MAHE Manipal BFA Contemporary Art Practices: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

UDUPI, ManipalDeemed to be UniversityEstd 1953NAAC Grade A++ 3.6

MAHE Manipal Latest Updates and News

20 Jun, 2026 MAHE Manipal BFA Contemporary Art Practices Fee Structure 2026-27 has been released. The total academic fee is ₹ 29.94 Lakhs.

Total fees
INR 30.44 Lakhs
full course, no hostel
Average pay
INR 4.2 LPA
art and design roles
Cutoff
80%+
SMEAT safe score range
Seats
120
UGPP BFA estimate
In This Page▾

About MAHE BFA CAP

MAHE BFA Contemporary Art Practices is a four-year, full-time undergraduate degree at Srishti Manipal in Bengaluru. The course is known for studio work across drawing, sculpture, photography, sound, film, coding and public art. The full course fee without hostel is INR 30.44 Lakhs. Admission is through SMEAT, with a UCEED AIR 600 exemption route for eligible students. This page uses 120 seats, an average pay of INR 4.2 LPA and a placement rate of 68% for the cost check and planning.

MAHE BFA CAP Fees

The total fees with hostel is INR 38.44 Lakhs while the fees without hostel is INR 30.44 Lakhs. The tuition fee is INR 17.28 Lakhs. You pay the program fee every year. MAHE fixes the fee for this batch. Hostel and food are separate, and the caution deposit is returned when you leave.

Fee headAmountHow it is charged
Tuition feeINR 17.28 LakhsPer year × 4, INR 4.32 Lakhs a year
Other academic feeINR 13.16 LakhsPer year × 4, INR 3.29 Lakhs a year
Caution depositINR 50,000One time, returned when you leave
Total, no hostelINR 30.44 LakhsFull course, as published
Total with hostelINR 38.44 LakhsFull course, with living estimate

MAHE BFA CAP Admission Dates

The 2027 form is expected in Dec 2026, and classes are expected in Jul 2027. Round 1 and Round 2 follow the same order as 2026. Watch the last date to apply first, because Srishti Manipal allows a student to apply in only one round for this program.

EventDateStatus
Applications openDec 2026Tentative
Round 1 last date to applyMar 2027Tentative
Round 1 SMEAT testApr 2027Tentative
Round 1 result and merit listApr 2027Tentative
Round 2 last date to applyMay 2027Tentative
Round 2 SMEAT testMay 2027Tentative
Acceptance fee deadlineJun 2027Tentative
Document checkJul 2027Tentative
Orientation and classes startJul 2027Tentative

MAHE BFA CAP Eligibility

You need Class 12 or its equal from a recognised board, and UCEED AIR 600 or below can replace SMEAT. Other students take SMEAT. The Admission Cell checks your marks, documents and route before it confirms the seat.

RequirementWhat you need
School examClass 12 or equal from a recognised board
Entrance routeSMEAT 2027 for most students
UCEED routeAIR 600 or below may ask for SMEAT exemption
Age guidanceThe institute invites UG students aged 18 to 25

MAHE BFA CAP Admission Process

You fill the form, choose your course order and take SMEAT if you do not use UCEED. Srishti Manipal sends Accept, Regret or Waitlist through the portal. You then pay the fee by the given date and give the documents.

StepWhat you do
Apply onlineUpload the documents and pay the application fee
Choose course orderPut BFA CAP in the order you want
Take SMEATComplete Test 1 and Test 2
Check resultRead the portal result and wait list note
Pay and reportPay the first fee and finish document check

MAHE BFA CAP Cutoff

A SMEAT score of 80% or above is the safer range for General route seats, and 65% to 79% is close. These are counselling ranges, not a promise. UCEED AIR 600 or below can also be used for exemption when the institute accepts it.

RouteClosing rank or scoreRound and year
General SMEAT80% and aboveRound 1, 2026 pattern
Wait list SMEAT65% to 79%Later offers, 2026 pattern
UCEED exemptionAIR 600 or belowBefore Round 1, 2026 rule

MAHE BFA CAP Placements

The average pay used here is INR 4.2 LPA, and the placement rate used here is 68%. Official course pages name careers in museums, galleries, media and education. Use these figures only as a cost check, and build your portfolio from year 1.

MetricValue
Average payINR 4.2 LPA
Placement rate68%
Career routesArtist, curator, researcher, visual storyteller
Portfolio timingInternship after semester 6 and thesis in year 4

MAHE BFA CAP Scholarships

The biggest listed waiver here is INR 3.44 Lakhs when a student combines an alumni child waiver with central aid. The MAHE alumni child waiver alone is INR 3.04 Lakhs. You must check the scheme paper before you count the amount in your fee plan.

ScholarshipWho can get itAmount or waiver
MAHE alumni child waiverChild of a MAHE alumnus with strong Class 12 marksINR 3.04 Lakhs
Central Sector SchemeIncome eligible student on NSPINR 40,000
Post matric aidReserved category student with income proofINR 1.20 Lakhs

MAHE BFA CAP Ranking

MAHE has Institution of Eminence status, UGC recognition and a deemed university tag. The table records those facts. Srishti Manipal sits inside MAHE, so the degree is awarded through the university and not by a stand-alone art school.

Ranking bodyYearRank or grade
UGC2026Deemed university
Government of India2026Institution of Eminence
MAHE2026Constituent institute degree

MAHE BFA CAP Course Structure

Year 1 starts with foundation work, and year 4 ends with thesis work. The middle years add disciplinary studios, electives and field learning. You do the summer internship after semester 6, so the final year can show stronger work.

YearWhat you study
Year 1Foundation studio and general studies
Year 2Disciplinary studio and electives
Year 3Advanced studio and internship
Year 4Pre thesis, thesis and portfolio work

MAHE BFA CAP Seats and Intake

The working intake used here is 120 seats, and the course sits inside the UGPP group. The form lets you list more than one UGPP course in the same round. Put CAP higher if contemporary art is your first choice.

QuotaSeats
UGPP BFA CAP120
Round choiceCourse order inside one application
Later roundsOnly if seats are left

Should you pick BFA Contemporary Art Practices at MAHE?

This course suits students who want studio work, public art and a portfolio career.

Pick it if:
You want an art career: the course trains artists, curators, researchers and visual storytellers for museums, galleries and media work.
You like mixed media: studios cover drawing, sculpture, photography, sound, film and public art.
You can take SMEAT once: one round is allowed, so choose your course order carefully.
You want a four-year plan: foundation starts first, then internship and thesis shape your portfolio.
Skip it if:
You want a fixed campus job: course pages name careers, but no public salary table is given.
You need a low fee: the course fee is INR 30.44 Lakhs before stay and food.
You missed the round: the same BFA program cannot be tried again in a later round.
You need a short course: this is a four-year full-time degree with studio work each semester.
Counsellor's advice
Pick it if your portfolio is strong and your family can pay. If you need a low fee, keep another option ready.
BFA Contemporary Art Practices Eligibility▾
School marks: You need Class 12 or an equal exam from a recognised board.
Entrance route: Most students take SMEAT, which has an ability test and a theme based test.
UCEED route: UCEED AIR 600 or below may ask for exemption before Round 1.
Age guidance: Srishti invites undergraduate students aged 18 to 25 for this course.
Documents: You must give marksheets and identity papers before the admission is final.
BFA Contemporary Art Practices Admission Process▾
Apply online: Fill the Srishti Manipal form, upload documents and pay the application fee.
Choose order: List CAP high if this BFA course is your first choice.
Take SMEAT: Complete Test 1 and Test 2 unless the UCEED exemption is accepted.
Check result: The portal shows Accept, Regret or Waitlist for each round.
Pay and report: Pay the first fee by the date given, then finish document check.

BFA Contemporary Art Practices Admission Dates 2027

▾

The 2027 calendar is not out yet. These dates are estimates based on 2026. A date marked Confirmed is official.

Dec 2026
Applications open
Start the form when the portal opens and keep your documents ready.
Tentative
Mar 2027
Round 1 application, last date to apply
Late forms are not taken after the last date.
Tentative
Apr 2027
Round 1 SMEAT test
Take the ability test and the theme based test in the same round.
Tentative
Apr 2027
Round 1 result and merit list
Check the portal result and the wait list note.
Tentative
May 2027
Round 2 application, last date to apply
Use this only if you did not apply in Round 1.
Tentative
May 2027
Round 2 SMEAT test
The second test round follows the same marks and difficulty.
Tentative
Jun 2027
Acceptance fee, last date
You lose the seat if the fee is not paid by this date.
Tentative
Jun 2027
Wait list allotment
Empty seats move to the next student on the wait list.
Tentative
Jul 2027
Reporting and document check
Bring original marksheets and the identity papers the portal asks for.
Tentative
Jul 2027
Orientation and classes start
Join orientation first, then the first studio cycle begins.
Tentative

Source: Srishti Manipal admissions page and academic calendar. Confirm on the official site before you act.

MAHE BFA Contemporary Art Practices Fees 2027

▾

This is the full 4-year cost, not one year. Turn on the toggle to add hostel and living cost.

Tuition fee
Per year × 4, INR 4.32 Lakhs a year
INR 17.28 Lakhs
Other academic fee
Per year × 4, INR 3.29 Lakhs a year
INR 13.16 Lakhs
Caution deposit Refundable
One time, returned when you leave
INR 50,000
Add hostel + food + living
Hostel and food
Per year × 4, INR 1.50 Lakhs a year
INR 6 Lakhs
Studio material and local travel
Per year × 4, INR 50,000 a year
INR 2 Lakhs
Total course fee
INR 30.44 Lakhs
4 years · tuition + other academic fee, hostel not added
Total course fee
INR 38.44 Lakhs
4 years · tuition + other academic fee + hostel and living
Education loan EMI
INR 51,324
7 yr · 10.5% per year
ROI
14%
average first-year pay INR 4.2 LPA vs the full fee
Education loan EMI
INR 64,812
7 yr · 10.5% per year
ROI
11%
average first-year pay INR 4.2 LPA vs the full fee

Source: Srishti Manipal UGPP fee schedule. Confirm on the official site before you pay.

Will your score get you a seat at MAHE?

Pick your category and route. The cutoff ranges show a safe SMEAT score or UCEED rank.

Category
Route
General · SMEAT
80% or better: yes, you are in. Keep CAP high on your list.
65% to 79%: almost there. Wait list offers may still help.
Below 65%: not this round. Build your portfolio and try another route.
General · UCEED route
600 or better: yes, you can ask for SMEAT exemption.
601 to 900: close. Ask the Admission Cell before you skip SMEAT.
Worse than 900: take SMEAT. Do not count on exemption.
OBC-NCL · SMEAT
80% or better: yes, you are in. Keep CAP high on your list.
65% to 79%: almost there. Wait list offers may still help.
Below 65%: not this round. Build your portfolio and try another route.
OBC-NCL · UCEED route
600 or better: yes, you can ask for SMEAT exemption.
601 to 900: close. Ask the Admission Cell before you skip SMEAT.
Worse than 900: take SMEAT. Do not count on exemption.
SC · SMEAT
80% or better: yes, you are in. Keep CAP high on your list.
65% to 79%: almost there. Wait list offers may still help.
Below 65%: not this round. Build your portfolio and try another route.
SC · UCEED route
600 or better: yes, you can ask for SMEAT exemption.
601 to 900: close. Ask the Admission Cell before you skip SMEAT.
Worse than 900: take SMEAT. Do not count on exemption.
ST · SMEAT
80% or better: yes, you are in. Keep CAP high on your list.
65% to 79%: almost there. Wait list offers may still help.
Below 65%: not this round. Build your portfolio and try another route.
ST · UCEED route
600 or better: yes, you can ask for SMEAT exemption.
601 to 900: close. Ask the Admission Cell before you skip SMEAT.
Worse than 900: take SMEAT. Do not count on exemption.
EWS · SMEAT
80% or better: yes, you are in. Keep CAP high on your list.
65% to 79%: almost there. Wait list offers may still help.
Below 65%: not this round. Build your portfolio and try another route.
EWS · UCEED route
600 or better: yes, you can ask for SMEAT exemption.
601 to 900: close. Ask the Admission Cell before you skip SMEAT.
Worse than 900: take SMEAT. Do not count on exemption.
EDITOR'S NOTE

Use the green range only as a planning mark. SMEAT also reads your portfolio thinking, so keep CAP high only if your work already fits the course.

MAHE BFA Contemporary Art Practices Scholarship Calculator

Answer two questions to see what you can claim. Confirm the final amount with MAHE.

Category
Annual family income
Scholarships you missedYou do not qualify on your answers. Tap to see why.▾

Each chip below says which answer blocked the scheme.

Post matric aid
INR 1.20 Lakhs
State social welfare department
Paid in parts when you keep passing each year.
Who qualifies: SC or ST, family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs a yearApply by Oct 2026
Not eligible on your answers
Central Sector Scheme
INR 40,000
Ministry of Education, through NSP
Paid every year for the full course if you keep passing.
Who qualifies: family income up to INR 8 Lakhs a yearApply by Dec 2026
Not eligible on your answers
MAHE alumni child waiver
INR 3.04 Lakhs
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
A 10% program fee waiver for eligible children of MAHE alumni.
Who qualifies: alumni child, strong Class 12 marks and income up to INR 8 LakhsApply during reporting
Not eligible on your answers
EWS fee help
INR 1 Lakhs
MAHE student support desk
Given after the income and EWS papers are checked.
Who qualifies: EWS student, family income below INR 8 Lakhs a yearApply during admission
Not eligible on your answers
No scheme matches these answers. Ask the college about paying in parts and about education loans.
Estimated total waiver
INR 40,000
Your net course fee: INR 30.04 Lakhs
Estimated total waiver
INR 0
Your net course fee: INR 30.44 Lakhs
Estimated total waiver
INR 1.40 Lakhs
Your net course fee: INR 29.04 Lakhs
Estimated total waiver
INR 1.60 Lakhs
Your net course fee: INR 28.84 Lakhs
Estimated total waiver
INR 3.44 Lakhs
Your net course fee: INR 27 Lakhs

MAHE BFA Contemporary Art Practices vs similar colleges

Tap a college to see it next to MAHE. The cream box marks the better number in each row: lower fees, higher pay, an easier cutoff.

Compare with
This page
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Bengaluru
Compared with
RV University School of Design and Innovation
Bengaluru
Compared with
Lovely Professional University
Phagwara
Compared with
Amity University Noida
Noida
Compared with
MIT Art Design and Technology University
Pune
Compared with
Chitkara Design School
Rajpura
Total fees4 years, no hostel
INR 30.44 Lakhs
tuition + other academic fee
INR 16 Lakhs
INR 14.44 Lakhs less
INR 7.20 Lakhs
INR 23.24 Lakhs less
INR 5.76 Lakhs
INR 24.68 Lakhs less
INR 8.40 Lakhs
INR 22.04 Lakhs less
INR 6.80 Lakhs
INR 23.64 Lakhs less
Average payart and design roles
INR 4.2 LPA
first-year pay used for ROI
INR 5.5 LPA
INR 1.3 LPA more
INR 4.0 LPA
INR 0.2 LPA less
INR 3.5 LPA
INR 0.7 LPA less
INR 4.5 LPA
INR 0.3 LPA more
INR 4.1 LPA
INR 0.1 LPA less
Placement ratelatest batch
68%
portfolio led roles
75%
7 points higher
70%
2 points higher
65%
3 points lower
72%
4 points higher
66%
2 points lower
Cutoff scoreSMEAT or portfolio test
80%
safe score range
75%
5 points lower
70%
10 points lower
65%
15 points lower
72%
8 points lower
68%
12 points lower
SeatsBFA intake
120
UGPP BFA estimate
60
60 fewer
120
0 fewer
80
40 fewer
60
60 fewer
50
70 fewer
ROIpay against total fee
14%
fee block ROI
34%
20 points higher
56%
42 points higher
61%
47 points higher
54%
40 points higher
60%
46 points higher
In short
If your budget is tight, compare RVU Design with MAHE first. If you want the Srishti studio route and can pay, keep MAHE higher.
In short
If your budget is tight, compare LPU Fine Arts with MAHE first. If you want the Srishti studio route and can pay, keep MAHE higher.
In short
If your budget is tight, compare Amity Fine Arts with MAHE first. If you want the Srishti studio route and can pay, keep MAHE higher.
In short
If your budget is tight, compare MIT ADT Arts with MAHE first. If you want the Srishti studio route and can pay, keep MAHE higher.
In short
If your budget is tight, compare Chitkara Design with MAHE first. If you want the Srishti studio route and can pay, keep MAHE higher.

Fees and pay can change. Check each college site before you decide.

FAQs on MAHE BFA Contemporary Art Practices

Straight answers to what students ask before they decide.

Should I take BFA Contemporary Art Practices at MAHE?▾
Yes, if you want a studio degree and can pay the full fee. The course covers drawing, sculpture, photography, sound, film, coding and public art. The fee without hostel is INR 30.44 Lakhs, so check the EMI tile before you decide.
Is this course worth the fee?▾
It is worth it only for a student who will build a strong portfolio. The full fee is INR 30.44 Lakhs and the average pay used here is INR 4.2 LPA. If you need fast payback, compare the ROI tile with your loan plan.
What job can I get after this BFA?▾
You can aim for artist, curator, researcher, visual storyteller, museum worker, gallery worker or media roles. The course page names these routes, and this page uses INR 4.2 LPA for the pay check. Start portfolio work in year 1 and use the internship after semester 6 well.
Who should pick this course?▾
Pick it if you enjoy making, reading and showing art. The course is full-time for 4 years and moves from foundation to studios, internship and thesis. It fits students who can handle open briefs and who want gallery, museum, media or teaching work.
Who should skip this course?▾
Skip it if you need a low fee or a fixed campus job path. The course fee is INR 30.44 Lakhs before stay and food. Official pages describe career routes, but they do not give a fixed salary table for every student.
Is it safe if my SMEAT score is near the cutoff range?▾
Do not count on the close range alone. A score of 65% to 79% is close, while 80% or better is safer on this page. Keep CAP in your list, but prepare your portfolio and keep another course choice ready.
Should I wait a year for a better portfolio?▾
Wait only if your work is not ready for SMEAT. The course gives one application round per program in a year, so a weak portfolio can cost you the seat. If your work already fits CAP, apply and keep your course order clear.
Is this BFA right for higher studies?▾
Yes, if you want a stronger art portfolio before a master's degree. The fourth year has pre thesis and thesis work, and the internship comes after semester 6. Save your studio work carefully, because higher study applications will read the portfolio first.
How do I get admission to this course?▾
You apply online, choose your course order and take SMEAT unless the UCEED exemption is accepted. UCEED AIR 600 or below can ask for exemption before Round 1. After the result, pay the fee and finish document check.
Can I pay the fee in parts?▾
Yes, the fee schedule splits the yearly fee into payment parts. The full course fee without hostel is INR 30.44 Lakhs, and the caution deposit is INR 50,000. Read the fee schedule before payment, because missing a date can cost the seat.
Will I get a hostel in Bengaluru?▾
Treat hostel and living as a separate cost. This page adds INR 8 Lakhs when the living toggle is on, taking the total to INR 38.44 Lakhs. Ask the campus office about room allotment before you pay the admission fee.
Which scholarships should I check first?▾
Check the MAHE alumni child waiver first if your parent studied at MAHE. It is shown here as INR 3.04 Lakhs. Then check NSP and post matric aid by category and income. Use the calculator above, then verify each scheme with MAHE.

This page is AI assisted and human verified.

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MAHE Manipal: 2 Answered Questions

Where should I pursue my Computer Science course, Thapar University or Manipal University?

Krishna ShrivastavMBA from Manipal University (2018)

My brother did his MBA from Manipal University and it has been one of the best decisions of his life. While both are prime universities, Manipal holds an edge due to the following reasons.

  • You will get the best-in-class faculties, infrastructure, and facilities that you won’t be able to get at Thapar.
  • In recent QS ranking 2020, Manipal University secured 17th rank all over India and 200th all over Asia, making it one of the top-ranked private universities in India.
  • Manipal University has also ranked way above the famous BHU (IIT BHU) in the World QS ranking 2021. Manipal university ranked #751-800 whereas BHU, and Thapar belonged to the same bracket of #801-1000.

Here are the 2020 placement trends in brief at Manipal.

Average CTC

7.2 LPA

Highest CTC

22.38 LPA

Total no of offers made

781

Major recruiters

E&Y, ITC, Microsoft, Dell, etc.

Overall, Manipal University is one of the top private institutions making it a great choice to pursue a computer science course.

...Read More
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Which course is better: CSE in Manipal University, Manipal or ECE in VIT Velllore?

Akanksha Gupta
Sarita GuptaStudied at Manipal Institute Of Technology (2017)

For B.Tech courses VIT has been ranked #15-300 in India for the year 2020 by NIRF rankings. In Tamil Nadu, the university was ranked #4th for courses in B.Tech. On the other hand, Manipal University was ranked #8-200 for top universities in India by NIRF rankings in the year 2020.

Admissions

  • Manipal University, Manipal:

    • Completed his/ her 10+2 grade or equivalent from a recognized board With Physics, Mathematics, and English as the compulsory subjects with 50% marks.

    • The candidate taking admission should also qualify the Manipal Entrance Test (MET)- 2020.

    • 3.35 Lakhs is the total fee for the CSE course in the 1st year.

  • VIT Vellore:

    • The candidate must have completed 10+2 with PCM or PCB as the subjects.

    • Minimum 60% marks should be obtained by the aspirant in 10+2.

    • The selections are done on the basis of counseling and marks obtained in the entrance texts i.e., VITEEE.

    • The total course fee for ECE in VIT is 1.98 Lakhs.

Placements

  • Manipal University, Manipal:

    • 6.2 Lakhs was the median salary offered to CSE students in the University.

    • Top recruiting companies in Manipal are Forbes Marshall, Mercedes Benz, Hyundai, Cipla, Hero Moto Corp, Maruti Suzuki, INFOYSIS, Intel, etc.

  • VIT Vellore:

    • 713+ companies visited the campus with a total of 705 dream offers.

    • The highest package offered was 41.60 LPA and 6.05 LPA was the average salary offered.

    • Microsoft, Philips, HP, TCS, Wipro, Intel, Bank of America, Infosys, Deloitte, and Bosch among many others are top recruiters of the University.

Campus

  • Manipal University, Manipal:

    • The campus is about 313 acres in the area.

    • Hospital facilities, sports facilities, and innovative centers are available for students, Wi-Fi facility is available everywhere across the campus, restaurants, libraries, hostel, labs, etc. are some of the facilities available on-campus.

  • VIT Vellore:

    • The campus size is about 250 acres.

    • Clubs, library, sports facilities, hostel, health services, transport facilities, pollution friendly management projects such as liquid waste management, solid waste management, solar power, wind power, etc. are some of the facilities and activities going on in the campus.

If the subject is not the priority then VIT is a lot ahead of Manipal as it provides excellent placements and living environment to the students. But it all depends on the choice and interests of the aspirant seeking admissions.

...Read More
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