NFDC Launches Free 3D Animation & VFX Residential Program for NE Youth

In a major push to democratize access to high-end digital media skills, the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC)—under the aegis of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India—has launched an exclusive residential training program in 3D Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) for aspiring professionals from the North Eastern region of India.

This specialized, 8-month intensive training initiative is fully residential and free of cost, designed to provide talented youth from the eight North Eastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—a chance to upskill and enter India’s booming digital media and entertainment economy.

High-Impact Training with Industry Integration

The program, conducted in collaboration with Aptech Ltd., will be held at a state-of-the-art training facility in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. It will follow a two-phase structure:

• Six months of intensive classroom training in 3D Animation and VFX

• Two months of hands-on, industry-integrated training through real-world projects and internships

Curriculum modules will be aligned with industry demands and will include advanced 3D modeling, animation, texturing, lighting, compositing, visual effects pipelines, and post-production workflows—mirroring standards followed in leading film studios, game development firms, and content creation houses.

Selected candidates will be provided with high-performance laptops, dedicated mentorship, and full access to learning resources to enhance their skill development.

Selection and Eligibility Criteria

A total of 100 candidates will be selected through a rigorous screening and evaluation process. To be eligible:

• Candidates must belong to one of the eight North Eastern states

• Be at least 18 years old as of June 2025

• Have passed Class 12 (10+2) or Class 10 with a minimum of three years of relevant industry experience

To apply, interested individuals must register by 15th August 2025 through the NFDC’s special project portal or via the main website at www.nfdcindia.com. A nominal non-refundable application fee of ₹1,180 (inclusive of GST) applies.

For queries, candidates can write to skillindia@nfdcindia.com.

Comprehensive Support at Zero Cost

One of the most remarkable features of the program is its completely subsidized model:

• Free residential accommodation for all participants

• Three nutritious meals a day

• No tuition fee or training cost

• Free access to software, tools, and mentorship

This approach ensures that socioeconomic or geographic disadvantages are not barriers to participation. The initiative seeks to create a level playing field for the youth of North East India, often underrepresented in formal media education and digital content sectors.

Empowering the North East Through Digital Skills

This is the third edition of NFDC’s Residential Program targeted at North Eastern youth. It reflects the government’s strategic focus on regional inclusion, employment generation, and digital skilling.

“We recognize the immense creative potential that exists in the North East,” said an NFDC official. “Through this initiative, we are not only providing access to world-class training but also building long-term pathways for employment and entrepreneurship in the digital creative economy.”

By bridging the skill gap, the program aims to enable participants to become job-ready professionals, ready to take up roles as animators, VFX artists, compositors, layout artists, 3D generalists, and even start their own content creation ventures.

NFDC: A Trusted Partner in Skill Development

While NFDC is traditionally known for promoting and producing Indian cinema, it has evolved into a leading skill development agency, delivering structured, high-quality training programs in:

• Animation & VFX

• Digital filmmaking

• Advertising and content creation

• Gaming and post-production

With a strong network of training partners and affiliations with bodies like the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), NFDC ensures certification, assessment, and placement support for trainees.

Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a joint certificate from NFDC and NCVET, enhancing their employability across the media and entertainment industry.

A Gateway to India’s Digital Creative Economy

India’s animation and VFX industry is witnessing exponential growth, driven by demand from streaming platforms, gaming, advertising, and global content outsourcing. This NFDC program positions the youth of the North East to ride this wave, equipping them with both creative and technical proficiency to excel in a competitive market.

In line with India’s Digital India and Skill India missions, this initiative marks a milestone in inclusive digital skilling and underscores the government’s commitment to mainstreaming the talent of North East India.