Quick answer: Yes, you can do an animation course after 12th in any stream: arts, commerce or science. Most students join right after Class 12 or alongside their graduation, and there’s no minimum percentage, entrance exam or drawing test. Courses range from 1–2 month short courses to 3-year career programs. What matters more than your stream is your interest in visual storytelling and your willingness to practise.
Start with the career, not the course name
Many students pick a course by its title. But “animation” covers very different jobs: 3D animation, modelling, VFX, game art, motion graphics, graphic design and more. Decide roughly where you want to be in three years, then choose the course that leads there.
Can arts, commerce and science students do animation?
Yes. Animation, VFX, game design, graphic design and UI/UX are skill-based careers, and studios hire based on your portfolio, not your Class 12 subjects.
| Your stream | Can you join? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Arts / Humanities | Yes | Often a natural fit: storytelling and visual sense help in animation and design |
| Commerce | Yes | Strong fit for motion graphics, advertising design and UI/UX |
| Science (PCM/PCB) | Yes | Helpful for technical roles like VFX simulations and game development, but not required |
What is the eligibility for an animation course?
Most of our students join after Class 12 or during their graduation. The requirements for career programs at Arena Animation Kankurgachi are:
- Minimum qualification: Class 10 pass, though most students join after Class 12
- Stream: any (arts, commerce or science)
- Minimum percentage: none
- Entrance exam: none
- Drawing test: none
Degree programs like the B.Voc follow the admission rules of the university that awards the degree, which usually require a Class 12 pass. National design schools also offer animation degrees through competitive entrance exams such as NID DAT and UCEED.
If you didn’t clear Class 12, you still have options. Read our guide: Failed Class 12? What You Can Still Do in Animation, VFX and Design.
Do you need to be good at drawing?
No, not to start. Drawing helps most in 2D animation, character design and storyboarding, but many roles, including VFX compositing, 3D modelling, lighting, motion graphics, video editing and UI/UX, rely more on software skills, an eye for detail and practice. A good program teaches the art fundamentals you need from the ground up.
How long is an animation course after 12th?
| Course type | Typical duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term course | 1–2 months | Learning one skill, or testing your interest |
| Specialised program | 6–9 months | A focused career in one area, such as VFX compositing, motion graphics or UI-UX |
| Career program | 20–36 months | A full career in animation, VFX or gaming, with a portfolio and placement support |
| Undergraduate degree (B.Voc / B.Sc) | 3 years | Students who want a recognised degree along with practical skills |
Diploma, career program or degree: which should you choose?
Choose a career program if your main goal is to get job-ready. These programs focus on software, production workflows and portfolio building, which is exactly what studios hire on.
Choose a degree like the B.Voc in Animation & VFX if you also want a recognised undergraduate qualification for higher studies, government jobs or working abroad.
Or do both. Many students pursue a regular BA, B.Com or B.Sc and take a professional animation program alongside it.
Which animation courses can you do at Arena Animation Kankurgachi?
| Program | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Arena Animation Specialist Program in Trinity AVG | 36 months | The widest career options across animation, VFX and gaming |
| Advanced Program in Animation with Unreal Engine | 26 months | Animation with real-time 3D and cinematic skills |
| Advanced Program in Animation & VFX | 20 months | A complete 3D animation and VFX career |
| VFX Compositing & Editing | 9 months | A faster route into film and OTT post-production |
| AI Motion Graphics & Design | 9 months | Advertising, social media and broadcast design |
| Video Production & Content Creation | 8 months | Video editing and content creation |
| Master in Unreal Engine | 6 months | Game art and real-time 3D |
| Next-Gen Graphic and Visual Design | 6 months | Branding, print and digital design |
| Advanced Program in UI-UX Design | 6 months | Designing websites and apps |
| Master in Gen AI | 1 month | Creating images, video, audio and 3D with AI tools |
Not sure which one fits? A counsellor can match a program to your stream, interests and goals in one session. See our animation course fees in Kolkata for fees and instalment options.
Can you study animation alongside college?
Yes. Classes run 2 hours a day, 3 days a week, so you can pursue a professional program alongside your graduation or a job. Many of our students do exactly that.
What jobs can you get after an animation course?
Depending on your specialisation: 3D animator, VFX compositor, roto artist, 3D modeller, texture artist, lighting artist, motion graphics designer, game artist, graphic designer, UI/UX designer and video editor. These roles exist across film and OTT studios, ad agencies, game studios, e-learning companies, TV channels and in-house brand teams.
Freshers in Kolkata typically start at about ₹2–4 lakh per year depending on the role. See our full animator and VFX artist salary guide for Kolkata.
For parents: is animation a safe career choice?
Animation and VFX are no longer niche careers. Film, OTT platforms, advertising, gaming, e-learning and social media all need visual content. When choosing an institute, look for:
- A structured curriculum, not just software classes
- Portfolio building built into the course
- Verifiable placements: ask for named alumni and the companies they joined
- Flexibility, so your child can continue regular graduation alongside
The honest caveat: this is a skill-based career. Students who practise consistently and build strong portfolios do well; a certificate alone isn’t enough.
What to check before you enrol
- Software: is it what studios actually use?
- Student work: an institute’s student portfolios tell you more than any brochure.
- Placements: which companies, which roles, and how recently?
- Certification: is it recognised? Arena programs are MESC and Aptech certified.
- A demo class: see how teaching actually works before you decide.
More questions? See our FAQ page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do animation after 12th arts or commerce?
Yes. Animation courses are open to students from any stream, and studios hire based on portfolio, not Class 12 subjects.
What is the eligibility for an animation course in Kolkata?
Most students join after Class 12 or during graduation, from any stream. The minimum requirement at Arena Animation Kankurgachi is a Class 10 pass, with no minimum percentage, entrance exam or drawing test.
Which animation course is best after 12th?
It depends on your goal. For the widest career options, a combined program like Trinity AVG covering animation, VFX and gaming is a strong choice. To start working sooner, a focused program like VFX Compositing & Editing or AI Motion Graphics & Design may suit you better.
How long is an animation course after 12th?
At Arena Animation Kankurgachi, specialised programs take 6–9 months and full career programs take 20–36 months. Short-term courses of 1–2 months are also available.
Can I do an animation course without drawing skills?
Yes. Many careers, including VFX, 3D modelling, motion graphics and UI/UX, rely more on software and technical skills, which are taught from scratch.
Can I do animation with a regular degree?
Yes. Many students take a professional animation program alongside a BA, B.Com or B.Sc through alternate-day batches.
Start your animation career
Arena Animation Kankurgachi has trained 12,000+ students since 1998. Visit us at P-348, 3rd Floor, CIT Road, beside Pantaloons, Kankurgachi, Kolkata 700054, or book a free demo class and counselling session.
Call 81007 25420 to book your free demo class.