Accepted entrance exams
About Master of Fine Arts [MFA] (Painting)
The University of Kalyani’s Department of Fine Arts, under the Faculty of Music and Fine Arts, offers a 2-year Master of Fine Arts in Painting. The curriculum covers advanced studio practice in oil, watercolour, and mixed media, art history and criticism, contemporary art theory, printmaking, and thesis exhibition. Established in 1960 and NAAC A-accredited, the university in Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, admits MFA candidates through portfolio review and interview.
📋 Admission Status: Applications for the 2026-27 MFA Painting session at the University of Kalyani are expected to open through the online portal at kums.klyuniv.ac.in from August 2026 (Tentative).
Key Points
- 2-year MFA Painting at University of Kalyani
- Total fee INR 33,470 for the 2-year programme
- Faculty of Music and Fine Arts, established 1960
- Portfolio and interview based admission for BFA graduates
University of Kalyani MFA Painting Fees 2026
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Year 1 Fee | INR 17,010 |
| Year 2 Fee | INR 16,460 |
| Total Programme Fee (2 years) | INR 33,470 |
- Covers admission, tuition, library, exhibition, and examination charges.
- Includes an exhibition fee each semester.
- Hostel charges are billed separately.
University of Kalyani MFA Painting Admission 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Portfolio Submission and Interview | September 2026 (Tentative) |
| Merit List Publication | September 2026 (Tentative) |
| Class Commencement | October 2026 (Tentative) |
- Register at kums.klyuniv.ac.in for Kalyani University PG admission.
- Admission based on qualifying degree marks.
- The department may hold a written entrance test.
- Confirm seat via counselling and document verification.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- BFA or equivalent bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Visual Arts, or Applied Arts from a recognised university.
- 50 percent aggregate marks in the qualifying degree (45 percent for SC and ST).
- Admission may involve a portfolio review of original artworks and an interview with the Faculty of Music and Fine Arts.
- Candidates with relevant professional background may be considered as per departmental guidelines.
Admission Process
- Watch for the PG admission notification on the official University of Kalyani website at klyuniv.ac.in.
- Register on the PG admission portal at kums.klyuniv.ac.in and submit the online application for the relevant programme.
- Upload scanned copies of graduation mark sheets and certificates, identity proof, photograph, and signature.
- Appear for the departmental entrance test if notified, or await the published merit list based on qualifying marks.
- Attend counselling and document verification at the Department and pay the admission fees to confirm the seat.
✓ Opt for this if
- BFA graduates pursuing advanced studio practice in Painting
- West Bengal artists wanting affordable MFA at state university
- Students targeting UGC NET in Visual Arts or college teaching
- Graduates aiming for artist residencies and exhibition careers
✗ Skip if
- Students needing strong campus placement or commercial art jobs
- Candidates without a BFA or equivalent fine arts background
- Students wanting fashion design or graphic design industry roles
University of Kalyani MFA Painting Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| West Bengal Post-Matric Scholarship | Up to INR 10,000 per year | SC, ST, and OBC students with family income below INR 2,50,000 per year |
| Swami Vivekananda Merit cum Means Scholarship | INR 12,000 per year (UG) / INR 18,000 per year (PG) | Students with at least 60 percent in qualifying exam and family income below INR 2,50,000 |
| National Scholarship Portal | Variable | Central and state government scholarships available through scholarships.gov.in |
| Kanyashree K3 | INR 2,000 per month | Female PG students continuing higher education in West Bengal |
- Apply for WB Post-Matric Scholarship at oasis.gov.in.
- Swami Vivekananda: 60 percent aggregate required each semester.
- PwBD students receive additional concessions under the Disability Act.
University of Kalyani MFA Painting FAQs
Ques. What does the MFA Painting programme at Kalyani University cover?
Ans. The 2-year MFA Painting covers advanced studio practice in oil, acrylic, watercolour, and mixed media painting, art history and contemporary theory, printmaking, art criticism, graphic design techniques, and culminates in an MFA exhibition showcasing the student’s individual artistic research and body of work. The curriculum includes seminars in fine arts practice and dissertation.
Ques. What is the eligibility for MFA Painting at the University of Kalyani?
Ans. Applicants must hold a BFA or equivalent bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Visual Arts, or Applied Arts from a recognised university with at least 50 percent aggregate marks (45 percent for SC and ST). Admission typically involves a portfolio review of original artworks and an interview conducted by the Department of Fine Arts at the University of Kalyani.
Ques. What is the total fee for MFA Painting at the University of Kalyani?
Ans. The total fee for the 2-year MFA Painting programme is INR 33,470, with Year 1 fee of INR 17,010 and Year 2 fee of INR 16,460. The fee covers admission, tuition, library, exhibition, and examination charges for both years. Hostel accommodation on the university campus is available and billed separately.
Ques. What career options are available after MFA Painting from Kalyani University?
Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as professional artists, art educators at schools and colleges after qualifying UGC NET in Visual Arts, art critics and curators in galleries and museums, art directors in media and advertising, and art therapists in educational and healthcare settings. Government roles at Lalit Kala Akademi and state cultural departments, and international artist residencies, are also accessible.
Ques. Can I qualify UGC NET after MFA Painting from the University of Kalyani?
Ans. Yes. MFA from the University of Kalyani is UGC-recognised. Graduates with at least 55 percent aggregate are eligible to appear for UGC NET in Visual Arts, qualifying them for Junior Research Fellowship and assistant professor positions in BFA and MFA colleges, art schools, and university departments of fine arts and creative studies.
Ques. What scholarships are available for MFA Painting students at Kalyani University?
Ans. Students can apply for the Swami Vivekananda Merit cum Means Scholarship (INR 18,000 per year for PG) by maintaining 60 percent aggregate. SC, ST, and OBC students can access West Bengal Post-Matric Scholarships at oasis.gov.in. Central scholarships are available at scholarships.gov.in. Lalit Kala Akademi offers annual fellowships and awards for professional artists and advanced fine arts students.