Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Certificate in Visual Arts - Painting (CVAP) is a 6-month open distance learning programme offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) under its School of Performing and Visual Arts (SOPVA). The programme aims to impart basic knowledge and skills in drawing, medium, and composition, with the development of creative and aesthetic sensibilities. The curriculum includes both theory courses covering Indian cultural heritage and art forms, and practical courses covering direct study from objects, still life, and composition in painting. The total programme fee is Rs. 4,000 plus a registration fee of Rs. 300. The programme is open to anyone who has passed Class 10 (10th pass), with no upper age limit. CVAP is popular among art enthusiasts, aspiring artists, and those seeking a formal qualification in visual arts without committing to a full degree programme.

Admissions to CVAP are offered twice a year - in the January and July sessions. For the January 2026 session, the admission portal is currently open with the last date for submission of applications extended to 30th March 2026. Students can apply online through the IGNOU Samarth Admission Portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in.

Distance Mode Study Centres for CVAP:

The CVAP programme is offered in Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode. However, due to the practical nature of the programme, it is currently available only at select regional centres. The study centres for CVAP are:

Regional Centre	Study Centre
Dehradun	IGNOU Regional Centre Dehradun (3100)
Nagpur	IGNOU Regional Centre Nagpur (3600)
Noida	IGNOU Regional Centre Noida (3900)
Patna	IGNOU Regional Centre Patna (0500)

Students must select one of these regional centres at the time of admission. The limited availability of study centres is due to the practical component of the programme, which requires physical attendance for practical evaluations.

Key Points

The CVAP programme is offered in English medium under the School of Performing and Visual Arts (SOPVA), IGNOU.
The programme has a strong practical component - 3 out of 6 courses are practical (OVAL 4, OVAL 5, OVAL 6), totalling 10 out of 16 credits.
Eligibility is Class 10 pass (not 10+2), making it accessible to a wide audience including those who have not completed higher secondary education.
Students can complete the programme in a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 2 years.
The programme is currently available only at 4 regional centres (Dehradun, Nagpur, Noida, Patna), so students must be within reach of these centres.
No entrance examination is required; admission is based on 10th pass eligibility.
The certificate is recognised by all member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

IGNOU CVAP Fees

The CVAP programme is priced at Rs. 4,000 for the full programme, with an additional non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a development fee of Rs. 200. Examination fees are charged separately at the time of filling the exam form (approximately Rs. 200 per course). There are no hostel facilities associated with this distance learning programme.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Programme Fee (Tuition)	4,000
Registration Fee (Non-refundable)	300
Development Fee	200
Examination Fee (per course, approx.)	200
Total Fees (excl. exam fee)	4,500
Total Fees (incl. exam fee for 6 courses)	5,700

The Registration Fee of Rs. 300 is non-refundable under all circumstances.
Fee refund (excluding registration fee) is available if cancellation is requested before confirmation of admission.
After confirmation of admission, 15% of the programme fee (subject to a ceiling of Rs. 2,000) will be deducted on cancellation.
No refund is admissible after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.
Fee can be paid online via Credit Card, Debit Card (Visa/Master/RuPay), or Net Banking.
SC/ST students may be eligible for fee support/waiver as per IGNOU notifications.

IGNOU CVAP Admission 2026

IGNOU follows a bi-annual admission cycle for the CVAP programme - January and July sessions. The January 2026 session is currently open, with the last date for fresh admissions extended to 30th March 2026. No entrance exam is required; admission is granted on the basis of eligibility criteria. Students must apply online through the IGNOU Samarth Admission Portal and select one of the four available regional centres.

IGNOU CVAP Admission Dates

Event	Date
Admission Portal Opens (January 2026 Session)	16th December 2025
Last Date for Fresh Admission (January 2026)	30th March 2026
Expected Batch Commencement	January 2026
Re-registration Last Date (with late fee of Rs. 200)	31st March 2026
Expected July 2026 Session Admission Opening	June 2026 (Tentative)
Expected Last Date for July 2026 Session	August 2026 (Tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation/SSC) or equivalent from a recognised board.
There is no upper age limit for applying to the CVAP programme.
No prior formal training in painting or visual arts is required.

Admission Process

Visit the IGNOU Samarth Admission Portal at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in and click on "New Registration."
Fill in personal and academic details to create a username and password.
Log in and select the CVAP programme from the available programmes list.
Upload scanned copies of required documents: Class 10 mark sheet/certificate, photograph, signature, identity proof (Aadhaar), and category certificate (if applicable).
Select one of the four available Regional Centres (Dehradun, Nagpur, Noida, or Patna).
Pay the programme fee, registration fee, and development fee online.
Download and save the completed application form and fee receipt for future reference.
Study materials will be dispatched by post or made available digitally via eGyanKosh.

IGNOU CVAP Scholarships 2026

IGNOU students enrolled in the CVAP programme can avail of various government scholarships available through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). These scholarships are primarily targeted at students from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) and economically weaker sections. IGNOU also provides fee support to SC/ST students for fresh admissions and re-registration as per its internal notifications.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount / Benefit
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students	SC category, family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh p.a.	Up to 100% tuition fee reimbursement
Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students	ST category, family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh p.a.	Up to 100% tuition fee reimbursement
OBC Post-Matric Scholarship	OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), family income below Rs. 1 lakh p.a.	Partial fee reimbursement
Minority Scholarship (Maulana Azad)	Minority community students, income below Rs. 2.5 lakh p.a.	Up to Rs. 10,000 p.a.
IGNOU SC/ST Fee Support	SC/ST students enrolled in IGNOU programmes	Fee waiver/support as per IGNOU Notification No. 76

Students must apply for government scholarships on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) after confirmation of IGNOU admission.
Scholarship application deadlines vary; students should check the NSP portal regularly.
IGNOU's internal fee support for SC/ST students is announced session-wise; check the official IGNOU website or regional centre for the latest notification.

IGNOU CVAP FAQs

Ques. Why is CVAP available only at 4 regional centres? Can more centres be added?

Ans. The CVAP programme has a significant practical component (3 practical courses out of 6) that requires physical attendance for practical evaluations and guidance. This limits the programme to centres that have the necessary infrastructure and faculty for visual arts practical training. IGNOU periodically reviews and expands the list of study centres; students should check the official portal for updates.

Ques. Do I need to bring my own art supplies for the practical courses?

Ans. Yes, students are generally required to arrange their own art supplies (paints, brushes, canvas/paper, etc.) for the practical courses. The study centre may provide guidance on the required materials. Students should contact their assigned regional centre for specific requirements regarding art materials.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing CVAP from IGNOU?

Ans. After completing CVAP, graduates can work as art teachers at primary and secondary schools, freelance artists, illustrators, and art workshop facilitators. The certificate also serves as a foundation for pursuing higher qualifications such as the Diploma in Visual Arts (DIVA) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from IGNOU or other institutions.

Ques. How are the practical courses evaluated in CVAP?

Ans. The practical courses (OVAL 4, OVAL 5, OVAL 6) are evaluated through practical examinations conducted at the study centre. Students are assessed on their artwork - direct studies from objects, still life compositions, and painting compositions. A portfolio of completed practical work must be submitted for evaluation.

Ques. Can I pursue CVAP if I live far from the four available regional centres?

Ans. Currently, CVAP is only available at Dehradun, Nagpur, Noida, and Patna regional centres. Students who live far from these centres may find it challenging to attend practical sessions and examinations. It is advisable to check if the programme has been expanded to additional centres before applying, by visiting the official IGNOU Samarth portal.

Ques. Is CVAP equivalent to a formal art school education?

Ans. CVAP is a certificate-level programme that provides foundational knowledge and skills in painting. It is not equivalent to a full-time art school education (like a BFA from a fine arts college), but it is a recognised qualification from a central university. For those seeking a more comprehensive art education, IGNOU also offers the Diploma in Visual Arts (DIVA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programmes.