Art Courses After 12Th
Exploring the vibrant world of creative careers begins with choosing the right art courses after 12th. Whether your passion lies in fine arts, design, crafts, or digital media, numerous pathways await to hone your skills and launch your professional journey. This article delves into various art and design courses, from short-term certifications to comprehensive degree programs, to help you find your perfect fit.
Art and Craft Courses After 12th
After completing 12th grade, students from any stream can pursue diverse art courses after 12th, including degree, diploma, and certificate programs in art, design, media, and communication. These creative courses offer various specializations and durations, catering to different interests and career aspirations.
| Creative Course | Type | Duration | Approx. Fees/Yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Design (B.Des) | Degree | 4 years | ₹60K–2L |
| Graphic Design | Diploma/Cert | 6–12 mo | ₹15K–50K |
| UI/UX Design | Course/Cert | 6–12 mo | ₹25K–80K |
| Interior Design (B.Des/Diploma) | Degree/Dipl | 3–4 yrs | ₹40K–1.5L |
| Animation and VFX | Degree/Dipl | 3–4 yrs | ₹50K–2L |
| Film Making / Direction | Degree/Dipl | 1–4 yrs | ₹60K–2L |
| Photography | Diploma/Cert | 6–12 mo | ₹10K–40K |
| Journalism & Mass Comm (BJMC) | Degree | 3 years | ₹20K–1.5L |
| Digital Marketing | Cert/Course | 3–6 mo | ₹10K–50K |
| Advertising & Brand Design | Degree/Dipl | 3–4 yrs | ₹40K–1.5L |
| Video Editing | Cert/Course | 2–4 mo | Free–8960K |
| Music Production | Cert/Course | 6–12 mo | ₹20K–70K |
| Creative Writing | Cert/Course | 3–6 mo | Free–20K |
| Game Design | Degree/Dipl | 2–4 yrs | ₹50K–2L |
| Performance Arts (Dance/Theatre) | Degree/Dipl | 3–4 yrs | ₹30K–1.5L |
This table highlights a wide array of creative courses available after 12th grade, ranging from short-term certificates to multi-year degrees, with varying durations and fee structures to suit diverse student needs.
Art and Design Courses After 12th
Fine arts courses after 12th provide a clear direction for students to turn creativity into a career, while the design field offers numerous opportunities for those with a flair for art and innovation. Both paths are integral to high-growth sectors, with increasing demand for skilled graduates.
| Course Name | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Fine Arts | 1 to 2 year | Fundamental sketching, painting & composition techniques |
| Diploma in Sculpture & Clay Modeling | — | Intensive training in 3D forms, anatomy & material studies |
| Certificate in Photography | Short-term | Specialized training in lighting, framing, and digital processing |
| Diploma in Applied Arts | — | Using artistic skills for commercial purposes, like illustration and visual branding |
These diploma and certificate programs offer focused training in various fine arts disciplines, from foundational techniques to specialized commercial applications.
| Exam Name | Description |
|---|---|
| BHU UET | Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test |
| Jamia Millia Islamia entrance exam | For fine arts courses at Jamia Millia Islamia |
| DUET | Delhi University Entrance Test for arts courses |
| State-specific entrance tests | Varies by university |
| College-specific entrance exams and portfolio reviews | Conducted by individual institutions |
Prospective students for fine arts courses after 12th often need to pass specific entrance examinations, which can range from national university tests to individual college assessments.
Fine arts courses after 12th typically follow a ‘Foundation Year’ structure, allowing students to explore various mediums before choosing a specialization. Core subjects in BFA programs include Drawing & Human Anatomy, Aesthetics & Art History, Composition & Color Theory, and Printmaking & Etching.
- Eligibility: Completion of 10+2 from any stream with 45-50% aggregate.
- Age Limit: No age limit for most fine arts programs.
- Portfolio: 10-20 pieces of artwork required for most BFA programs.
- Admission Process: 2-stage selection with entrance test, portfolio review, and interview.
- Specializations: Painting, Sculpture, and Applied Arts in later years.
- Career Relevance: Graduates are integral to media, entertainment, and corporate branding.
Shiv Nadar University offers a Master of Fine Arts program, emphasizing hands-on aesthetic exploration with rigorous academic study. The university provides facilities like a sculpture studio, 3D fabrication, and display space for degree shows, along with a Visual Art Fellowship opportunity.
| Course Name | Primary Focus |
|---|---|
| Fashion Design | Creating clothing and accessories; garment construction, textiles, and fashion trends. |
| Graphic Design | Communicating ideas using visual elements, mainly through digital media. |
| Product Design | Creating and designing functional and aesthetically pleasing products. |
| Interior Design | Designing interior spaces to improve functionality and appearance. |
| Animation and Multimedia Design | Includes animation, visual effects, and 3D modelling, essential for entertainment and advertising. |
| Textile Design | Creating designs for fabrics and textiles, which can be used in fashion or home decor. |
The design field encompasses a wide array of specializations, from creating visual identities and products to shaping physical spaces and digital experiences.
| Exam Name | Description |
|---|---|
| NID DAT | National Institute of Design-Design Aptitude Test, for admission into the National Institute of Design. |
| NIFT Entrance Exam | National Institute of Fashion Technology exam for students interested in fashion design. |
| CEED | Common Entrance Examination for Design, for postgraduate level design courses. |
Key entrance exams like NID DAT and NIFT Entrance Exam are crucial for admission to top design institutions in India, while CEED caters to postgraduate design programs.
The demand for skilled designers is growing, offering many opportunities for students with a flair for art and innovation after completing 12th grade. General eligibility for design courses requires 12th grade completion from a recognised board, often with a minimum percentage and an entrance exam.
- Age Limit: Some institutions have an age limit for design courses.
- Salary Potential: Designers can earn well, especially in UX/UI and fashion design.
- Highest Paying Career: Graphic Design is one of the highest-paying Design careers.
| Job Profile | Role |
|---|---|
| Fashion Designer | Designs clothing and accessories. |
| Graphic Designer | Works on digital media, including websites, advertisements, and branding. |
| Product Designer | Works on the functionality and aesthetics of everyday products. |
| Interior Designer | Plans and designs spaces, including residential and commercial spaces. |
| Animation Artist | Creates animated content for movies, video games, and advertisements. |
Careers in design span diverse roles, from creating visual content and products to shaping fashion and interior environments.
| Job Profile | Role |
|---|---|
| Creative Director | Oversees design projects and plays a key role in companies’ branding and design strategies. |
| UX/UI Designer | Specialises in user experience and interface design, creating the visual design for websites and apps. |
| Fashion Designer | Skilful fashion designers can earn attractive salaries by working for top brands or launching their collections. |
Top-paying design roles, such as Creative Director and UX/UI Designer, reflect the high value placed on strategic design leadership and specialized digital skills in the industry.
Top Art Colleges & Training Institutes in India — State-Wise List
Because Art is a specialised field, the strongest options in India are a mix of colleges, training academies, and professional institutes. Below are 33 institutes grouped by state — each entry shows the type of institute, specific program offered, complete duration + fees, and admission route:
📍 Delhi NCR (6 institutes)
| Institute | Program & Duration | Admission Process | Complete Fees | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apeejay Institute of Design New Delhi · Professional School |
Bachelor of Design (B.Des) 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, interview, 12th pass | ₹1.5-3 Lakhs yearly | None |
| Delhi College of Art New Delhi · College |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | Mentioned as a top college for BFA |
| Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi · University |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | Mentioned as a top college for BFA |
| National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology New Delhi · Deemed University |
History of Art, Conservation, Museology courses 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | None |
| National Institute of Fine Arts (NIFA) Delhi · Training Institute |
Professional BFA Course, Diploma in Fine Arts 1-4 years |
Direct admission, 12th pass | ₹50,000-1.5 Lakhs total | National center for education in arts |
| Kalabhumi Institute Delhi · Training Institute |
Diploma in Fine Arts & Design, Diploma in Painting, Design, Animation & Graphic Design 1-2 years |
Direct admission, 12th pass | Varies, with 50% scholarship available, starting from ₹50,000 total | None |
📍 Maharashtra (6 institutes)
| Institute | Program & Duration | Admission Process | Complete Fees | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Printing Engineering and Graphic Communication Pune · Professional School |
Graphic Communication, Printing Engineering 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2.5 Lakhs yearly | None |
| Film Television Institute of India (FTII) Pune · Government Institute |
Film & Television Arts Diploma 1-3 years |
Entrance exam, interview, 12th pass | ₹1-3 Lakhs total | Renowned national institute for film and television education |
| Industrial Design Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Mumbai · University |
Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Industrial Design 4 years |
Entrance exam (UCEED/CEED), 12th pass | ₹1-3 Lakhs yearly | Part of a prestigious IIT |
| Sir J.J. School of Art Mumbai · College |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | Mentioned as a top college for BFA |
| L. S. Raheja School of Art Mumbai · Professional School |
Fine Arts, Applied Arts Diploma 3-4 years |
Direct admission, portfolio review, 12th pass | ₹1-3 Lakhs yearly | None |
| SNDT College of Arts and SCB College of Commerce and Science for Women Mumbai · College |
B.V.A Painting and Craft 3-4 years |
Direct admission, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | None |
📍 Karnataka (4 institutes)
| Institute | Program & Duration | Admission Process | Complete Fees | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Fine Arts Bangalore · College |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2.5 Lakhs yearly | None |
| Acharya School of Design Bangalore · Professional School |
B.V.A Painting and Craft 3-4 years |
Direct application, 12th pass | ₹1-3 Lakhs yearly | None |
| JSS Halbhavi School of Art Dharwad · Professional School |
B.V.A Painting and Craft 3-4 years |
Direct admission, 12th pass | ₹50,000-1.5 Lakhs yearly | None |
| Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath College of Fine Arts Bangalore · College |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | None |
📍 Tamil Nadu (4 institutes)
| Institute | Program & Duration | Admission Process | Complete Fees | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Madras Chennai · University |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | None |
| Government College of Arts and Crafts Chennai · Government Institute |
Arts and Crafts courses 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | None |
| AFA-Animation And Fine Arts Academy Coimbatore · Academy |
Animation and Fine Arts Diploma 6 months – 2 years |
Direct admission, interview, 12th pass | ₹1-3 Lakhs total | None |
| MGR Government Film and Television Training Institute Chennai · Government Institute |
Film and Television Training 1-3 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | None |
📍 Uttar Pradesh (3 institutes)
| Institute | Program & Duration | Admission Process | Complete Fees | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Arts and Crafts Lucknow · College |
Fine Arts / Arts and Crafts courses 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | None |
| Faculty of Visual Arts, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Varanasi · University |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | Mentioned as a top college for BFA |
| University of Lucknow Lucknow · University |
Fine Arts courses 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | None |
📍 West Bengal (3 institutes)
| Institute | Program & Duration | Admission Process | Complete Fees | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty of Visual Arts, Rabindra Bharati University Kolkata · University |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | None |
| Government College of Art and Craft Kolkata · Government Institute |
Art & Craft courses 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | None |
| Kala Bhavan, Visva-Bharati University Santiniketan · University |
Fine Arts 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | Founded by Rabindranath Tagore, known for its unique approach to art education |
📍 Gujarat (4 institutes)
| Institute | Program & Duration | Admission Process | Complete Fees | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty of Fine Arts, M.S.University of Baroda Vadodara · University |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | Mentioned as a top college for BFA |
| National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad · Professional School |
Bachelor of Design (B.Des) 4 years |
Entrance exam (NID DAT), 12th pass | ₹2-4 Lakhs yearly | Premier design institute in India |
| Parul University (PU) Vadodara · Private University |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹1-3 Lakhs yearly | None |
| CVM College of Fine Arts Anand · College |
Fine Arts 3-4 years |
Direct admission, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | None |
📍 Rajasthan (2 institutes)
| Institute | Program & Duration | Admission Process | Complete Fees | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biyani Girls College Jaipur · College |
B.V.A Painting and Craft 3-4 years |
Direct admission, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | None |
| University of Rajasthan Jaipur · University |
Fine Arts courses 3-4 years |
Entrance exam, 12th pass | ₹50,000-2 Lakhs yearly | None |
📍 Other Cities Across India (1 institutes)
| Institute | Program & Duration | Admission Process | Complete Fees | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World University Of Design (WUD) Sonipat · Private University |
Bachelor of Design (B.Des) 4 years |
Entrance exam (WUDAT), 12th pass | ₹2-5 Lakhs yearly | None |
Art Degree Courses After 12th
Fine arts courses after 12th offer a clear direction, helping students transform creativity into a career in fields like painting, sculpture, or digital art. These programs are integral for aspiring artists seeking professional development and entry into high-growth sectors.
| Course Name | Duration | Eligibility | Average Salary Range (INR/Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Bachelor of Arts) | 3 years | 12th in any stream with 50% marks | 2.5 – 5 LPA |
| BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication) | 3 years | 12th in any stream with 50% marks | 3 – 7 LPA |
| BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) | 3 Years | 12th in any stream with 50% marks | 3 – 6 LPA |
| LLB (Bachelor of Laws) | 5 years (Integrated) | 12th in any stream with 50% marks | 4 – 10 LPA |
| BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) | 4 years | 12th in any stream with 50% marks | 2.5 – 6 LPA |
| BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) | 3 years | 12th in any stream with 50% marks | 2 – 5 LPA |
| BA (Hons) in Psychology | 3 years | 12th in any stream with 50% marks | 3 – 8 LPAA |
| BA (Hons) in Sociology | 3 years | 12th in any stream with 50% marks | 2.5 – 6 LPA |
| Bachelor of Fashion Design | 3-4 years) | 12th in any stream with 50% marks | 3 – 8 LPA |
This table highlights various popular art courses after 12th, showing their typical durations, eligibility criteria, and average salary ranges, with BFA programs offering competitive career prospects.
For those considering art courses after 12th, specifically fine arts degrees, basic eligibility requires completion of 10+2 from any recognized board, with no age limit for most programs.
- Minimum Marks: Usually 45-50% aggregate (varies by institution).
- Portfolio: 10-20 pieces of artwork required for most BFA programs.
Most fine arts courses after 12th follow a ‘Foundation Year’ structure, allowing students to explore all mediums before specializing. By 2026, fine arts graduates will be integral to high-growth sectors like media, entertainment, and corporate branding.
BFA programs include core subjects designed to build foundational artistic skills.
- Core Subjects: Drawing & Human Anatomy, Aesthetics & Art History.
- Further Core: Composition & Color Theory, Printmaking & Etching.
Specialization occurs in later years, allowing students to focus on specific artistic disciplines.
- Painting: Mastering oils, tempera, and contemporary experimental media.
- Sculpture: Working with stone, metal casting, environmental installations.
- Applied Arts: Creating visual identities, posters, typography-led art.
Admission to fine arts programs typically involves a structured selection process.
- Entrance Exams: BHU UET, Jamia Millia Islamia, DUET, state/college-specific tests.
- Selection Process: 2-stage process with written/practical test, portfolio review, and interview.
BFA programs prepare and hone skills for diverse careers in the creative industry.
| BFA-Related Career | Average Annual Salary (as of Dec 2025) |
|---|---|
| Actor | ₹3,00,000 |
| Painter | ₹2,40,000 |
| Writer | ₹2,88,000 |
| Graphic designer | ₹2,40,000 |
| Musician | ₹5,04,000 |
These salaries reflect the earning potential across various creative roles for BFA graduates, with musicians earning the highest among these examples.
Beyond fine arts, other popular arts courses for girls include:
- Sociology: BA in Sociology.
- Fashion Communication: B.Des in Fashion Communication.
- English Literature: BA in English Literature.
- Public Administration: BA in Public Administration / Governance.
