Visual Arts: Courses, Admission 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Job Profiles and Salary

Updated on Aug 14, 2025 06:16 IST

Visual Arts courses are available at various educational levels which are undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs. Some of the courses offered include the BVA and the MVA. These programs provide a range of career opportunities in the creative sector, including positions for editors, educators, and visual artists.

Visual Arts Latest Updates:

  • The CUET UG result 2025 has been announced for admission to UG courses. Candidates who appeared in the examination can check and download their scorecards by logging in with their credentials on the official website of CUET-NTA.

Visual Arts Course Details: Highlights

Check key points related to various courses in Visual Arts in the table below which contains the highlights on course level, course duration, entrance exams, average salaries, course fees, top recruiters and top job profiles.

Candidates can refer to highlights for a quick reference:

Highlights 

Details

Visual Arts Course Level

Certificate, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate

Visual Arts Eligibility

UG: Class 12, along with the entrance examination

PG: Graduation in any discipline or Theatre or Drama

Certificate: Class 12

PH.D: Completion of post-graduation degree.

Visual Arts Duration

UG: 3 - 4 years

PG: 2 years

Certificate: 6 months - 1 year

Ph.D: 3 – 5 years

Visual Arts Examination Type

Semester-wise

Visual Arts Fee Range

INR 30000-INR 10 lakh

Visual Arts Top Colleges

Aligarh Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, Asian Academy of Film and Television, World University of Design, etc.

Visual Arts Average Starting Salary

INR 2 LPA-INR 10 LPA

Visual Arts Job Scope

3D Artist, Painter, Graphic Designer, Art Teacher, Interior Designer, etc.

Visual Arts Entrance Exams

CUET, UGAT, JMI Entrance Exam, NIFT, CUET-PG

Visual Arts Top Recruiters

Maps of India, Dharma Productions, Netflix, Deloitte, IKEA, etc.

Note: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

Visual Arts Course topics you might be interested in:
What is the difference between Fine Arts and Visual Arts?

Detailed Information about BVA or Bachelor's in Visual Arts Courses

 

Q:   What is the fees required to pursue a course in Visual Arts?
A:

Hi Tina,

The fees for the course in visual arts depends on the course you are pursuing i.e. whether its Bachelors,certificate, diploma or a post graduate course. The fees may range from INR 23,000 to INR 3.5 lakhs for the entire course.

All the best

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Table of content
  • Visual Arts Course Eligibility Criteria and Admission 2025
  • Visual Arts Entrance Exams 2025
  • Visual Arts Syllabus
  • Best Visual Arts Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Visual Arts Courses Colleges in India
  • Visual Arts Career: Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, Top Recruiters
  • FAQs on Visual Arts
  • Popular Visual Arts Courses Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Visual Arts Courses UG Courses
  • Popular Visual Arts Courses PG Courses
View More

Visual Arts Course Eligibility Criteria and Admission 2025

To get success in the field of Visual Arts, Students should have imaginative, design, artistic, communication, creative, and drawing skills. Students can study many courses such as a Bachelors in Visual Arts (BVA), Masters in Visual Arts (MVA), Editing Course, Film Making Course, Painting and Drawing Courses, Certificate Courses related to Visual Arts, Art Education Courses, Ph.D in Visual Arts etc. to make their career in the field of Visual Art.

Below are some of the common eligibility criteria to pursue a Visual Arts Course:

Course

Eligibility Criteria

UG Level (BVA)

  • To pursue a Visual Arts program at a degree or diploma (after 12th ) level candidates should complete Class XII in any stream from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate percentage (usually 50% - 60%).
  • Sometimes universities/ colleges also demand basic knowledge of Visual Arts or Visual Arts or Performing Arts subjects to which candidates are applying.

PG Level (MVA)

  • To pursue a Visual Arts Course at a degree or PG diploma level candidates should complete their graduation with a minimum aggregate of 50 % from a recognized University.  
  • Some Colleges also conduct Interviews/ Viva for admission.

Certificate-Level/Diploma

  • Visual Arts courses are short-term courses that candidates can pursue on passing Class 10th. 

Ph.D Level

  • To pursue a Visual Arts Course at PH.D level candidates need to complete their Post-graduation with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized University.

Note: This info is taken from the official website and may vary.

 

Visual Arts Courses Admission 2025

Here is the general step-by-step guide for Admission to Visual Arts Courses:

  • First you need to search for colleges or universities which offer Visual Arts programs

  • Check the eligibility criteria usually a bachelors degree in arts or related field is required some colleges may accept students from other backgrounds also

  • Fill the application form online or offline as the college tell you

  • Submit all required documents like mark sheets ID proof and a portfolio of your artwork if needed

  • Some colleges may conduct a portfolio review or practical test to see your skills and creativity

  • You may also be called for an interview to discuss your interest and motivation

  • After selection pay the course fees to confirm your admission

  • Complete the enrollment process and get ready to start the classes

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria to pursue a course in Visual Arts?
A:

Hi Subodh,

The eligibility to pursue a course in visual art is pass in 10+2 from any stream with minimum 50% marks.

All the best

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Q:   Can I pursue a Master of Visual Arts degree after completing B.A?
A:

Yes, You can pursue a Master of Visual Arts (MVA) degree after earning a Bachelor's degree in a suitable discipline, such as Fine Arts or Visual Arts. To accomplish this, you usually need to fulfil the prerequisites for admission to the particular MVA programme you are interested in, which may include turning in recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and a portfolio of your creative endeavours.

It's critical to do your homework, select a programme based on your interests, and be aware of application deadlines. After being accepted, your MVA studies will allow you to advance your creative abilities and understanding in a specific field of the visual arts. Check Bachelor of Arts (BA) Admission.

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Visual Arts Entrance Exams 2025

For admission to Visual Arts courses, students must pass Class 12 with certain percentage and some colleges also accept students on entrance basis.

Below table shows some of the popular entrance tests for admission to Visual Arts courses with their schedule:

Entrance Exam Name

Entrance Exam Dates

Entrance Exam Schedule

CUET 2026

May ' 26 (Tentative)

CUET Exam Date 2026

UGAT 2026

Jun '26 (Tentative)

UGAT Exam Date 2026

SET 2026

May ' 26 (Tentative)

SET Exam Date 2026

PUBDET 2026

Jun '26 (Tentative)

PUBDET Exam Date 2026

WUD DAT 2026

May ' 26 (Tentative)

WUD DAT Exam Date 2026

JMI Entrance Exam 2026

Apr '26 (Tentative)

JMI Entrance Exam Date 2026

NIFT 2026

Feb '26 (Tentative)

NIFT Exam Date 2026

NID DAT 2026

Jan '26 (Tentative)

NID DAT Exam Date 2026

CUET-PG 2026

Mar ' 26 (Tentative)

CUET-PG Exam Date 2026

Source: External site.

Mar '26

PUBDET 2026 Applications

TENTATIVE

10 Sep ' 25

PUBDET 2025 2nd Round Seat Allotment

Sep '25

MAH AAC CET 2025 Cut-off Date for all type of adm...

TENTATIVE

Sep '25

MAH AAC CET 2025 Last date of uploading the data

TENTATIVE

Mar '26

CUET 2026 Application Process

TENTATIVE

May '26 - Jun '26

CUET 2026 Exam

TENTATIVE
Q:   Is there any age limit to apply for WUD Aptitude Test?
A:

Yes, there is age limit to apply for WUD Entrance exam. The upper age limit for applying to Bachelor programmes is restricted to 20 years, relaxable up to 3 years on proving genuine evidence of discontinuity in education profile. However, for postgraduate programmes there is no age limit.

 

Q:   What is the Geology syllabus of CUET?
A:

Common University Entrance Test (CUET) result is released by National Testing Agency. CUET syllabus is divided into three sections viz., Languages, Domain Subject and General Test. CUET language section assesses candidate through reading comprehension (factual, literary, and narrative), literary aptitude and vocabulary. CUET syllabus second section- domain subject assesses the candidate's in depth knowledge on the subject he/she has opted for. CUET third section- general test includes general knowledge, current affairs, general mental ability, quantitative reasoning and logical and analytical reasoning. CUET syllabus is available now. Candidates can check the section wise detailed CUET syllabus here.

Visual Arts Syllabus

The syllabus of Visual Arts Course depends on the type of course UGPG, and Certification as well as the specialization (drawing, sculpture, painting, film-making, painting, music, editing, etc.) that a candidate is pursuing. 

However, Candidates can check the table below for subjects that are typically taught in Visual Arts.

UG level Course syllabus

Given below are the core subjects that are generally taught in the Bachelor of Visual Arts or BVA, B.Des in Interior Design, BA Graphic Design, Bachelor in Film Making program.

BVA Subjects

Adobe Premiere

Introduction to History of Crafts and Interior Design

Basics of Arts and Crafts

Introduction to Graphic Designing

Analysis of Interior Landscape

Painting

Art History

Fundamentals of Visual Art

Corel Draw

Fundamentals of Interior Design

Typography

Film Editing

Basics of Building Services

Adobe Premiere

Principles of Design

Adobe Photoshop

Drama & Aesthetics

 

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/counseling body and may vary.

PG level Course syllabus

The course curriculum of Masters of Visual Arts or MVA, Master in Drawing, MA in Film Making, Master in Interior Designing, Master in Editing are mentioned in detail below:

MVA Syllabus

3D Animation and VFX

Metal Craft

Contemporary Perspectives in Drawing & Painting

Audiography

Art of China, Japan, and South East Asia

3D Modeling and Prototyping

Advance Computer Application

Elements of Interior Design

Tribal and folk art

Graphics

Vector Graphics for Designers

3D Modeling and Prototyping

Interior Lighting and Acoustics

Adobe Audition

Serigraph

Photoshop Illustrator

Feature film Editing

Adobe Dreamweaver

Imparting the basics tools of Filmmaking techniques such as Edit, Cine, Sound, etc.

Non-feature Film Editing

Avid Media Composer

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/counseling body and may vary.

Students also liked these topics on Visual Arts Course Syllabus:

BDes Graphic Design Syllabus

BVA Painting Syllabus

MDes Graphic Design Syllabus

 

Q:   What are the main subjects for Visual Arts?
A:

Main subjects for visual arts depends the specialisation. The course may include subjects like Design and Layout, Photographic Seeing, Visual Culture, Visual Language, Art History, Typography, Sketch and Composition, Ideas and Stories etc. Main characteristics of Visual Arts are size, line, space, form, texture, shape, colour, tonal values, design, aesthetic organization, etc. in an object composition. 

Students may also explore graphic design, multimedia arts, or other modern forms of visual expression, depending on the programme. These courses are included in Visual Arts degrees to promote a multidisciplinary skill set and a sophisticated comprehension of the creative process, as well as a holistic approach to artistic development.

Q:   What are the subjects that one need to learn in a course for Visual Arts?
A:

Hi Tina,

There are lot of subjects that one need to learn in a course for visual arts, mentioned below are some of them :

  • Drawing from Nature/Object
  • Print – Making
  • 3 D Design
  • Still Life (Rendering)
  • Head Study (Rendering)
  • Pictorial Composition
  • Western Aesthetics
  • Dissertation

All the best

Best Visual Arts Colleges in India

India is home to many good Colleges that are offering quality learning opportunities in their Visual Arts programs. Course Fees and placement opportunities are two important criteria considered while choosing a college for pursuing Visual Arts. There are many top government and private colleges which offer Visual Arts courses.

Best Government Colleges for Visual Arts in India

There are various Visual Arts Government Colleges in India that provide streams in Visual Arts such as Painting, EditingSculpture, Interior designCeramicMetal Work, etc with lower fees. Here is the List of Best Government Colleges that provide Visual Arts Courses:

Visual Art Government Colleges

Visual Art Government College Fees

Aligarh Muslim University INR 800
Utkal University of Culture INR 1,200
Jadavpur University INR 1,800 - 10,000
Nalanda Open University INR 9,600
MSU Baroda INR 27,540
Bangalore University INR 33,600 - 9.1 Lakh
University of Lucknow INR 51,000 - 1.3 Lakh
MGR Government Film and Television Institute INR 74,980
Mumbai University (MU) INR 1.61 Lakh - 14.64 Lakh
NIFT Delhi INR 1.89 Lakh
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi INR 5.96 Lakh
Gujarat University INR 7.20 Lakh
National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad INR 11.43 Lakh - 15.72 Lakh

Note: This information is sourced from the official website/counseling body and may vary.

Best Private Colleges for Visual Arts in India

There are many Best Visual Arts Private Colleges in India which are renowned for their industry-oriented programs, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Candidates can check the list below for Private Colleges that provide Visual Arts Courses in India:

Visual Art Private Colleges

Visual Art Private College Fees

UNIRAJ- University of Rajasthan INR 1,970 - 58,000
NIMS School of Humanities and Social Sciences INR 1.2 Lakh
Guru Gobind Singh IP University (GGSIPU) INR 1.4 Lakh - 3.7 Lakh
Asian Academy of Film and Television INR 2.15 Lakh
World University of Design INR 2.85 Lakh
Pearl Academy Delhi INR 3.2 Lakh
Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar INR 4 Lakh
Indian Institute of Crafts and Design INR 4.48 Lakh - 8.9 Lakh
Army Institute of Fashion and Design INR 6.12 Lakh

Note: This information is sourced from the official website/counseling body and may vary.

Quick Links Related to Colleges for Visual Art Colleges:

What is a Film Making Course

Top 10 Interior Design Schools in India 2025

Popular Film-Making Colleges in India

 

28 Courses
2.4 K - 2.49 L
8 - 9 LPA
1.2 K - 13.2 K
4.0
1.4 L - 9.36 L
3.6
27 Courses
2.9
3.3
1.3 L - 9.6 L
4.35 - 5.5 LPA

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Applications open. Apply Now

3 Courses
480
16 LPA
Q:   Which are the best colleges for BVA in India?
A:

The following colleges offer BVA courses in various specialisations after Class 12. The admissions are provided either based on entrance exams or marks scored in class 12th. The names of a few such colleges and universities are:

Names of Colleges in BVA

Parul University

Bangalore School of Design

Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

Animaster College of Animation and Design

Poornima University

ICAT Design and Media College

Kashmir University

Koshys Group of Institutions

University of Lucknow

Pearl Academy, Bangalore

 

Q:   What are the best colleges in India that offer Masters in Visual Arts?

Popular Private Visual Arts Courses Colleges in India

2 L - 4 L
7.25 LPA

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Applications open. Apply Now

55 K
1.3 L - 9.6 L
4.35 - 5.5 LPA

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Applications open. Apply Now

80 K - 2.8 L
3.6 - 4.8 LPA
2.1 L
35.5 K - 2.15 L
2.5 - 3 LPA

Visual Arts Career: Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, Top Recruiters

Depending on their specialization in Visual Arts candidates can get jobs in many different sectors like animation, gaming, interior designing, digital media, advertising, schools and colleges, television, films, music companies, art studios and many more places where creative skills are needed. Some of the popular job profiles for Visual Arts pass-outs include:

Job Profile

Job Description

Average Annual Salary

3D Artist

A 3D modeler creates three-dimensional models and animations for games films and virtual worlds.

INR 2.6 LPA – INR 7.9 LPA

Art Teacher

An art teacher educates students in artistic techniques and encourages creativity and critical thinking in the classroom so students can develop their own style and skills.

INR 2 LPA – INR 6 LPA

Graphic Designer

A graphic designer makes visual ideas either by hand or on computer.

INR 1.1 - INR 7.1 LPA

Illustrator

Visual artists produce artwork to tell stories and share ideas across many types of media both digitally and traditionally exploring different techniques and styles.

INR 2 LPA – INR 11.5 LPA

Art Director

An art director is responsible for the overall visual style of a magazine newspaper movie or television production making sure all visual elements work together.

INR 4 LPA – INR 20 LPA

Painter

A painter can create different types of paintings such as watercolor painting, oil painting, ink wash painting, acrylic painting and glass painting and can exhibit or sell their work in art galleries.

INR 2 LPA – INR 5.5 LPA

Visual Artist

Visual artists create artwork to tell stories or share ideas digitally or traditionally.

INR 2 LPA – INR 9.5 LPA

Editor

A video editor puts together footage working with the director to make the final version.

INR 2.1 LPA – INR 6.5 LPA

Director

A film director leads the whole project guiding actors and the crew.

INR 2 LPA – INR 18 LPA

Museum Curator

A museum curator teaches people about art and culture and organizes collections and exhibitions.

INR 8.6 LPA – INR 10.9 LPA

UI/UX Designer

A UI UX designer focuses on interface design and user experience for websites software and digital products creating intuitive designs that are visually pleasing and easy to use.

INR 2 LPA – INR 13.7 LPA

Interior Designer

An interior designer plans layouts and designs to make buildings look attractive.

INR 1 – 6.8 LPA

Photo Editor

A photo editor select positions and edits photographs for publication in magazines books or newspapers making sure each image communicates the right message and looks visually appealing.

INR 1 – 6 LPA

Note- The above salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.

Fine Art Top Recruiters

Visual Communication degree opens up diverse areas of employment across various industries, including art studios, museums, advertising agencies, etc. Some of the top recruiting companies for visual artists include:

Visual Arts Top Recruiters

Universal Arts Limited

Deloitte

HT Media

Design Cafe

Netflix

IKEA

Dharma Productions

Iris Mediaworks

Morpheus Human Consulting

Saregama India Limited

Asian Institute of Design

Eros International

Balaji Telefilms Limited

Disney+ Hotstar

Reliance Mediaworks

Maps of India

Graphic Design, Inc.

Amazon Prime Video

Kalki Fashion

Green Gold Entertainment

Red Chillies Entertainment

Relevant Link Related to Visual Communication Career:

Career in Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

Interior Design Career Scope

 

Q:   How do I become a video editor?
A:

Hi Dubey,

A video & film editors job is to take video tapes to produce a single refined piece of video. The key responsibility of a video editor is to edit any visual media-form, like soundtracks, film and videos for the cable and broadcast visual media industries. Digital Video Editing is the buzzword in today’s digital world. Digital video editing makes use of computer technology to facilitate whole editing process onscreen. Film editing courses will help you understand the nuances of cutting and editing videos. This is done through hands-on, practical training.

These days, professional editing software such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro and Avid’s Media Composer are popular. All one needs is the training in the computer systems and programs used in digital video/film editing and an interest in editing visual media. For doing specialized courses from reputed institutes candidates must possess the qualification prescribed by the respective institutes/ colleges. In general, Digital video editors often have a bachelor's or a master's degree in animation or media arts. Besides media houses, large film studios, electronic news channel groups, one can also find wide ranging opportunities in various production houses scattered all across the country. 

The increased popularity of online video clips has also resulted in large number of job opportunities for competent video editors. Please refer to the link for institutes: https://www.shiksha.com/search/?q=Video+Streaming+and+Editing&c=12&sc=90&sa=^0^249^0^0^0&ts=78273&rf=searchwidget&sp[]=249&ldb=l-249 Hope this information helps. Please feel free to revert. Click on the thumbs up or mark it as the best, if you found this useful. Wish You Luck!

Q:   Does doing BVA has a good scope ahead?
A:

Bachelors of Visual Arts or BVA is a 4-year UG degree in the field of fine arts. There are many specialisations available in the BVA course like Graphics, Applied Arts, Painting, etc. There are generally three types of visual arts, including decorative, commercial, and fine art.

Popular job roles available for BVA degree holders are Painter, Cartoonist, Art Conservator, Visual Designer, Graphic Designer, Visual Artist, Art Critic, Art Director etc. Popular recruiting companies for BVA graduates are Prime Focus, Red Chillies, Reliance Mediaworks and HT Media. Hence the career scope after BVA is very promising for the candidates. Check Graphic Designing Career.

Q:   What are the job options for Master of Visual Arts students?
A:

Here are some of the job options for the student after completion of the MVA program:

  • Visual arts teacher
  • Studio Manager (Visual Arts)
  • Visual Arts Instructor
  • Art therapist
  • 3-D Modeling
  • Assistant Designer
  • Assistant Art Director
  • Fine Arts Professor
  • Creative Designer
  • Performing Arts Teacher
  • Multimedia programmer

FAQs on Visual Arts

Take a look at some of the important Questions related to Visual Arts Courses:

Q:   How is Bachelor of visual arts different from Bachelor of fine arts?
A:

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) differ primarily in their programme focus and structure. Despite being undergraduate degrees, they differ in terms of their focus on academic subjects and aspirations for their careers.

Bachelor of Arts degree includes liberal arts courses like Literature,  History,  etc.. while a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) includes more design studies and intensive art subjects. BA is an all-encompassing subject that includes various career options such as Gender Studies, Literature, and other liberal studies.

Fine Arts on the other hand consists of courses in sculpture and other such visual arts which are meant to enhance the beauty of objects and make them more appealing to the clients. However, it is to be noted that many colleges have the nomenclature of offering BA courses in various disciplines of fine arts. Read Bachelor of Fine Arts: BFA Specialisations, Scope and Career Options. 

 

Q:   Is there any online course to learn Visual Arts?
A:

Hi Tina,

Various institutes across India and abroad provide online course in visual arts, listed below are some of them :

  • Session college
  • Academy of art university
  • International institute of Fine arts
  • International fine art academy

All the best

Popular Visual Arts Courses Specializations

Following are the most popular Visual Arts Courses Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular Visual Arts Courses courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Visual Arts Courses.

Popular Visual Arts Courses UG Courses

Following are the most popular Visual Arts Courses UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Visual Arts Courses PG Courses

Following are the most popular Visual Arts Courses PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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