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.

FAQs on BFA Syllabus

Q. Can I pursue any specific specialisations as part of BFA?

A. You can surely specialize in particular visual arts fields through BFA. Top specialisations in BFA programmes include:

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Printmaking
  • Photography

Q. What are some common BFA entrance exams?

A. Some common BFA entrance exams are listed below:

  • DUET

  • JMI BFA Entrance

  • BHU BFA Entrance

  • Kerala BFA Entrance

Q.  How do I prepare for BFA entrance exam for Delhi college of Art?

A. The College of Art, Delhi's BFA entrance test usually tests your creative abilities, visual arts knowledge and artistic aptitude. The following general advice can help you get ready for the BFA entrance exam -

  • Recognise the Exam Pattern
  • Getting Ready for Your Portfolio
  • Practice drawing

Q. Does BFA course also include theory subjects?

A. Yes, theoretical or academic courses are usually combined with practical, studio courses in BFA courses. A detailed fine arts education requires both academic and practical components but the proportions of each may differ across colleges.

These are practical courses that involve making art. Drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, digital art, ceramics and other mediums are a few examples.

Q. What are the fees for a BFA course?

A. The fees for some government colleges offering BFA are -

Name of College Total Fees (in INR)

Annamalai University

15000- 17000

BHU Varanasi

6000

College of Arts, DU 4200- 38000
College of Fine Arts, Hyderabad 40000- 1.8 lakh
Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University 30000

JMI New Delhi

42000

Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith 12.76K- 41.6K
Maharishi Dayanand University 52.8K
Visva Bharti University 3.36K
Table of content
  • 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
6 Courses
16.8 K
8.5 LPA
7.2 L - 14.2 L
5.5 LPA
5.16 L
3.0

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

5.83 L - 7.63 L
3.9
1.6 L
3.12 LPA
3 L
2.75 L
7.2 L - 14.2 L
5.5 LPA
1 Course
4.8 L

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 month ago

The total tuition fee for BFA at Annamalai University DDE is INR 16,600. This information is sourced from official website/ sanctioning body and is subject to change. Aspirants have to pay the programme fee to confirm their seat in the university. Candidates have to pay the application fee in the st

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Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 2 months ago

The seat intake for BFA at Indian Institute of Photography is 18. Candidates who are selected for admission based on merit of Class 12 and the personal interview round must pay the tuition fees to confirm their seat at Indian Institute of Photography.

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

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