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. 

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Table of content
  • MFA Specialisations
  • MFA Course: Highlights
  • MFA Eligibility Criteria
  • Top Colleges for MFA
  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
  • NIMS University
  • Apeejay College of Fine Arts
  • Lovely Professional University
View More

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

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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: 

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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