BHU MFA: Admission 2026, Eligibility, Fees, Application Process & How to Apply

BHU MFA is a 2-year program that focuses on advanced creative skills through hands-on studio work in the Faculty of Visual Arts. It costs INR 6,170 annually for regular seats, with specializations like Painting, Applied Arts, Plastic Arts, and Textile Design available. Admission relies on CUET PG scores, requiring a BFA degree with at least 50% marks. Students gain expertise in techniques such as oil painting, graphic design, and sculpture, preparing them for roles in art galleries, design firms, and academia. This program emphasizes portfolio development and critical analysis to build professional artists who contribute to India's cultural heritage.

BHU MFA Highlights 2026

BHU MFA equips students with specialized training in visual expression, blending traditional Indian motifs with modern design principles for careers in creative industries. Total seats stand at 72 across specializations.

BHU MFA Admission Dates 2026

Banaras Hindu University MFA follows CUET PG timelines for postgraduate admissions, ensuring a streamlined process from application to class start. Key events align with national exam schedules.

BHU MFA Fees Structure 2026

BHU MFA fees include tuition, examination, and library components, with full waivers on tuition for SC/ST/PwD candidates. Regular seats promote accessibility for talented artists.

For detailed breakdowns, check the BHU courses and fees.

BHU MFA Eligibility Criteria 2026

• Hold a BFA degree in the relevant specialization (10+2+4 or 10+5 pattern) from a recognized university.
• Secure at least 50% aggregate marks in the qualifying BFA exam.
• No age limit applies, but candidates must meet CUET PG eligibility.
• Reserved categories receive a 5% relaxation in minimum marks.

BHU MFA Admission Process 2026

BHU MFA admission 2026 involves registering for CUET UG via the NTA portal, followed by BHU counseling on bhuonline.in. Shortlisted candidates submit documents, category certificate, and CUET scorecard during verification. Seats are allotted based on merit, with spot rounds for vacancies. Steps for BHU admission:

• Register for CUET PG on the NTA website and select BHU MFA as your choice.
• Appear for the CUET PG exam in the Fine Arts domain.
• Check results and qualify based on the cutoff scores for your category.
• Register on the BHU CAP portal using your CUET application number.
• Fill preferences for specializations like Painting or Applied Arts during counseling.
• Participate in online counseling rounds where seats are allotted by merit rank.
• Verify documents and pay the admission fee to confirm your seat.
• Attend orientation and commence classes in the Faculty of Visual Arts.

This merit-based process prioritizes CUET PG performance, with over 72 seats filled annually through transparent allotment.

How to Apply for BHU MFA Admission 2026?

• Visit the NTA CUET PG website and click on new registration to create an account with your email and phone number.
• Complete the application form by entering personal details, educational qualifications, and selecting BHU as the university with MFA program.
• Choose up to three specializations, such as Plastic Arts or Textile Design, from the dropdown options.
• Upload required documents including passport photo, signature, and BFA certificate in JPEG format under 100KB in size.
• Select exam center preferences, prioritizing Varanasi for convenience, and proceed to the fee payment section.
• Pay the application using a debit card, net banking, or UPI gateway.
• Submit the form and download the confirmation receipt along with application number for future reference.
• After exam results, log into bhuonline.in the CAP portal and enter your CUET details to join counseling.
• During choice filling, rank your preferred specializations and submit to generate merit-based allotment.
• If allotted a seat, download the letter, pay the INR 5,000 acceptance fee online, and report for physical verification.
• Bring originals for scrutiny and complete final registration to access studio facilities.

This online-driven application ensures ease for applicants from across India, focusing on accurate details to avoid rejection.

Documents Required for BHU MFA Admission

• CUET PG admit card and scorecard.
• BFA degree certificate and marksheets (all semesters).
• Class 10 and 12 certificates for date of birth proof.
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) if applicable.
• Passport-size photos (4 copies).
• Migration/transfer certificate from previous institution.
• Aadhaar card or any government ID.

BHU MFA Affiliated College 2026

BHU MFA operates primarily on the main campus under the Faculty of Visual Arts, with no separate affiliated colleges for this program. However, affiliated institutions like DAV PG College offer related arts diplomas at INR 10,000–25,000 annually, providing local alternatives for foundational training before BHU Varanasi entry.

BHU MFA Entrance Exam 2026

The entrance exam for BHU MFA admission 2026 is the CUET PG, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in computer-based test mode. It evaluates candidates' knowledge in fine arts domains, ensuring only those with strong foundational skills from BFA programs advance to the 72 available seats across specializations. This national-level exam aligns with BHU's merit-based selection, where scores directly influence counseling allotments. For comprehensive preparation, review the official NTA CUET PG bulletin on pgcuet.samarth.ac.in.

• Exam Name: CUET PG (Fine Arts domain)
• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Total Questions: 100 MCQs
• Total Marks: 400
• Marking Scheme: +4 for correct, no negative marking
• Sections: Art History, Drawing & Painting Principles, Aesthetics, Specialization-specific topics
• Language: English and Hindi  

BHU MFA Cutoff 2026

BHU MFA cutoffs vary by specialization and category, based on CUET PG ranks. General category ranks typically range from 200–500 for top choices.

BHU MFA Specializations 2026

• Painting: Focuses on canvas techniques, from watercolors to acrylics, with emphasis on composition and narrative expression.
• Applied Arts: Covers graphic design, advertising layouts, and visual communication for commercial projects.
• Plastic Arts: Explores sculpture, ceramics, and 3D modeling using clay, metal, and found materials.
• Textile Design: Involves printmaking, weaving, and surface ornamentation inspired by Indian textiles.

BHU MFA Syllabus 2026

MFA syllabus at BHU Varanasi spans 4 semesters, integrating theory with hands-on projects to build a professional portfolio. Drawing from the official curriculum, it emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, ensuring you master techniques like oil painting and contemporary installations.

BHU MFA Scholarships 2026

BHU supports MFA students through merit and need-based aid, covering up to 100% of fees for eligible artists. Key options include:

• Pyare Lal - Prem Vati Memorial Scholarship: INR 10,000 yearly for top performers in creative projects.
• Earn While You Learn Scheme: Part-time roles in art departments paying INR 2,000–3,000 monthly.
• Central Sector Scholarship: Up to INR 20,000 via NSP for low-income families (family income below INR 4.5 lakh).
• UP Post-Matric Scholarship: Full fee waiver for SC/ST students pursuing visual arts.

These BHU scholarships aid ensure financial barriers do not hinder talent development.

BHU MFA Ranking 2026

BHU's Faculty of Visual Arts ranks highly for its role in national art education, contributing to the university's overall standing. MFA graduates benefit from this reputation in competitive fields. 

Full insights on the BHU ranking.

BHU MFA Placements 2025

BHU MFA placements in 2025 saw 85% of eligible students placed, with median package at INR 9 LPA for a 2-year PG. Recruiters target creative roles in design and media.

See the comprehensive report at BHU placements.

BHU MFA Result 2025

BHU MFA results for 2025 semester exams appear on bhuonline.in, reflecting performance in studio critiques and theory papers. Odd semesters conclude with practical submissions graded on originality. Even semesters emphasize group exhibitions. Students access BHU result via roll number, with revaluation options within 30 days. Merit lists guide scholarships. Key steps to check:

• Log in to the BHU Samarth portal using your credentials.
• Select "Results" and choose MFA with semester details.
• View and download the scorecard showing subject-wise grades.
• Contact the Visual Arts department for discrepancies.

This transparent system helps students track progress toward thesis completion. Overall pass rate stood at 92%, with top scorers advancing to national art residencies.