When you stumble across an exquisite painting like Botticelli’s Birth of Venus or Raja Ravi Varma’s Shakuntala and are blown away by its intricacies and beauty. You’re probably thinking about what it would be like if you could just take up your brush, your artist palette, and follow your dreams. If you’re wondering what your possibilities are as an artist in this world, we’ve got you covered! If you’re wondering what it takes to study art at one of the best fine arts colleges in India, look no further. We’ve got you covered!

Here is an ultimate guide for everything you need to know to get college admissions and pursue fine arts as a degree.

Why should you study Art? 

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

― Pablo Picasso

We are artists in our own right, with creativity that has to be directed into the appropriate channels. In our world, art and its many forms serve as a means of communication. Humans were created to express and create. Art is one of the most rewarding and meaningful careers you can pursue.

Studying art helps one understand and appreciate culture and history. You can develop creative and visual skills that shape our society. In a society where Doctors, Engineers, and Scientists are more sought after than anybody else, artists breathe life into the analog monotony we live in. Art adds a new perspective to an otherwise dull and dreary environment. 

If art is your passion and everything about art inspires immensely, then enrolling in a fine arts college is what you need.

What is a Fine Arts degree? 

Fine Arts is a course where you study the different genres of art from painting to sculpture and art history. A fine arts degree gives you a holistic perspective of different art forms and various subjects of art that you can explore. 

We’ve progressed a long way in terms of curriculum, subjects, and exposure, from École des Beaux-Arts, one of the world’s oldest and most historically significant Fine arts institutions, to Kala Bhavan, Shantiniketan, and J.J. School of Arts.

Keep reading to check out our list of fine arts colleges in India that you can apply for!

What do you need to apply? – Requirement 

Here is everything you need to be eligible for a Fine arts degree in India. In order to pursue a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts, the eligibility criteria are : 

• Class 12th pass 
• Minimum of 50-60% marks as an overall average  

Which colleges to apply for : 

India is home to some of the best fine arts colleges in India. 

• JJ School of Arts, Mumbai 

Sir Jamsetjee Jeejebhoy School of Art is one of the most established colleges in India, Affiliated with the University of Mumbai. This college has a few notable alumni like M.F. Hussain, S.H. Raza, Francis Newton Souza.

• CAVA, Mysore 

Chamarajendra Govt. College of Visual Arts(CAVA), based in Mysore, Karnataka, was established in 1982. The University of Mysore, Mysore, is associated with the college.

• College of Fine Arts(CFA), Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad, Bangalore  

One of Bangalore’s most prestigious fine arts and visual arts institutions. According to Bangalore Central University’s criteria, painting, sculpture, graphic art, Applied Art, Animation, and Ceramics are among the disciplines provided.

• Kala Bhavan, Shantiniketan

Rabindranath Tagore, a visionary leader, initiated Kala Bhavan in Shantiniketan, and Nandala Bose and his contemporaries took the vision forward.

• College of Art, Delhi 

Established in 1942, This is one of the popular colleges for fine arts offering Bachelors and Masters in Fine Arts of various disciplines. 

• Govt college of art, Chennai 

Founded in 1850 by a brilliant surgeon in the British Military Service, Dr. Alexander Hunter M.D., F.R.S.C.E. with subjects like Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Visual Communication Design, Textile Design, and Ceramic Design in their curriculum. 

• The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Barda 

          This is the oldest learning center that has the 

        most forthcoming faculty    

        of Performing Arts and Faculty of Fine Arts as

        well with various subjects.

• Trivandrum College of Fine Arts, Kerala 

A 130-year-old institute offers both undergraduate and Postgraduate courses in Fine Arts such as Painting, Sculpture, and Applied Arts. 

• Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University(JNAFAU), Hyderabad offers both fine arts and architecture courses.

This is our curated list of fine arts colleges you should apply to. There are several more courses and institutions to choose from. We strongly advise you to undertake extensive research.

Application process 

The process of application for most Artist colleges in India is pretty straightforward, All you need to get into 

• A Portfolio to demonstrate artistic ability and a keen sense for the visual arts.
• An admission exam set by a university or college to assess your drawing and creative abilities.
• A face-to-face interview to assess the student’s talents and interests.

Every university/college has its own process. Students must contact the institute for additional information about the admission processes.

Scope and Future of fine arts in India 

‘Art awakens a sense of reality by establishing an intimate relationship between our inner being and the universe at large, bringing us a consciousness of deep joy. ’ –  Rabindranath Tagore

Individuals who are creative thinkers and visually expressive are extremely important to our society. Although our current era monopolizes the performative narrative and fast-moving rat race of success and recognition, fundamentally we as humans are built to appreciate, enjoy, and thrive on various art forms like music, dance, theatre, and fine arts. 

Humans have an inbuilt appreciation and curiosity for everything aesthetic and artistic.

In these modern times, the application of art has been immense and vast. In this world of visual marketing and social frenzy, a person with a creative edge and artistic approach are highly valuable. 

With a Fine Arts (or visual arts) degree, you can get into any of these promising fields. 

• Teaching and Research

With a Fine Arts degree, you can teach other young artists in any reputable institute. After a Fine Arts degree, you can dedicate your time to extensive research. 

• Advertising and Media 

Visual artists are in high demand in the marketing and advertising industry. There is a huge requirement for visual and creative content in the marketing field to attract the attention of consumers. 

• Design 

The scope of a designer and a creator is immense. In this day and age, there are a plethora of options in design that you can get into such as Graphic Designing, Interior designing, Product designing, Fashion designing, and many more.  

• Museum or Gallery 

Museums and Galleries show the world through the lens of culture, art, and history. There are various art galleries and museums all over the country that employ students with a fine arts degree. A career in a museum or a gallery can be long and fulfilling.  

The career of an Artist is extremely fulfilling and filled with purpose and passion. 

Planedu can help you get into the art college of your dreams with our best career counseling in India