BFA stands for Bachelor of Fine Arts. BFA course is a 3-4 year undergraduate course depending on the specialization. Bachelor of Fine Arts deals with visual, performing or fine arts such as painting, animation or pottery. BFA is also known as Visual arts in some cases.
BFA Admission is done based on merit as well as entrance exams. Top universities like Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University, etc. offer BFA admission based on CUET scores. The average course fee in BFA colleges ranges between INR 30,000 - INR 3,00,000. BFA Syllabus includes subjects like painting, illustration, history, graphics, etc. BFA can also be pursued in a variety of specializations like BFA Applied Art, BFA Painting, and BFA Photography.
After graduation, candidates can choose to pursue MFA or find BFA Job opportunities in the entertainment industry, media houses, marketing firms, publications, art galleries, schools, and colleges. The average BFA salary per month in India ranges from INR 25,000 to 50,000. Fine Arts Courses provide the opportunity to develop skills related to painting, photography, singing etc which is a thriving industry as a whole.
3.1 BFA Admission
3.2 BFA Eligibility
4.1 BFA Subjects
5.1 BFA Full time
5.2 BFA Part-time
9.1 BFA Painting
9.2 BFA Applied Arts
12.2 BFA Salary
BFA Course Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| BFA Full Form | Bachelors in Fine Arts |
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| BFA Course Duration | 3 - 4 years |
| BFA Course Mode | Regular/full time |
| BFA Course Eligibility Criteria | Class 12th Board exams with 50% aggregate marks or its equivalent |
| BFA Course Admission Process | Merit-Based/Entrance Exams |
| BFA Average Course Fees(INR) | INR 30,000 - INR 3,00,000 |
| BFA Average Salary (INR) | INR 3 - 6 LPA |
| Areas of Employment | Design, Film, Animation Industry, etc |
Why Study BFA?
BFA is a diverse course as it offers a lot of career options in sectors of arts, writing, entertainment, media, and alike.
- Unlike other conventional courses, the course curriculum of BFA introduces you to new age topics like painting, aesthetics, making of ceramics and pottery, etc. Check: How to become a graphic designer?
- The career opportunities after Bachelor of Fine Arts are diverse, and there are plenty of job profiles you can look for after Bachelor of Fine Arts. Art Teacher, Creative Writer, Art Director are some of the examples.
- Graduates of Bachelor of Fine Arts course have the flexibility to pursue a career as a freelance artist, writer, or teacher. The freelance industry is in trend nowadays due to the flexibility and endless earning potential it has to offer. See More: How to Become a Curator?
- As per payscale, the average salary that you can get after BFA course in the job roles of a fine artist, sculptor, or painter is INR 4,87,957.
- Those who want to switch their profession after BFA can easily switch to master of arts (MFA) that specializes in different areas like Photography, Music, Painting, Film Making, etc. See Also: How to become a Poet, Lyricist and Creative Writer
BFA Admission Process
Admissions to the BFA course are made on the basis of merit as well as BFA entrance exams. The questions in the entrance exam are multiple-choice types. However, the exam pattern of the respective exam depends on the exam conducted by the respective College/university.
BFA Admission 2025
- CUET is accepted by all central universities plus the top universities in India for BFA admission.
- Some colleges like Andhra University and private arts colleges conduct their own entrance exams for admission.
- The application fee for BFA ranges from INR 200 to INR 1300.
- The average course fee for BFA ranges between INR 30,000 to INR 3,00,000.
BFA Eligibility
Students who want to take admissions to Bachelor of Fine Arts must meet the following requirements to be accepted into universities and BFA colleges:
- The majority of the BFA colleges demand to have completed Class 12th as a minimum requirement.
- Each college also has a minimum aggregate mark requirement. In general, it should be at least 50%.
- English or Hindi must have been one of the core subjects in the candidate’s high school.
BFA Entrance Exams
Students interested in pursuing Bachelor of Fine Arts should pass the course’s required entrance test. The entrance tests are used to determine admission to particular Bachelor of Fine Arts colleges, followed by counseling.
BFA Entrance Exams Dates
| Entrance Exams | Registration Dates (Tentative) | Exam Dates (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| CUET | February 2025 | May 15 - 31, 2025 |
| AUCET | March – April 2025 | May 2025 |
| MAH AAC CET |
January 15 – February 13, 2025 (Schedule) February 14 – February 27, 2025 (Extension) |
April 05, 2025 |
BFA Syllabus
Although the BFA degree course curriculum varies per college, it often includes foundation courses as well as optional courses for students to choose from based on his/her interests.
BFA Subjects
The table below illustrates the common subjects as well as the subjects that are included in the organized BFA syllabus
BFA 1st year Syllabus
| Aesthetics | Portrait Painting | Illustration |
| History & Appreciation of Art | Painting from full figure | Poster Design |
| Methods & Materials 1 | Composition Painting | Press Advertisement |
2nd year BFA Syllabus
| Specialization Courses | Graphics Printmaking | Magazine Advertisement |
| Environmental Education | Composition | Composition B, dimensional, stone, and wood carving |
| Methods & Materials | Ceramics & Moulds | Aesthetics 1 |
3rd year BFA subjects
| Specialization Courses | History & Appreciation | Composition Painting |
| Method & Materials 2 | Life Study | Drawing 3 |
| Aesthetics 2 | Printmaking | Indian Aesthetic, Portrait Painting |
What are the Types of BFA Courses?
There is a list of types of Bachelor of Fine Arts courses that are available for pursuing a Bachelors in Fine arts program. Some of them are Part-time, Full time and Distance Learning mode. Below is discussed in detail about each types of courses and their respective BFA colleges
BFA Full time
The list of top BFA colleges offering Full-time BFA are Chandigarh University, Amity University, Lucknow University, Dhirendra Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, etc
Some other top colleges offering Full--time BFA degree program are tabulated below
| Name of the College | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU),Varanasi | INR 2,407 |
| Ecole Intuit Lab - French Institute of Design, Digital & Strategy, Mumbai | INR 4,50,000 |
| Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai | INR 75,000 |
| BBK DAV College for Women, Amritsar | INR 21,760 |
| CT University, Ludhiana | INR 41,000 |
| SAGE University, Bhopal | INR 60,000 |
| GOEL Group of Institutions, Lucknow | INR 32,000 |
| Alagappa University, Karaikudi | INR 9,500 |
BFA Part-time
Top colleges offering Part-time BFA course are tabulated below
| Name of the College | Average Fees(INR) |
|---|---|
| Annamalai University, Annamalai | INR 3,950 |
| Venkateshwara Open University, Arunachal Pradesh | INR 20,000 |
BFA Distance Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts is a typical Undergraduate degree for College students. The cost of education is cheaper, and the incidental expenditures of buying books are cheaper since the College is responsible for these expenses. Bachelor of Fine Arts can be done via Distance Learning within a 2-year duration.
Eligibility:
- Candidates must secure a minimum of 45% in 12th Boards.
- Candidates from any subjects in 12th can study BFA Distance Education
BFA syllabus for Distance Education is the same as the regular Bachelor of Fine Arts course. Students must visit BFA colleges on weekends for the classes. The average fees for BFA in Distance learning ranges from INR 12,000 to INR 25,000
Best BFA Distance Education colleges are tabulated below:
| Name of the College | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Sastra University | INR 19,000 |
| NIMS University | INR 30,000 |
| MKU University | INR 15,000 |
| Himalayan University | INR 12,000 |
| Subharti University | INR 12,000 |
| Jaipur National University | INR 15,000 |
BFA IGNOU
BFA IGNOU course is designed to meet the needs of working professionals who wish to finish this degree but are unable to attend a full-time BFA program. For a distant equivalent course, IGNOU is the popular Institution
- The Eligibility requirements are simple such as passing 10+2 in any subject
- The BFA IGNOU course lasts for two years
- The cost of the BFA IGNOU course is INR 6,000
BFA School
India is home to numerous Bachelor of Fine Arts colleges. There are few private BFA colleges and a few government BFA colleges among them. Kamala Nehru College for women, Chandigarh University, University of Lucknow, and others are among the finest Institutions in India that offer Bachelors in Fine Arts course
The table below lists the top Bachelor of Fine Arts colleges in Delhi, BFA Colleges in Kerala, and other major cities region-wise.
BFA Colleges in Kerala
| Name of the College | Average Fees (INR) per annum |
|---|---|
| Amrita School of Arts and Sciences(ASAS), Kochi | INR 86,500 |
| Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Ernakulam | INR 2,325 |
| College of Fine Arts (CFA), Thiruvananthapuram | INR 2,925 |
BFA Colleges in Mumbai
| Name of the 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 |
BFA Colleges in Hyderabad
| Name of the 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 |
BFA Colleges in Delhi
| Name of the 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 |
BFA Colleges in Bangalore
| Name of the College | Average Fees (INR) per annum |
|---|---|
| Shristi Manipal Institute of Art, Design, and Technology | INR 5,51,400 |
| Bangalore University(BU) | INR 1,857 |
BFA in Abroad
In international universities, BFA course (Bachelor of Fine Arts) are referred to as Art and Design. There are several top BFA colleges and universities who enroll students for this course. Below enlisted points will discuss the prerequisites for pursuing BFA course abroad,
- Students should clear their class 12th or high school examination with high percentage and a consistently good academic record throughout
- Language proficiency tests such as IELTS and TOEFL are key language examinations to pass in order to gain admission with minimum marks required are as follows. A minimum of 6.5 in IELTS, Minimum 90 in TOEFL, Minimum 61 in PTE.
Below tabulated are few of the top Abroad Colleges offering BFA course
| Name of the 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 |
Courses to Pursue After BFA
Post completing BFA degree, students can pursue higher studies such as MFA after finishing their Bachelor of Fine Arts course. The qualifying criteria for these course differ in terms of level and course structure.
The basic requirements for MFA are listed below for your reference
- The eligibility for pursuing MFA is clearing graduation or BFA course from a recognized University with at least 55% marks in aggregate or equivalent CGPA
- The admission into MFA course is based on qualifying exams followed by personal interview
- The average fee for Masters in Fine Arts ranges between INR 7000 - INR 4lakhs
- The average salary after pursuing Masters in Fine arts ranges between INR 3 LPA to INR 13 LPA
Some of the top colleges offering MFA courses are tabulated below for your reference
| Name of the College | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Delhi University, College of Arts | 46,000 |
| Faculty of Visual Arts, BHU | 5300 |
| Faculty of Fine Arts, Jamia Millia Islamia | 20,800 |
| Sir JJ Institute of Applied Arts | 20,000 |
| Amity School of Fine Arts | 80,000 |
| Vishwa Bharati University, Kala Bhawan | 11,360 |
BFA Specializations
Depending on the student's interests and professional ambitions, the Bachelor of Fine Arts program offers a variety of BFA specializations. The following are some of the most prominent specializations:
BFA Painting
BFA Painting focuses on art history, how to draw from life, and other topics. Aside from the fundamentals of painting, students are taught many types and techniques of sculpting, animation, photography, and printing.
- The average fee for BFA Painting is INR 2,00,000
- The average salary of a BFA Painting individual is INR 3,50,000 LPA
The top colleges offering BFA Painting are shown below for your reference
| Name of the College | Average Fees (INR ) per annum |
|---|---|
| Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur | 25,613 |
| Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hindi Vishwavidyalaya(ABVHV), Bhopal | 9,100 |
| Mangalayatan University (MU), Aligarh | 25,00 |
| Chandigarh University | 85,000 |
| RIMT University, Gobindgarh | 85,000 |
BFA Applied Arts
BFA Applied Arts is a creative specialty that teaches the beauty of common items. This Bachelor of Fine Arts degree teaches all areas of item creation, such as sculpture, music, and interior design.
- The average fee for a BFA Applied Arts is INR INR 2,00,000
- The average salary of a BFA Applied Arts is INR 4,00,000 LPA
The top colleges offering Bachelor of Fine Arts Applied Arts are shown below for your reference
| Name of the College | Average Fees (INR) per annum |
|---|---|
| Chandigarh University (CU), Chandigarh | 84,000 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMI), Delhi | 10,550 |
| MIT World Peace University(MITWPU), Pune | 1,20,000 |
| Manipal University(MU), Jaipur | 1,16,500 |
| Government College of Art and Craft, Kolkata | 997 |
| Noida International University(NIU), Greater Noida | 62,000 |
BFA Animation
BFA Animation explains the many forms, methods, and other crucial aspects of animation. It covers topics including 3D animation, computer graphics, and character design, among others.
- The average fee for a BFA Animation is INR 2,50,000
- The average salary of a BFA Animation is INR 4,00,000 LPA
The top colleges offering BFA Animation are shown below for your reference
| Name of the College | Average Fees (INR) per annum |
|---|---|
| Amity University, Noida | 1,44,000 |
| Sri Sri University, Cuttack | 1,41,890 |
| Swami Vivekanand Subharti University(SVSU), Meerut | 71,000 |
| Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwa Vidyalaya(SVVV), Indore | 35,000 |
| Chandigarh University (CU), Chandigarh | 1,37,000 |
BFA Pottery & Ceramics
A student pursuing a BFA in Pottery & Ceramics will study the fundamentals as well as advanced skills in pottery. Slip casting, mold manufacturing, hand building, and other techniques are among the topics covered.
- The average fee for a BFA Pottery & Ceramics is INR 1,50,000
- The average salary of a BFA Pottery & Ceramics Individual is INR 4,00,000 LPA
Below table illustrates the top colleges in India offering BFA in Pottery & Ceramics
| Name of the College | Average Annual Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| MIT Art, Design and Technology University, Pune | 60,000 |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU), University | 3,080 |
| Sir JJ School of Arts (SJJSA), Mumbai | 20,000 |
BFA Textile Design
The BFA in Textile Design program includes a wide range of topics in textile design, including knitting, printing, weaving, and weaving. This BFA degree also teaches BFA course details such as color, needlework, and texture.
- The average fee for a BFA Textile Design is INR 1,00,000
- The average salary for a BFA Textile Design Individual is INR 4,00,000
Below table illustrates the top colleges in India offering BFA in Textile & Design
| Name of the College | Average Annual Fees(INR) |
|---|---|
| Sir JJ School of Arts (SJJSA), Mumbai | 20,000 |
| International Institute of Fine Arts (IIFA), Modinagar | - |
| Tatyam School of Design (TSD), Delhi | 1,37,000 |
BFA Course Comparison: BFA vs BA
Below mentioned table gives us a glimpse of the two most attempted courses in this field and points out the differences between them, in 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 learn the fundamentals of visual arts as well as other fine arts topics. | Students enrolled in the BA degree are taught a variety of arts and social science areas, as well as liberal arts, language, and scientific courses. |
| Course Objective | The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a vocational foundation curriculum that prepares students for a variety of creative careers after graduation. | Students with a BA can 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 |
BFA Colleges Comparison
The table below illustrates a comparison between two BFA colleges Chandigarh University and Amity University offering Bachelor of Fine Arts course
| Parameters | Chandigarh University | Amity University |
|---|---|---|
| Established year | 2012 | 1995 |
| Duration | 4 years | 4 years |
| Mode | Full-time, Classroom | Full-time, Classroom |
| Average salary | 3.6 LPA | 3.5 LPA |
| Total fees average | 3.4 Lakhs | 5 lakhs |
| Selection criteria | CUCET entrance based | 12th Merit-based |
| NAAC Accreditation | A+ | A+ |
| Amenities | Moot Court (law), Design studio, Library, Hostel, Cafeteria, Sports complex, etc | Moot Court (law), Design studio, Library, Hostel, Cafeteria, Sports complex, etc |
BFA Jobs & Placements
Students are given positions in a variety of sectors after finishing BFA course, including entertainment, therapy, and teaching. The average of an individual with BFA ranges between 3 - 6 LPA.
Job Profiles
Depending on the specialization chosen, BFA students have access to a variety of work opportunities. Artists, Graphic Designers, Art Directors, Musicians, Actors, Visual Artists, Screenwriters, Animators, Cartoonists, and others can all work in the field. Check: How to become a Artists and Related Workers, All Other?
See Also: How to become a singer?
Following is a list of some of the most frequent BFA job profiles and career possibilities following Bachelor of Fine Arts
| Job Profile | Job Description |
|---|---|
| Fine Artist | A fine artist's primary responsibility is to create artwork utilizing various techniques. A fine artist could work as a painter, sculptor, illustrator, or printer at a commercial art studio, design firm, publishing house, or advertising agency, among other places. Fine artists can also work on their own and sell their work through art galleries. |
| Animator | The primary responsibility of an animator is to create images and visuals for films, video games, books, television, and other media. Although most animation is now computer-generated, animators must still draw their first designs by hand. |
| Cartoonist | Cartoonists can work in a variety of mediums, including television, the internet, short films, and movies, as well as creating their works. |
| Graph Designer | Typically, a graphic designer generates visual designs by hand or using software to express ideas that both enlighten and engage people. For commercials, publications, and brochures, a graphic designer creates an overall layout and production design. |
| Art teacher | As an art teacher, a candidate can instruct others in their chosen medium. A candidate can teach in any Fine Arts disciplines, such as painting or sculpture. However, in order to begin a career as a teacher, a candidate must also hold a bachelor's degree in education or B.Ed. |
| painter | A candidate can create a variety of artworks as a painter, including watercolor paintings, oil paintings, ink wash paintings, acrylic paintings, pastel color paintings, glass paintings, and encaustic paintings, among others. A painter often works alone and displays or sells his or her work at art galleries. |
| Art Conservator | A conservator, often known as an art restorer, is in charge of conserving and analyzing antiquities and works of art. S/he is also in charge of restoring damages to sculptures, paintings, murals, pottery, fabrics, books, historical relics, and other types of artwork. |
| Art Director | Candidates who complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts program with a graphic or multimedia design specialization are frequently hired as art directors. An art director's main tasks include directing the production of visual and textual content through artwork and copy layout and design. A common job for an art director is to work for a publishing business or an advertising agency. |
BFA Salary
The average salary after completing a BFA is between 3 and 6 LPA; however, incomes may vary according to the position and employment responsibilities.
A handful of the job profiles for a BFA graduate are shown here, along with their typical compensation.
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Fine Artist | 4,00,000 |
| Animator | 3,30,000 |
| Cartoonist | 4,00,000 |
| Graphic Designer | 3,06,000 |
| 3D Visualizer | 4,80,000 |
| Photographer | 6,04,000 |
BFA FAQs
Ques. What are some trending career opportunities after BFA?
Ans. Curator, Gallery Assistant, Community Artist, Theater Set Designer, Freelance Studio Artist, Gallery Artist, Illustrator, Creative Designer, Art Historian, Art Acquisition Specialist, Curator, Gallery Assistant, Community Artist are trending Career Opportunities of BFA graduates.
Ques. Who can pursue BFA?
Ans: Art is a slow-moving process of self-discovery. Students with an interest in art and creativity, as well as the ability to learn and, more significantly, unlearn, are perfect individuals for BFA
Ques. Do BFA colleges provide any Financial Aid to their students?
Ans. Yes, Some of the colleges provide Scholarships for SC/ST/BC students. Various Central Government Schemes and NGOs also provide Scholarship schemes to BFA students who need Financial Aid.
Ques. Can I study BFA after 10th?
Ans. No, the basic eligibility requirement for BFA is Clearing 10+2 in any stream or its equivalent from a recognized board. However, students can opt for Diploma in BFA is provided by various colleges in India for 10th qualification individuals.
Ques. What is the Highest pay package for a BFA graduate at Amity University, Noida?
Ans. The highest pay package of a BFA Individual at Amity University, Noida was 7.5 lakhs
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