Fine Arts Colleges Move to Single Combined Entrance Test for BFA Admissions

PRESS RELEASE Admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programme at the Fine Arts Colleges functioning under the Department of Art and Culture will, from this year, be conducted through a combined entrance test with a single-window admission process — statement by Director of Art and Culture Department, Tmt. V. Valarmathi, IAS Under the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Tamil Nadu, the Government Fine Arts Colleges, the Mamallapuram Sculpture College, and music colleges and schools function. The Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai, one of the oldest colleges in India, was established in 1850. Along with the Government College of Fine Arts functioning at Kumbakonam since 1887, and the College of Fine Arts started last academic year at the World Tamil Sangam campus in Madurai, three Fine Arts Colleges function under the Department of Art and Culture. The four-year BFA programme at the Government Fine Arts Colleges has three streams — Painting, Visual Communication Design, and Sculpture. At the Chennai College of Fine Arts, additional streams of Industrial Design in Ceramic, Industrial Design in Textile, and Print Making are offered, while the Kumbakonam college additionally offers Integrated Design and Animation and Visual Effects. From the academic year 2026-2027, a combined entrance test will be conducted for all three colleges, and student admission will be carried out through a single-window process. All three colleges mentioned above will function as examination centres. Students may choose any centre for the entrance test. Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard or an equivalent examination to join the BFA programme. Application and other details can be found on the Department of Art and Culture's website, www.artandculture.tn.gov.in. The last date to apply is 08.06.2026. It has been stated in a press note issued by the Director of the Department of Art and Culture, Tmt. V. Valarmathi, IAS, that the existing admission process will continue to be followed for the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programmes at the Chennai and Kumbakonam colleges. ************** Issued By: Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9