Animation Course After 12th in 2026: Fees, Duration, Career Scope & Salary
In 2026, the animation industry is in one of the most exciting stages. Animation is no longer a cartoon or a movie; with the emergence of OTTs, the evolution of gaming, virtual reality, AI-induced graphics, and the digital experience of a particular environment. Students who have passed their 12th and are seeking an artistic but future-proof career can make a choice to take an animation course after 12th, which can give them a chance to open up to the world.
In this blog, know everything about becoming an animator after 12th in 2026, including eligibility, courses available, period of courses, costs, extent of your career, salary opportunities, and the reason why you must get professional training.
Animation Course after 12th eligibility
Most animation programs have simple criteria of eligibility:
- 10+2 completed in a recognized board.
- Candidate must have a minimum of 50% marks in 10+2 (45% for reserved categories)
- Candidates need to clear the AAFT Global Entrance Test (GET)
In a number of programs, the students could be evaluated using interviews, aptitude tests, or portfolio reviews as a way of learning about creative potential instead of theoretical knowledge.
Popular Animation Course after 12th in 2026
There are numerous undergraduate programs, diploma programs, and integrated programs that the students can pursue based on their career objectives and time commitment.
| Course Name | Course Level | Duration | Average Total Fees (INR) |
| B.Sc. in Animation | Undergraduate | 3 Years | ₹3,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 |
| B.Des in Animation | Undergraduate | 4 Years | ₹5,00,000 – ₹10,00,000 |
| B.Sc. in Game Design | Undergraduate | 3 Years | ₹4,00,000 – ₹7,50,000 |
| M.Sc. in Animation | Postgraduate | 2 Years | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,50,000 |
| M.Sc. in Game Design | Postgraduate | 2 Years | ₹4,00,000 – ₹6,50,000 |
| Diploma in 3D Animation & VFX | Diploma | 12 Months | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| Diploma in Unreal Engine & Virtual Production | Diploma | 12 Months | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
Skills You Gain in an Animation Course after 12th
After 12th, an animation course will prepare students with creative and technical skills needed in the industry:
- Essentials of drawing and visual design.
- Characters and storyboard development.
- 2D and 3D animation techniques.
- Lighting, modeling, texturing, and rendering.
- The basics of motion graphics and visual effects.
- Live-time engines, interactive media tools.
Exposure to AI-assisted tools, virtual production workflows, and cross-platform content creation are also included in animation education in 2026.
Must Read: Top Animation Institutes in India 2026: Fees, Courses & Placements
The scopes of a career after an animation course after 12th
The scope of the career once an animation course is completed after 12th is enormous and ever-growing. Graduates can work in various industries, which include entertainment, gaming, advertising, education, and digital media.
Popular job roles include:
- 2D Animator
- 3D Animator
- Character Designer
- Game Artist
- VFX Artist
- Motion Graphics Designer
- Environment Artist
- AR/VR Visual Artist
Expertise can advance one to an animation director, creative lead, or independent studio owner.
Salary After Animation Course in India (2026)
Career opportunities are based on the skills, specialization, quality of the portfolio, and experience. Beginners in the profession usually receive competitive remuneration packages as opposed to most of the traditional professions.
| Job Role | Entry-Level Salary (Annual) | Experienced Salary (Annual) |
| 2D Animator | ₹2.5 – ₹4 LPA | ₹6 – ₹10 LPA |
| 3D Animator | ₹3 – ₹5 LPA | ₹8 – ₹15 LPA |
| VFX Artist | ₹3.5 – ₹6 LPA | ₹10 – ₹20 LPA |
| Game Artist | ₹4 – ₹7 LPA | ₹12 – ₹18 LPA |
| Motion Graphics Designer | ₹3 – ₹5.5 LPA | ₹8 – ₹14 LPA |
| AR/VR Artist | ₹5 – ₹8 LPA | ₹15 – ₹25+ LPA |
Also Read: AAFT Animation Placements 2026 | Studios, Job Roles & CTC
Conclusion
A course in animation as an option after 12th in 2026 is a wise decision for students intending to blend arts with technologies and to create a future-proof job. Having a variety of courses, including B.Sc in Animation, B.Des in Animation, B.Sc in Game Design, M.Sc in Animation, M.Sc in Game Design, Diploma in 3D Animation and VFX, and Diploma in Unreal Engine, students will be able to choose between the ones that can fulfill their interests and career objectives.
Institutes such as AAFT Noida are playing a significant role in developing successful animation professionals due to the industry-driven curriculum, high-end laboratories, efficient professors, and excellent placements. Students, with the proper education, skill, and exposure, can be assured of accessing the rapidly expanding world of animation and digital entertainment.
Animation Course After 12th FAQs
1. Should Animation be considered a career choice after 12th in 2026?
Yes, animation is one of the rapidly developing professions that are offered in films, games, OTT, and new technologies.
2. What is the best animation course to do after 12th?
B.Sc. in Animation or Diploma in 3D Animation and VFX are the best courses one can take as a beginner.
3. Am I required to have drawing skills to attend an animation course?
Simple drawing is useful, though professional school education takes students out of the groundwork to a professional level.
4. How much does an animation course after 12th earn?
Remuneration depends on position and talent; however, an experienced animator can attain a nice package and work as a freelance animator anywhere on the globe.
5. Why should one prefer AAFT Noida to study animation courses?
AAFT Noida provides programs in animation that are industry-oriented, with up-to-date infrastructure, well-trained tutors, and good career guidance to the upcoming animators.
