Fees
Fees at Aligarh Muslim University for the Bachelor of Arts + Bachelor of Laws [B.A.L.L.B.] course vary between 7,450 and 14,975 INR per year, depending on the student's category and specific campus. The self-finance category incurs a significantly higher fee of 80,000 INR per year. An admission fee of approximately 14,425 INR is assessed at the time of enrollment, uniform across all categories except self-finance and NRI students.
Hostel fees, which are not included in the annual tuition, are relatively affordable at around 2,500 INR, with additional maintenance charges applicable. Scholarships and financial aid options such as merit-cum-means scholarships are available, including various state-sponsored and institution-specific programs. Aligarh Muslim University supports financially weaker sections with these aids, ensuring an accessible education.
About Master of Visual Arts [MVA]
Master of Visual Arts (M.V.A) at Aligarh Muslim University is a 2-year full-time postgraduate degree program in Painting designed to develop advanced artistic skills and creative vision in visual arts. The program offers comprehensive training in contemporary and traditional art practices, art history, and art criticism with a total intake of 20 seats. The total fees for the entire course is Rs 60,000. The course is recognized for its rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty with national and international exhibition records, and strong emphasis on both creative practice and research. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers as professional artists, art educators, art administrators, and researchers in art history and contemporary art practices.
Admissions for 2026-27 are currently ongoing. The application form submission deadline is 5 April 2026 (without late fee). The departmental entrance test is scheduled for 7 June 2026. Candidates must register online through the official AMU admission portal (oaps.amuonline.ac.in) and appear for the departmental entrance examination which includes portfolio evaluation and practical assessment.
Key Points:
- Comprehensive curriculum covering traditional, folk, tribal, modern, postmodern, and contemporary art practices
- Faculty with active research programs and national/international exhibition records
- Access to Moinuddin Ahmad Art Gallery for exhibitions and collaborative programs
- Strong emphasis on social responsibility and community engagement through art
- Opportunities for participation in national and international art exhibitions and biennales
- Well-equipped studio facilities and seminar library with extensive art resources
- Active placement support through the department's training and placement cell
AMU MVA Fees
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | ₹60,000 |
| Total Fees | ₹60,000 |
- The fees mentioned are refundable as per university norms.
- Hostel accommodation is optional and available at additional cost (approximately Rs 2,000 per month for hostel + Rs 1,700 per month for mess).
- Payment can be made in two installments: Rs 30,000 in the first year and Rs 30,000 in the second year.
AMU MVA Admission 2026
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Important Dates for M.V.A Admission 2026-27
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Form Opening Date | 1 February 2026 |
| Application Submission Deadline (without late fee) | 5 April 2026 |
| Application Submission Deadline (with late fee) | 12 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Approximately 17 April 2026 (one week before exam) |
| Departmental Entrance Test | 7 June 2026 |
| Counselling and Seat Allotment | June-July 2026 (tentative) |
| Batch Start Date | July-August 2026 (tentative) |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A) with 4 years duration from any recognized institute/university
- OR B.A (Hons.) in Fine Arts with one year Pre-M.F.A (Bridge Course)
- Minimum 50% marks in aggregate in the qualifying examination
- Valid score in departmental entrance test
Admission Process:
- Online application submission through official AMU admission portal
- Candidates must appear for the departmental entrance examination (includes portfolio evaluation and practical assessment)
- Merit list preparation based on performance in entrance test and academic qualifications
- Document verification and counselling for selected candidates
- Final seat allotment and admission confirmation
AMU MVA Scholarships 2026
Available Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Merit Scholarship | Merit-based | Varies |
| AMU Alumni Scholarship | Descendants of AMU alumni | Varies |
| State Government Scholarships | State-specific criteria | Varies |
| Merit-cum-Means Scholarship | Merit + financial need | Varies |
- Scholarship applications must be submitted within the specified deadlines as notified by the university.
- Students are advised to check the official AMU website and Dean of Students' Welfare office for current scholarship opportunities and application procedures.
- Eligibility and amount vary based on state government policies and university guidelines.
According to an external review site Ranking 2025, AMU ranks 90 out of 255 colleges in India and 2nd in state Uttar Pradesh for its M.V.A program.
- 43 out of 194 under India Today Arts Ranking 2025.
- 50 out of 114 under Outlook Arts Ranking 2024.
Read more on AMU Rankings here
AMU MVA FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between B.F.A and M.V.A, and why should I pursue M.V.A?
Ans. B.F.A (Bachelor of Fine Arts) is a 4-year undergraduate program that provides foundational knowledge in visual arts, painting, sculpture, and art history. M.V.A (Master of Visual Arts) is a 2-year postgraduate program that builds on this foundation with advanced specialization in contemporary art practices, art criticism, and research. M.V.A is ideal if you want to pursue higher-level positions such as senior artist, art educator at college/university level, art curator, or researcher in art history. The degree also opens doors to research opportunities, higher studies like Ph.D. programs, and professional opportunities in the contemporary art market.
Ques. What does the portfolio evaluation in the entrance test assess?
Ans. The portfolio evaluation assesses your artistic skills, creative vision, and understanding of visual principles. It typically includes your best artwork samples (paintings, drawings, sculptures, or mixed media), demonstrating your technical proficiency, conceptual thinking, and artistic maturity. The evaluation committee looks for originality, composition skills, use of color and form, and your ability to communicate ideas through visual means. It's recommended to include diverse works that showcase your range and artistic development. The practical assessment component evaluates your ability to work with different mediums and your understanding of contemporary art practices.
Ques. What are the career prospects after completing M.V.A from AMU?
Ans. M.V.A graduates from AMU have diverse career opportunities including positions as professional artists, art educators in schools and colleges, art curators and administrators in museums and galleries, art critics and writers, researchers in art history and contemporary art, and art consultants. Many graduates establish themselves as independent artists and participate in national and international art exhibitions and art fairs. The department's strong connections with the contemporary art world and participation in prestigious exhibitions like Kochi Biennale provide excellent networking opportunities. AMU's placement support and industry connections help graduates secure positions in reputed art institutions and galleries.
Ques. Does AMU provide studio facilities and exhibition opportunities for M.V.A students?
Ans. Yes, AMU provides well-equipped studio facilities with modern equipment and materials for painting, sculpture, and mixed media work. The department has access to the prestigious Moinuddin Ahmad Art Gallery, which regularly organizes exhibitions, workshops, and collaborative programs. M.V.A students are encouraged to participate in annual art exhibitions, national workshops, and international art events. The gallery provides a platform for students to showcase their work and gain exposure in the contemporary art scene. Additionally, students have opportunities to participate in residencies and collaborative projects with visiting artists and international art institutions.
Ques. What is the scope for research and publication in art history during the M.V.A program?
Ans. The Department of Fine Arts at AMU has a strong research culture with active research programs in art history, contemporary art practices, and art criticism. M.V.A students are encouraged to pursue research projects and can publish their findings in art journals and exhibition catalogues. The department regularly organizes national workshops and seminars on topics like "Representation of Society in Art" and contemporary art practices. This provides excellent opportunities for students interested in academic and research careers to build their research portfolio and contribute to art historical discourse during their postgraduate studies.
Ques. What are the hostel facilities and accommodation options available for M.V.A students?
Ans. AMU provides hostel accommodation for students on a first-come, first-served basis. The hostel fee is approximately Rs 2,000 per month, and the mess charge is around Rs 1,700 per month (which includes three meals a day). Hostels are equipped with basic amenities including a playground and common areas. However, hostel accommodation is optional, and local students or those preferring not to stay in hostels can opt for non-residential status. It's advisable to apply for hostel accommodation early during the admission process if you require residential facilities. The campus location provides easy access to art galleries, museums, and cultural centers in Aligarh.