Were you among the dozens of people who were enthralled with Baahubali? Animation may be the right course for you. 

Animation is one of the most in-demand degrees right now, and it makes sense given that it gives students a chance to show off their skills and creativity, pays well, and has a promising future.

To succeed in the highly technical animation industry, potential employees must master a variety of programs, including Adobe After Effects, Autodesk 3ds Max, Adobe Premiere, and Autodesk Maya. Indeed, it is true that having the necessary creative flair is required to become an animator.

But, it is also crucial for hopefuls to enrol in a program at a reputable college or university if they want to carve out a career in the animation industry. 

Both undergraduate and postgraduate animation courses are available to aspirants. In addition to this, candidates can study animation-related diploma and certificate programs.

Animated Films 

There have been many great animations throughout history, but here are some highlights:

• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) - This was the first feature-length animated film ever made by Disney, revolutionising the animation industry. It was a huge success and paved the way for many more animated films.
• The Lion King (1994) - This classic Disney film is one of the highest-grossing animated films ever. It features a memorable soundtrack and some of the most iconic characters in animation history.
• Spirited Away (2001) - This Japanese animated film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003, making it the first non-English language animated film to do so. It is a beautifully animated and enchanting story that appeals to all ages.
• Toy Story (1995) - This was the first feature-length computer-animated film ever made, and it was a huge success. It tells the story of toys that come to life when their owner is not around, and it has become a beloved classic.
• The Simpsons (1989-present) - This long-running animated series has become a cultural icon, and its irreverent humour and satirical take on American life have influenced generations.
• My Neighbor Totoro (1988) - This Japanese animated film tells the story of two young sisters who move to the countryside and befriend a friendly forest spirit named Totoro. It is a heartwarming story that has become a beloved classic.
• Beauty and the Beast (1991) - This Disney classic was the first animated film nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. It features beautiful animation and a memorable soundtrack, and it is still beloved by audiences of all ages.
• Wallace and Gromit (1989-present) - This stop-motion animated series features a lovable inventor and his loyal dog as they get into wacky adventures. It has become a British institution and has won numerous awards.
• Finding Nemo (2003) - This Pixar film tells the story of a father fishing on a mission to find his lost son. It features stunning underwater animation and has become a beloved classic.
• Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008) - This American animated series tells the story of a young boy who can control the elements and his quest to save the world from evil. It features beautiful animation and compelling storytelling, and ias become a cult classic.

Animation courses: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for animation courses may vary depending on the specific course and the institution offering it. 

However, here are some standard eligibility criteria that are usually required for admission to animation courses:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent education in any stream, preferably with a minimum of 50% marks. Some courses may require candidates to have a background in arts or science.
• Age Limit: The minimum age requirement for admission to animation courses is generally 16 years. There is usually no upper age limit.
• Entrance Exams: Some animation courses may require candidates to clear an entrance exam conducted by the respective institutions. The entrance exams may test the candidate's aptitude, creativity, and technical skills.
• Portfolio: Candidates may also be required to submit a portfolio of their work, including drawings, paintings, sketches, animations, and other relevant projects.
• Language Proficiency: Some courses may require candidates to have proficiency in English or the course's language of instruction.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria may vary from institution to institution and course to course. It is recommended that candidates check the specific eligibility criteria for the course they are interested in before applying.

Animation Entrance Exams

Various institutions and organisations conduct several animation entrance exams. Here are some popular animation entrance exams in India:

• National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam: NID offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in animation, and the entrance exam tests the candidates' aptitude, creativity, and communication skills.
• National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA): NATA is an entrance exam for admission to undergraduate programs in architecture, which also includes a section on drawing and visualisation skills that can be useful for animation courses.
• Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED): CEED is an entrance exam for admission to postgraduate programs in design, which includes animation as one of its specialisations.
• Srishti Institute of Art, Design, and Technology Entrance Exam: Srishti offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in animation, and the entrance exam tests the candidates' creativity, visualisation skills, and critical thinking.
• Arena Animation Aptitude Test (AAAT): AAAT is an entrance exam conducted by Arena Animation for admission to various animation courses.
• MAAC Entrance Exam: Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC) conducts an entrance exam for admission to its animation courses, which includes a test on the candidate's creativity and aptitude.

These are just a few examples of animation entrance exams in India, and individual institutions or organisations may conduct other exams. 

It is recommended that candidates check the specific entrance exam requirements for the course and institution they are interested in.

Skills required for Animation

To become a successful animator, one needs to possess a wide range of skills. Here are some of the essential skills required for animation:

• Creativity: Animators must be highly creative and imaginative to create unique, engaging characters, stories, and visuals.
• Drawing and sketching skills: Drawing and sketching skills are essential for animators to create storyboards, character designs, and animation layouts.
• Knowledge of software and technology: Animators should be proficient in using various animation software and tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, Blender, etc.
• Attention to detail: Animators must have a keen eye for detail to ensure the animations are visually appealing and realistic.
• Time management: Animators should be able to manage their time effectively and work within tight deadlines to complete projects on time.
• Communication skills: Good communication skills are essential for animators collaborating with other team members such as writers, directors, and sound engineers.
• Acting and performance skills: Animators should understand acting and performance well to create realistic movements and expressions for their characters.
• Understanding of storytelling: Animators should know about storytelling techniques to create engaging and compelling narratives.
• Ability to work in a team: Animators must collaborate with other team members, such as artists, designers, and programmers.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn: Animators should be adaptable and willing to learn new skills and techniques to keep up with the constantly evolving field of animation.

These are some of the essential skills required for animation, and developing these skills can help aspiring animators succeed in the field.

Animation Admission Process

The admission process for animation courses may vary depending on the institution and the course you are interested in. 

However, here is a general outline of the admission process for animation courses:

• Research: Start by researching the various animation courses availabtutions offering them. Examine the eligibility criteria, course duration, curriculum, fee structure, placement opportunities, and other essential factors.
• Application: Once you have identified the course and institution you want to apply to, check their website for the application process. Most institutions have an online application process that requires you to fill in your personal and educational details, upload your documents, and pay the application fee.
• Entrance Exam: Some animation courses may require you to take an entrance exam. Prepare for the exam by practising drawing, sketching, and other relevant skills. Check the admission criteria for the course you are interested in to see if an entrance exam is required.
• Portfolio: Some animation courses may require you to submit a portfolio of your work, including drawings, paintings, sketches, animations, and other relevant projects. Make sure your portfolio showcases your creativity and skills.
• Interview: Some institutions may interview to assess your skills, creativity, and interest in the course. Prepare for the interview by researching the institution and the course, and practice answering common interview questions.
• Admission: Once you have cleared the entrance exam and interview (if required) and your application has been reviewed, you will receive a confirmation of your admission. You may be required to pay the course fee and submit relevant documents to confirm your admission.

It is important to note that the admission process may vary from institution to institution and course to course. You should check the specific admission process for the course and institution you are interested in before applying.

Animation Courses: Syllabus

The syllabus for animation courses may vary depending on the institution and the course you are interested in. However, here is a general outline of the topics that are covered in most animation courses:

• Fundamentals of Art: This includes courses on drawing, sketching, colour theory, composition, and other fundamental art skills.
• Design and Visual Communication: This includes courses on graphic design, typography, layout, and other visual communication skills.
• 2D and 3D Animation: This includes courses on 2D and 3D animation techniques, including character design, storyboard creation, keyframe animation, rigging, and motion graphics.
• Audio and Video Production: This includes courses on video and audio editing, sound design, and post-production techniques.
• Scriptwriting and Storytelling: This includes courses on screenwriting, storytelling, and script analysis, which are essential for creating engaging narratives in animation.
• Game Design and Development: This includes courses on game design principles, game engines, and programming languages used for game development.
• Special Effects: This includes courses on special effects techniques used in film and animation, such as particle effects, compositing, and colour grading.
• Industry and Career Preparation: This includes courses on the business of animation, including marketing, project management, and entrepreneurship. Students may also be able to complete internships or work on industry projects to gain practical experience.

It is important to note that the syllabus may vary depending on the institution and the course you are interested in. 

Top Colleges for studying Animation

TSome many colleges and universities offer animation courses throughout the world. Here are some of the top colleges for studying animation based on their reputation, quality of education, faculty, and placement opportunities:

• California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), USA
• Gobelins, France
• Sheridan College, Canada
• Royal College of Art, UK
• School of Visual Arts (SVA), USA
• National Institute of Design (NID), India
• Ringling College of Art and Design, USA
• Vancouver Film School (VFS), Canada
• Bournemouth University, UK
• Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, Germany

It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and many other colleges and universities offer excellent animation programs. 

A career in Animation: Job scope and Salary

A career in animation can offer a wide range of job opportunities in various industries, such as film, television, gaming, advertising, and digital media. Some of the job roles in animation include:

• Animator: responsible for creating animation sequences and characters using 2D or 3D software.
• Storyboard Artist: responsible for creating visual storyboards that illustrate a project's narrative and critical scenes.
• Art Director: responsible for overseeing a project's overall visual style and direction.
• Visual Effects (VFX) Artist: responsible for creating special effects and computer-generated imagery (CGI) in films and television shows.
• Game Designer: responsible for creating game concepts, gameplay mechanics, and visual design elements for video games.

Regarding salary, earning potential in the animation industry varies depending on factors such as job role, experience, location, and industry. 

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for animators in the United States is around $64,000, while the average salary for VFX artists is around $75,000. 

In India, the average salary for an animator is around INR 320,000 per year, according to Payscale. However, it is essential to note that these are just averages, and actual salaries may vary depending on the abovementioned factors.

Overall, a career in animation can be a rewarding and exciting choice for those with a passion for art and storytelling. 

With the growing demand for animation in various industries, there are plenty of job opportunities for skilled and talented animators.