Fees
Fees at Banaras Hindu University for the Bachelor of Arts + Bachelor of Law [BALLB] {Hons.} program comprise various components. The annual tuition fee is now set at Rs. 72,000. Additional costs include a hostel fee of Rs. 6,000 per year and a monthly mess fee of approximately Rs. 4,500.
There is a student welfare fee of Rs. 200 annually. Other yearly expenses include Rs. 170 for cultural activities, Rs. 350 for student health facilities, Rs. 100 for computer and internet facilities, Rs. 50 for the Alumni Activity Fund, Rs. 100 for training and placement, and Rs. 10 for the Border Delegacy fee.
The special course fee amounts to Rs. 60,000, while a laminated ID card costs Rs. 26. Scholarships are available, particularly benefiting students from reserved categories.
About Bachelor of Fine Arts [B.F.A]
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi is a 4-year full-time undergraduate programme offered by the Faculty of Visual Arts. The programme spans 8 semesters and covers specialisations including Applied Arts, Painting, Plastic Arts, Textile Design, and Pottery and Ceramics. BHU offers 96 seats across these specialisations, with an extremely affordable tuition fee of just Rs. 2,300 per year (total Rs. 9,200 for the entire 4-year course). Admission is based on CUET-UG scores, and the programme is highly popular for its world-class faculty, studio infrastructure, and BHU's legacy as one of India's premier universities for arts education. The Faculty of Visual Arts at BHU is one of the oldest and most respected fine arts institutions in India, attracting students from across the country.
Admissions for the 2026-27 session are upcoming. CUET-UG 2026 registration closed on February 26, 2026, and the exam is scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026. Results are expected by July 4, 2026 (tentative). BHU's own seat allotment and counselling process will follow after CUET-UG results. Candidates who have already registered for CUET-UG 2026 should check admission.bhu.ac.in for BHU-specific counselling dates.
Key Points
- BHU's Faculty of Visual Arts is one of the oldest fine arts faculties in India, established within one of Asia's largest residential universities.
- The BFA programme offers specialisations in Applied Arts, Painting, Plastic Arts, Textile Design, and Pottery and Ceramics.
- Admission requires CUET-UG score; candidates must also appear in a Drawing/Practical test as part of BHU's selection process.
- Age limit: Candidates must not be more than 22 years of age as of July 1, 2026.
- The programme is on-campus and full-time, with access to well-equipped studios, workshops, and the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum on campus.
- Merit scholarships are available for top-performing students, making education nearly free for eligible candidates.
- BHU is an Institution of Eminence (IoE) with a sprawling 550-hectare campus in Varanasi.
BHU BFA Fees
The BFA programme at BHU is one of the most affordable fine arts programmes in India, with a total tuition fee of just Rs. 9,200 for the entire 4-year course (Rs. 2,300 per year). In addition to tuition, students pay nominal other charges each semester. Hostel accommodation is optional and available separately at approximately Rs. 7,500 per year for boys and Rs. 8,500 per year for girls (excluding mess charges).
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | Rs. 2,300 |
| Total Tuition Fees (4 years) | Rs. 9,200 |
BHU BFA Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CUET-UG 2026 Registration Closed | February 26, 2026 |
| CUET-UG 2026 Exam | May 11 to May 31, 2026 |
| Results Expected | July 4, 2026 (tentative) |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent examination with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate from a recognised board.
- Candidates must not be more than 22 years of age as of July 1, 2026.
- Candidates appearing in their Class 12 final examination may apply provisionally.
Admission Process:
- Register for CUET-UG 2026 at cuet.nta.nic.in and appear for the relevant paper.
- Apply separately for BHU UG admission at admission.bhu.ac.in after CUET-UG registration.
- Appear for BHU's drawing/practical test as part of the selection process (conducted at BHU, Varanasi).
- Seat allotment is done through BHU's Combined Allotment Programme (CAP-UG 2026) based on CUET-UG score and practical test performance.
- Upload required documents (Class 10 and 12 marksheets, caste certificate if applicable, etc.) during BHU registration.
- Pay admission fee and report physically to the Faculty of Visual Arts for final admission.
BHU BFA Scholarships 2026
BHU BFA students can avail a range of scholarships from central government schemes, state government schemes, and BHU's own merit-based financial assistance programmes. Given the already low tuition fees, scholarships can make the BFA programme virtually free for eligible students.
Scholarship Options
| Scholarship Type | Portal/Helpline |
|---|---|
| NSP Scholarships | scholarships.gov.in |
| PM-Vidyalaxmi Education Loans | pmvidyalaxmi.co.in (Toll-free: 1800-1031) |
- NSP scholarships must be applied for on scholarships.gov.in before the state-specific deadline (usually October-November each year).
- BHU's merit scholarship programme is highly effective; top-ranking students have reported receiving education at near-zero cost.
- Education loans under PM-Vidyalaxmi are available at pmvidyalaxmi.co.in with a toll-free helpline: 1800-1031.
BHU BFA FAQs
Q1. What specialisations are available in BHU BFA, and how is the specialisation allotted?
Ans. BHU BFA offers specialisations in Applied Arts, Painting, Plastic Arts, Textile Design, and Pottery and Ceramics. Specialisation allotment is based on merit in CUET-UG and the drawing/practical test, along with candidate preference. Students should indicate their preferred specialisation during the BHU admission registration process.
Q2. Is there a drawing or practical test for BHU BFA admission, and how should I prepare?
Ans. Yes, BHU conducts a drawing/practical test as part of the BFA admission process. Candidates are advised to practice drawing and sketching regularly, ideally for at least 2 hours daily. Joining a dedicated drawing coaching class for BFA entrance preparation is recommended. The practical test assesses creative skills, observation, and technical drawing ability.
Q3. What is the age limit for BHU BFA admission?
Ans. Candidates must not be more than 22 years of age as of July 1, 2026. There is a relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/PwBD candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates in the upper age limit.
Q4. Can I pursue BHU BFA if I am from a Science or Commerce background in Class 12?
Ans. Yes, BHU BFA is open to students from any stream (Arts, Science, or Commerce) in Class 12, provided they have secured at least 50% marks in aggregate. The programme focuses on artistic skills rather than academic stream background.
Q5. What career options are available after BFA from BHU?
Ans. BFA graduates from BHU can pursue careers as professional artists, art teachers in schools (including KVS and DPS), graphic designers, illustrators, textile designers, animators, art directors, and freelance artists. Many graduates also pursue MFA (Master of Fine Arts) for advanced specialisation and academic careers. BHU's strong alumni network and reputation in the arts world significantly enhance career prospects.
Q6. Is hostel accommodation available for BFA students at BHU, and what are the facilities?
Ans. Hostel accommodation at BHU is subject to availability and is not guaranteed. BHU has 72 hostels accommodating nearly 11,000 students. Hostels are equipped with internet connectivity and basic amenities. Students must apply separately for hostel allotment after securing admission. Given high demand, it is advisable to apply early and also explore off-campus accommodation options in Varanasi.