Cartoonist
Creates cartoons or comics, usually using humour to highlight a point of view.
Overview
A Cartoonist creates cartoons or comics. A Cartoonist usually uses humour to highlight a unique point of view. They create their works for movie studios, magazines, newspapers and other forms of media.
Where they work
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Publishing houses
- Gaming companies
- Studios among others
Work environment
You will typically work in an office or studio set up. Contractual jobs are available. Computers are used extensively in the job. You will be expected to meet deadlines and may have to put in long hours to complete a project.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have interest in drawing
- You have a creative bent of mind
- You have a unique sense of humour
- You are excellent at communication
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream.
- 2Complete Bachelor's in Fine Arts or Animation or any related field
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's in Fine Arts or Animation or any related field and then follow it up with a Master's in the same or allied field
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete Diploma in Animation or any related field.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Animation/Mass Communication. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Government College for Girls, Ludhiana, Punjab
- Allahabad Degree College, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
- Government College, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
- Post Graduate Government College for Girls, Chandigarh, Punjab
- Government College for Arts, Chandigarh, Punjab
- Sarojini Naidu Government Girls Post Graduate Autonomous College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Indian Institute of Cartoonists, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- VELS Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Centre for Creative Arts and Design, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Pearl Academy, New Delhi
- Antoon's School of Animation, New Delhi
- Zee Institute of Creative Art Studios, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Apeejay Institute of Design, New Delhi
- Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Cartoonist
- 2Senior Cartoonist
Expected income
₹25,400 – ₹4,00,000 per month
As printed: a fresher earns approximately INR 25,400 to 60,000 per month, and a Cartoonist with experience approximately INR 3,00,000 to 4,00,000 and more per month. These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Illustrator
Uses drawings to convey a message — for advertisements, books, magazines and packaging.
Animator
Multimedia artist who creates designs and models that simulate movement and tell a story.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Arts.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to creating.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Kanika Mishra — A cartoonist who did her Master's in Fine Arts from Lucknow College of Arts and Crafts. Her creation 'Karnika Kahen' is a common woman who comments on social issues and current topics. She is one of the most popular cartoonists in the country who mostly uses the digital platform for her cartoon.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 77 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3GPIjPn
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.