Graphic Design

 

MA Animation Admission Process 2025

Admission to MA Animation is based on the entrance exams scores such as CUET PG. However, some universities also provide admission based on the merit of the candidate. The step by step admission process for entering MA Animation at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is as follows:

 

Step 1: Register and appear for the CUET PG 2025 exam, which is mandatory for admission to MA Animation at Jamia Millia Islamia.

 

Step 2: After the CUET PG exam results are declared, apply separately on Jamia Millia Islamia’s official admission portal for the MA Animation program by filling out the online admission form. Upload the necessary documents including your CUET scorecard, graduation mark sheet, identity proof, and photographs.

 

Step 3: Jamia Millia Islamia will prepare a merit list based on the CUET PG scores for candidates who applied for the MA Animation course. Shortlisted candidates may be called for further verification or interview rounds if required by the university.

 

Step 4: Complete the document verification process at the university with original copies of your certificates and documents as specified by the admissions office.

 

Step 5: Pay the admission fee online or at the designated university office within the stipulated deadlines to confirm your admission to the MA Animation program.

 

Step 6: Attend the orientation and commence classes according to the academic schedule provided by Jamia Millia Islamia.

 

Documents Required:

  • UG marksheet and pass certificate
  • Government ID Proof
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Photocopy of Application form and payment receipt
  • TC and Migration

 

MA Animation Syllabus

The syllabus for MA Animation in India is more or less the same in the colleges offering the course. The syllabus may slightly differ depending on the curriculum followed by the institute. For reference, the syllabus for MA Animation at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) is given below:

Semester I

Semester II

Visual Communication

Design Research & Pre-Visualization

Animation Process

3D Computer Animation II

3D Computer Animation I

Visual Effects I

Film-making

2D Computer Animation I

Animation Production I

Animation Elective Courses – Semester II (Select one):• Illustration• Gaming

Semester III

Semester IV

Visual Effects II

Final Project – Concept & Storyboard

3D Computer Animation II

Final Project – Blocking & Staging

2D Computer Animation II

Final Project – Production

Animation Production II

Final Project – Post Production

Business and Management Skills

-

Read more about MBA Design Management

 

MA Animation Job Opportunities in India

MA Animation graduates can have job roles in multiple fields including Teacher or Lecturer, Texture Artist, Flash Animator, 3D Graphic Artist, VFX Artist, Multimedia Artist and others. Some of the common job roles for MA Animation graduates in India are given below:

Job Title

Recruiters

Experience Level

Average Salary

Teacher/Lecturer

Animation Schools like MAAC, Arena, iNurture etc.

0–5 year

INR 2.5-5 LPA

3D Graphic Artist

Infocom Software Pvt. Ltd., Xogar Games, KPMG India.

0–6 year

INR 3-6 LPA

Texture Artist

SuperGaming, ChuChu TV Studios, SuperDNA 3D Lab, Ikarus 3D, and Exioms Theory (P) Ltd.

0–3 year

INR 2.5-4 LPA

Flash Animator

Woodpecker Technologies, Digimonks, SeeyonAnimation

0-5 year

INR 3-6 LPA

 

MA Animation vs. MSc Animation

The key differences between MA Animation and MSc Animation is given below:

Aspect

MA Animation

MSc Animation

Focus

Emphasizes creative and artistic aspects of animation such as storytelling, visual style, 2D/3D animation, character design, and visual effects with a humanities and arts orientation. Includes exploration of innovative and experimental media.

Focuses more on the scientific, technical, and software aspects of animation including advanced 3D modeling, VFX, motion graphics, digital sculpting, and animation production technologies. Emphasizes applied technical skills.

Eligibility

Generally requires a bachelor's degree in animation, fine arts, graphic design, or related creative fields. Portfolios and personal statements are typical. Open to those from any undergraduate background with relevant skills or experience.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in BSc Animation, Multimedia, Computer Science, or a related field with typically 50% minimum marks. Often preferred to have technical or science-related undergraduate background.

Admission Process

Merit or entrance-based application with portfolio submission, personal statement, and sometimes interview or online assessment. Focus on creative potential and artistic skills.

Entrance exam or merit-based admission depending on institution. May involve aptitude test, interview, and evaluation of technical skills or work samples. Admission visuals may be required focusing on technical expertise.

Course Fee

Varies widely, generally ranges from INR 35,000 to INR 3,00,000 for full course depending on institution

Typically ranges between INR 26,000 to INR 5,60,000 depending on institute

Job Roles

Animator, visual storytelling specialist, storyboard artist, character designer, motion graphics artist, animation director, creative lead, VFX artist focusing on artistic production roles.

3D Animator, VFX Artist, Motion Graphics Designer, Digital Sculptor, Technical Animator, Game Designer, Animation Production Specialist focusing on technical and software-driven roles.

Average Salary

INR 3 LPA to INR 8 LPA

INR 4 LPA to INR 6 LPA

 

MA Animation FAQs

What types of projects do MA Animation students generally do?

Students pursuing MA in Animation usually work on projects that give them the chance to experiment with different facets of animation, including digital and traditional methods as well as specialized fields like visual effects and character design. These projects could be anything from quick animated movies and games to creating a portfolio that highlights their abilities.

Is there international exposure possible in the MA Animation?

Yes, an MA program in animation can lead to exposure on a global scale. International cooperation, internships, and chances for students to work on projects with clients from other countries are all included in many programs. International animation practices and trends are the subject of specialized modules or concentrations offered by certain programs.

Is a portfolio necessary for admission?

Yes, a portfolio showcasing your animation work, sketches, storyboards, or related creative projects is critical. It helps admission committees assess your artistic abilities and potential for advanced animation training.

Can I pursue MA Animation online or part-time?

Many institutions offer flexible formats including online and part-time courses, enabling working professionals to upskill while continuing their careers. However, it is better to pursue this course full-time for getting better hands-on experience.

Can MA Animation graduates pursue teaching or academic careers?

Yes, many graduates go on to teach animation or digital arts at colleges and universities, or engage in academic research and curriculum development, contributing to the education and evolution of the field.

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