The right institute is the one that helps you build a portfolio. It is not the one with the biggest ad.
This guide gives you seven checks. Use them for any institute, including ours.
Why this choice matters in 2026
Studios hire for skill. They look at your work first.
The animation and VFX sector grew 1.6% in 2025 after a sharp fall in 2024, says the FICCI-EY 2026 media report, as summarised by AnimationXpress. The same report expects the sector to grow from ₹105 billion in 2025 to ₹138 billion by 2028.
So demand is returning. But it rewards people with proof of skill. That is why your course must give you time to build a reel.
The 7-point checklist
1. How many training hours does the course have?
Two courses can both say “12 months”. One may run 6 hours a week and the other 12.
Ask for total class hours in writing. Then divide the fee by the hours. That gives you a fair comparison.
2. Which software will you learn?
Ask for the exact list. For 3D, look for tools such as Maya or Blender. For 2D, look for Adobe Animate or Toon Boom. For VFX, look for After Effects and Nuke.
A vague answer like “all major software” is a warning sign.
3. Can you see real student work?
Ask for showreels from past batches. Check the quality, not the quantity.
Good reels show finished shots. They show clean motion and a clear story.
4. Who teaches the course?
Ask about faculty experience. Ask what projects they have worked on. Ask if you can meet them.
5. What kind of certificate will you get?
This part confuses many students. A certificate from an institute is not a university degree.
In India, the UGC B.Voc scheme has set exit points. Under the Media and Entertainment Skills Council, one semester gives a Certificate, two give a Diploma, four give an Advanced Diploma and six give a B.Voc Degree.
Ask which one your course is. Ask who awards it.
6. What does the fee include?
Get the total fee with GST. Get the admission fee. Get the instalment plan in writing.
Ask what is not included. Software, exam fees and kits are common extras.
7. What does placement support really mean?
No institute controls who a studio hires. Be careful with promises of guaranteed jobs.
Instead, ask what support you get. Portfolio reviews, mock interviews and studio introductions are real forms of help.
Questions to ask on a campus visit
| Ask this | A good answer sounds like |
|---|---|
| How many class hours in total? | A number, in writing |
| Which software, by module? | A named list |
| Can I see recent student reels? | Yes, on screen, right now |
| Who awards the certificate? | A clear name and type |
| What is the full fee with GST? | One total plus the instalment plan |
| What happens after I finish? | Portfolio work, reviews, interview prep |
Red flags to avoid
- A fee that changes when you ask for it in writing.
- No named software list.
- No student work to show.
- Pressure to pay today.
- A guarantee of a job.
How Reliance Animation Academy Ultadanga answers these checks
We are on Ultadanga Main Road, Kolkata. Classes run 6 hours a week on campus.
- Hours: 72 hours for 3 months, 156 for 6 months and 312 for 12 months.
- Fees: ₹42,000 for a 3-month certificate and ₹1,41,600 for the 12-month Advanced Programs, both including GST. See the full fee page.
- Certificate: Our own programs award a Reliance certificate. Only the B.Voc is a university degree, awarded with Scope Global Skills University, Bhopal.
- Support: We offer placement support, including portfolio reviews and interview preparation.
Want to compare? Book a free counselling visit and ask us every question above.
Sources
- AnimationXpress, “FICCI EY Report 2026: Indian VFX segment recalibrates”
- AnimationXpress, “FICCI EY Report 2026: Indian animation sector records six per cent decline”
- Media and Entertainment Skills Council, “UGC B.Voc exit levels”
- Reliance Animation Academy Ultadanga, course fees, 2026–27 admissions
Fees and dates can change. Confirm the current fee with a counsellor before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours should an animation course have?
There is no fixed rule. A 3-month certificate may have about 72 hours. A 12-month advanced program may have about 312. Compare the total hours and the fee per hour, not just the number of months.
Is an institute certificate or a degree better?
It depends on your goal. Studios mostly look at your portfolio. A degree helps if you want a university qualification. Under the UGC B.Voc scheme, a degree takes six semesters.
What should I ask during a campus visit?
Ask for the total class hours, the software list, recent student reels, the full fee with GST and the instalment plan. Ask who awards the certificate.
Can I join an animation course after 10th?
Yes, many programs accept a 10th pass student. At Reliance Animation Academy Ultadanga, most programs need a Class 10 or 12 pass. The B.Voc needs Class 12.
How do I compare animation course fees?
Compare the total fee with GST, the admission fee and the total hours. Then divide the fee by the hours. Our guide on comparing animation institute fees in Kolkata shows how.