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The Bachelor of Fine Arts is a 3-4 year undergraduate degree focusing on the study of performing or visual arts. Some institutions may also refer to the programme as a Bachelor of Visual Arts covering a range of topics from literature, and animation to sculpture, painting and much more. Meanwhile, the BFA Syllabus, i.e. topics and subjects, under performing arts may range from dance, theatre and music. Therefore, with the availability of a range of concentrations, aspirants are required to select their area of interest for the BFA course beforehand. With a minimum duration of 3-4 four years, admissions to the BFA course can be done both on merit and entrance exams. Some of the popular entrance exams for the BFA course include UPSEE, CUET, and several other state-run tests as well.
Commonly, universities and institutions accept applications for the undergraduate fine arts course between May and August. Moreover, those interested in studying the programme will have to shell out BFA course fees ranging from INR 30,000 - 3,00,000 per year. On completion of the programme, BFA graduates can find job opportunities across media houses and other creative outlets across different platforms, with varying annual salary packages as well.
Below is a list of the BFA course highlights:
Course Name | BFA |
Full-Form | Bachelor of Fine Arts |
BFA Course Level | Undergraduate |
BFA Course Duration | 3-4 Years |
Popular Specialisations | Painting, Acting, Applied Arts, Animation, Pottery & Ceramics, Digital Arts, Fashion Design, Textile Design etc. |
BFA Course Mode | Full-time, Part-time & Distance Mode |
BFA Course Fees (Annual) | INR 30,000 to INR 3,00,000 |
Minimum Qualification Required | 12th pass or its equivalent qualification |
BFA Selection Process | Merit or Entrance-Exam Based |
BFA Course Stream | Design |
BFA Job Profiles | Textile Designer, Fashion Designer, Fashion Stylist, Visual Merchandiser, Photographer, Fine Artist, Cartoonist etc. |
BFA Average Salary (Annual) | INR 2,50,000 to INR 10,00,000 |
The BFA curriculum introduces you to cutting-edge subjects like art, aesthetics, ceramics and pottery making, among others, in contrast to other traditional courses. After earning a bachelor's in fine arts, there are a wide range of career options and job profiles to take into account.Students who complete the Bachelor of Fine Arts programme can go on to work as independent writers, designers, or educators. Due to the freedom and limitless earning potential it offers, the freelance profession is becoming increasingly popular.
Below mentioned are some of the other reasons as why a candidate should pursue Bachelor of Fine Arts course:
BFA course is a very creative course which requires full dedication and diligence by the candidates who wish to pursue it. Candidates who have an interest in artistic things or have creative vision for various things are most suitable for BFA course. Below are some of the reasons as why one should pursue Bachelor of Fine arts course:
Candidates who have completed class 12 in any subject from a recognised board are eligible for the Bachelor of Fine Arts programme. Although there are no other set criteria, some universities/colleges may require a minimum percentage (usually 50 - 60%) in Class 12th to gain admission to the BFA programme.
Aside from that, candidates who studied Arts/Humanities in Class 12th and have some basic knowledge of the Fine Arts subject that they wish to pursue are sometimes given preference at the time of admission.
The table below provides a brief overview of the BFA eligibility criteria.
Parameter | BFA Eligibility Criteria |
Minimum Qualification | 10+2/ intermediate or its equivalent |
Minimum Aggregate Score | 50% to 60% |
Age Limit | No age limit |
Skills | Creativity, Precision, Visualisation, Problem-solving abilities, Communication skills and more |
Admission to the BFA programme is based on merit as well as BFA entrance exams. The entrance exam includes multiple-choice questions. However, the exam pattern is determined by the exam administered by the respective college/university.
There are two ways to get into a BFA course: through merit or through an entrance exam. The admissions process for BFA courses varies depending on the admissions process. Applicants can, however, apply online to their top BFA colleges.
Candidates can apply for BFA courses by following the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Check into the BFA admission form requirements and deadlines listed by various colleges and universities if you want an admission to a BFA programme
Step 2: Register for the entrance exams required for BFA admission 2023 at the colleges and universities you want to attend
Step 3: Once confirmed, save the application process for future use. Also, for admission and other important notifications, keep an eye on the exam or the university's official website
Step 4: After appearing and passing the BFA entrance examination, candidates must fill out an application form for their desired university with personal information such as academic details, entrance examination results, and so on
Step 5: Candidates who successfully meet the university's eligibility requirements are shortlisted for the counselling round (if any) to finalise the admissions process
Step 6: After clearing the counselling session, candidates must pay the university's entrance fee in order to be confirm their admission to the BFA course
Candidates can apply for BFA courses by following the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Fill out the online BFA application form
Step 2: Pay the registration fee and any additional fees if admission is granted based on merit
Step 3: The shortlisted applicants will receive invitations to the subsequent phases of the hiring process, such as individual interviews or counselling
Step 4: Candidates must submit all the required documents and fee in order to confirm their admission to BFA course
The Bachelor of Fine Arts selection process is based on the results of an entrance exam in the fine arts or any other subject, marks in class 12 and 10, and graduate degree marks obtained to the level of the Bachelor of Fine Arts. The college or university assigns seats to applicants based on a variety of BFA requirements that applicants must meet as well as those recommended by college or university officials after a written exam, in-person interview, counselling session, and group discussion.
Students who want to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree should take the required entrance exam. Admission to specific Bachelor of Fine Arts colleges is determined by entrance exams, which are followed by counselling. CUET, UPSEE, and are among the various entrance exams held by BFA colleges to enrol students in BFA degree programmes.
BFA syllabus comprises both theory and practical subjects. Students must be hard working and diligent in order to pursue BFA course successfully. BFA syllabus may change from college to college. Some colleges apart from teaching about the fine arts also encourage the students to publish their own artistic work and creations.
BFA course structure mainly depends on the kind of specialization that the candidate is pursuing. In the section below, a list of all the core subjects including theory and practical subjects have been provided. Candidates are requested to check the syllabus of their respective colleges and universities in which they are applying before confirming their admission in that college or university. The detailed knowledge about the subject is provided on the official website of almost all the colleges and universities.
BFA Theory Subjects |
|
English |
Hindi |
Punjabi |
Cultural History of India |
Health Education |
History of Indian Art |
Environmental Studies |
Basics of Computer Fundamentals |
Aesthetics |
Design & Communication Practice |
Human Values & Professional Ethics |
Market Research |
Mural |
Visual Graphics |
BFA Practical Subjects |
|
Geometry Perspective |
Sketching & Drawing |
Painting |
Design |
Lettering Layout |
Clay Modelling & Sculpture |
Printmaking |
2D Art & Design |
Computer Graphics |
Communication Illustration |
Communication Design |
Advertising Art |
Market Research |
Visual Arts Process & Practices |
Composition |
- |
Candidates are also requested to check the year wise syllabus for Bachelor of Fine arts syllabus which has been provided below in the tabular format:
BFA Syllabus First Year:
Aesthetics |
Portrait Painting |
Illustration |
History & Appreciation of Art |
Painting from Full Figure |
Poster Design |
Methods & Materials1 |
Composition Painting |
Press Advertisement |
BFA Syllabus Second Year:
Specialization Courses |
Graphics Printmaking |
Magazine Advertisement |
Environmental Education |
Composition A |
Composition B, dimensional, stone and wood carving |
Methods & Materials 2 |
Ceramics & Moulds |
Aesthetics 2 |
BFA Syllabus Third & Fourth Year:
Specialization Courses 2 |
History & Appreciation |
Composition Painting 3 |
Method & Materials 2 |
Life Study |
Drawing 3 |
Aesthetics 2 |
Printmaking |
Indian Aesthetic, Portrait Painting |
Below are some of the specializations that a candidate can choose while pursuing BFA course. Candidates can choose any specialization and make a successful career in that job profile by utilising all the skills and knowledge provided to them in the total span period of BFA course.
Painting |
Applied Arts |
Plastic Arts |
Pottery & Ceramics |
Textile Design |
Music |
Drama & Theatre |
Digital Arts |
Calligraphy |
Cartooning |
Dance |
Graphic Designing |
Illustration |
Photography |
Printmaking |
Sculpture |
Candidates who wish to pursue Bachelor of fine Arts course have a choice in opting the type of BFA course which suits them the best. Candidates can pursue Full Time BFA course, Part Time BFA course or even Distant learning BFA course. All the course validation is the same. The syllabus setup is also the same, although it may differ a little bit from college to college. In the section below, all type of BFA courses have been discussed in detail:
Full Time BFA Course | Part-time BFA Course | Distance Education BFA Course |
Candidates enrolled in the full-time BFA programme must attend regular classes. Candidates have more opportunities for learning in this type of course, and they also have the opportunity to make connections that may be useful in their professional career. The following colleges offer full-time BFA programmes:
|
| Many universities and colleges in India offer distance education BFA courses. Candidates are not required to attend regular classes in this type of course. Distance education BFA courses are also less expensive than full-time BFA programmes. The subjects and syllabus for both courses are nearly identical. The following colleges are well-known for their Distance education BFA programmes:
The following are the eligibility requirements for the BFA course via distance education:
The average fee for a BFA in Distance Learning is between INR 15,000 and INR 30,000. |
The table below provides an overview of the two most popular courses in this field and highlights the differences between them in the form of a comparison.
Parameters | BFA | BA |
Full-Form | Bachelors in Fine Arts | Bachelor of Arts |
Duration | 2 - 4 years | 3 years |
Distance mode/part-time | yes | yes |
Course type | Undergraduate | Undergraduate |
Course summary | BFA students study visual arts fundamentals as well as other fine arts topics. | Students pursuing the BA degree are exposed to a wide range of arts and social science subjects, as well as liberal arts, language, and scientific courses. |
Course Objective | The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree is a vocational foundation programme that prepares students for a wide range of creative careers after graduation. | A BA allows students to study a wide range of subjects, from the arts to the social sciences. |
Average Fees | INR 2,00,000 | INR 60,000 |
Employment areas | Design, Film, Theatre, Painting, Education, Animation, and Educational Institutions, to name a few fields. | Academic Institutes, Art Galleries, Museums, Retail Sales Executive, Art Liaison Officer, Academic Research Editor, Flash Animator |
Average Salary | INR 3 - 6 LPA | INR 2.3 - 6 LPA |
One can find numerous colleges in India for Bachelor of Fine Arts course. There are different kinds of BFA colleges in india. There are private colleges, government colleges and also semi-government colleges in India for pursuing BFA course in india. The eligibility criteria for all these colleges is the same. No other special requirements are required in order to take admission in these colleges. However, the admission process for different colleges may be different. Various colleges such as Banaras Hindu University conduct an entrance exam in order to provide admission to the eligible candidates in BFA course. Meanwhile, there are also other colleges which conduct no entrance exam and provide admission solely on the basis of merit list only. Check out the list of top colleges offering BFA in India below:
BFA College Name | Location | BFA Course Fees (Annual) |
NIMS University | Jaipur, Rajasthan | INR 40,000 |
Chandigarh University (CU) | Chandigarh, Punjab | INR 84,000 |
Amity University | Gurgaon, Haryana | INR 35,000 |
Dr. M.G.R. Educational And Research Institute (DRMGRERI) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | INR 40,000 |
KL University (KLU) | Guntur, Andhra Pradesh | INR 1,45,000 |
Mangalayatan University (MU) | Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh | INR 35,000 |
India is a home to a variety of colleges both private and government. Candidates can pursue BFA course from any of the universities which is suitable for them. In this section, different BFA colleges and universities in the top metropolitan cities of India have been discussed:
Given below are the top BFA colleges in Delhi. Candidates can apply for admission in BFA courses here:
Name of BFA College | Average Fees (INR) per annum |
Jamia Millia Islamia University | INR 10,550 |
Delhi University, College of Art | INR 20,800 |
Delhi College of Art (DCA) | INR 1,24,400 |
Vidya Knowledge Park(VKP) | INR 55,700 |
GD Goenka University(GDGC) | INR 1,29,000 |
Amity University | INR 1,30,000 |
Given below are the top BFA colleges in Mumbai. Candidates can apply for admission in BFA courses here:
Name of BFA College | Average Fees (INR) per annum |
Sir JJ School of Art | INR 75,000 |
Amity University | INR 80,000 |
Garware Institute of Career Education and Development | INR 5,51,670 |
Rachna Sansad School of Design | INR 41,100 |
Given below are the top BFA colleges in Hyderabad. Candidates can apply for admission in BFA courses here:
Name of BFA College | Average Fees (INR) per annum |
Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University | INR 20,000 |
Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University (PSTU) | INR 5,800 |
Sri Venkateswara college of Fine Arts | INR 25,000 |
Tapasya College of Commerce and Management | INR 25,000 |
Given below are the top BFA colleges in Bangalore. Candidates can apply for admission in BFA courses here:
Name of BFA College | Average Fees (INR) per annum |
Shristi Manipal Institute of Art, Design, and Technology | INR 5,51,400 |
Bangalore University(BU) | INR 1,857 |
In foreign universities, Bachelor of Fine Arts course is called an Art and Design course. Candidates who wish to apply in BFA courses abroad can apply there if meet the below mentioned eligibility criteria:
Given below is the list of top BFA colleges in different countries across the globe. Candidates can apply for admission in these BFA colleges if they meet the required eligibility criteria. The BFA fee structure is different for different colleges. It is not mandatory that the fee estimate provided here will be the exact fee structure for the respective institute. BFA course fee structure may vary for colleges in comparison to the fee structure as provided below. Candidates must read the prospectus carefully or visit the official website of the particular college or university in order to understand the admission process thoroughly.
Name of BFA College | Fees (INR) |
Royal College of Art, UK | 1,89,300 |
University of Arts, UK | 15,10,000 |
Person School of Design, US | 31,01,100 |
Rhode Island School of Design, US | 37,70,000 |
MIT, US | 38,91,500 |
The Glasgow School of Art, UK | 17,96,000 |
Pratt Institute, US | 40,64,330 |
University of Oxford | 50,55,000 |
Lakehead University | 60,61,000 |
The University of Tampa | 48,21,000 |
University of Michigan | 56,28,000 |
Rochester Institute of Technology | 42,00,000 |
Fashion Institute of Technology | 61,00,000 |
The New School | 50,00,000 |
University of Idaho | 49,00,000 |
Woodbury University | 59,00,000 |
Fort Hays State University | 54,00,000 |
New York Institute of Technology | 64,00,000 |
University of Wyoming | 63,00,000 |
Nanyang Technological University | 68,00,000 |
Singapore Institute of Technology | 39,00,000 |
Pittsburg State University | 67,00,000 |
University of Massachusetts | 45,00,000 |
Western Michigan University | 49,00,000 |
The majority of BFA course participants are creative or have an eye for art. Candidates are best suited for this course if they have an artistic mindset. Candidates who enrol in a BFA programme learn about a variety of topics, including visual arts, etc. Candidates also have the opportunity to use their imagination and originality to develop fresh works of art in the area. The following are some important traits that a candidate must possess in order to pursue a bachelor's degree in fine arts and have a successful career afterward:
As a three-year programme, the Bachelor of Fine Arts is usually divided into 6 semesters, complete with course work, i.e. both core and elective subjects, as well as projects and research work that may be inclusive. While the degree-conferring institution holds the authority to determine the curriculum for the course, there are certain guidelines that the university will have to abide by, as has been outlined below:
Universities and institutions will also hold the authority to determine the type of teaching methodology they wish to employ, to complete the BFA course. Most institutions may employ a combination of the common methodologies, as highlighted here:
A common practice among higher education institutions is to include a research project as an integral part of the curriculum. Therefore, it is important for students to have a good research topic on hand that they can discuss with their supervisors and start working on when required.
A bachelor's degree in Fine Arts can lead to jobs in fields such as ceramics, animation, drawing, film production, craft artist, fine artist, art teacher, and others. The employment area is entirely dependent on the BFA specialisation chosen by the candidates. Candidates who are interested in furthering their education can pursue a master's degree in the relevant field.
BFA helps students build a holistic approach in the field of fine arts to make them job-ready for various art studios, retail stores, jewelry houses, publishing houses, fashion houses and others. Given below are some of the career options that a candidate can pursue after completing BFA course:
Musician | Photographer |
Choreographer | Animator |
3D artist | Graphics Designer |
Art director | Fine Artist |
Art teacher | Visual designer |
Cartoonist | Theatre artist |
Actor | Dance teacher |
Art administrator | Photographer |
Screenwriter | Editor |
The annual salary of a fresher after completing BFA may range from INR 2,50,000 to INR 10,00,000. It completely depends on the skills and knowledge of the candidate. Check out the salary extracted by various popular job profiles after BFA below:
Job Profiles | Average Salary (Annual) |
Textile Designer | INR 4,09,756 |
Fashion Stylist | INR 4,71,665 |
Fashion Designer | INR 3,81,025 |
Visual Merchandiser | INR 4,08,592 |
Cartoonist | INR 4,00,000 |
Photographer | INR 6,04,000 |
Fine Artist | INR 4,00,000 |
Quality Control Personnel | INR 3,01,060 |
The salary mentioned above may vary from individual to individual and is subject to change. Based on the skills acquired by the candidates during the BFA course they can pursue higher studies or can start their career with a job.
The following industries are among the top recruiters of BFA graduates. Candidates are hired either during placement drives or after gaining a few years of experience through internships.
BFA Recruiters | |
Fashion Houses | Advertising Agencies |
Museums | Television and Film Studios |
Publishing Houses | Schools and Colleges |
BFA, or Bachelor of Fine Arts, is a growing industry in India. Graphic Studios and colleges abound to meet their needs. According to Research & Markets, the Indian animation industry is expected to reach $23 billion by 2021, growing at a rate of 15% to 20% per year. Graphic artists and designers are becoming increasingly important. This is not limited to print media, but it is the software-driven growth that is attracting the most attention.
Unlike other traditional courses, the BFA curriculum introduces you to new age topics such as painting, aesthetics, ceramics and pottery making, and so on. Career opportunities after a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree are diverse, and there are numerous job profiles to consider. Some examples include art teacher, creative writer, and art director. Graduates of the Bachelor of Fine Arts programme can pursue a career as a freelance artist, writer, or teacher. The freelance industry is popular these days because of the flexibility and limitless earning potential it provides. According to payscale, the average salary for a fine artist, sculptor, or painter after completing a BFA course is INR 4,87,957. Those who want to change careers after receiving a BFA can easily transition to a master of arts (MFA), which specialises in various fields such as photography, music, painting, filmmaking, and so on.
After completing their Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, students can pursue advanced studies such as MFA. These courses' qualifying criteria differ in terms of level and course structure.
For your reference, the basic requirements for MFA are listed below.
After finishing the BFA degree, graduates of this course can pursue new opportunities. They can be prepared for a professional career in the performing, fine, or visual arts with a bachelor's degree in the arts. This course is open to creative and artistic students. As a part of their Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, they can study photography, visual art, painting, mixed media, cinematography, and digital illustration. They can expand their career options by working in a variety of fields. Additionally, BFA enables them to increase their pay scale as they advance up the experience ladder. BFA graduates can expect to make an average salary of between INR 5 lakhs - INR 25 lakhs.
Some of the best foreign universities for pursing BFA course are Royal College of Art, UK, University of Arts, UK, Person School of Design, US, Rhode Island School of Design, US, MIT, US, The Glasgow School of Art, UK, Pratt Institute, US.
After completing the BFA course some of the popular career opportunities include Animator, Cartoonist, Graph Designer, Art Conservator, Art Director, and much more. However, candidates choosing to pursue a specialisation with their BFA course will have impeccable opportunities in their respective fields and more, after they complete their course.
Yes, you can do BFA course after completing class 12 from any recognized board in India. Along with that, a minimum aggregate score of 50% is also required in order to apply for admission in any college or university in India. In some BFA colleges, candidates are also required to clear the entrance exam, then only they can get admission in that particular college and university.
While entrance exams for BFA may not be necessary, some universities do require applicants to present good entrance exam scores from relevant tests. Some of these important entrance exams for BFA include Kerala BFA Entrance Exam, DU Entrance Exam, JMI BFA Entrance, BHU Undergraduate Entrance Test, JNAFAU Entrance Exam and much more.
The eligibility criteria for BFA courses in India require applicants to have cleared the class 12 board exams in any stream. The minimum score that applicants should possess at the time of application to the BFA course will vary from university to university. However, candidates should have secured a minimum of 50% aggregate in the class 12 board exams.
The average salary after Master of Fine Arts that graduates can expect usually ranges from INR 3-6 LPA. However, there are several defining factors for the salary a graduate receives after they complete their course, which includes the job role they are employed to carry out, the company employing them and the professional experience they hold.
Yes, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts can be a good career choice for those interested in building a career in the creative industry. Much like every industry, with good skills and experience, a BFA graduate will be able to pursue a lucrative career. Students can also pursue further studies or apply for a management course after graduation.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a three-year undergraduate programme offered as an arts and design programme across the country. The course has been designed to instil knowledge, skills and qualifications leading to various jobs in the creative industries like films, music, theatre, animation and much more, allowing students to build a lucrative career in their desired creative field.
Some of the common subjects covered in a BFA course are the History of Indian Art, Landscape and Clay Modelling, 2D and 3D design, Fundamentals of Visual Arts, and many more, including research projects as per the university’s directive. These subjects and topics may vary with universities offering the degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts.
A graduate of BFA in India will be able to pursue a range of courses and careers after graduation. Some of the options available to graduates include further studies like Master in Fine Arts, MBA, or numerous other skill-oriented courses that will add value to their professional profile. Career-wise, a BFA graduate will be able to pursue a career in film, theatre, music, dance or any other creative field.
There are several reasons why BFA could be the choice for you, which include the numerous career opportunities available in the creative industries like film, music, dance, theatre, painting and more. BFA also allows students to hone in on their creative skills and help them understand how they can monetise their unique skills and talents and build a lucrative career.
To become the best in the field, every BFA student must instil a few skills and abilities. These skills for BFA include creative skills ranging from sketching, visualisation, presentation and communication skills among many others. Students should also instil the ability and skill to sell their creative pieces and build a business or lucrative career, subsequently.
Yes, those interested in pursuing BFA as their higher education degree in India can choose from three major types of BFA courses, which include full-time, part-time and distance learning BFA courses. The most widely available BFA course type in India is the full-time BFA degree, however, students may also find various universities across the country offering either part-time or distance learning options too.
To enrol in a BFA programme in India, aspirants must have at least completed their class 12 board exams in any stream. In addition to this, candidates may also be required to have secured a minimum score of 60% or higher in the board exams and have appeared for an entrance exam accepted by their desired university or participate in an individual selection process.
For any candidate aspiring to build a career in creative job profiles like music, film, dance, theatre, dance, sculpture, and artistry, choosing to pursue a BFA course can be a good option. The course is designed to instil the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding of the different fields the Fine Arts course covers.