Updated on May 20, 2025 05:58 IST

The BFA degree has gained immense popularity in the last few years a UG course aimed at studying the various aspects of visual and performing arts. BFA course subjects covers areas of visual art like painting, dance and choreography, sculpture, portraiture and concept development. It can be pursued as a full-time UG course or a part-time diploma through distance learning programmes.

Students interested in learning skills like sketching, drawing and visualisation can opt for the course after passing their 10+2 from a recognised examination board. While most colleges do not conduct an entrance exam for admissions, some do. The BFA programme's courses are meant to help students learn the fundamentals of traditional drawing and painting techniques as well as the pipelining of production in 2D and 3D animation.

Typical Core Subjects in BFA Syllabus

Students in BFA courses have the freedom to select electives according to their interests and goals. The focus of the college —whether it takes a more traditional, modern or multidisciplinary approach to fine arts education—may also have an impact on the exact form of the BFA syllabus.

Subject Title

Subject Description

History and Appreciation of Art

This subject aims to help students understand the true meaning of art. It focuses on the nature and scope of art in the real world.

Aesthetics - I

Dealing with emotions like beauty, taste, and art, this subject will help the students develop a sense of aesthetics in the artist's consciousness.

Clay Modelling - I

Clay modelling allows one to develop a 3D vision and provides practice by designing different objects and tools.

Printmaking

Printing has been around for centuries now. It has become a crucial component of work. It helps understand the use of printing as a means of artistic expression.

Computer Graphics

Through this module, students will be able to understand the role of computing in art. They'll get a fundamental understanding of different graphic design applications and other aspects.

Drawing

Often called the basis of any art course, drawing helps develop proper hand-eye coordination.  In this subject, learners will get a practical understanding of proportions, line, space and volume, among other things.

English Communication

English has become a crucial component of professional success. Used by people worldwide, it helps communicate ideas among different groups through a common method.

Typical Elective Subjects in BFA Syllabus

On the basis of the college and the program's specific focus, a BFA course's electives differ greatly. Students can customise their education to fit their interests by taking elective courses. Students pursuing BFA have the option to select amongst the following -

Subject Title

Subject Description

Advertising Theory I & II

Advertising has revolutionised how companies promote their product or service among customers. This makes the subject very important and interesting.

Photography - I

For students interested in pursuing photography, this course offers a practical learning experience. It is an exciting option covering everything from the basics to advanced concepts.

Lettering and Typography

Lettering and typography are crucial aspects of the printing process. They’re extensively used while printing and designing advertising materials.

Computer Graphics - II

This module focuses on developing the student’s skills in computer-aided design. People willing to become graphic designers can opt for this course.

Packaging - I

Packaging is an important part of the sales and marketing function. It defines the manner in which a product or service is sold in the market for consumption.

Detailed Syllabus for BFA

The BFA syllabus is designed in a manner that facilitates holistic learning about fine arts across semesters. From studying art’s history to learning about the importance of aesthetics, here’s a detailed description of the subjects covered in the syllabus -

Semester

Core/Elective

Subject Details

1

History of Art - I

It covers the evolution of art over the last few centuries. It seeks to investigate events related to prehistoric Indian art.

2

Introduction to Communication Skills

Communication skill not only help artists communicate their ideas but also visualise them efficiently. This subject discusses the basics of English communication and how to use it in a professional setting.

3

Painting - III

Painting involves using colour and tone within a specific space. Students will understand concepts related to colour and how to see them in natural and artificial light.

4

Photography - II

Photography is the art and science of creating durable images by recording light and other related electromagnetic radiation.

5

Aesthetics - III

Students will get to understand the role of art in our daily lives and related principles.

6

Computer Graphics - III

This course dives deeper into the use of different graphic design software and their utility in creating new designs.

7

Mural - I

Murals are famous artworks that are painted on a wall, ceiling or similar large surfaces.

It helps learners pursue a career in mural arts.

8

Composition - III

Through this course, students will be able to understand the role of composition in paintings.

It’ll also teach them the process of painting on 2D surfaces and the effective use of colours.

Specialisations offered in BFA

There are various specialisations that one can pursue after completing their BFA degree. Some of the popular courses to opt for are as follows:

Specialisation

Subjects

Photography

  • Fashion photography
  • Digital photography
  • Photojournalism

Animation

  • Basics of Animation
  • Multimedia Communication
  • Digital Art
  • Special Effects
  • Sound and Video Editing
  • Digital Film Production

Textile Design

  • Drawing and rendering
  • Computer-aided textile design
  • Colour and creation
  • Fabric design
  • Dyeing and printing
  • Fashion design and illustration

Applied Arts

Books and Authors Related to BFA

There are multiple books that are part of the BFA syllabus. These books holistically cover fine arts as a subject, providing important information about different art concepts.

Book title

Authors

Description

Designer's Guide to Colour

James Stockton

Colour is an important part of a designer's skill set. This book gives them a first-hand idea about the use of colour across different combinations and surfaces.

Commercial Art Techniques

Raviraj

This is a great book if you want to understand commercial art and its techniques. Written by acclaimed fine arts author Raviraj, this is the latest in his series of well-researched titles.

Anatomy and Drawing

Victor Perard

This book breaks down the process of visualising the human body, muscles and other organs. If you're keen on learning how to draw real human beings, this is the best book.

Kleppner's Advertising Procedure

J.T. Russel, W.R. Lane

This book introduces readers to the concept of advertising and uses recent examples to help them understand the techniques of marketing and promotion.

Entrance Exams for BFA in India

Students interested in pursuing BFA can give an entrance exam to apply to a college of their choice. After completing their 10+2, they can appear for the exam. Several entrances offer admission to the BFA course across top Indian colleges. Some of them are PUBDET, SETCUET, BHU UET, etc. Two of the most sought after most entrances for BFA are detailed below -

  • BHU BFA Entrance Preparation: Students need to have excellent memory drawing and sketching skills. They also need to be aware of art history and focus on scoring well in the MCQ section. Knowing about colours, patterns and performing arts is equally important.

  • JMI BFA Entrance: To score well, students need to prepare MCQs and theory apart from questions around design and still questions about life. Since historical events and important dates are a high-scoring section, make sure you grab maximum marks there.

Table of contents
  • Popular BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) Colleges in India
  • Popular Private BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) Colleges in India
  • Popular BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses

Popular BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) Colleges in India. Learn more about these BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
5 Courses
2.49 L
8 LPA
6.36 L
3.6

BFA Applications open. Apply Now

7.2 L

BFA Applications open. Apply Now

6 LPA
6 Courses
65.3 K - 1.85 L
7.5 LPA

Popular Private BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) Colleges in India

6.36 L
3.6

BFA Applications open. Apply Now

4.5 L
7.2 L

BFA Applications open. Apply Now

4 L
1.53 L - 4.23 L
5.5 LPA

BFA Applications open. Apply Now

5.25 L - 8.7 L
4.2

Popular BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) Specializations

Following are the most popular BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

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Answered a week ago

Application and entrance test fees paid for BFA admission at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE are non-refundable under all circumstances. This is regardless of withdrawal timing. 

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Refunds are processed within 45 days from the date when Admissions Office receives hard copy of withdrawal application. Refund eligibility and deductions depend on date when withdrawal notice is submitted. 

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

If withdrawal occurs on or after the class commencement/orientation date, physical reporting to the campus is mandatory. For hostel fees, INR 20,000 may be deducted, and additional deductions may apply based on the duration of stay. Program fee refunds are processed as per UGC norms. 

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE, BFA students can expect to pay approximately INR 30.82 Lacs in total. This includes a refundable caution deposit and consistent annual fees of INR 7.58 Lacs each year.

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

BFA students can go for merit-based scholarships based on academic excellence, portfolio or entrance performance, need-based scholarships for financial assistance, and special category awards. There are UG scholarships like Freeship, Scholar, and Achiever categories that may also apply to BFA studen

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J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

After fee payment, a BFA applicant at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE is considered provisionally admitted. To withdraw, the student must submit an online withdrawal request through the MAHE portal. Depending on the timing, physical reporting to the Admissions Office an

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J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE BFA fee consists of a refundable caution deposit of INR 50,000 paid in the first year, an annual tuition fee of INR 4.32 lac, and an other academic fee of INR 3.26 lac each year. Annual fee is INR 7.58 Lacs from Year 1 to Year 4 which exc

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J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Beyond institutional scholarships, BFA students can explore external funding opportunities such as creative grants and international fellowships for example, Solitude Fellowship and other open creative grants. These support artistic practice and research beyond the classroom

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

While Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, MAHE does not list a dedicated internal scholarship exclusively for the BFA programme, students can access merit-based, need-based, and special category scholarships offered by the institute and through broader MAHE scholarship schemes,

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J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

BFA curriculum is developed to build individual artistic voices by combining practical skills. Through hands-on studio work, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary exposure, students get better in art, digital media, and film practices.

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE BFA curriculum includes study and practice in Contemporary Art Practice, Digital Media Arts, and Film. Students learn about artistic expression through media-agnostic art practices, digital moving images and animation techniques, and conc

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J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, applicants can apply for more than one BFA programme at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE within a single application. However, candidates must select their programmes in order of preference and can apply in only one admission round for the academic year. Admission d

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J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

After completing SMEAT, applicants must log in to their admissions dashboard to view their results. BFA admission outcomes at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE are published as Accept, Waitlist, or Regret. Selected candidates must confirm their seat by paying the welcome

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J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

SMEAT is mandatory for BFA admissions at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE. This test evaluates aptitude and readiness for undergraduate study. Admission decisions are made on merit based on SMEAT performance, except in specific cases where eligible UCEED candidates may r

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J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Round 1 of SMEAT at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE is scheduled to be held around mid-April (tentatively). This exam is part of the institute's multi-round entrance process that evaluates creative, analytical, and design aptitude. Official dates and any updates are com

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J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

For Round 1 admissions to the BFA programme at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE, the application form had to be submitted by 15 March. This deadline applies to all undergraduate design-related programmes including BFA and B.Des. Applicants must ensure their forms and fee

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J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

BFA course application process started in November when SMEAT registration opened online. Those who are interested in undergraduate programmes need to register and complete their application on official admissions portal. Check official website time to time for any updates or additional application

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J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE, BFA course admission is based on performance in the Srishti Manipal Entrance and Aptitude Test (SMEAT). This test assesses creativity, aptitude, and critical thinking. After that, an additional evaluation round will take place as specifi

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J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

For Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design And Technology, MAHE, BFA course, you must pass 10+2 or equivalent with at least 50% aggregate from a recognised board/NIOS. You can also possess equivalent international qualifications (e.g., A-levels, IGCSE/IB/High School Diploma) as per institute norms

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J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, MAHE offers BFA course which offers specialisations such as Contemporary Art Practice, Digital Media Arts, Film, and Creative Writing. Students are trained properly within their creative field in an interdisciplinary environment.

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

BFA Filmmaking from Whistling Woods International can be said to be affordable or expensive depending on the ROI, Financial condition of candidates, willingness to spend and a variety of other considerations. As such students must consider the matter themselves after looking at the total tuition fee

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C

Chikat Marchang

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, BFA course is available at The Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship. The college offers BFA courses at the UG level. Candidate must meet the eligibility criteria to enrol for BFA course admission set by the college. Aspirants must pass Class 12 in any stream. The Indian College of Arts and

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Nishtha

Contributor-Level 10

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