Which BFA Colleges Accept CUET and How Can You Secure Admission in 2026?
Ritik Kumar
August 10, 2025
Introduction
Are you passionate about painting, animation, or sculpture and aiming to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree? With the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) now widely accepted, getting into top BFA colleges has become more structured and accessible.
Whether your goal is to specialize in applied arts, digital media, or fine arts, understanding the list of BFA colleges accepting CUET 2026, their eligibility, and the admission process is crucial to shaping your artistic journey.
Table of Contents
What is CUET and Why is It Important for BFA Aspirants?
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into undergraduate programs at central, state, and select private universities.
For creative students, CUET 2026 acts as a fair and centralized gateway to top BFA colleges. Most institutes combine CUET scores with a practical exam or skill test to evaluate your artistic potential.
Top BFA specializations through CUET include:
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Applied Arts
- Animation
- Visual Communication
- Photography
- Digital Media
List of BFA Colleges Accepting CUET (2026)
| College Name | Type | Location | BFA Specializations | Admission Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Central University | Varanasi, UP | BFA in Fine Arts, Visual Arts (Sculpture/Painting) | CUET + Practical Examination |
| College of Art, Delhi University | Central University | New Delhi | BFA in Fine Arts (6 specializations including Art History) | CUET (50%) + Practical Test (50%) |
| Central University of Himachal Pradesh | Central University | Himachal Pradesh | BFA (Sculpture), BFA (Painting), BFA Fine Arts | CUET Scores |
| University of Allahabad | Central University | Prayagraj, UP | BFA in Fine Arts/Visual Arts | CUET + Practical Exam |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | Central University | New Delhi | BFA with various specializations | CUET + JMI Entrance Test |
| Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya | State University | Sagar, MP | BFA in Fine Arts | CUET + Practical Examination |
| Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University | State University | Lucknow, UP | BFA in Applied Arts | CUET + Practical Test |
| Rajiv Gandhi University | State University | Arunachal Pradesh | BFA in General Studies | CUET + Skill Test |
| Vikram University | State University | Ujjain, MP | BFA in Fine Arts | CUET General Test |
| Chandigarh University | Private University | Chandigarh | BFA in Painting, Sculpture & Applied Arts | CUET General Test |
| Chitkara University | Private University | Punjab | BFA in Painting | CUET + Personal Interview |
| Lovely Professional University | Private University | Punjab | BFA in Painting, Sculpture, Commercial Art | CUET + General Test |
| Amity University | Private University | Noida, Greater Noida, Kolkata, Punjab, Patna | BFA, BFA in Animation | CUET + Interview |
| Manipal University | Private University | Jaipur | BFA in Applied Arts | CUET General Test |
| Swami Vivekanand Subharti University | Private University | Meerut, UP | BFA (Painting/Sculpture/Applied Arts) | CUET + Practical Exam |
| Sushant University | Private University | Gurgaon, Haryana | BFA in Fine Arts/Visual Arts | CUET + Practical Examination |
| Teerthanker Mahaveer University | Private University | Moradabad, UP | BFA | CUET General Test |
| IIS University | Private University | Jaipur, Rajasthan | BFA | CUET General Test |
| Abhyuday University | Private University | Khargone, MP | BFA in Painting, Applied Art | CUET General Test |
Eligibility Criteria for BFA Admissions via CUET 2026
Academic Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 (any stream) from a recognized board.
- Minimum marks required:
- General/OBC: 50%
- SC/ST: 45%
CUET Subject Requirements:
- Any one Language from List A (e.g., English, Hindi).
- General Test (Logical reasoning, aptitude, current affairs).
Optional: Some universities may prefer Fine Arts as a domain subject if available.
BFA Admission Process via CUET 2026
- CUET 2026 Registration & Exam
- Register on the official NTA CUET Portal (expected to open Feb–March 2026).
- Appear for the CUET exam based on your selected subjects.
- Apply Separately to BFA Colleges
- After results, submit separate applications to each university/college offering BFA programs.
- Appear for Practical/Skill Test
- Most BFA colleges conduct a drawing, design, or creative skill test (often 50% of the final score).
- Merit List Announcement
- Final score = CUET Marks (50%) + Practical/Skill Test (50%)
- Document Verification & Final Admission
- Once shortlisted, verify documents and secure your admission with fee payment.
Practical tests are vital, they assess creativity, technique, and originality.
How to Choose the Right BFA College Through CUET?
1. Specializations
Ensure the college offers your preferred stream (e.g., Animation, Painting, Digital Arts).
2. Location & Exposure
Metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata offer greater exposure with access to galleries, museums, and the art industry.
3. Infrastructure
Look for colleges with art studios, digital labs, libraries, and exhibition spaces.
4. Faculty & Mentorship
Choose institutes with qualified, practicing artists and mentors who can guide your creativity.
5. Career Support
Check for internships, workshops, alumni networks, and placements in design studios or creative agencies.
FAQs About BFA Admission Through CUET 2026
Q1. Is Fine Arts mandatory as a subject in CUET for BFA?
No. Most colleges accept students from any stream with General Test + Language. Fine Arts as a domain subject (if offered) is optional but helpful.
Q2. Can I apply to multiple BFA colleges with one CUET score?
Yes! After CUET, you can apply separately to all universities that accept CUET scores.
Q3. What happens if I miss the practical test after CUET?
You’ll be disqualified from that college’s admission. The practical exam is mandatory for most BFA courses.
Q4. Are there age restrictions for BFA through CUET?
Generally, no age limits, but do check the individual college’s guidelines.
Q5. How important is a portfolio for BFA?
While not always mandatory, a strong portfolio can enhance your practical test or interview performance.
Q6. Do top design colleges like NID or NIFT accept CUET?
No. Institutes like NID and NIFT conduct their own entrance exams like DAT and the NIFT Entrance.
Still Confused About Your Career? Let Career Plan B Guide You
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Conclusion
With CUET 2026 opening doors to some of the best BFA colleges in India, aspiring artists now have a transparent, merit-based path to showcase their creativity and secure admission. Whether your passion lies in painting, animation, sculpture, or applied arts, the right combination of CUET preparation, practical test performance, and college research can set you on the path to a fulfilling artistic career.
Don’t just dream of a future in fine arts, plan it with clarity. Start preparing today, shortlist your colleges, build your portfolio, and focus on both CUET and the creative tests ahead.
Contact Career Plan B today to confidently navigate your BFA journey and turn your creativity into a career.
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