Foreign National, NRI, OCI, PIO, and CIWGC students can study Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Maharashtra without any entrance exam. Admission is on Class 12 merit through the State CET Cell, with registration to college allotment handled centrally on fn.mahacet.org across 30+ colleges.
A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Maharashtra is open to international students without any entrance exam. Foreign National, NRI, OCI, PIO, and CIWGC applicants are admitted on Class 12 merit through the State CET Cell portal at fn.mahacet.org, across 30+ UGC-approved colleges.
What is Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)?
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) (Bachelor of Fine Arts) is a four-year degree in visual arts, applied arts and studio practice. It is a 4 Years undergraduate programme taught in English at colleges across Maharashtra, regulated by UGC / AICTE.
Why Maharashtra?
Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai (1857) is the oldest art school in Asia. The state is one of India's leading higher-education hubs, with the largest clusters of colleges in Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur, and strong industry links for internships and placements.
- 30+ colleges participating in the international quota.
- No entrance exam for the international quota.
- English-medium instruction.
- UGC / AICTE-recognised degree.
Do You Need an Entrance Exam?
No. Admission is purely merit-based for the international quota. All international categories — Foreign National, NRI, OCI, PIO, and CIWGC — are eligible.
How the Admission Works
The whole process runs on one portal, fn.mahacet.org, in three stages: pay a USD 50 eligibility fee and upload documents; once eligibility is confirmed, pay a USD 1,150 processing fee to unlock the merit list and seat allotment; and after a seat is allotted, pay your college fees and report for physical document verification.
One portal, start to finish: Registration, document verification, merit listing, and college allotment for the international quota are all managed centrally. There is no separate college-by-college application.
This Guide Series
This is the overview. The four companion guides below cover eligibility, the full fee breakdown, the best colleges, and the long-term value of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do international students need an entrance exam for Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Maharashtra?
No. Admission is merit-based on your Class 12 result for the international quota.
How long is the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programme?
4 Years, taught full-time in English.
Is a Maharashtra Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree recognised?
Yes. Colleges are approved by UGC / AICTE, and the degree is recognised for employment and further study, subject to local requirements in your home country.
Where do I apply for Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)?
All applications for the international quota are made on the single official portal, fn.mahacet.org, run by the State CET Cell, Government of Maharashtra.