Best Animation Colleges in Pune – Top Picks 2026
Explore the best animation colleges in Pune offering top courses, expert faculty, and industry exposure for aspiring animators in 2026.
Are you passionate about animation and looking to study in Pune? This city has become a hub for creative education, especially in animation and multimedia. In 2026, choosing the right college can shape your career in this fast-growing industry.
Here, we list the best animation colleges in Pune, highlighting their unique strengths, course offerings, and student experiences. Whether you want 2D, 3D animation, VFX, or game design, this guide will help you find the perfect fit.
1. MAAC (Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics)
MAAC is a leading animation institute known for its comprehensive courses in 3D animation, VFX, and gaming. It has a strong industry connect and updated curriculum that keeps pace with global trends.
- Location:
Easily accessible in Pune’s Kothrud area, close to public transport and educational hubs.
- Specialty:
Offers specialized courses in 3D animation, visual effects, and motion graphics.
- Experience:
Students benefit from hands-on training and industry projects, boosting employability.
- Price Range:
Moderate fees, with flexible payment options and scholarships available.
- Why Visit:
Known for its placement support and tie-ups with animation studios.
Ideal for students seeking practical skills and direct industry exposure in animation and VFX fields.
2. Frameboxx Animation & Visual Effects
Frameboxx is reputed for its advanced animation technology and expert faculty. It offers courses that cover 2D and 3D animation, VFX, and game design with a focus on creativity and technical skills.
- Location:
Located in Pune’s Viman Nagar area, near IT parks and educational institutions.
- Specialty:
Strong emphasis on software training and portfolio development.
- Experience:
Students get exposure to live projects and internships with studios.
- Price Range:
Competitive fees with installment plans.
- Why Visit:
Excellent infrastructure and updated labs for practical learning.
Perfect for students who want a balance of creative and technical training in animation and VFX.
3. Arena Animation
Arena Animation is one of the oldest and most trusted names in animation education in India. Pune’s branches offer a variety of courses tailored to industry needs, including multimedia and graphic design.
- Location:
Available in multiple locations like Camp and Kalyani Nagar, well connected by public transport.
- Specialty:
Offers diploma and advanced diploma courses in animation and multimedia.
- Experience:
Known for experienced trainers and a strong alumni network.
- Price Range:
Affordable fees with value-for-money courses.
- Why Visit:
Good placement records and regular workshops with industry experts.
Great for beginners and those looking for a solid foundation in animation and multimedia.
4. Zee Institute of Creative Art (ZICA)
ZICA Pune delivers creative education in animation, graphic design, and film making. It is part of the Zee Entertainment group, providing students with industry insights and networking opportunities.
- Location:
Situated in Pune’s Shivajinagar area, close to major transport routes.
- Specialty:
Focus on animation, film editing, and graphic design courses.
- Experience:
Students gain practical knowledge through projects and internships.
- Price Range:
Mid-range fees with flexible course durations.
- Why Visit:
Strong brand backing and media industry connections.
Suitable for students aiming for careers in animation and media production with a creative edge.
5. Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC) Hinjewadi
This MAAC branch in Hinjewadi caters to students in Pune’s IT hub, offering the same quality courses with a focus on VFX and 3D animation tailored to industry demands.
- Location:
Located in Hinjewadi, near IT companies and tech parks.
- Specialty:
Strong VFX and 3D animation programs with updated software training.
- Experience:
Practical sessions and industry-ready projects enhance learning.
- Price Range:
Moderate fees with good value for technical training.
- Why Visit:
Ideal for IT professionals and students looking to enter animation from a tech background.
Best suited for tech-savvy students and working professionals seeking animation skills alongside IT careers.
6. ICAT Design & Media College
ICAT offers degree-level courses in animation, game design, and visual effects. It is affiliated with Bangalore University and provides a strong academic foundation with creative training.
- Location:
Located in Pune’s Kharadi area, near IT parks and educational centers.
- Specialty:
Degree programs with a focus on animation, VFX, and game art.
- Experience:
Combines theory with practical workshops and internships.
- Price Range:
Higher fees reflecting degree-level education and facilities.
- Why Visit:
Best for students aiming for formal degrees and comprehensive animation education.
Ideal for those seeking a university-affiliated degree with industry-relevant skills in animation and media.
7. Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC) Baner
Another MAAC center in Baner offers quality animation education with a focus on creative and technical skills, catering to students in Pune’s western suburbs.
- Location:
Situated in Baner, a rapidly developing residential and commercial area.
- Specialty:
Courses in 3D animation, VFX, and motion graphics.
- Experience:
Known for personalized training and project-based learning.
- Price Range:
Affordable fees with flexible course options.
- Why Visit:
Convenient for students residing in western Pune looking for reputed animation courses.
Great for local students wanting hands-on animation training close to home.
8. C-DAC Pune (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing)
C-DAC Pune offers specialized courses in animation and multimedia as part of its advanced computing programs, blending technology with creative arts.
- Location:
Located in Pune University area, easily accessible by public transport.
- Specialty:
Focus on animation, multimedia, and digital content creation with a tech approach.
- Experience:
Students benefit from research-based learning and government-backed programs.
- Price Range:
Reasonable fees with government subsidies for eligible candidates.
- Why Visit:
Ideal for students interested in the technical and research side of animation.
Perfect for those who want to combine animation skills with computing and technology expertise.
When to Visit or Use These Animation Colleges
Choosing the right time to join an animation college can impact your learning and career start. Here are some tips:
Admissions typically open before the academic year starts in June or July; apply early to secure a seat.
Consider joining before the monsoon season to avoid travel disruptions and settle in comfortably.
Look for colleges offering summer workshops or crash courses if you want to start learning quickly.
Plan your course duration based on your career goals—short-term diplomas for quick skills or degree programs for in-depth study.
How to Choose the Best Animation College in Pune
Picking the right animation college requires careful consideration of several factors:
- Location:
Choose a college that is easily accessible from your home or hostel to save commuting time.
- Course Curriculum:
Check if the syllabus covers the latest animation software and techniques relevant to the industry.
- Faculty Expertise:
Experienced trainers with industry background enhance learning quality.
- Infrastructure:
Look for well-equipped labs, software availability, and creative spaces.
- Placement Support:
Colleges with strong industry connections and placement cells improve job prospects.
- Reviews and Alumni:
Research student feedback and success stories to gauge reputation.
By comparing these factors, you can select a college that fits your budget, learning style, and career ambitions.
Conclusion
Pune offers a variety of excellent animation colleges catering to different needs, from diploma courses to degree programs. This list highlights institutions with strong faculty, good infrastructure, and industry exposure to help you make an informed choice in 2026.
Whether you are a beginner or looking to upgrade your skills, these colleges provide the right environment to nurture your creativity and technical expertise. Choose wisely based on your goals, and start your journey in the exciting world of animation with confidence.
FAQs
Which is the most popular animation college in Pune?
MAAC is widely popular due to its comprehensive courses, industry connections, and consistent placement support across Pune.
Are there degree courses available in animation in Pune?
Yes, colleges like ICAT Design & Media College offer degree programs affiliated with universities, providing in-depth academic and practical training.
What is the average fee for animation courses in Pune?
Fees vary from INR 50,000 to 2,00,000 depending on the course type, duration, and college reputation.
Do these colleges provide placement assistance?
Most reputed animation colleges in Pune have dedicated placement cells and industry tie-ups to help students find internships and jobs.
Can working professionals join animation courses in Pune?
Yes, many institutes offer flexible timings and weekend batches suitable for working professionals seeking skill enhancement.