Accepted entrance exams
Fees
Fees at the University of Allahabad for the Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) program are typically structured as follows: the fee has increased to Rs. 45,000 per semester as of 2023, with a previous rate of Rs. 48,000 per year and earlier at Rs. 52,000 per year. Some reports indicate the current yearly fee hiked to Rs. 90,000. An additional university fee of approximately Rs. 3,909 per year was noted previously.
An examination reappearance incurs a cost of Rs. 500 per subject if necessary. Scholarships are available, notably the UP scholarship, which provides financial assistance up to Rs. 50,000, significantly reducing the effective study cost. Other specific scholarship amounts are Rs. 17,000 for general categories, Rs. 16,000 for OBC, and Rs. 35,000 for SC/ST categories. The comprehensive fee structure includes tuition, admission, development, and lab fees, with individual components such as tuition fees being Rs.
24,000, admission fees at Rs. 4,000, and lab fees at Rs. 12,000.
About Master of Fine Arts [MFA] (Painting)
The Master of Fine Arts [MFA] in Painting is a prestigious 2-year full-time postgraduate degree program offered by the Department of Visual Arts at the University of Allahabad, one of India's oldest and most respected central universities. This course is designed for aspiring artists and painters seeking advanced training in contemporary and traditional painting techniques, art theory, and creative expression. With an exceptionally affordable fee structure of just ₹2,200 for the entire 2-year duration and a total intake of seats available through PGAT, the MFA Painting program combines rigorous studio practice with theoretical knowledge. The program is recognized for producing accomplished artists who pursue careers as professional painters, art educators, curators, and creative professionals. The course is highly popular among art graduates and working professionals who wish to refine their artistic skills and establish themselves in the contemporary art world.
Admissions to the MFA Painting program are conducted through PGAT (Post Graduate Admission Test) 2026-27. The PGAT 2026 registration commenced on April 24, 2026, and the application deadline was May 15, 2026. The entrance examination was conducted from June 10-13, 2026, with results declared on June 25-27, 2026. Following the result announcement, counselling and registration for MFA Painting admission commenced in July 2026, with the batch start date in August 2026. The PGAT 2026 cutoff for MFA was 164-172 marks across different categories. Candidates are advised to monitor the official University of Allahabad website (www.allduniv.ac.in) for the exact counselling schedule and registration dates for the 2026-27 academic session.
Key Points
- Comprehensive studio-based curriculum covering painting techniques, art history, contemporary art practices, and creative expression
- Access to well-equipped art studios with professional-grade materials and facilities for painting practice
- Strong emphasis on individual artistic development through guided studio work and mentorship from experienced faculty
- Exposure to diverse painting mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media techniques
- Regular exhibitions and showcases of student work providing platform for artistic recognition
- Collaboration with contemporary art galleries and cultural institutions for exhibition opportunities
- Faculty comprises accomplished artists with national and international recognition
AU MFA Fees
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (Year 1) | ₹1,100 |
| Tuition Fees (Year 2) | ₹1,100 |
| Total Tuition Fees | ₹2,200 |
| Hostel Fees (Optional) | ₹1,000 to ₹1,84,000 |
| Total Fees (Tuition Only) | ₹2,200 |
- Tuition fees are refundable as per university norms.
- Hostel fees are optional and vary based on hostel category and facilities.
- Students opting for hostel accommodation should budget an additional amount.
- No EMI options are currently available; fees are payable in installments as per university guidelines.
- Payment schedules are typically divided into two parts corresponding to each academic year.
- Additional costs may include art materials and supplies which students typically purchase separately.
AU MFA Admission 2026
Important Dates for MFA Painting Admission 2026-27
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| PGAT 2026 Registration Start | April 24, 2026 |
| PGAT 2026 Registration End | May 15, 2026 |
| PGAT 2026 Exam Date | June 10-13, 2026 |
| PGAT 2026 Result Declaration | June 25-27, 2026 |
| PG Counselling & Registration Start | July 2026 |
| Batch Start Date | August 2026 |
PGAT 2026 Cutoff Marks for MFA
| Category | Cutoff Marks |
|---|---|
| General | 172 |
| OBC | 168 |
| SC | 164 |
| ST | 160 |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts (BFA) or equivalent graduation from a recognized university
- Valid PGAT 2026 score as per the cutoff marks set by the university for respective categories
- Candidates with graduation in any discipline are eligible to apply, though background in visual arts is preferred
Admission Process
- Register and apply for PGAT 2026 on the official University of Allahabad website before the deadline
- Appear for the PGAT 2026 entrance examination during the scheduled dates
- Download the admit card from the university portal using registration credentials
- Obtain the PGAT result and check if you meet the cutoff marks for your category
- Register for University of Allahabad PG counselling through the official counselling portal after result declaration
- Participate in online counselling rounds and select your preferred course and category
- Complete document verification and fee payment as per the counselling schedule
- Enroll in the university and commence classes in August 2026
AU MFA Scholarships 2026
Available Scholarships
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merit Cum Means Scholarship | Merit-based with income limit of ₹1 lakh | ₹5,000 per year | Annual |
| SC/ST Scholarship (State) | SC/ST category with income limit of ₹1 lakh | ₹330 (delegacy) + ₹510 (hostel) | Annual |
| OBC Scholarship (State) | OBC category with income limit of ₹1 lakh | ₹330 (delegacy) + ₹510 (hostel) | Annual |
| General Scholarship (State) | General category with income limit of ₹1 lakh | ₹330 (delegacy) + ₹510 (hostel) | Annual |
| Minority Scholarship | Minority category with income limit of ₹2 lakh | ₹330 (delegacy) + ₹510 (hostel) | Annual |
| UGC Scholarship (Research) | NET qualified candidates pursuing research | ₹12,000 (JRF) / ₹14,000 (SRF) + HRA | Monthly |
| Krishnawanti & Manohar Lal Memorial Award | Meritorious visually impaired students | ₹25,000 | One-time |
| Krishna Kumari Varma Memorial Award | Meritorious visually impaired PG students | ₹21,000 | One-time |
| Jawahar Bhawan Trust Scholarship | MA/MSc/MCom/Law students | ₹1,000 | Annual |
- Scholarship applications must be submitted within the specified deadlines as notified by the university.
- Merit cum means scholarship requires income certificate and merit documentation.
- State-level scholarships are processed through the Samaj Kalyan Vibhag (Social Welfare Department).
- Conditions apply as per individual scholarship guidelines.
- Students are advised to check the official university website for updated scholarship notifications and application procedures.
AU MFA FAQs
Ques. What is the eligibility requirement for MFA Painting admission at University of Allahabad?
Ans. The primary eligibility requirement for MFA Painting admission is a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts (BFA) or equivalent graduation from a recognized university. However, candidates with graduation in any discipline are eligible to apply. A valid PGAT score meeting the cutoff marks for your category is mandatory. While a background in visual arts or painting is preferred, the university considers applications from diverse educational backgrounds as long as candidates demonstrate artistic aptitude and commitment to pursuing advanced painting studies.
Ques. How affordable is the MFA Painting program at University of Allahabad?
Ans. The MFA Painting program at University of Allahabad is exceptionally affordable with a total tuition fee of just ₹2,200 for the entire 2-year duration, making it one of the most cost-effective postgraduate art programs in India. This fee covers all academic and instructional costs. Hostel accommodation is optional and costs between ₹1,000 to ₹1,84,000 depending on the hostel category and facilities. Students should budget separately for art materials and supplies, which are typically purchased individually. There are no hidden charges; all fees are transparent and published by the university. Scholarships are available for eligible students based on merit and category.
Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing MFA Painting from University of Allahabad?
Ans. MFA Painting graduates from University of Allahabad have diverse career opportunities in the art world. Many graduates pursue careers as professional painters and exhibiting artists, participating in national and international art exhibitions. Others work as art educators and teachers in schools, colleges, and art institutions. Career options also include roles as art directors, curators, art critics, and creative consultants in galleries and cultural organizations. Some graduates establish their own art studios or work as freelance artists. The average salary for MFA graduates ranges from ₹4-6 lakhs annually for entry-level positions, with potential for higher earnings as artists establish their reputation and client base. The degree significantly enhances career prospects in the contemporary art market.
Ques. What is the studio practice component in the MFA Painting program?
Ans. The MFA Painting program emphasizes extensive studio practice as the core component of learning. Students have access to well-equipped art studios with professional-grade materials and facilities for painting practice. The curriculum includes guided studio work where students develop their artistic voice under the mentorship of experienced faculty members. Students explore diverse painting mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media techniques. The program encourages experimentation and individual artistic development through regular studio sessions. Students also participate in regular exhibitions and showcases of their work, providing platforms for artistic recognition and feedback from peers and faculty.
Ques. Are there opportunities for exhibition and recognition during the MFA program?
Ans. Yes, the MFA Painting program at University of Allahabad provides multiple opportunities for exhibition and artistic recognition. Students' work is regularly showcased in university exhibitions and art galleries. The department collaborates with contemporary art galleries and cultural institutions in Allahabad and beyond for exhibition opportunities. Students can participate in group exhibitions, solo shows, and art fairs during their course duration. These exhibitions provide valuable exposure to the art community, potential collectors, and art professionals. Such platforms help students build their artistic portfolio and establish themselves in the contemporary art world while still pursuing their studies.
Ques. What is the teaching methodology and faculty expertise in the MFA Painting program?
Ans. The MFA Painting program employs a studio-based teaching methodology where learning is primarily experiential and practice-oriented. Faculty members are accomplished artists with national and international recognition in the field of painting and visual arts. They provide individual mentorship and guidance to students, helping them develop their unique artistic voice and technical skills. The teaching approach combines traditional painting techniques with contemporary art practices, ensuring students are equipped with both classical knowledge and modern artistic sensibilities. Regular critiques, seminars, and discussions with faculty and peers form an integral part of the learning process, fostering a vibrant artistic community within the department.