The Indian government has just announced a major new project: the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT), set up in Mumbai. It’s being called the “IIT for creative technology” and will focus on animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and extended reality (AVGC-XR).
Backed by global tech companies like Google, Meta, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Apple, Adobe, and Star India, IICT is set to become a world-class institute that opens new doors for students and young professionals who want a future in the creative and digital media space.
Why Was IICT Started Now?
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw spoke at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai, highlighting India’s creative industry vision.
You might wonder why the government is starting a new institute in the middle of an economic slowdown and the rise of AI. The answer is simple: the creative industry is growing fast, and there’s a huge demand for skilled people in animation, gaming, and immersive technologies like AR and VR.
Even though AI is changing jobs, there’s one thing it can’t fully replace human creativity. This is where IICT comes in. It aims to train students to use both creativity and technology to build the future of media and entertainment.
At the WAVES event, 2025 in Mumbai, companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft signed official agreements with the Indian government to help shape IICT. These companies will help build the institute, design its courses, and provide long-term support for training and innovation.
This means students at IICT will learn using the latest tools and technologies and could even get a chance to work with or be hired by these global giants.
What Will IICT Offer?
IT will be focused on five main areas:
Animation
VFX
Gaming
Comics
Extended Reality (XR)
It will offer:
- Modern classrooms and labs with advanced animation, gaming, and virtual production tools.
- Courses designed by top industry experts.
- Research and innovation centers to work on new ideas.
- Training programs for beginners and advanced learners.
- Support for startups in the creative industry.
The main campus will be at Mumbai Film City, and the institute will start from a temporary location at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). There are also plans to open smaller centres in other parts of India later on.
Is the Creative Industry a Good Career Choice?
Yes, absolutely. The multimedia industry is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world. Jobs in animation, gaming, and digital design are increasing. With the rise of OTT platforms, AR/VR, and digital content, there’s a huge need for people who understand both creativity and technology.
If you’re someone who enjoys storytelling, designing, gaming, or working with digital tools, this field can be a great career path with global opportunities.
Who Should Think About Joining IICT?
- A student in Class 10 to 12, this is the best time to start preparing. Focus on building skills in drawing, design, coding, or even storytelling.
- A college student or working professional, you can also apply when IICT offers advanced programs or diplomas.
How to Get Into IICT?
The exact admission process hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s likely to be similar to IIT or NID-style admissions, including:
- A creative and technical aptitude test
- Possibly a portfolio review
- Interviews or entrance exams
So if you’re interested, start building your skills now—learn basic design, animation tools, or coding for games and apps.
ICT is India’s bold step into the future of creative technology. With support from top tech companies and a strong focus on education, research, and innovation, it aims to train the next generation of creators, designers, and media entrepreneurs.
If you’re dreaming of working in movies, games, or building the next big thing in AR or VR, IICT could be your starting point. And if you’re in school right now, this is the perfect time to start preparing.
The future of the creative industry is changing fast—and IICT is where that future begins.