The Indian media and entertainment industry has undergone a massive transformation over the last two decades. The growth is largely driven by the exponential growth in Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics (AVGC), and Extended Reality (XR). It is creating a new era in the arena of creative technology. This momentum has now reached a tipping point, with the Indian government announcing the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics & Extended Reality.
It is a game changer that will uplift the Indian AVGC-XR industry at large in upcoming years. The proposed NCoE will be established in Mumbai, Maharashtra, the biggest hub of the Indian cinema industry. It will attract more talents of the said domain.
What is National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR?
Let’s start from the history.
In 2022, The government of India founded a Task Force on Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC). The core idea behind this was Nirmala Sitharaman‘s announcement for the same in her budget speech of 2022-23, which was got approved by Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Task Force came up with an idea on NCoE as a solution. On a larger scale, it is an initiative of ‘Make in India’ policy.
NCoE will be set up under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013. Basically, it is a JV (joint venture) of the Government of India with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). To give you a sense of its scope, the NCoE will be established on the lines of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
As per today’s information, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting holds 48% stake, while FICCI and CII each hold 26%. This structure ensures that the private sector leads the transformation of the AVGC industry, with the government acting as a catalyst for growth. The NCoE is backed by both central and state governments, with plans for partnerships with top global AVGC institutes and firms.
Why we need National Centre of Excellence (NCoE)?
The AVGC-XR sector in India is already gaining recognition on the global stage. Several Indian studios are now working on Hollywood projects, and the Indian gaming industry is booming, especially in the mobile and casual gaming spaces. But the challenge remains in keeping up with the fast-paced technological changes.
Extended Reality (XR), for instance, is expected to play a huge role in gaming and immersive storytelling. With the advent of AR/VR headsets and the metaverse, the NCoE could position India as a key player in this growing market. Currently, Indian studios often outsource a significant portion of their VFX and animation work, but with the right skills and infrastructure, the country could begin to dominate these fields.
VFX is now an integral part of gaming, animation blends into XR, and even comics are going digital in interactive formats. We have seen CGI and Visual Effects heavy movies in our very own Indian film industry. Some of the most recent and notable examples are RRR, Brahmastra, Bahubali 1 and 2, KGF 1 and 2, Ponniyin Selvan 1 and 2, Pathan, Leo, Jawan, Salaar, Hanu Man, Fighter, Kalki 2898 AD and Devara 1.
The NCoE has the potential to serve as the convergence point for all these domains, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration. National Centre of Excellence has targeted to generate around 5 lakh jobs. Companies will have access to a ready pool of trained professionals, reducing the need to hire talent from abroad.
The Indian AVGC sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.6%, with the VFX segment alone expected to reach a value of $2.7 billion by 2026.
Benefits of National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR
This state of the art facility will act as a bridge and will provide cutting edge course curriculum with latest skill sets. The core objective is create industry ready Animation and VFX artists through specialized training who can cater to diversified job roles and responsibilities.
It will also create research and development opportunities for creative professionals in the AVGC-XR sector. In a nutshell, it will increase India’s job opportunities in the various creative sectors. They will cater fields of designing, broadcasting, films and OTT web series, commercials, corporate movies, short videos, documentaries and many more related.
We are witnessing a surge in fresh OTT contents. Because of NCoE, we will be able to make skilled artists who can truly justify such demand. Moreover, we can also create a platform and incubator that provides such creative services on a freelance / outsource bases. Apart from digitally skilled artists, this system will also develop entrepreneurs and start-ups. It will lead to create our own IPs, that have our aesthetics but can also appeal global viewers.
So, in totality, the end goal is to make India a hub for worldwide AVGC-XR projects. Such creative push to digital art will bring foreign clients and investments and in our economy. India will stand strong in international M&E (Media & Entertainment) industry. India’s Ministry of Information & Broadcasting will make sure that that mission get successful and Indian artists gets international fame.
We are sure to become a global leader in the AVGC-XR domain after the inception of this National Centre of Excellence. It will help all genres of creative artists – from novice to experienced. Students will enroll in AVGC-XR courses which will be blend of artistic and technical skills. Such combination will make them job ready professional artists. Mid level artists and veteran artists can upskill themselves in advanced course through leveraging their practical knowledge. NCoE will adapt all latest and immersive technologies to keep pace with current industry demands and trends.
XR (Extended Reality) and VP (Virtual Production) are game changers in this arena of technological advancements. These two holds massive potential for gaming, education, and entertainment startups.
Functions of NCoE
On a broader term, NCoE will work on dual level – academic and innovation centre.
Courses and workshops will cover everything from foundational animation techniques to advanced XR technologies. Programs will be curated with industry experts to ensure they meet global standards. By partnering with global AVGC-XR companies, the NCoE aims to foster internships, joint research programs, and recruitment opportunities for its students.
The NCoE (National Centre of Excellence) will host labs and collaborative spaces where students, professionals, and researchers can work together on live projects. This practical approach will bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. Research facilities will focus on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in XR, AI-driven animation, and real-time VFX. Innovations in these areas could lead to breakthroughs in how films, games, and virtual experiences are produced and consumed.
Students and researchers will have access to a vast digital library, housing tutorials, eBooks, research papers, and more, to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies.
The professional and veteran artists will have access for networking and collaborations. By working closely with studios and production houses, the center will ensure that students and professionals are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in the industry.
Regulations to maintain quality
Entry into the NCoE will be competitive, with strict guidelines designed to select only the most talented artists. Prospective students will undergo a rigorous screening process, including portfolio reviews, entrance exams, and interviews to ensure they have both the creative and technical aptitude required. Periodic assessments will be conducted to evaluate a student’s growth and proficiency in their chosen field.
As part of the curriculum, students will be required to participate in industry-backed projects, giving them hands-on experience. The NCoE will adhere to national and international standards, ensuring compliance with intellectual property rights, data protection in XR environments, and other industry regulations.
Conclusion
The National Centre of Excellence for Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics & Extended Reality is a groundbreaking initiative. It will help to redefine the future of entire M&E sector and its related verticals. By focusing on skill development along with R&D, the NCoE will create a dynamic ecosystem for India and our overall creative economy.
The said system will boost the creative artistry on a larger scale. We can combine the storytelling with all latest technology, to bring alive the director’s vision as it is. For India as a whole, it’s a chance to establish itself as a global leader in the digital arts industry.