Q : What makes COAC unique compared to other media arts schools and animation institutes around?
A : COAC has many advantages over other schools. We are a specialized "media arts school" and “computing” college and not a "department" within a larger institution. Other schools may have a wider variety of subjects to choose from, but we are much more focused on all things related to 2D and 3D Animation, Game Art & Design, Visual Effects and Interactive media. Therefore, you get a highly focused and goal centric real-world training experience.

We are situated in the Global city; Greater Noida, and the surrounding NATIONAL provide CAPITAL REGION (NCR) is full of recreational activities and travel options.; which excellent leisure opportunities besides the rigorous education.

A major advantage our students have is a dedicated laptop. Many other schools only provide scheduled access to shared computers and light tables. Our students are given their own space to "move in" to and personalize; they are free to decorate it with pictures or models such as toys, and often work late into the evenings and on weekends.

Our class sizes are kept deliberately small (30 students or less), so students have more opportunities for one-on-one personalized instruction from their teachers who are industry-experienced professionals.

Students work is evaluated in personal critique sessions with their classroom instructors, and by outside parties who look at the quality aspect of training. Their final work is always critiqued in the context of their progress, skills, and work ethic. Teachers get to know their students personally and serve as excellent mentors during the program and beyond.

Q : Does COAC provide job placement?
A : Getting a job in the industry depends on the student's professionalism and skills, displayed through their demo reel and work ethics. Practice makes a man perfect. At COAC, the goal and responsibility of every student is to finish the program with a professional demo reel, a product and industry contacts.

We have real connections to several local studios and often bring in guest speakers to inform students about job opportunities at the studios. We have instructors who have worked in studios all over the world. Several students have landed freelance jobs and full-time positions through referrals by their instructors or classmates. This is what industry-experienced staff can provide and students who take advantage of the resources we offer and work hard can succeed in finding a job in anywhere from a few days to a few months after graduating. Our high placement rate shows that our persistent students are succeeding!

Q : Where do your students get jobs?
A : Since we bring in students from all over the world, our students find employment all over the world, working for studios large and small. Noida and NCR region itself is one of the hottest cities for animation, gaming and film and TV production. Infact most of the broadcast studios are stationed in Noida employing several thousand employees. Several candidates have found work locally and most of our candidates end up working on projects for feature films, TV series, commercials, web cartoons and video games. Others become independent and work on their own projects. Visit our website to see where our passouts have landed both in Computing as well as Animation.

Q : Can international students find work in India?
A : International students have been hired by Indian studios, so it's not impossible. It is more difficult for an international student to work part-time while studying at COAC full-time as due paperwork has to be furnished. For more information on studying and working in India, go to the Generic Guidelines for Admission of International Students website: http://www.ugc.ac.in/new_initiatives/guid-intstudent.html

Q : Does COAC provide housing for students?
A : We do provide housing for prospective candidates. The vacancy of accommodation is not guaranteed because of high demand. However we have a list of housing resources and hostels options that student haves found is useful for finding accommodations. We recommend booking a room in advance as a temporary accommodation while searching for an apartment in the local area. It is common for students to share apartments with one or two of their classmates. Most affordable apartments in Greater Noida range from 2500-7000 INR per month for rent. Including food

Q : Why do I need art and drawing skills to be a CG animator? Don't computers do it all?
A : Technology for animation is increasing and changing rapidly, and it's no surprise that computers are being used increasingly in every aspect of the medium. However computers are just a tool. Movies and animation has been happening even before computers were invented so computers do not create animation, artists do! Computer animation studios want to hire people with knowledge of 3D software, but more importantly, strong fine-art skills! The ability to visualize ideas and an understanding of color theory, composition, lighting, perspective, life drawing and anatomy is vital for the computer animator or modeler. You will be able to illustrate concepts with traditional art first, and then create the final product using the computer. The highest quality computer animation, seen in feature films, TV or video games, is all created by artists who understand these concepts and have a strong foundation in classical art/animation.

Q : Do I need to submit a portfolio for a part-time or certificate intensive course?
A : It will be good if you have one but it is not mandatory. To register for a part-time or summer course, you simply fill in the online registration form and pay the course fee.

Q : Is there a deadline for applying to COAC?
A : We have no set deadlines for any of our certificate or diploma courses. Applications are processed in the order they are received. It is always wise to apply sooner rather than later in order to secure your seat in a course before it fills up.

Q : Can I get a tour of COAC?
A : Yes! The school is open for tours 9am to 3pm Monday to Saturday. To schedule a personal tour, call +91 120 2326311, +91 120 2326312, +91 120 2326313 (Ext.43) or email enquiry@imi.edu.in

Q : Is COAC accredited?
A : Yes, COAC is accredited by Edexcel International, University of Plymouth and various other Technology partners like BRAINBENCH

Q : Is financial aid available?
A : Yes, there are full student loans available for residents of India and Applicants from other countries should contact their ministry of education for enquire about any financial aid options that may exist.