With the board exams around the corner, the students are shaking in their boots, anticipating their next steps. If you are one such reader then this article is for you. Today we talk about some of the most prestigious art schools in India, where every aspiring artist wishes to study. These universities and colleges are known for their excellence, furthering the cause of Indian artists in the global platform. For us, they might even be called ‘maharatna’ Let’s talk about our pick for some of the best art schools in India.
1. Banaras Hindu University
Banaras Hindu University is one of the most prestigious art schools in India. It was founded in 1916 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is now the largest residential university in Asia. Banaras Hindu University has an extensive roster of courses tailored at the Bachelor, Master, and PhD levels. They also provide diplomas in performing arts, visual arts, and fine arts.
2. Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh Muslim University (formerly Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College) was founded in 1875 in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The name changed to its current iteration in 1921. Two professional courses – BFA and MFA were introduced in 1998 and 1993. M.Phils and PhD programme commenced in 1993.
3. Visva Bharati University
Visva Bharati University was founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921 in Shantiniketan, West Bengal. Kala Bhavan has presented numerous artists and sculptors. Currently, Visva Bharati University offers certificate, diploma, BFA, and MFA degrees in sculptures, paintings, history of art, textile design, and printmaking.
4. Stella Maris College
Stella Maris College was established in 1947 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Exclusively for women, they are affiliated with the University of Madras. The Department of Fine Arts was founded at Stella Maris College in 1948. The BA and MA degree programs were introduced in 1957 and 1963 respectively. They also offer an M.Phil and PhD in Fine Arts.
5. Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture And Fine Arts University
The Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture And Fine Arts University (JNAFAU) was established in 1940 as ‘The College of Arts’ in Hyderabad. It became an independent constituency in 2008. The Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture And Fine Arts University offers master’s and bachelor’s degrees in architecture, urban planning, sculpture, painting, photography, animations and other visual and applied art courses.
6. J.J. School Of Arts
Sir J.J. School Of Arts was established in 1857 in Mumbai making it the oldest art school in India. They provide diploma, BFA, and MFA courses in painting, sculpture, textile designing, printmaking, and portraiture, among others.
7. National Institute of Fine Arts
The National Institute of Fine Arts was established in 2005 in Gurugram, Haryana. They provide certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in painting, sketching, and animation.
8. Jamia Millia Islamia
Jamia Millia Islamia was established in 1920 in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. In 1935, the university was moved to Okhla, Delhi. The Faculty of Fine Arts, which was founded in 1951 gives out certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s, masters, and PhD degrees in sculpture, painting, art education, graphic art, applied art, and art history.
9. Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda was founded in 1881 as The Baroda College in Vadodara, Gujarat. The university provides undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees in visual arts (painting, sculpture, applied arts) and performing arts.
10. Government College of Fine Arts
The Government College of Fine Arts is the oldest art school in India. It was founded in 1850 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu as a private art institute, though it opened up to the public soon thereafter. The institute gives out bachelor’s and master’s degrees in painting, ceramics, textiles, printmaking, and communication design.
11. Government College of Art & Craft
The Government College of Art & Craft (GCAC) was founded in 1854 in Kolkata, West Bengal by Abanindranath Tagore. They provide bachelor’s and master’s degrees in painting, graphic design, sculptures, textile design, pottery, ceramics, design, and printmaking.
Image Courtesy – The Sagar School
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