Top MFA Colleges in India: Course, Fees, Specialisations, Eligibility Criteria, Admission Process

Top MFA Colleges in India: Course, Fees, Specialisations, Eligibility Criteria, Admission Process

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Updated on Jan 23, 2025 16:19 IST

After completing post-graduation in Fine Arts, candidates who wish to go for higher studies in the same stream should check out this Shiksha article to learn about various other Arts courses available in India and top colleges in India offering MFA, MPA and MVA courses and also know the eligibility criteria, admission procedure and fees.

Master of Fine Arts Top Colleges

For people who are creative and have a lot of interest in making a career in the creative field, Fine Arts is the best course for them. Arts students can choose both a Fine Arts bachelor's degree or a Master's of Fine Arts as well. After completing the post-graduation in Fine Arts, candidates can go for higher studies based on various other Arts courses available in India. Candidates can study any Arts course of their choice. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a two-year postgraduate degree and various universities and colleges offer a postgraduate course with a specialization. 

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With the help of this Shiksha article, candidates will be able to choose the Arts course as per their choice. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a two-year postgraduate degree and some universities and colleges offer a postgraduate course with a specialization. 

Q:   Will I get a direct admission in LPU with 65 % marks in Class 12?

A:

No, Lovely Professional University does not offer direct admission. However, there are few courses to which admission is merit-based.  Aspirants scoring a 65% aggregate have a good chance of getting admission in LPU. Candidates seeking admission must visit the official website of the university to apply online. To apply for LPU, aspirants need to register for LPUNEST for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses. LPU admission to most of the courses is based on LPUNEST score. However, national-level entrance exam scores are also accepted for admission to BA LLB (Hons), MBA, BTech, etc. Candidates must complete Class 12 for UG courses and graduation for PG courses. The selection rounds are followed by counselling and document verification.

Q:   Is LPU entrance exam hard?

A:

LPUNEST is a national level exam for admission to various courses in Lovely Professional University. LPUNEST test forms the basis of eligibility for some programmes and also for the scholarship programmes. The amount of scholarship is determined by the marks and rank obtained by candidates in the exam. LPUNEST 2025 exam pattern elucidates the scheme of the question paper. Candidates seeking admission through LPUNEST 2025 must check the exam pattern prior to starting the preparation. LPUNEST exam pattern imparts details like total number of question, subjects, marking scheme, exam duration, etc. The entrance test is neither hard nor easy. Candidates must prepare well to score the qualifying marks in the entrance exam. 

Q:   Does BHU accept CUET for BSc (Hons) admission?

A:

Yes, to apply for BHU BSc (Hons) course, candidates need to register online for CUET-UG. From 2022, the BHU-UET exam is replaced with this exam. Based on the merit of candidates' performance in the entrance exam, candidates are then required to register separately for the counselling round. National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted CUET-UG entrance test from May 21 to Jun 23 and the result was declared on Jul 15.

MFA Specialisations

There are a variety of specialisations one can take in their Master of Fine Arts which are as follows.

MFA Specialisations

Creative writing

Ceramics

Photography

Painting

Drawing and Illustration

Sculpture

Graphic design

Applied Arts

Computer animation

Acting

Also Read: List of PhD Specialization

One pursues a Master’s degree to hone and refine their skills. While candidates who have done their BFA BPA or BVA know exactly what they want to do, students who are coming from different streams can opt for a course they are interested in which they have a basic idea and knowledge of.

After pursuing a Master in Fine Arts, there are ample career options one can take up which are where the salaries are good and one gets to do what they love to do. A candidate needs to have the required skills in order to excel in the field opted for, and should be creative, dedicated and passionate about what they do.

MFA Course: Highlights

Candidates interested in pursuing an MFA course can refer to the table given below to learn about the important details such as the course types, duration, course fee and entrance exams for pursuing an MFA course. Candidates can check the table below: 

Q:   Is maths compulsory for BCom Honours in BHU?

A:

No, maths is not compulsory for admission to BCom in BHU. However, it is necessary that the candidate studied a subject related to commerce (Commerce/Economics/Maths/Computer Science/Finance/Financial Markets Management/Vocational Courses) in Class 12. Candidate further should hold the qualifying exam pass certificate for verification purposes as well or the application can be treated as invalid.

Q:   Does BHU accept admission through CUET?

A:

Yes, Banaras Hindu University is accepting CUET score for multiple UG courses, including BA (Hons), BCom (Hons) BSc (Hons), etc. The university is also offering admission to its PG courses based on merit in CUET-PG. Aspirants who meet the eligibility requirements can register on the BHU admission portal for counselling. The admission is done in order of merit based on the normalised score of the CUET (PG) and reservation policy as per the provisions laid down in the BHU PET Information Brochure.

Q:   How many seats are there for B.Ed at Rabindra Bharati University?

A:

Rabindra Bharati University has a total intake of 50 seats for B.Ed programme. This information is sourced from official website/ sanctioning body and is subject to change. Candidates are selected for B.Ed and B.Ed Special Education based on merit in the last qualifying exam. Aspirants must complete graduation or Hons. graduation or postgraduation from any UGC recognised university with at least 50% aggregate (45% aggregate for SC/ ST) either at UG or PG level for B.Ed programme. Once the selection is done, shortlisted aspirants are required to pay the course fee to confirm seat in the university. 

Q:   How much marks are required to qualify for admission to BHU BSc course?

A:

For admission to BHU BSc, candidates must meet the minimum eligibility requirement. It is also crucial that the students hold the relevant documents. The course-wise eligibility criteria is further mentioned in the table given below:

Course 

Eligibility Criteria 

 BSc (Hons) Mathematics

Class 12 or equivalent examination with a minimum 50% aggregate in Physics, Maths plus any one of the following: Chemistry, Statistics, Geology, Physics,9 Science, Information Technology and Geography

-Age: Not to be more than 22 years on 1st July 2023 (applicant should be born on or after 2nd July of 2001)

BSc (Hons) Biology

Passed Class 12 or equivalent examination with a minimum 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry plus any one of the following: Biology, Geology and Geography

-Age: Not to be more than 22 years on 1st July 2023 (applicant should be born on or after 2nd July of 2001)

BSc (Hons) Agriculture/ BSc (Hons) Ag. at RGSC campus (Under Special Course of Study)

Class 12 in Agriculture or in Science (with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics/Biology) or any equivalent examination recognised by the University, securing a minimum of 50% aggregate

-Age: Not to be less than 16 years and not more than 25 years as of 1st July 2023 (applicant should be born on or after 2nd July 1998 and on or before 2nd July 2007)

Q:   How much rank should I score to get BHU?

A:

BHU cutoff 2024 has been released across multiple specialisations. Based on the Round 5 seat allotment, the BTech cutoff ranged between 1071 and, 14557 for the General AII India category students. Among all the BTech specialisations, B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering is the most competitive specialisation. So, considering the round 5 cutoff, candidates seeking admission to Banaras Hindu University must secure over and above the cutoff range mentioned here to be eligible.

A detailed course-wise BHU JEE Advanced cutoff 2024 is given below for the General category students under the AII India Quota. 

 

Particulars Details
Course Full Name Master of Fine Arts
Course Duration 2 Years
Degree Postgraduation
Entrance Exams PUBDET, SETCUETBHU CUET, etc
Course Fees INR 20K-4 Lakhs
Top Colleges Rabindra Bharati UniversityMIT-WPUBHUAmity UniversityCollege of Arts, Delhi University
Average Salary INR 4-6 LPA
Job Profiles Art Teacher, Art Director, Musician, Animator, Music Teacher etc.
Top Recruiters SKETS Studio, Prime Focus, Inbound Mantra, Oodio Studio, Colors TV

Also Read: Top 10 Economics Colleges of Delhi University

MFA Eligibility Criteria

Candidates interested in pursuing MFA course can check the space below to know about the eligibility criteria for MFA:

  • Candidates must have completed Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or any other equivalent degree from a recognised institute or university.
  • Candidate must have secured the minimum aggregate percentage (usually 50% - 60%) as stipulated by an institution in which a candidate is applying for admission.
  • Meanwhile, sometimes candidates with a bachelor degree in Humanities are also eligible for MFA course.

Note: Eligibility criteria for MFA course might differ depending on the policies of the institution in which a candidate is applying.

Top Colleges for MFA 

There are various colleges and universities which offer MFA in India. Candidates can check out the top colleges and universities offering MFA.

Rabindra Bharati University (RBU)

The Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, offers students a diverse range of courses which they can take up. The Department of Fine Arts offers students to take up courses in dance, drama, instrumental music, musicology, percussion, Rabindra sangeet and vocal music. Candidates who are interested can take up a Master of Arts course or Master of Fine Arts course at the university. The courses offered at Rabindra Bharati University along with the eligibility criteria are as follows:

Course

Duration

Eligibility Criteria

MFA in Painting

2 Years

The candidate needs to have done their BFA/BVA in Painting or Applied Arts from any UGC recognized university.

MFA in Sculpture

2 Years

The candidate needs to have done their BFA/BVA in Sculpture or Allied Arts from any UGC recognized university.

MFA in Graphics (Print Making)

2 Years

The candidate needs to have done their BFA/BVA in Graphics or allied Arts from any UGC recognized university.

MFA in Applied Art

2 Years

The candidate needs to have done their BFA/BVA in Applied Arts from any UGC recognized university.

MA in Museology

2 Years

The candidate should have done their BA in any subject from any UGC recognised university.

MA in Rabindra Sangeet

2 Years

The candidate should have done their BA in Rabindra Sangeet or any other subject from any UGC recognised university and should have had Rabindra Sangeet as a subject.

MA in Vocal Music

2 Years

The candidate should have done their BA in Vocal Music or in any subject with a special aptitude in Vocal Music from any UGC recognised university.

MA in Dance

2 Years

The candidate should have done their BA in Dance or in any subject with a special aptitude in Dance from any UGC recognised university.

MA in Drama

2 Years

The candidate should have done their BA in Drama or in any subject with a special aptitude in Drama from any UGC recognised university.

MA in Instrumental Music

2 Years

The candidate should have done their BA in any Instrument or in any subject with a special aptitude in Instrumental Music from any UGC recognised university.

MA in Musicology

2 Years

The candidate should have done their BA in Musicology or in any subject with a special aptitude in Musicology from any recognised university.

Admission Process: Candidates who are interested will have to apply online on the official website of Rabindra Bharati University. Eligible candidates will have to fill and submit the application form. Based on the marks secured in the qualifying exams, eligible candidates will be called for admission at the university in the courses opted for once they make the merit list.

Also Read: Top 10 BA Subjects & Specialisations

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

The Banaras Hindu University’s department of Fine Arts offers students admission in BFA and MFA courses which are offered at the university. In the MFA courses which are offered, candidates can opt to take up any specialization and expertise in it. The faculty endeavours to produce professionals in the field of Fine Arts with creative thinking and play a positive role in society. The courses offered by BHU in MFA are as follows:

Course

Duration

Fees (In INR)

Painting

2 Years

4,620 (Per Semester)

Applied Arts

2 Years

Plastic Arts

2 Years

Pottery & Ceramics

2 Years

Textile Design

2 Years

Eligibility Criteria: The candidate should have done their BA/BFA from a recognised university in any subject. Candidates also need to have specialized skill to apply for admission. The candidate should have secured a minimum of 50% in their graduation, 5% relaxation is given for SC/ST candidates.

Admission Process: The candidate will have to apply online on the official website of Banaras Hindu University. Once applied, the candidate has to appear for the Post Graduate Entrance Test conducted by the university, which is known as BHU PET. Candidates who clear the entrance exam and make the merit list, are invited to the university to complete the admission formalities.

For more information on BHU PET, candidates can go through the following links as mentioned below:

BHU PET Application Form

BHU PET Exam Pattern

BHU PET Syllabus

Also Read: IGNOU BA Economics Syllabus

NIMS University

The NIMS University offers students admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Fine Arts, Performing Arts and Visual Arts. Along with the course opted for, the candidate can choose a specialization as well. The NIMS School of Fine Arts method of instruction is based on principles, lecture, demonstration and critique which are taught in a duration of two years. Courses offered by NIMS University is as follows:

Course

Fee (In INR)

Seat Intake

MFA

30,000 (Per Year)

10

MVA

30,000 (Per Year)

10

BPA

30,000 (Per Year)

10

Eligibility Criteria: The candidate needs to have done their BA/BFA from a recognised university and should have secured a minimum of 50% in their qualifying exams.

Admission Process: Eligible candidates need to first apply for admission and will have to appear for the NIMS Entrance Exam. Based on the marks secured and qualifying marks, a merit list will be released which will contain the list of candidates who have cleared the entrance exam and will be called to the university to complete the admission process.

For more information on the NIMS University Entrance Exam, candidates can go through the following links as mentioned below:

NIMSEE Application Form

NIMSEE Exam Pattern

NIMSEE Preparation

Apeejay College of Fine Arts

The Apeejay College of Fine Arts offers students admission in various postgraduate courses in the fields of Fine Arts, Performing Arts and Visual Arts. For admission in the college, students need to meet the eligibility criteria and complete the admission formalities to secure a seat at the college. The courses offered by ACFA is as follows:

Course

Eligibility Criteria

Seat Intake

MA Fine Arts (Drawing & Painting)

The candidate needs to have a Bachelor’s degree in any faculty with 50% marks in aggregate from a recognised university.

40

MA Fine Arts

The candidate should have done their BFA in Applied Art or should have done their graduation in any BA subject with Arts as a speciality and should have secured a minimum of 50% or more in aggregate.

40

MA (Music Vocal/Music Instrumental)

The candidate should have done their Bachelor’s degree in any faculty with 50% marks in aggregate from a recognised university.

40

MA  Indian Classical Dance

The candidate should be a BA pass with 45% marks in music or dance or BA pass with 50% aggregate

40

Admission Process: The candidate needs to first meet the eligibility criteria. Eligible candidates can then apply for admission at the college. Based on the marks secured in the qualifying exams, students will be called to the college for an interview. Students who clear the round will be called to the college to complete the admission formalities.

Lovely Professional University

Last but not the least, the Lovely Professional University offers students admission in postgraduate courses such as Fine Arts and Performing Arts. The two-year programme offered at the university allows candidates to specialize in a subject and help then hon their skills. Eligible students will have to appear for an entrance exam. The courses offered at LPU are as follows:

Course

Duration

Fees (In INR)

MFA

2 Years

58,000 (Per Semester Without Scholarship)

MA in Theatre and Television

2 Years

38,000 (Per Semester Without Scholarship)

MA Music Vocal

2 Years

38,000 (Per Semester Without Scholarship)

MA Music Instrumental

2 Years

38,000 (Per Semester Without Scholarship)

Eligibility Criteria: The candidate should have done their Bachelor’s degree in any discipline and should have music/arts as one of the main subjects from a recognised university. The candidate should secure a minimum of 50% in their qualifying examinations.

Admission Process: Eligible candidates will have to apply online and appear for LPU NEST. A merit list will be released after the exam has been conducted and students who clear the round, will be invited to the university to complete the admission formalities.

For more information on LPU NEST, candidates can go through the following links as mentioned below:

LPU NEST Exam Pattern

LPU NEST Syllabus

LPU NEST Question Papers

LPU NEST Important Dates

LPU NEST Application Form

LPU NEST Admit Card

LPU NEST Counselling

LPU NEST Results

LPU NEST Slot Booking

Read More:

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