![Government College of Art and Craft - [GCAC]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1488532766Capture.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Government College of Art and Craft Admission 2026 is entrance-based for both its BFA and MFA programmes. GCAC Kolkata, established in 1864, is one of India’s oldest art institutions and is affiliated to the University of Calcutta. GCAC admission is based on Higher Secondary (H.S.) results, performance in the entrance examination, and viva voce.
- BFA (4-year, 122 seats): 2026-27 main admission cycle concluded in June 2026. Next cycle expected June 2027 (Tentative).
- MFA (2-year, 84 seats): 2026-27 cycle schedule expected to be announced. Check gcac.applythrunet.co.in for updates.
- Candidates appearing for the viva voce must bring at least 10 original artworks as specified in the admission notice.
- BFA admission is open to candidates who have passed Class 12 (Higher Secondary or equivalent) from a recognized board, irrespective of stream.
- An application fee of INR 400 is applicable for BFA admission.
- BFA applicants must not be more than 22 years of age as specified in the admission notification (subject to applicable relaxation).
- MFA applicants must possess a BFA or an equivalent degree from a recognized university/institution
GCAC Admission Portal 2026: gcac.applythrunet.co.in
Direct Admission at GCAC: Government College of Art and Craft does not offer a management quota. All 206 seats (BFA + MFA combined) are filled through merit, entrance test, and viva voce.
GCAC Kolkata BFA Admission 2026
GCAC BFA admission offers 122 seats across seven fine arts specialisations. The 2026-27 main cycle was held in June 2026. Candidates for the 2027-28 cycle should watch gcac.applythrunet.co.in from June 2027 onward.
GCAC BFA Admission Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CUET UG Application Form Release | 3 January 2026 |
| CUET UG Last Date to Apply | 30 January 2026 |
| CUET UG Exam | 11 May – 31 May 2026 (rescheduled exams: 6–7 June 2026) |
| CUET UG Result Declaration | 4 July 2026 |
GCAC BFA 2026 Practical Examination Schedule
| Date | Specialisation | Paper I (10:00 AM – 12:30 PM) | Paper II (2:00 PM – 4:30 PM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 July 2026 | Applied Art / Art History | Object Drawing / Topic Analysis / Premise | Composition / Visual Identification and Views |
| 26 July 2026 | Painting / Print Making | Object Drawing | Composition |
| 27 July 2026 | Sculpture / Visual Communication | Object Drawing | Composition (Sculpture from Memory) / Concept Illustration |
Note: Lunch Break: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM & PwD candidates will be provided an additional 30 minutes as per the college policy.
GCAC BFA Eligibility Criteria 2026
| Criterion | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Exam | Class XII (10+2) or equivalent from a recognized board | As specified by the University of Delhi. |
| Entrance Requirement | CUET (UG) 2026 + Practical-Based Entrance Test | Both are mandatory. |
| Minimum Score | Minimum 50% in the Practical-Based Entrance Test and 50% aggregate (CUET + Practical Test) | Required for admission consideration. |
| Merit Preparation | 50% CUET score + 50% Practical-Based Entrance Test score | Final merit is based on combined weightage. |
GCAC BFA Admission Policy: Download PDF
GCAC BFA Practical Datesheet: Download PDF
GCAC BFA Selection Criteria 2026
- Selection is based on Higher Secondary (H.S.) results, entrance examination, and viva voce.
- Candidates appearing for the viva voce must produce at least 10 original artworks.
- Admissions follow the reservation policy of the Government of West Bengal.
- BFA specializations offered are:
- Painting
- Painting (Indian Style)
- Modeling and Sculpture
- Graphic Design
- Textile Design
- Design: Wood and Leather
- Ceramic Art and Pottery
How to Apply for BFA at GCAC Kolkata?
- Apply online only at gcac.applythrunet.co.in when the application window opens.
- Pay application fee is charged at any stage.
- College of Art, University of Delhi: INR 400 Practical-Based Entrance Test fee (not an application fee).
- Carry 10 original artworks and drawing materials (quarter sheet board, pen, pencil, eraser, watercolours) on entrance test day.
- Attend the entrance test and viva voce at GCAC, 28 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata 700016.
GCAC Kolkata MFA Admission 2026
GCAC MFA admission offers 84 seats across specialisations including Painting, Applied Arts, Ceramics, Sculpture, Printmaking, History of Arts, Mural, and Textile. Internal GCAC graduates and external candidates are evaluated in separate merit lists.
GCAC MFA Admission Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CUET PG Application Form Release | 2 January 2026 |
| CUET PG Last Date to Apply | 23 January 2026 |
| CUET PG Exam | 6 March – 27 March 2026 |
| CUET PG Result Declaration | 24 April 2026 |
GCAC MFA Eligibility Criteria 2026
- Candidates must have a BFA degree in the relevant discipline.
- MFA specialisations offered: Applied Art, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Visual Communication.
GCAC MFA Admission Policy: Download PDF
GCAC MFA Practical Datesheet: Download PDF
GCAC MFA Selection Criteria 2026
- Selection is based on:
- CUET (PG)-2026 score: 50% weightage
- Practical-Based Entrance Test: 50% weightage
- Candidates must score minimum 50% in the Practical-Based Entrance Test to be considered.
- Shortlisted candidates (10 times the number of seats in each category/specialisation) are called for the practical test.
How to Apply for MFA at GCAC?
- Apply through the University of Delhi PG admission portal (CUET PG + CSAS process).
- College application fee: Rs. 400.
- Documents required include BFA degree/marksheets, photographs, proposed programme (minimum 1000 words), and portfolio/artworks for Viva-Voce.
As per Collegedunia Reviews, students highlight that GCAC faculty includes practicing artists with national recognition. The entrance test is challenging but the viva voce focuses on genuine creative ability rather than formal prior training.
GCAC Scholarships 2026
GCAC students are eligible for West Bengal state government schemes and over 50 named institutional awards disbursed annually.
- Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (SVMCM): For WB domicile students with family income below INR 2,50,000 per year. Award up to INR 12,000 per year for UG students. Apply at svmcm.wb.gov.in.
- Kanyashree K3: For female PG students who were Kanyashree K2 beneficiaries. No income certificate required. Eligibility: minimum 45% in UG.
- OASIS Scholarship (WB): For SC/ST/OBC students via oasis.gov.in.
- Named Institutional Awards: Includes the Nandalal Bose Award, Abanindranath Tagore Award, Rabindranath Tagore Award, and the Governor’s Award for Best Exhibit at the Annual Exhibition.
GCAC Kolkata Admission FAQs
Ques. Is there an entrance exam for GCAC BFA admission?
Ans. Yes. Admission to the BFA programme at GCAC is based on the candidate's performance in the Higher Secondary (10+2) examination, Entrance Examination, and Viva-Voce as prescribed by the college. Eligible applicants must appear for the Entrance Examination and Viva-Voce to be considered for admission.
Ques. Is there an entrance exam for GCAC MFA admission?
Ans. Admission to the MFA programme is based on the eligibility criteria and selection process prescribed by the college. Eligible candidates are required to participate in the Viva-Voce as notified in the official admission schedule.
Ques. What is the eligibility for BFA admission at GCAC Kolkata?
Ans. Candidates must have passed the Higher Secondary (10+2) examination or an equivalent examination from a recognised board or university approved by the University of Calcutta. They must also satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed in the admission notification.
Ques. What is the eligibility for MFA admission at GCAC Kolkata?
Ans. Candidates must hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree or an equivalent qualification in the relevant discipline from a recognised institution. They must also fulfil the eligibility conditions specified in the admission notification.
Ques. Is a Fine Arts background compulsory for BFA admission at GCAC?
Ans. No. Candidates from any stream who have passed the Higher Secondary (10+2) examination or an equivalent qualification from a recognised board are eligible to apply, subject to fulfilling the admission criteria.
Ques. Is there any application fee for GCAC admission?
Ans. No. As per the official admission notification, there is no application fee for submitting the online application form.
Ques. What materials should candidates carry for the GCAC BFA entrance examination?
Ans. Candidates should carry the drawing materials and other items specified in the official admission notification, along with their admit card and the required documents for verification.
Ques. Does GCAC Kolkata offer a management quota?
Ans. No. GCAC is a government institution under the Department of Higher Education, Government of West Bengal. Admissions are conducted according to the eligibility criteria and selection process notified by the college.
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To apply online for GCAC Kolkata, visit their official website (gcac.edu.in) and navigate to the admissions portal. Sign up to create a login ID and password, fill out the application form with your personal and academic details, upload your required documents, and submit. Selection will depend on your 12th-grade merit, an institutional entrance examination, and a viva-voce.