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Bachelor of Fine Arts is the full form. Depending on the specialisation, the BFA programme lasts 3-4 years. A bachelor's degree in fine arts focuses on visual, performing, or fine arts such as painting, animation, or pottery. In some cases, BFA is also referred to as Visual arts. BFA admission is based on merit as well as entrance exams. UPSEE, AUCET, CUET, and other common BFA entrance exams The registration period for top colleges runs from May to August. In BFA colleges, the average course fee ranges between INR 30,000 and INR 3,000,000.
Painting, illustration, history, graphics, and other subjects are covered in the BFA Syllabus. Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees can also be obtained in a variety of specialisations, such as BFA Applied Art, BFA Painting, and BFA Photography. Following graduation, candidates can pursue an MFA or look for BFA job opportunities in the entertainment industry, media houses, marketing firms, publications, art galleries, schools, and colleges. In India, the average monthly BFA salary ranges from INR 25,000 to 50,000. Fine Arts Courses provide the opportunity to develop skills in painting, photography, singing, and other areas of a thriving industry.
BFA also called as Bachelor of Fine Arts is a three or four year course offered by many colleges and universities in India. The main areas of study in BFA are visual arts, performing or fine arts such as painting, animation or pottery. The main course of study in BFA is the visual arts. That is why it is also called as Visual Arts course at some places. Bachelor of fine arts course can be done as a regular course, part-time course or through correspondence as well. Given below are some major highlights related to BFA course.
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 |
People with an artistic perspective or have an eye for art mainly do BFA course. Candidates who have an artistic mindset are highly suited for this course. While pursuing BFA course, candidates get to know about various things such as visual arts, etc. Candidates also get a chance to utilize their creativity and innovative skills in order to produce new arts in the field. Below are some of the important skills required in any candidate who wish to pursue Bachelor of Fine arts and have a successful career through it:
Candidates who have a creative mindset must pursue Bachelor of fine arts course. During BFA course, candidates will get many opportunities where they can use their innovative skills in order to produce something new and creative. Bachelor of fine arts course can open doors to various kinds of opportunities of which a candidate has never even thought about. Candidates who wish to study bachelor of fine arts must know one thing that this course is not easy to complete as BFA course requires a lot of hard work, effort, and dedication. Below mentioned are some of the reasons as why a candidate should pursue Bachelor of fine arts course:
Enjoyment: Candidates should do BFA course only if they have a creative mindset. The process of learning in BFA course is quite a creative one. Candidates get to know and study a lot of things which usually are not taught in other courses. Candidates while pursuing this course will definitely enjoy it if they have real passion for art and visual arts particularly.
Creative Outlet: BFA course mainly deals with creativity where candidates are given various assignments which need creative vision. If candidates have these qualities then they can definitely pursue BFA course while also making a successful career out of it.
Learning New Styles: While pursuing BFA course, candidates also get to know about the history of art and also various forms of art which were used in the past and now have changed in the present. The thorough knowledge about art history will definitely help the candidates to improve their knowledge about art.
Refining Skills: While pursuing Bachelor of fine arts course, candidates will get to know a lot of professionals and other artistic personalities. The connections made during the BFA course period will definitely help the candidates to grow both professionally and personality wise in the future.
Connections: BFA course comprises small class groups. Because of this candidates have a better chance of proper guidance. Through the guidance, candidates can brush up their already inculcated skills or develop new skill patterns required in this profession.
Specialization: BFA course is a professional course. More than theory the main focus of study is always practical approach. Candidates will be given an opportunity to do an internship under some renowned visual artists or other zone artists which will enhance the knowledge of the candidates on the subject.
Opportunity: Candidates after pursuing BFA course degree have a lot of opportunities in various fields such as film industry, cinema, theatre, fashion, education, art therapy, arts & culture management, and the entertainment industry.
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:
The eligibility criteria for Bachelor of fine arts course is almost same in all the colleges and universities in India which offer the course. BFA Eligibility criteria may change as per the needs by the institute. The eligibility criteria for government colleges almost remains unchanged. Private colleges on the other hand may have different BFA eligibility criteria as per their rules and regulations. Students must check the prospectus of various colleges and universities in which they wish to apply in order to know about the eligibility criteria in detail. Students who wish to pursue BFA course after completion of class 12 must fulfill the following criteria:
In the following table, eligibility criteria for Bachelor for Fine arts has been discussed in detail. All the factual information related to BFA course has been provided in the table below:
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 |
The selection criteria for BFA Admissions vary from college to college. Some institutes offer admission based on merit acquired in the qualifying exam, i.e. 10+2 level while others conduct an entrance exam to shortlist the deserving candidates. A few of the popular entrance exams for BFA Admissions are as follow:
Students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree should take the required entrance exam. Entrance exams are used to determine admission to specific Bachelor of Fine Arts colleges, which is followed by counselling. Among the various entrance exams held by BFA colleges to enrol students in BFA degree programmes are ITM NEST, BHU UET, UPSEE, and AUCET.
Exam Name |
Application Period |
Exam Date |
TISS BAT |
May 27, 2022 - May 31, 2022 |
September 2022 |
IPU CET |
March 04 – May 31, 2022 |
June 18 – June 19, 2022 |
JNUEE |
May 19, 2022 – June 18, 2022 |
To be notified |
CUET |
April 06 – June 26, 2022 |
July 15, 2022 – August 10, 2022 |
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:
In Full time BFA course, candidates are required to attend the regular courses. In this type of course, candidates have more scope for learning where they also get a chance to make connections which could be beneficial in their professional career. Given below is the list of colleges providing full time BFA courses:
There are various colleges in India that offer part time BFA course to the candidates. Given below are some of the reputed institutes in India offering BFA Part time course:
Distance education BFA course is provided by many universities and colleges in India. In this type of course, candidates are not required to attend the regular classes. The fee structure for distance education BFA course is also less as compared to full time BFA courses. The kind of subjects and syllabus is almost the same for both the courses. Given below is the list of colleges that are known for its Distance education BFA courses:
Eligibility Criteria for Distance Education BFA course:
The eligibility criteria for BFA course through distance education is almost the same as the full time BFA courses. In distance education, the education becomes cheaper and can be pursued from anywhere in the world. No special requirements are there for pursuing BFA course through distance education. The eligibility criteria for BFA course through distance education has been mentioned below:
The average fees for BFA in Distance learning ranges from INR 15,000 to 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, Punjab |
INR 84,000 |
|
Gurgaon, Haryana |
INR 35,000 |
|
Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
INR 40,000 |
|
Guntur, Andhra Pradesh |
INR 1,45,000 |
|
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 |
INR 10,550 |
|
Delhi University, College of Art |
INR 20,800 |
Delhi College of Art (DCA) |
INR 1,24,400 |
INR 55,700 |
|
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 |
INR 75,000 |
|
Amity University |
INR 80,000 |
INR 5,51,670 |
|
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 |
INR 20,000 |
|
Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University (PSTU) |
INR 5,800 |
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 |
15,10,000 |
|
31,01,100 |
|
37,70,000 |
|
38,91,500 |
|
17,96,000 |
|
40,64,330 |
|
50,55,000 |
|
Lakehead University |
60,61,000 |
The University of Tampa |
48,21,000 |
56,28,000 |
|
42,00,000 |
|
Fashion Institute of Technology |
61,00,000 |
The New School |
50,00,000 |
49,00,000 |
|
59,00,000 |
|
54,00,000 |
|
New York Institute of Technology |
64,00,000 |
63,00,000 |
|
68,00,000 |
|
Singapore Institute of Technology |
39,00,000 |
67,00,000 |
|
University of Massachusetts |
45,00,000 |
49,00,000 |
A bachelor's degree in Fine Arts can lead to various employment opportunities in fields such as ceramics, animation, drawing, film production, craft artist, fine artist, art teacher and others. The employment area depends completely on the BFA specialization chosen by the candidates. Interested candidates can also pursue further studies and choose to pursue a master's degree in the relevant stream.
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 |
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.
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 |
INR 4,71,665 |
|
Fashion Designer |
INR 3,81,025 |
INR 4,08,592 |
|
INR 4,00,000 |
|
Photographer |
INR 6,04,000 |
Fine Artist |
INR 4,00,000 |
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.
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.
Students who wish to pursue BFA course after completion of class 12 must fulfill the following criteria:
Some of the important entrance examinations for BFA course are as follows: Kerala BFA Entrance exam, Delhi University Entrance Exam, JMI BFA Entrance, BHU BFA Entrance Examination, JNAFAU Entrance Exam.
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.
Following are some of the career opportunities that are available after graduating in BFA course: Fine Artist, Animator, Cartoonist, Graph Designer, Art teacher, painter, Art Conservator, Art Director.
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.
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