Bachelor of Fine Arts Syllabus & Subjects 2024

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Mar 20, 2024 20:34PM IST

BFA Syllabus & Subjects Overview

BFA syllabus covers areas and topics that are mostly related to the fine arts. To creatively depict any social concern, fine arts need a wide range of equipment and techniques. Fine arts are practised largely for their beauty and aesthetic worth, not for their utilitarian value. BFA is officially known as Bachelor of Fine Arts. Depending on the area of concentration, BFA courses might run anywhere between three and four years. BFA subjects include topics such as Painting, animation, and other visual, performing, or fine arts.

Topics including painting, graphics, history, and illustration are covered in the BFA syllabus and subjects. The course also offers a wide range of specialisations, such as BFA Painting, BFA Applied Art, and BFA Photography. Furthermore, the course curriculum also incorporates core, elective, and optional subjects that are designed to provide students with the skills necessary to thrive in the job market. In India, a BFA course graduate typically earns an average starting salary of INR 2 to 5.8 LPA. This programme provides students with an opportunity for skill development in the growing disciplines of painting, singing, photography, and other fine arts. This page discusses everything students need to know about the detailed semester-wise syllabus, core and elective subjects, best reference books, course structure, etc. about the BFA course.

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BFA Year Wise Syllabus

Fine arts and design are the focus of BFA subjects. The BFA programme is a three-year undergraduate programme that focuses on the fine arts. The Bachelor of Arts Fine Art Syllabus focuses on covering all aspects of arts such as clay modelling, still life, Indian art history, landscape, and so on.

The BFA course syllabus includes both theoretical and practical instruction. In addition, the BFA subjects list includes both core and elective BFA course subjects. Core BFA subjects are subjects that are essential for students' learning. Elective BFA subjects are optional subjects that add flexibility and variety to the BFA course syllabus. The following is a list of BFA course subjects organised by semester:

BFA Syllabus First Year
The table below contains the BFA subjects from the first year:
Semester ISemester II
Part I History of Indian Art (From prehistory to 6th century Ad) Part II Fundamental of ArtPart I History of Indian Art (From prehistory to 6th century Ad) Part-II Fundamental of Art
Still LifeLandscape (practical) or Clay Modelling
Internal/Sessional worksInternal/Sessional works
BFA Syllabus Second Year
The table below contains the BFA subjects from the second year:
Semester IIISemester IV
Part I History of Indian Art (From 7th century AD to 18th century AD) Part II Fundamental of ArtHead study
Landscape IIClay Modelling II
BFA Syllabus Third Year
The table below contains the BFA subjects from the third year:
Semester VSemester VI
Appreciation and Fundamentals of Visual ArtsDesign-2D & 3D
DrawingPrintmaking
ElectiveResearch Project
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Stream Wise BFA Syllabus

The Bachelor of Fine Arts programme offers a variety of BFA specialisations based on the student's interests and professional goals. Students can choose from any of the following Bachelor of Fine Arts specialisations if they want to refine their hidden talents. 

Some of the most well-known BFA specialisations are as follows:

BFA course syllabus for specialisation in Painting

BFA syllabus in Painting courses cover art history, drawing from life, and other topics. Aside from painting fundamentals, students learn various types and techniques of sculpting, animation, photography, and printing.

·        The average BFA Painting fee is INR 2,00,000

·        A BFA Painting individual's annual salary is INR 3,50,000 LPA

BFA course syllabus for specialisation in Applied Arts

The BFA syllabus in Applied Arts is a creative specialty that teaches the beauty of everyday objects. This Bachelor of Fine Arts degree covers all aspects of product creation, including sculpture, music, and interior design.

·        A BFA in Applied Arts costs around INR 2,00,000 on average

·        A BFA Applied Arts graduate can expect to earn INR 4,00,000 LPA on average

BFA course syllabus for specialisation in Animation

BFA syllabus in Animation covers the various forms, methods, and other important aspects of animation. It includes, among other things, 3D animation, computer graphics, and character design.

·        A BFA Animation typically costs INR 2,50,000

·        A BFA Animation earns an average of INR 4,00,000 LPA
 

BFA course syllabus for specialisation in Pottery & Ceramics

A student pursuing a BFA in Pottery & Ceramics will learn the fundamentals of pottery as well as advanced techniques. Among the techniques, BFA course syllabus covered are slip casting, mould manufacturing, hand building, and others.

·        A BFA Pottery & Ceramics degree typically costs INR 1,50,000

·        A BFA Pottery & Ceramics Individual's annual salary is INR 4,00,000 LPA
 

BFA course syllabus for specialisation in Textile Design

The BFA course syllabus in Textile Design programme covers a wide range of textile design topics, such as knitting, printing, weaving, and weaving. Color, needlework, and texture are among the BFA course details taught in this degree.

·        A BFA Textile Design course costs around INR 1,000,000

·        A BFA Textile Design Individual earns an average of INR 4,00,000 per year

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BFA Subjects

BFA course syllabus aims to introduce students to all the critical facets of design and fine arts. The BFA course subjects are extremely relevant and helpful for the students because the aspirants are exposed to the requirements and trends of the industry.

The BFA course subjects are structured to assist students in becoming proficient design professionals and aesthetic creators. The specifics of this Fine Arts course are that it allows students to gain a thorough understanding of the pipeline of production in 2D and 3D animation while incorporating in-depth traditional concepts of drawing and painting through the BFA course subjects

The specialisation a candidate has selected has a significant impact on the BFA course syllabus/curriculum. However, the primary BFA subjects that are typically taught in the BFA programme are listed below:

BFA Subjects (Theory)
EnglishHindi
PunjabiCultural History of India
Health EducationHistory of Indian Art
Environmental StudiesBasics of Computer Fundamentals
AestheticsDesign & Communication Practice
Human Values & Professional EthicsMarket Research
MuralVisual Graphics
BFA Subjects (Practical)
Geometry PerspectiveSketching & Drawing
PaintingDesign
Lettering LayoutClay Modelling & Sculpture
Printmaking2D Art & Design
Computer GraphicsCommunication Illustration
Communication DesignAdvertising Art
Market ResearchVisual Arts Process & Practices
Composition-
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BFA Common Subjects for All Semester

The following topics are covered in every core BFA syllabus:
 

  • Geometry 
  • Perspective 
  • Calligraphy 
  • Pictorial Design/Painting Printmaking
  • Appreciation and Foundations of Visual Arts Design in 2D and 3D 
     

BFA Optional Subjects

The following are the elective BFA course syllabus:

  • Economics
  • Psychology
  • Fine Arts
  • Physical Education
  • Home Science
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BFA Optional Subjects

Candidates must select from the optional subjects, often known as electives, to earn the required amount of credits each semester. There are a plethora of alternatives available to students when it comes to elective subjects at universities and other educational institutions that award degrees. These are a few of the prevalent elective BFA subjects that students pursuing this degree might choose in addition to their required courses.

  • Advertising Theory: Educating you on the fundamentals of advertising, from its historical development to its contemporary methods, advertising theory will teach you the fundamental skills you need to market your work.
  • Photography: Gaining a basic understanding of photography will help you take advantage of numerous opportunities to develop your skill set. You will be able to promote on social media sites if you have an elementary knowledge of photography and cameras.
  • Computer Graphics: Possessing the knowledge and abilities to use computer graphics can greatly enhance your professional profile in the age of technology and digital creativity, particularly as AI becomes more powerful.
  • Economics: Though it is an unconventional subject, economics is incredibly helpful in teaching students about the ins and outs of finance and how it affects people, organisations, and the financial system of the country as a whole.
  • Psychology: Choose psychology as an elective course to gain an understanding of the fundamentals of human psychology and behavioural tendencies. Psychology is a subject that many students choose to study.
  • Physical Education (PE): It is a course that many colleges provide as an elective for candidates to choose from if they are not so interested in theoretical information.
  • Home Science: Also known as the art of effective resource management, it is the study of managing a successful career and a healthy and happy home.

These are only a handful of the optional BFA subjects that students may be able to choose from depending on their college. It should be mentioned that every college and university has a different selection of BFA syllabus or optional courses that students must choose from to complete the programme with the minimum number of credits needed to be eligible for a degree.

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BFA Lab Subjects

The following are the Lab/Practical BFA courses subjects:

BFA Subjects (Practical)
Geometry PerspectiveSketching & Drawing
PaintingDesign
Lettering LayoutClay Modelling & Sculpture
Printmaking2D Art & Design
Computer GraphicsCommunication Illustration
Communication DesignAdvertising Art
Market ResearchVisual Arts Process & Practices
Composition-
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Specialisations Offered in Bachelor of Fine Arts Course

A Bachelor of Fine Arts course curriculum can be the perfect choice for you if you have a strong visualisation, a flair for drawing out the best in your artistic side, and a passion for sketching, photography, or multimedia arts. It helps applicants in refining and perfecting their musical, dance, and theatre abilities. As mentioned earlier, a Bachelor of Fine Arts syllabus is typically divided into six to eight semesters spread over three to four years. One can often pursue multiple specialisations with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Students might choose to major in any specialisation that captures their curiosity or career objectives. The following are popular specialisations offered as one of the Bachelor of Fine Arts subjects:

Applied ArtsCalligraphyCartooning
DanceDigital ArtsDrama & Theatre
Graphic DesigningIllustrationMusic
PaintingPhotographyPlastic Arts
Pottery & CeramicsPrintmakingSculpture
Textile Design--
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Syllabus for BFA Distance Programs

The online BFA programme offers both academic and hands-on training in its course curriculum. In addition, several universities encourage applicants to keep up their art journals or publish their artwork as research papers. The online Bachelor of Fine Arts course syllabus is primarily determined by the applicant's chosen area of specialisation. The following is a discussion of the year-wise syllabus for Bachelor of Fine Arts distance programs.

First-Year Bachelor of Fine Arts Syllabus for Distance Programs

The following table highlights the first-year semester-wise Bachelor of Fine Arts subjects for distance programs:

Semester-I

Semester-II

Internal/Sessional worksLandscape (practical) or Clay Modelling
Part-I History of Indian Art (From Prehistory to 6th century AD). Part-II Fundamentals of ArtPart-I History of Indian Art (From Prehistory to 6th century AD). Part-II Fundamental of Art
Still LifeInternal/Sessional works

Second-Year Bachelor of Fine Arts Syllabus for Distance Programs

The following table highlights the second-year semester-wise Bachelor of Fine Arts subjects for distance programs:

Semester-III

Semester-IV

Landscape-IIClay Modelling-II
Part I History of Indian Art (From 7th century AD to 18th century AD) Part II Fundamentals of ArtHead study

Third-Year Bachelor of Fine Arts Syllabus for Distance Programs

The following table highlights the third-year semester-wise Bachelor of Fine Arts subjects for distance programs:

Semester-V

Semester-VI

ElectiveResearch Project
DrawingPrintmaking
Appreciation and Fundamentals of Visual ArtsDesign-2D & 3D
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BFA Entrance Exam Syllabus

Every exam paper will contain objective type questions, ranging from 100 to 200 in number. The examination lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours. The BFA exams will be divided into two sections. The first section of the BFA Syllabus for Entrance Exam will consist of MCQ-based questions as well as basic Aptitude, Ability, and Skills. The second section of BFA Syllabus for Entrance Exam will consist of subjective questions such as visual communication testing candidates' drawing and creative abilities. Candidates who pass the entrance examination are invited to an interview where they are asked about their communication skills, interests, and portfolios. Because the BFA admission portfolio is important, students are encouraged to work on it for at least 8 to 12 months before applying for admission.

BFA entrance examination is required for admission to universities that offer BFA programmes. The BHU BFA exam, the Delhi University BFA exam, and other entrance exams are held. There are three types of entrance exam syllabus:
 

  • Completely Aptitude Test: In the aptitude-based examination, students are tested on general knowledge, quantitative ability, reasoning, and other skills.
  • Visual Communication and Drawing: In order to pass the visual communication-based examination, students must pass fine arts tests such as drawing, painting, art history, and so on.
  • Aptitude and drawing-based examinations are held at prestigious universities such as Delhi University, BHU, and JNU.

General BFA Syllabus for Entrance Exam followed by most of the entrance examinations are:

Theory Section 

  • General knowledge questions about various popular and well-known events, as well as the artist forum of India and the West
  • Information about various social and cultural activities, for example Art and Culture History
  • Basic understanding of Indian art materials, climate change, and various colour formats such as line, form, shape, light, and technique

Practical Section

  • The Effects of Drapery Falls and Folds
  • Still, life in 3D pencil
  • Dimension and perspective effects
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BFA Important Books

There are numerous reference books available for students to rent or buy. These books can help students better understand the concepts as well as ace the BFA course syllabus.

Some popular books on the BFA subject are listed below:

BFA Reference Books
Name of the BooksAuthors
Designers PosterRockport
Designer's Guide to ColourJames Stockton
Commercial Art TechniquesRaviraj
Colour- A Workshop for artists and designersDavid Hornung
Calligraphy TodayAjit Mukherjee
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BFA Course Structure

Bachelor of Fine Arts courses are designed in such a way that Fine Art is emphasised as a major field of study. BFA is a three-year undergraduate degree that is divided into six semesters. As part of the BFA course syllabus/curriculum, students are taught core subjects, as the main goal of this undergraduate course is to ensure that students have the opportunity to learn about everything in detail.

There are also elective subjects included in the BFA course syllabus/curriculum. Students benefit from the elective subjects because they make the course more diverse and flexible. Students are expected to work on a research project during the final semester. This research project allows students to learn more about a specific topic in greater depth and detail. It also introduces students to research ethics and methodology.

The following is the course structure for the Bachelor of Fine Arts programme.

  • 6 Semester
  • Primary Subjects
  • Subjects of Choice
  • Projects for Research
     

The BFA teaching methods are primarily concerned with introducing students to all of the important and necessary aspects of fine arts. Candidates who want to contribute to the development of the Indian Arts stream through digging, innovation, preservation, and so on are best suited for this course. The methodology includes traditional classroom-based instruction. This gives students the opportunity to ask any questions or concerns they may have about the topics.

When they begin working on their research projects, they also have one-on-one sessions with their professors. These one-on-one sessions allow students to ask questions about the project and thus perform to their full potential. The following are general teaching methodologies and strategies:

  • Conventional Classroom-Based Teaching
  • Seminars
  • One-on-one sessions for Research Dissertation

A research project is required of candidates for the BFA programme. Students can learn and comprehend a subject in greater depth and detail thanks to this research project. Additionally, it gives students the chance to learn about research techniques, ethics, and methodology. Here are a few examples of earlier research projects:

  • Investigating the role that fine arts play online. What are some ways that the fine arts can be incorporated into the creation of websites?
  • Does the switch to digital movies have a negative impact on cinematic art? Are they actually eradicating the joy of watching movies?
  • Can acting done through motion capture be regarded as real acting? Should motion capture actors be given the same recognition as real actors?
  • Can you classify video games as fine art?
  • Does the way people appreciate written art change as more people listen to audiobooks?
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FAQs about Bachelor of Fine Arts Syllabus

What is the purpose of the Bachelor of Fine Arts syllabus?

The purpose of the Bachelor of Fine Arts syllabus is to equip students with curriculum a that stands to benefit professionally in fields like textile design, animation, painting, ceramics, and so on. It is intended to assist candidates in developing into skilled and stunning designers.

Which top government colleges in India offer the best BFA course curriculum?

Some of the top government colleges in India that offer the best BFA course curriculum are Visva Bharti University, Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Maharishi Dayanand University, Kurukshetra University, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) New Delhi, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, College of Fine Arts Hyderabad, College of Arts (Delhi University), BHU Varanasi, Annamalai University, and more.

Which top private colleges in India offer the best BFA course curriculum?

Some of the top private colleges in India that offer the best BFA course curriculum are World University of Design, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Shristi Manipal Institute of Art/ Design/ Technology, NIMS University Jaipur, MIT WPU Pune, Mangalayatan University, Lovely Professional University, DY Patil College of Applied Arts and Crafts, Chandigarh University, Amity University Noida, AAFT University of Media and Arts, and more.

What are the core Bachelor of Fine Arts subjects?

The list of the core Bachelor of Fine Arts subjects includes topics such as Printmaking; Pictorial Design and Painting; History of Art; Geometry, Perspective and Calligraphy; Appreciation and Fundamentals of Visual Arts, etc. These subjects are commonly followed by all universities offering this course and must be taken by all candidates to clear semester-wise exams.

What are the elective Bachelor of Fine Arts subjects?

The list of the elective Bachelor of Fine Arts subjects includes topics such as Composition Murals; Entertainment Design; Packaging; Photography, and more. These subjects usually differ from one university to another which candidates can choose to take based on their interests or career prospects.

What is the BFA course structure in India?

The BFA course structure followed in India will be dependent on the university or institution awarding the degree. However, in general, the normal BFA course structure would include a healthy balance of core and elective subjects divided across 6 semesters, wherein candidates will also be asked to complete group and individual research projects.

What subjects are taught in BFA?

Varying from university to university, there are several subjects and topics covered under a BFA course in India. However, some of the common BFA subjects taught across India include Aesthetics, Visual Graphics, Cultural History of India, Clay Modelling and Sculpture, Human Value and Professional Ethics, Environmental Studies and much more.

What are the best reference books for studying Bachelor of Fine Arts subjects?

Some of the best reference books for studying Bachelor of Fine Arts subjects are Designer's Guide to Colour by author James Stockton, Color- A Workshop for Artists and Designers by author David Hornung, Designers Poster by author Rockport, Commercial Art Techniques by author Raviraj, Calligraphy Today by author Ajit Mukherjee, and more.

What methodologies and techniques are used to teach Bachelor of Fine Arts subjects?

The methodologies and techniques that are used to teach Bachelor of Fine Arts subjects include both traditional or classroom instructions and on-field or practical sessions. Listed below are some BFA course teaching strategies utilised:

  • Group Projects
  • One-to-One Sessions for Research Dissertation
  • Seminars
  • Traditional Classroom-Based Teaching

How many papers are there in BFA?

The number of papers in a BFA course will be dependent on the number of subjects that a specific university or institution deems necessary every semester. These would include a combination of core and elective subjects. However, in general, students may be required to attempt anywhere from 8-10 papers per semester in BFA, on average.

What are the best colleges for BFA?

The Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi, Lovely Professional University in Jalandhar, Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, UNIPUNE (Pune University), Savitribai Phule Pune University, Chandigarh University in Chandigarh, and Aligarh Muslim University in Aligarh are a few of the top BFA colleges in India.

What percentage is good in BFA?

Typically, students who are able to secure at least 60-70% marks in each of the subjects covered under the BFA degree, will be considered as a good score in BFA. Earning such a score will be easy for students, provided they pay attention to the topics covered in the classroom and timely submission of the projects and research work assigned in the class.

What are the total marks in BFA?

The total marks in BFA courses will depend on the number of subjects that the university requires the students to complete and clear. Moreover, the university reserves the right to set the maximum attainable marks in a subject in BFA as well as the minimum marks required to clear the exam every semester and year.

Is BFA first year tough?

The Bachelor of Fine Arts is typically not considered a difficult degree to complete. However, the degree is recommended for students who possess a level of creativity and vision. Candidates capable of creating art pieces across a field of platforms or modes will find it relatively easier to ace class. With proper attention in class and dedication to completing the course, students can clear the BFA exams.

What are the subjects in BFA 1st year?

Depending on the course curriculum followed by the university the student has enrolled in, some of the main subjects in BFA 1st year may include Aethetics, History of Indian Art, Fundamentals of Art, Landscape or Clay Modelling, Still Life, Visual Graphics, Printmaking and much more. It should be noted that each university reserves the right to add more subjects to the first-year curriculum.

What are the entrance examinations required for BFA admission?

BHU UET, UPSEE, AUCET, ITM NEST, and other top BFA entrance exams are held for admission to Bachelors in Fine Arts programmes. Bachelor of Fine Arts application fees range from INR 200 to INR 1300. Bachelor of Fine Arts course fees typically range between INR 30,000 and INR 3,000,000.

Is Mathematics necessary in 12th class for BFA admission?

No, those interested in studying BFA in India do not need clear mathematics in class 12th board exams. As per general admission requirements for the course, students from all streams, i.e. Arts, Commerce, or Science can pursue a BFA course after 12th without mathematics. Candidates will, however, be required to have secured at least 60% or higher in their board exams to apply for the degree.

What is the average placement package for a BFA graduate?

The average salary of a BFA graduate in India depends on a number of elements such as the skill and specialisation acquired as well as the job role offered. However, on average, fresh graduates can expect to earn anywhere between INR 2 LPA and INR 5 LPA. With more experience gained, students can secure higher-paying jobs, which can be further enhanced with further studies as well.

Is there a summer internship for a BFA program?

Yes, students may be required to complete a summer internship for a BFA course in India. However, much like the individual admission requirements and course curriculum, each university will specify whether it is mandatory for a BFA student to participate in the summer internship to complete the degree. Students are advised to connect with their respective department heads or professors for the same.

What is the average course fee for this BFA program?

The average BFA course fees will typically range from INR 30,000 to INR 3,00,000 for one year. However, this fee range will be dependent on a number of factors such as the type of institution it is and the demand for the course as well. For instance, a BFA course at private universities will be comparatively more expensive than a BFA in government colleges in India.

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