AVGC-XR in India The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) is India’s lighthouse for AVGC-XR (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality), established with the support of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India; the Government of Maharashtra; FICCI; and CII. As the national nodal organisation for AVGC-XR, IICT brings together academia, industry, technology and policy to nurture talent, drive innovation, and strengthen India's global competitiveness in creative technologies. Advisory Councils IICT has established four councils to support its mission of delivering world-class education, research, and industry integration in the AVGC-XR (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality) sector. These councils bring together academia, industry, and policy expertise to ensure IICT remains future-ready, skill-driven, and innovation-focused. Together, these four councils ensure IICT operates at the cutting edge of education, skills, industry engagement, and research in the AVGC-XR sector. Academic Council Introduction The Academic Council is the highest academic body of IICT. It governs the academic direction of the institute, ensuring excellence in curriculum, pedagogy, and student learning outcomes. Roles and Responsibilities Develop and review academic policies, regulations, and calendars. Approve new UG, PG, and professional programs. Ensure curriculum remains relevant to industry tools and technologies. Oversee quality assurance, faculty development, and academic audits. Guide student assessment frameworks and academic integrity. Recommend academic matters to the Governing Body. Skills Council Introduction The Skills Council ensures that students are equipped with industry-relevant, hands-on skills across AVGC-XR domains. It promotes employability, certifications, and lifelong learning. Roles and Responsibilities Align training content with industry workflows and production practices. Identify emerging skills and support micro-credentialing. Facilitate internships, apprenticeships, and studio-based learning Guide practical assessments and third-party certifications. Recommend faculty upskilling and masterclasses. Support alumni/professional upskilling and RPL frameworks. Industry Development Council Introduction The Industry Development Council fosters strategic partnerships with the AVGC-XR industry to co-create programs, drive placements, and support institutional visibility. Roles and Responsibilities Build long-term collaborations with studios, tech firms, and platforms. Co-develop industry-endorsed programs and certifications. Facilitate studio projects, mentorship, and expert engagement. Advise on emerging trends, technologies, and market shifts. Promote innovation challenges, IP showcases, and accelerators. Support placements, hiring pipelines, and branding at industry forums. Research and Development Council Introduction The Research and Development Council promotes a culture of research, innovation, and original IP creation. It supports faculty and student research in emerging AVGC-XR technologies and practices. Roles and Responsibilities Define IICT's research vision in line with global creative tech trends. Promote interdisciplinary research and content innovation. Support faculty/student research with funding and mentorship. Establish and manage specialized research labs. Facilitate collaborations with research bodies and universities. Guide IP creation, patents, publishing, and commercialization. Campus Facilities IICT campus is meticulously designed to provide students with an inspiring and technologically advanced setting. From collaborative learning spaces and high-tech laboratories to recreational areas and quiet study nooks, every facility is built to support academic excellence, foster creativity, and encourage personal growth. A Hub for Innovation and Growth India’s only LED wall capable of doing 12bits@120Hz in Virtual Production Photogrammetry rig with 72 highly advanced cameras – for body capture 30 Camera MOCAP environment with full body, finger and head motion capture 4K HDR Edit Rooms 4K HDR DI room with 7.1 reference calibrated audio 7.1 Sound mix with Dub room 60 Alienware workstations with a combination of the world’s most powerful CPUs and 5090 GPUs from Nvidia for VFX and Gaming India’s most advanced 75-seater 4k laser, DI cum Previum theatre with calibrated Dolby Atmos sound system Programmes Offered One Year Diploma Programmes Diploma in 3D Character & Creature Design & World Building Diploma in Interactive Comics & Sequential Arts Diploma in Art of Character & Creature Animation Diploma in 3D Technical Artist (Lighting, FX, Grooming, Unreal) Diploma in Visual Effects Mastery Diploma in Film Technology & Post Production Post-graduation Diploma in XR for Interactive Phygital Experiences Two Year Diploma Programmes UG Diploma in - Interactive Video Game Design & Development UG Diploma in Animation Film Design UG Diploma in - Art & Science of Post Production and Visual Effects Six Months Certification Programmes Certificate in Media Tech Workflow Certificate in E-Sports & Gaming Management Certificate in Art and Cinematic Intelligence of AI Filmmaking Certificate in Art of Character Animation Certificate in ICVFX On Set Operations (by Green Rain) Certificate in Virtual Art Department Content Creation (Unreal Pipeline by Green Rain) Three Months Certification Programme Certificate in Voice Acting for Animation & Gaming Admission Process Counselling Process: Our academic counsellor will provide an overview of IICT’s teaching methodologies, program functionalities, and unique advantages. The session also helps us understand your passion, skills, and career goals in the AVGC industry, guiding you toward the most suitable program. Enrollment Process: Upon clearing the above steps, candidates can enrol in their chosen program. To complete the admission process, students must submit the application form along with a Demand Draft / Cheque / Online Transfer of ₹10,000 towards the enrolment fee. Creative Quotient Test: Following counselling, candidates must appear for an online Creative Quotient Test (Entrance Exam). The test includes general knowledge, objective, and subject-related questions. It is designed to assess your creative aptitude, problem-solving ability, and potential for a career in the AVGC XR industry. Performance in this test also determines eligibility for scholarships. Personal Interview and Portfolio Review: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview and portfolio review. This step helps the faculty evaluate your creative potential, communication skills, and overall readiness for the program. If you already have a portfolio of creative work (art, design, projects, or other media), you are encouraged to present it during this stage. Innovation at IICT IICT is shaping the future of studio development in India’s AVGC-XR sector through our world-class incubation facility, offering high-impact consultancy and partnerships. Our services connect studios, VFX firms, and gaming companies to the latest creative technology innovations. Industry Consultancy IICT is shaping the future of studio development in India’s AVGC-XR sector through high-impact consultancy and partnerships. Our services connect studios, VFX firms, and gaming companies to the latest creative technology innovations. Studio Partnerships: Collaborative alliances with top animation studios, VFX houses, and gaming companies enable knowledge exchange and joint project deliveryTechnical Consultancy: Expert guidance in pipeline optimization, real-time rendering, technology adoption, and enhancement of creative workflows.Industry Solutions: Custom solutions for skill development, game development, and digital storytelling, including training programs and seamless technology integration.Creative Technology Support: Accelerated project innovation in production, leveraging advancements in AVGC-XR workflows and creative tools. Center for Innovation IICT’s Center of Innovation is a hub for enabling research in creative technologies, using the latest in cutting-edge tools and techniques to drive discovery, experimentation and industry breakthroughs. Innovation Focus: Exploring emerging tools like AI, to use in creative pipelines, experiences and future technologies for content creation.Research Initiatives: Pushing what’s possible in the creative world by empowering research, promoting gifted individuals and promising projects and providing industry expertise and facilities.Technology Incubation: Supporting the development and commercialisation of promising creative tools and techniques. See Incubator for more details. Technology Transfer IICT enable transitioning of cutting-edge tools and technologies from research to practical industry applications. Photogrammetry Solutions: Advanced photogrammetry techniques for creating high-fidelity 3D assets from real-world objects and environments.Motion Capture Technology: State-of-the-art motion capture systems and techniques for realistic character animation and performance capture.Emerging Technologies: Evaluation and integration of emerging tools including AI-assisted content creation, real-time rendering, and immersive technologies. Who Can Apply IICT’s incubator offers a world-class creative space for design professionals working on groundbreaking projects. Equipped with top-tier infrastructure and creative amenities, the incubation space fosters collaboration and promotes industry growth, while allowing students a first-hand glimpse into how industry professionals work together and solve problems. Start-ups with a focus on animation, VFX, gaming, XR, or related creative technologies. What IICT Offers Infrastructure: Co-working spaces, production suites, mocap facilities, VR/AR labs. Mentorship: Business, product, and technology experts. Global Opportunities: Exposure through festivals, trade shows, and accelerator programs. Technology: Access to leading software licences (Unreal Engine, Unity, Autodesk, Adobe). Funding Access: Introductions to venture capitalists, angel investors, and corporate innovation funds. Research at IICT IICT is committed to carrying out cutting-edge research to keep India’s AVGC-XR sector ahead in technology and innovation. Research Focus Areas AI & Machine Learning in creative content. Real-time rendering and virtual production. Immersive education solutions (VR/AR/MR). Digital heritage preservation. Facilities World-class infrastructure designed to support high-end research and development. AI Research Lab. LED Virtual Production Stage. Motion Capture & XR Experience Centres. Policy at IICT IICT serves as a national lighthouse institute for India’s AVGC-XR (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics & Extended Reality) sector. Beyond education and research, IICT play a pivotal role in policy advocacy, working closely with government bodies, industry councils, and global partners to ensure India’s creative technologies ecosystem thrives. Policy Focus Supporting the Ministry of I&B: Research-backed recommendations and policy inputs for the AVGC-XR sector.Industry Development: Building frameworks that accelerate growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.Skills & Education Standards: Driving policies for structured training, certifications, and academic excellence.Ecosystem Representation: Acting as the voice of the AVGC-XR industry at national and international forums How IICT Drives Impact Advisory Councils: IICT’s dedicated councils (Academic, Skills, Industry Development, Research & Innovation) bring together experts from government, academia, and industry.Policy Papers & Whitepapers: Evidence-based research to guide future regulation and industry practices.Consultations & Roundtables: Regular dialogues with stakeholders to align industry needs with national prioritiesGlobal Engagement: Collaboration with international partners to benchmark and adapt best practices. Frequently Asked Questions What is the batch strength of the new IICT campus? How will students be selected? What are the eligibility and selection criteria for admission? IICT has a total student strength of 300 for its initial batch. The institute will admit students through a merit-based selection process that considers: Academic background (Minimum Class 12th Pass for the present programs & Relevant Degree/Diploma for Post Graduate Programs) Portfolio of creative work (where applicable) Performance in the scheduled entrance assessment. Note: Certain programs will require an aptitude test and/or interview to evaluate creative and technical skills. Eligibility will vary by course, but will typically include completion of Class 12 for undergraduate programs and a relevant degree/diploma for postgraduate programs. What is the fee structure for the various courses at IICT? After deliberation and analysis of available data, keeping the vision of IICT in mind, the fee structure has been kept lower than other institutes offering similar courses. Fees will vary by program length, specialisation, and delivery mode (full-time, part-time, online). For a detailed course fee structure, get in touch with our admission team. What kind of interest has IICT generated in the design field? Has the institute gained mainstream attention from the design world and its students? In our early outreach, IICT has seen significant interest from both fresh school leavers and working professionals looking to upskill. The highest demand has been in animation, VFX, and game design, with growing interest in XR and AI-driven creative tools. Are there plans to offer scholarships or support mechanisms for students from diverse social and economic backgrounds? Yes. IICT will introduce a scholarship program to support meritorious students and those from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are also exploring industry-sponsored scholarships and need-based financial assistance. Who are the core faculty members driving IICT’s team, and what kind of industry or global experience do they bring? Are there visiting faculty or mentors involved as well? IICT’s core faculty includes industry veterans with decades of experience in animation, VFX, gaming, and immersive media, many of whom have worked on international blockbuster projects. We will also have visiting faculty, guest lecturers, and mentors from global creative-tech companies, ensuring students receive exposure to the latest industry trends. How does IICT’s partnership-driven model with global tech leaders differ from traditional academic institutions? What unique advantages does this offer? Our model embeds industry collaboration into the curriculum - from co-designed courses with global technology partners to access to cutting-edge tools and workflows. We also run a structured Industry Outreach Program, where we regularly engage with corporates to understand emerging skill gaps and evolving role requirements. This feedback directly informs our curriculum design, ensuring our programs are always aligned with industry needs. This approach means students graduate with real-world skills, industry networks, and project experience, giving them a competitive edge in the job market. What kind of industry partnerships does IICT have for internships, placements, or real-time project learning? We have signed MOUs with Adobe, Meta, Google, YouTube, NVIDIA, JioStar, Comic Con, Green Rain and WPP. All these MOUs have collaboration on internships, placements and real-time project learning. As AI and automation change the way creative work is done globally, how will IICT adapt its teaching methods and courses? IICT’s curriculum will continuously evolve to integrate AI and automation tools alongside traditional creative skills. We have a dedicated faculty specialising in AI and offer AI both as a standalone course and as integrated modules across our programs. Students will learn how to leverage emerging technologies to enhance — not replace — human creativity, ensuring they are future-ready and able to adapt to industry shifts. How does IICT measure the impact and ROI of its programs? We track graduate employment rates, career progression, and employer feedback. In addition, we measure the institute’s contribution to the AVGC-XR ecosystem in terms of skill development, research output, and industry collaborations. A key metric for impact is the success of our startup incubation program, including the number of student-led ventures launched, funded, and scaled. We also track the number of intellectual properties (IPs) created by IICT students, such as original animation series, games, immersive experiences, and innovative creative-tech tools. These outputs serve as tangible indicators of the institute’s role in fostering entrepreneurship and creative innovation. What steps is IICT taking to ensure its benefits reach beyond metro cities? IICT will offer online and blended learning programs, set up satellite training centres, and collaborate with regional institutions. Outreach programs, roadshows, and skill workshops in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities will help democratise access. We also have Hostel Facilities (Optional) (Male & Female - separately to be paid by the student) in Mumbai. Combined with our scholarship programs, this ensures that deserving students from all economic backgrounds can reside near the campus while pursuing their studies. What role do board members play in shaping the institute’s strategic direction? IICT’s board, comprising leaders from government, industry, and academia, provides strategic oversight, ensures alignment with national AVGC-XR goals, and guides the institute’s academic and partnership priorities. How will students find jobs post-education? Will MoUs with companies like Meta, Apple, JioStar lead to employment opportunities? We have signed MOUs with Adobe, Meta, Google, YouTube, NVIDIA, JioStar, Comic Con, Green Rain and WPP. All these MOUs have collaboration on internships, placements and real-time project learning. Are the courses diplomas, degrees, or certificate programs? How will students be selected? Initially, IICT will offer diploma and certificate programs, with degree programs planned for future phases. Selection will be based on eligibility criteria, aptitude assessment, and portfolio review (if applicable). Regarding the upcoming permanent campus in Film City, Goregaon - what facilities will it provide? The Goregaon campus will be a 10-acre state-of-the-art creative technology hub, designed to offer everything our Phase 1 campus at Peddar Road has - and more - at a significantly larger scale. It will feature advanced classrooms, production studios, motion capture facilities, sound stages, an immersive experience studio, theatre, auditorium, and collaborative workspaces. For more details visit Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) Source: Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT)