M.Des in Animation: Course Details, Admission, Syllabus, Fees, Colleges, Scope
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M.Des in Animation: Course Details, Admission, Syllabus, Fees, Colleges, Scope

#M.Des
Moksh DheriUpdated on 03 Jan 2025, 12:58 PM IST

MDes in Animation is a postgraduate degree programme that explores the advanced concepts and techniques of animation. It provides students with the knowledge of various tools required to produce visually appealing and dynamic graphics for storytelling. Traditional 2D animation, 3D modelling, and animation course, stop-motion, visual effects course, and digital storytelling are a few of the many topics covered in this programme.

This Story also Contains

  1. M.Des. Animation Eligibility Criteria
  2. M.Des Animation Admission Procedure
  3. M.Des Animation Entrance Examinations
  4. M.Des. Animation Syllabus
  5. M.Des. Animation Fees Structure
  6. Scope of M.Des. Animation
  7. Expected Salary After M.Des. Animation

Students receive training in all aspects of the animation production pipeline, from concept creation and storyboarding to character design and final rendering, and they are taught to use industry-standard software and tools. M.Des Animation course aims to develop students' imagination, technical skills, and in-depth knowledge of the narrative and creative facets of animation.

Around 13 colleges in India offer the programme. Graduates are offered job opportunities with an average package of Rs. 6.8 LPA. Recruiters for this course include Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Digitas, Wunderman Thompson, Publicis Groupe, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. Some of the common job profiles are Animator, Storyboard Artist, Character Designer, and Illustrator.

Amity University | M. Design Admissions 2026

Tie-ups with over 100 international Universities in USA, UK, France and Australia. Wide Range of scholarships available.

Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences B.Des Admissions 2026

NAAC A+ & NBA Accredited | QS I-Gauge Gold rated University | Scholarships available for Meritorious students | Application Deadline: 28th Feb’26

MDes Animation- Important Dates and Events

  • Pearl Academy Entrance Exam Admit Card (Cycle 1)- 15 Jan’ 2025
  • Pearl Academy Entrance Exam Date- 17 Jan’ 2025-19 Jan’ 2025
  • UID Entrance Exam Date- 25 Jan’ 2025

M.Des. Animation Course Details

Particulars

Values

Degree Name

M.Des. Animation

MDes Animation Course Details

Postgraduate

MDes Animation Course Duration

2 years

MDes Animation Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor’s degree in animation or a related field

MDes Animation Admission process

Merit-based or can be based on entrance test results

MDes Animation Average Fees

Rs. 2.6 Lakhs to Rs. 12 lakhs

MDes Animation Average Salary

Rs. 6.8 LPA

MDes Animation Job profiles

Animator, Storyboard Artist, Character Designer, Illustrator

MDes Animation Top recruiters

Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Digitas, Wunderman Thompson, Publicis Groupe, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video

M.Des. Animation Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who wish to pursue an M.Des. Animation must satisfy certain eligibility criteria to get admission. The eligibility criteria of the programme may vary by institute. However, some basic admission conditions that applicants must fulfil are stated as follows:

Eligibility ParametersDetails
Educational QualificationBachelor's degree (BDes degree) from a recognised institute in India
Minimum aggregate score50-60 per cent aggregate score, 5-10 per cent relaxation for reserved category applicants
Work Experience1-2 years (depending on the provider)

M.Des Animation Admission Procedure

Aspiring students must follow a predetermined admission procedure to apply for M.Des. Animation. The process involves a string of steps to be followed by the candidates to be admitted into a college of their choice. The admission procedure may vary by the institute. However, a general framework of the procedure is:

  • Candidates must either visit the college campus or fill out the application form through the college’s website.
  • They must ensure that all the relevant documents are attached to the application form.
  • The admission criteria may vary by the institute, hence, candidates need to satisfy the cutoff of the particular college to get admission there.
UPES M.Des Admissions 2026

Ranked #45 Among Universities in India by NIRF | 1950+ Students Placed, 91% Placement, 800+ Recruiters

IIFT Design Admissions 2026

Recruiters: Aditya Birla, Wildcraft, Tommy Hilfiger, Vero Moda etc | Only Fashion Institute in India to have entered the LIMCA BOOK OF RECORDS

M.Des Animation Entrance Examinations

Many colleges grant admissions into M.Des. Animation based on merit scores along with considering the entrance examination results of students. An aspirant must clear the required cutoff of the entrance examination to be eligible for admission. A few relevant entrance examinations for getting admission into M.Des. Animation is:

Exam NameConducting BodyExam Schedule

Pearl Academy Entrance Test

Pearl Academy

Pearl Academy Exam Date

UID Entrance Exam

United World Institute of Design Karnavati University

-

CEED

IIT Bombay

CEED Schedule

NIFT Entrance Exam

NIFT

NIFT Entrance Exam Schedule

UPESDAT

University of Petroleum & Energy Studies

-

Cutoff of Top Colleges

Admission into M.Des. Animation is granted to students who satisfy the merit and the entrance test cutoff percentage, ranks, or scores of colleges. A student must score a minimum of 55 per cent in their bachelor’s degree in animation or a related field. The cutoff scores may vary by the institute based on their criteria for admission.

M.Des. Animation Syllabus

M.Des. Animation provides an academic curriculum that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge and provides a holistic learning experience. The two-year postgraduate programme has a well-defined curriculum that may vary from one institution to another. The syllabus taught as per The International School Of Design, Delhi is provided below.

Semester 1Semester 2

Drawing Concepts

Advanced Photoshop & Texturing

Pre -Production

Anatomy For Animation

Digital Art & Design – Theory

Cell Animation- Practical

Digital Art Design – Practical

Principles of Animation, Media Laws and Ethics
Introduction to PC Skills and ProgrammingFilm Analysis
Drawing With Computer2D Animation
Semester 3Semester 4
Introduction to RD Studio MaxIntroduction to Maya
3D Modelling3D Modelling in Maya
Lighting and Camera Techniques in MaxShading and Texturing in Maya
VideographyCharacter Setup & Rigging in Maya
Shading and Texturing in Max

Lighting & Camera Techniques In Maya

-Introduction to Mel Scripting

M.Des. Animation Fees Structure

The tuition fee for an M.Des in Animation can vary depending on various factors like the type of university, the location, and the ranking of the university. The fee of an M.Des in Animation varies between Rs. 2.6 Lakhs to Rs. 12 lakhs. Students are advised to verify the information by visiting the official website of the colleges.

Scope of M.Des. Animation

The scope of an M.Des in Animation is extensive, reflecting the increasing demand for high-quality animated content across various sectors. Graduates can work for digital media organisations, game companies, and film and television studios in the entertainment sector. They can work as directors of animation, storyboard artists, character designers, animators, and visual effects artists.

The popularity of animated films and television shows, along with the growth of streaming services, have increased employment opportunities in this sector. The game business has significant prospects for individuals with expertise in 3D modelling, character animation, and interactive narrative. The abilities obtained through an M.Des in Animation are widely regarded not only in traditional entertainment but also in business communications, education, and advertising.

Career Options After M.Des. Animation

Graduates of M.Des. Animation have a wide array of career options available, reflecting the versatility and demand for their skills across various industries. These job roles are usually aligned with the skills and knowledge of graduates. Some of the most common job roles provided to graduates are:

Job Role

Job Description

Animator

Animators use expression and movement to produce 2D or 3D animations that bring characters and scenes to life for use in movies, TV shows, video games, and digital media. They create dynamic, aesthetically appealing content with the aid of specialised tools and software.

Storyboard Artist

Storyboard Artists draw pictures that accompany texts, illustrating the plot and camera angles for films, TV series and animated films. They aid in scene planning and visualisation, guaranteeing a seamless and compelling story.

Character Designer

Character Designers focus on the physical attributes and psychological characteristics of characters to build and develop original characters for animations, movies, video games, and other media. They make sure the characters suit the storyline and style of the story and are visually appealing.

Illustrator

Illustrators create graphics for books, periodicals, ads, and digital platforms, among other media. They collaborate closely with editors and writers to improve storytelling and graphically communicate concepts.

Top Recruiters

M.Des in Animation graduates are hired by highly reputed design and marketing firms. Top recruiters for graduates include renowned film studios, animation companies, game development firms, and digital media agencies. Some prominent employers in this field are:

  • Pixar
  • DreamWorks Animation
  • Walt Disney Animation Studios
  • Digitas
  • Wunderman Thompson
  • Publicis Groupe
  • Netflix
  • Amazon Prime Video

Benefits of M.Des. Animation

M.Des in Animation provides advanced knowledge of a variety of animation techniques, which improves both technical and creative skills. To promote creativity and career advancement, the programme also provides access to cutting-edge technology and networking opportunities with specialists in the field. It also gives graduates a solid portfolio to show prospective employers their competence.

Expected Salary After M.Des. Animation

The average salary of graduates of M.Des. Animation can be dependent on factors like the location of the job, the company, the expertise, or the specialisation. Graduates can expect to be placed in high-paying job profiles in highly reputed design firms. The average salary structure of some of the most common job profiles are:

Role

Average Salary

Animator

Rs. 7.5 LPA

Storyboard Artist

Rs. 5.4 LPA

Character Designer

Rs. 4.6 LPA

Illustrator

Rs. 4.2 LPA

Source: Ambition Box

Top Private Colleges in India Offering M.Des. Animation

A list of top Private colleges in India offer M.Des. Animation at a relatively higher tuition fee. However, these colleges provide technologically advanced facilities and a multipurpose campus along with a highly qualified faculty. In the table below, we have mentioned the popular private colleges and their respective fee structure.

Top Government Colleges in India Offering M.Des. Animation

Attending a government business college is less expensive than attending a private college. These colleges are well known for their high academic standards throughout India. These institutions provide a good return on investment to students as they offer high-paying job opportunities to graduates. The following are some of the best government colleges that provide M.Des in Animation:

Colleges

Total Fee Structure

IDC IIT Bombay

-

NID Ahmedabad

Rs. 11.50 Lakhs

Graduates are prepared for a variety of exciting employment options by gaining a broad skill set in both the artistic and technical components of animation. The programme gives participants practical exposure using industry-standard tools while encouraging creativity and innovation. Graduates can thrive in a variety of industries, such as digital media, gaming, and film.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What job can I get after M.Des in Animation?
A:

Animator, Storyboard Artist, Character Designer, Illustrator are some job profiles one can pursue after M.Des in Animation.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria to pursue M.Des in Animation?
A:

Students must have completed their bachelor’s degree in animation or a related field from a recognised institution.

Q: Are there any entrance exams for M.Des. Animation?
A:

Tes, NID DAT, CEED are two most common entrance examinations for M.Des. Animation.

Q: What is the average salary one can expect after M.Des. Animation?
A:

The average salary of graduates of M.Des in Animation is Rs. 6.8 LPA in various roles in Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Digitas, Wunderman Thompson, Publicis Groupe, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video.

Q: What is M.Des in Animation?
A:

M.Des in Animation is a postgraduate programme that focuses on advanced animation techniques and principles. Students are equipped with the skills necessary to produce captivating visual stories for a range of media, such as digital, television, and cinema.

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Questions related to M.Des

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to M.Des ?

Hello,

The most important topics for NID DAT Prelims 2026 (MDes) are:

  • Creativity & Visualization
  • Analytical & Logical Thinking
  • General Knowledge & Design Awareness
  • Design & Communication Skills
  • General Aptitude

For more details access below mentioned link:

https://design.careers360.com/articles/nid-dat-syllabus-2026

Hope it helps.

Hello,

With a CMR of 661 and OBC category rank of 193, you do have a fair chance of getting a seat in M.Des at NIFT .

You may not get top campuses like Delhi or Mumbai in the first round, but you can get other NIFT campuses depending on the course preference and seat availability. You should take part in all rounds of counselling for better chances.

Hope it helps !

Hello there,

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) conducts two different exams for their postgraduate programs: M.F.Tech (Master of Fashion Technology) GAT (General Aptitude Test) and M.Des (Master of Design) GAT. Although both exams assess general aptitude, they cater to different courses and have variations in their specific focus areas. Here are the differences between M.F.Tech GAT and M.Des GAT:

M.F.Tech GAT: Focuses more on technical and engineering aspects related to fashion technology. Includes sections on quantitative ability, communication ability, English comprehension, analytical ability, and general knowledge.

M.Des GAT: Focuses on design-related aptitude and creative ability. Includes sections on quantitative ability, communication ability, English comprehension, analytical ability, and general knowledge, with additional emphasis on creativity and design thinking.

Hey Viraj,

It's a must that you solve the previous year papers and sample papers if you preparing for the exam. This will make you familiar with the pattern, marking scheme, etc.

You can visit https://design.careers360.com/articles/nift-sample-papers for PYQs and sample papers.

Hope this helps you. All the best!

Hello,

Maybe, because When it comes to eligibility for the CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design), having backlogs in your undergraduate program may not necessarily disqualify you from appearing for the exam. However, it is important to note that each institute has its own specific eligibility criteria for admission to their MDes programs. Some institutes may consider backlogs as a factor during the admission process, while others may not.

Hope this helps you,

Thank you

https://www.google.com/amp/s/design.careers360.com/exams/ceed/amp