Bachelors of Visual Arts or BVA is a 4-year undergraduate degree in the field of fine arts. The candidates can choose this course to specialize in areas like Animation, Graphics, Painting, Sculpture, Applied Arts, Print Media, etc. The minimum eligibility to apply to the BVA course is 10+2 with at least 50% marks from a recognized board. The admissions are usually based on university level entrance exams.
This course deals with the study of various forms of visual arts that include animation, multimedia, painting, sculpture, architecture, etc. The BVA course includes subjects like art history, various forms of visual arts, creating portfolios, etc. The course covers both theoretical and practical aspects of learning.
See Also: BVA Top colleges in India
There are various institutes that offer this course. The average BVA course fees range from around INR 50,000 - 6,00,000 per annum. The candidates who have successfully completed BVA can get jobs in areas like Art Studios, Auction Houses, Photography Studios, Educational Institutes, Film Industry, Hospitals, Libraries, Museums & Galleries, etc.
The job profiles offered to BVA candidates include Art Conservator, Art Critic, Art Teacher, Associate Art Director, Audio Visual Artist, Costume Designer, Graphic Designer, Visual Designer, etc. The average salary after BVA ranges from INR 4,00,000 - 20,00,000 per annum.
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The BVA graduates are talented enough to work independently as a freelancer. After completion of the course, the candidates can also pursue higher studies in MFA, MVA, MA Visual Arts, MA Fine Arts, etc.
BVA Course Highlights
BVA has scopes in various areas. The course is currently in huge demand because of the development in the media and entertainment industry. The basic information about the course is mentioned in the table below:
Full-Form | Bachelors of Visual Arts |
Course level | Undergraduate |
Duration | 4 years |
Examination Type | Semester |
Eligibility | 10+2 with a minimum of 50% |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam |
Average Course Fees | INR 50K - 6 lakh |
Average Salary | INR 2 - 20 lakh |
Job Profiles | Art Conservator, Art Critic, Art Teacher, Associate Art Director, Audio Visual Artist, Costume Designer, Graphic Designer, Visual Designer, etc. |
Areas of Employment | Art Studios, Auction Houses, Photography Studios, Educational Institutes, Film Industry, Hospitals, Libraries, Museums & Galleries, etc. |
Top Recruiters | Prime Focus, Red Chillies, HT Media, Reliance Mediaworks, etc |
BVA: What is it About?
- It is a 4-year undergraduate degree in the field of fine arts. It is specially designed for students who have creative instincts and want to build a career in the field of arts.
- Visual art is a form of art that deals with the visual form in nature like ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, crafts, photography, video, film making, and architecture.
- The course appeals to the aesthetic sense of the students and helps them to increase their imagination in the field of art.
- The students planning to take up BVA can choose to specialize in the three classical branches of visual media i.e, painting, sculpture, and architecture.
- Many other art forms like the performing arts, conceptual art, textile arts also include some aspects of visual arts. Therefore BVA can also be done with courses like product designing, furniture designing, textile designing, interior designing, music, theatre, film, dance, animation, etc.
- The students will be given both theoretical and practical knowledge in the area they want to specialize, and help them to build a successful career in that field.
Why Study BVA?
- Visual arts education allows students to express their ideas and emotions and also helps them to communicate through images.
- Visual arts helps with the aesthetic, intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of an individual.
- The skills that the students will learn during the course are creativity, artistic ability, organization skills, ability to focus and concentrate, observant, visualization skills, imaginative skills, innovative skills, ability to express, etc.
- Visual arts education helps to preserve the diverse cultural heritage and helps us to visualize our origin and history. The painting and sculpture that we see in the museums are not just the forms of art, they tell stories about our past. Today, the BVA graduates are communicating stories and news from around the world through movies, videos, dance forms, paintings, and sculptures.
- The BVA graduates will be able to find jobs in areas like art studios, museums & galleries, film industry, the television industry, photo studios, clothing industry, and so on.
What is the Admission Process for BVA?
The admission to the BVA courses is usually based on the entrance test conducted by the particular institute. The institutes conduct an aptitude and creative test, which is followed by a personal interview.
The admission procedure followed by the top institutes are mentioned below:
- Step 1: Application: The candidates will have to apply to the institutes by filling up the application form.
- Step 2: Entrance exam: Candidates who have applied can download the admit card and sit for the entrance exam. The examination will be mainly to test the aptitude and also the creative ability of the student.
- Step 3: Merit-List: The candidates who have cleared the minimum cut-off will be shortlisted for further processing.
- Step 4: Interview: The shortlisted candidates will have to appear for a personal interview, where they will be asked questions related to the field of study they choose. Also, they may have to provide evidence of their creativity, which may include the portfolio of drawing, photographs, crafts, etc.
- Step 5: Offer Letter: The selected candidates will be sent an offer letter to join and all details about the fees and accommodation will be mentioned.
Read more on LPU Admission Process.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for BVA?
The candidates should fulfill the following eligibility criteria to take admission into BVA courses:
- They should have successfully completed their 10+2 in any stream (arts, science or commerce) from a recognized board.
- They should have scored a minimum of 50% marks in their class 12th. This may vary according to the institute. Some institutes also offer relaxation to the reserved category candidates.
Is there any Entrance Exam for BVA Course?
To get admission into BVA, the candidates have to go through the arts aptitude test conducted by the particular institutes. Some institutes conduct a normal entrance test to check the aptitude and the creativity is tested during the personal interview through questions asked and the portfolios.
Some of the entrance exams for BVA are:
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Arts Aptitude Test (AAP) - This exam is conducted by the World University of Design for admission into UG and PG visual arts program.
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LPUNEST - It is a university level entrance exam conducted by Lovely Professional University for admission into various courses offered by the institute that also included the visual arts courses.
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JMI Entrance Exam - Jamia Millia Islamia conducts admission into various courses through the national level entrance test.
Name of the exam | Application Period | Exam Date |
---|---|---|
AAP | To be Announced | To be Announced |
LPUNEST | November 1, 2022 – January 20, 2023 | January 25- February 7, 2023 |
CUET | February 2023 – 4th week of March 2023 |
May 21 – 31, 2023 Reserved date: June 1 –7, 2023 |
How to Prepare for the BVA Entrance Exams?
- The question paper for the BVA entrance exam is divided into 3 sections: Still life, Questions based on the subject chosen, and the Theory question. The first two sections are usually 1.5 hours each and the theory section is of 2 hours.
- In the still life section, few objects will be placed in front of the candidates and they will have to draw that object with the help of graphite pencil. The candidates have to make sure that the texture and the proportions of the objects placed are perfect. This section is the easiest among the other sections and can only be achieved through practice.
- In the specialization subject section, the question will be based on the subjects the candidate has chosen. Like illustrations will be given for applied arts, compositions for painting & printmaking, storyboard for visual communication, and clay modeling for sculpture. The candidates will have to prepare according to their subject.
- Theory questions will consist of MCQ questions from current affairs, history of art, art & culture, movies, and anything that is related to visual arts.
- Candidates can refer to a book named "A Composition Guide to BFA Theory Entrance Examination" by Dr. Paromita Basu to prepare the theory section.
Go through the Sample Papers of LPUNEST to prepare better for the exam.
How to get Admission in a Good BVA College?
- Admission for BVA is usually conducted through entrance exams. So, it is very important to start preparing for it as early as possible. The candidates who are already experienced in drawing and painting can easily crack the still life section and the subject related section. They will have to only prepare for the theory section.
- The candidates should put a lot of practice until and unless they are able to draw the object with perfect lines, texture, and proportion. Drawing is still easier, but sketching it to look real is the tough part and the candidates will have to put a lot of effort into this.
- The candidates should make a list of colleges they want to apply and stay updated with their dates of application and exam.
Which Subjects are Taught in BVA?
The syllabus of the BVA includes Art History, Introduction to all forms of visual arts, and specialization course to specialize in a specific field. The courses covered during the 4 years program are mentioned below:
Year I | |
---|---|
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Elements & Principles of art | Communication Skills |
Introduction to Art History | Graphic Tools |
Introduction to Drawing | History of Indian Art |
Introduction to Painting | Introduction to Photography |
Introduction to Sculpture | Material Construction |
- | Nature Study |
- | Printmaking |
Year II | |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Basic Sketching | Anatomy Sketching |
Communication Skills | History of Western Art |
Discipline Minor Elective | Portfolio |
Modern Indian Art | Specialization Elective |
Specialization Elective | - |
Year III | |
Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
Flora & Fauna Sketching | Flora & Fauna Sketching |
Indian Aesthetics | Portfolio |
Modern Western Art | Western Aesthetics |
Specialization Elective | Specialization elective |
Year IV | |
Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
Architectural Sketching | Contemporary Art & Practices |
Introduction to World Civilization | Portfolio |
Virtual Portfolio | - |
Specialization Electives | - |
Which are the Top Colleges for BVA?
Some of the top colleges that offer Bachelors of Visual Arts are mentioned in the table below:
Name of the Institute | Location | Admission Process | Average Course Fees |
---|---|---|---|
Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi | Entrance Exam | INR 7,100 |
Alagappa University | Karaikudi | Merit-based | INR 9,500 |
Amity School of Fine Arts, Amity University | Noida | English language test + Creative Test | INR 54,000 |
KL University | Guntur | Entrance Exam | INR 60,000 |
Symbiosis School of Photography, Symbiosis International University | Pune | Creative Visualization and Personal Interaction | INR 4,40,000 |
Bangalore University | Bangalore | Entrance Test | INR 21,000 |
Lovely Professional University | Jalandhar | LPUNEST | INR 58,000 |
Chandigarh University | Chandigarh | CUCET | INR 76,000 |
World University of Design | Sonepat | Aptitude Test + Interview | INR 84,000 |
Vogue Institute of Art and Design | Bangalore | Direct admission | INR 2,28,000 |
Source: College Websites
Bachelors of Visual Arts College Comparison
A comparison among the top 3 colleges offering Bachelors of Visual Arts is mentioned below. The comparison is done on the basis of ranking, average course fees, average salary package offered, and the top recruiters.
Top Colleges | Amity School of Fine Arts, Noida | KL University, Department of Fine Arts | Lovely Professional University |
---|---|---|---|
Location | Noida, Uttar Pradesh | Vaddeswaram, Andhra Pradesh | Phagwara, Punjab |
Overview | Amity School of Fine Arts was established in 2004 under Amity University. The school offers various fine art courses like painting, animation, etc. | The department of fine arts at KL University was introduced in 2015. They focus on producing trained, socially responsible, and creative media professionals. | LPU is one of the leading private institutes in northern India. They offer courses in fields like arts, science, engineering, medical, designing, management, etc. |
NIRF Ranking 2020 | 37 | 41 | 78 |
Annual Course Fees | INR 54,000 | INR 60,000 | INR 58,000 |
Average Salary | INR 4,00,000 | INR 6,00,000 | INR 5,00,000 |
Top Recruiters | Visual Myth, Stellar Group, Zeven World, Hindustan Times, Comm-Ad Design, etc | Aaria Life, Accenture, ADP, Airtel, Axis Bank, Byjus, etc | Microsoft, Amazon India, Cognizant, Capgemini India Pvt. Ltd., Federal Bank, etc |
Source: College Websites
Bachelors of Visual Arts (BVA) vs BA Visual Arts
Both BVA and BA Visual Arts focus on the same areas of study but there are a few differences between them. The basic differences between them are mentioned below:
Parameters | Bachelors of Visual Arts (BVA) | BA Visual Arts |
---|---|---|
Overview | It involves learning in the areas of art history, life drawing, sculpture, animation, performance, painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, and film. | It involves studies in the areas of Drawing, Sculpting, Painting, Literature, Music, Dance, Architecture, and theatre. |
Duration | 4 years | 3 years |
Eligibility | 10+2 | 10+2 |
Course fees | INR 50,000 - 6,00,000 | INR 30,000 - 3,00,000 |
Salary Package | INR 4,00,000 - 20,00,000 per annum | INR 3,00,000 - 8,00,000 per annum |
Job Options | Costume Designer, Visual Designer, Art Director, etc. | Visual Designer, Animator, Graphic Designer, Aerial Photographer, Cartoonist, Museum Artist, Film-maker, etc. |
Top Recruiting Areas | Art councils, Art studios, Film Industry, Photography studios, etc. | Art Studios, Educational Institutes, Museums & Galleries, Libraries, Hospitals, Interior Design Departments, Ad Companies, etc |
Source: College Websites
What are the Job Profiles and Salary Trends Available after BVA?
- BVA graduates have a wide array of opportunities. They can work in the area like Art Studios, Auction Houses, Photography Studios, Educational Institutes, Film Industry, Hospitals, Libraries, Museums & Galleries, etc.
- They can work as Art Conservator, Art Critic, Art Teacher, Associate Art Director, Audio Visual Artist, Costume Designer, Graphic Designer, Visual Designer, etc.
- The average starting salary after BVA is expected to be INR 4.5 lakh per annum.
Some of the job prospects that the BVA graduates can pursue are mentioned in the table below:
Job Options | Description | Average Salary |
---|---|---|
VFX Artist | They make digitally generated images, they add effects to the videos, etc. They use the latest technologies to produce computer-generated creatures, crowds, and stunt doubles. | INR 306,500 |
Visual Designer | They create concepts, artwork, and layouts for digital projects based on creative briefs. The design for various platforms like the internet, games, clothes, movies, etc. | INR 512,900 |
Painter | They work independently or for an organization. Their work is to draw the structures using watercolors, oil paint, etc. | INR 330,000 |
Animators | They make cartoons for comics, games, films, commercials, etc. They use various computer programs and software to do their work | INR 318,400 |
Art Director | They coordinate concept-and-design efforts for promotions which may be in print form, on websites, or in commercials. | INR 616,500 |
Source : Payscale
What are the Future Scope and Further Studies Options After BVA?
- BVA graduates are highly required in the media and entertainment industry. The entertainment industry is developing and the demand for creativity and VFX is quite high. Therefore they do hire such talented professions.
- They can work for marketing or Ad agencies. BVA graduates are required to find creative ideas.
- BVA graduates can work as freelancers and work independently from the comfort of their homes.
- After completion of the BVA course, the candidates can pursue higher studies and can go for MFA, MVA, MA Visual Arts, or any other fine arts specialization.
BVA FAQs
Ques. Are BFA and BVA the same?
Ans. BFA and BVA are not exactly the same but they are somehow similar. BFA covers all aspects of fine arts like visual arts, performing arts, contemporary arts, etc. Whereas BVA is a part of fine arts that only deals with the areas of visual arts like painting, sculpture, applied arts, etc.
Ques. What are the main areas of visual arts?
Ans. The main categories in visual arts are painting, sculpture, and architecture. These are then further categorized into many more.
Ques. What are jobs that one can accept after BVA?
Ans. The BVA graduates can work as Architect, Art Consultant, Art Editor, Art Gallery Director, Artist, Cartoonist, Cinematographer, Courtroom Sketch Artist, etc.
Ques. What are the specialization courses in visual arts?
Ans. Students can choose to do BVA courses in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video, filmmaking, design, crafts, and architecture.
Ques. What is the most popular form of visual arts?
Ans. Painting is the most popular or the most opted form of visual arts.
Ques. Does graphic designing come under visual arts?
Ans. Yes, graphic designing is a form of visual arts as it comes under visual communication. And graphic designing is also a form of drawing, only it is done in a digital form.
Ques. What is the difference between visual arts and performing arts?
Ans. Visual arts are expressing feelings, emotions, opinions through visual means like photography, painting, sculpting, and drawing. Whereas Performing Arts is expressing through means of performance, like, theatre, public speech, dance, music, and more