For a diverse and multilingual country like India, animation as a medium of mass communication has the advantage of transcending regional and cultural barriers and the animation programme at NID is very unique and with tradition since the mid 80’s. The objective of this programme is to enable students to find creative solutions to complex problems in communication. Besides acquiring the requisite ability and knowledge of various animation skills and techniques, students are trained to independently handle the complete process of animation film-making, from a storyboard to a completed film. Students are encouraged to explore various approaches to the medium and find innovative and succinct means of communication. The programme aims to build dynamic professionals, well-versed with the medium and its techniques, and committed to broaden the horizons of their chosen profession.

In their initial semesters in the discipline, students develop basic skills and are introduced to knowledge areas pertaining to films in particular, as well as communication and its social and cultural context. Thereafter, they are introduced to the strengths and potential of animation and taught the language with which to communicate ideas. The core of this programme is the learning of the art, craft and business side of the medium. Students are thoroughly grounded in the various techniques of 2D and 3D animation, including the film production process of both, conventional and computer animation. Students acquire professional attitudes and abilities by working on design projects, wherein each student is required to produce two complete films to demonstrate his or her understanding of all aspects of animation filmmaking.

Graduates of this Programme have found rewarding careers as creative directors and producers in broadcast television channels like Channel (V) of the Star TV Network, in multimedia agencies like Tata Interactive, and in production houses such as Western Outdoor Interactive etc. Some practice as independent animation filmmakers.

Pre-requisites
Graduate Diploma Programme in Design (GDPD): For Graduate DiplomaProgramme in Design: Candidate should have passed the Higher Secondary Examination (10+2) in any stream (Science, Arts or Commerce). After admission to the GDPD course, students seeking specialisation in Animation Film Design should have successfully cleared the one-year Foundation Programme.