Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy (JJ) School of Art, Architecture and Design, Mumbai is a government art institution established in 1857 and one of the oldest fine arts schools in Asia. Formerly affiliated with the University of Mumbai, it was granted de novo Deemed to be University status by the UGC in 2023, becoming Maharashtra’s only government-run deemed-to-be university, effective from the 2024-25 academic session. The institution is funded and managed by the Government of Maharashtra and is approved by AICTE.
Sir JJ School of Art does not appear in NIRF or other major Indian ranking bodies as of 2025, given its recent transition to deemed university status.
The campus is located at 78, Dr. D. N. Road, Fort, Mumbai 400001, in the heritage precinct of South Mumbai. The colonial-era building is a Grade I heritage structure with expansive studio spaces, sculpture courts, and workshop halls.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) (4 years, 75 seats) across six specialisations:
- Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Metal Work, Textile Design, Interior Decoration
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA) (2 years) in Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Graphics, Metal Work, Interior Decoration, Portrait, and Textile
- Diploma programmes: Diploma in Art Teacher (2 years), Diploma in Art Education, Diploma in Sculpture
- Certificate courses: Certificate in Art Master
Total fees for BFA under the government quota are INR 42,200 for the full four-year programme. MFA fees are INR 64,000 for the two-year duration.
Sir JJ School of Art does not conduct conventional campus placements. Its alumni have built distinguished careers in fine arts, design, architecture, film, and art education globally. Notable alumni include MF Hussain (legendary painter), Dadasaheb Phalke (pioneer of Indian cinema), BV Doshi (Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate, 2018), Amol Palekar, and Nana Patekar.
- Sir JJ School of Art Admission Dates 2026
- Sir JJ School of Art Courses and Fees
- Sir JJ School of Art Admission Process
- Sir JJ School of Art Placements and Career Outcomes
- Sir JJ School of Art Campus and Infrastructure
- Sir JJ School of Art vs MS University Baroda vs Jamia Fine Arts
- Sir JJ School of Art FAQs
Sir JJ School of Art Admission Dates 2026
Admissions to Sir JJ School of Art for the 2026-27 batch are concluded. BFA admission was conducted through MAH AAC CET (Maharashtra Applied Arts and Crafts Common Entrance Test) administered by the Maharashtra State CET Cell. MFA admission was conducted independently by the institution through a portfolio and entrance review. The next cycle for the 2027-28 batch is expected to open in April 2027.
| Event | Date (2026-27 Cycle - Concluded) |
|---|---|
| MAH AAC CET 2026 registration opens | April 13, 2026 (Concluded) |
| MAH AAC CET 2026 registration closes | May 21, 2026 (Concluded) |
| MAH AAC CET 2026 examination | June 2026 (Concluded) |
| Merit list and seat allotment | June to July 2026 (Concluded) |
| MFA entrance test and portfolio review | June to July 2026 (Concluded) |
| Programme commencement | August to September 2026 |
Tentative dates for the 2027-28 admission cycle are expected to follow the same pattern. Aspirants should monitor the official MAH AAC CET notification for confirmed dates.
| Event | Tentative Date (2027-28 Cycle) |
|---|---|
| MAH AAC CET 2027 registration opens | April 2027 |
| MAH AAC CET 2027 registration closes | May 2027 |
| MAH AAC CET 2027 examination | June 2027 |
| Merit list and seat allotment | June to July 2027 |
| MFA entrance test and portfolio review | June to July 2027 |
Sir JJ School of Art Courses and Fees
Sir JJ School of Art offers the BFA as its flagship 4-year undergraduate programme with 75 seats across six specialisations. The MFA (2 years) caters to graduate-level study across eight specialisations. Diploma and certificate programmes are offered for practising art educators. As a government institution, fees are heavily subsidised.
| Course | Duration | Seats | Eligibility | Total Fees (Govt Quota) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BFA (Painting / Sculpture / Ceramics / Metal Work / Textile Design / Interior Decoration) | 4 years | 75 (6 specialisations) | 10+2 from any stream + MAH AAC CET | INR 42,200 |
| MFA (8 specialisations) | 2 years | Limited | BFA or equivalent + entrance test + portfolio | INR 64,000 |
| Diploma in Art Teacher | 2 years | Limited | 10+2 or graduation with art background | INR 15,000 |
| Diploma in Art Education | 1 year | Limited | BFA or equivalent | INR 7,500 |
| Diploma in Sculpture | 1 year | Limited | Art background | INR 10,000 |
| Certificate in Art Master | Short-term | Limited | Art background | INR 15,000 |
The BFA specialisations in Textile Design and Interior Decoration offer strong pathways into the design industry. Ceramics and Metal Work are rare specialisations at the undergraduate level in India, available at very few institutions of this calibre. NRI and management quota seats carry higher fees. Regular government quota seats remain among the most affordable in premium fine arts education nationally.
Sir JJ School of Art Admission Process
Admission to the BFA programme at Sir JJ School of Art is through the MAH AAC CET, the Maharashtra state-level Common Entrance Test for applied arts and crafts. This is a competitive state-level exam, and JJ School of Art allocates seats through the Maharashtra DTE’s CAP (Centralised Admission Process) based on MAH AAC CET scores.
BFA (Undergraduate)
- Eligibility: Passed 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognised board in any stream
- Minimum marks: 45% aggregate in Class 12 (40% for reserved category students)
- Entrance requirement: Valid MAH AAC CET score
- Selection: Seat allotment through DTE Maharashtra’s online CAP rounds, based on MAH AAC CET percentile and preference choices
- Total BFA intake: 75 seats across all six specialisations at Sir JJ School of Art
Specialisation allocation within BFA (Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Metal Work, Textile Design, Interior Decoration) happens at the time of admission preference or at the end of the first year depending on the intake structure. Candidates must have a genuine interest in visual arts. Prior art training, while not mandatory, strengthens the application.
MFA (Postgraduate)
MFA admission is not through MAH AAC CET. Candidates must have a BFA or equivalent degree from a recognised institution. Selection is through an institution-administered entrance test that assesses art-making skills and a portfolio review. Eight MFA specialisations are offered: Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Graphics, Metal Work, Interior Decoration, Portrait, and Textile. Seats in each specialisation are limited.
Diploma and Certificate Programmes
Diploma in Art Teacher is open to candidates with a 10+2 background in arts or a BFA degree. Diploma in Art Education and Certificate in Art Master are open to practising artists and educators with relevant art background. Selection is merit-based and through an institutional interview process.
Sir JJ School of Art Placements and Career Outcomes
Sir JJ School of Art does not operate a conventional campus placement programme. Fine arts education at this level is portfolio-based and career-defining, with graduates building independent careers through exhibitions, commissions, design firms, educational institutions, and the film and media industry rather than through organised campus drives.
The school’s legacy alumni network spans over 165 years of Indian art history. BV Doshi, an alumnus, became the first Indian architect to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize (2018). Dadasaheb Phalke, a BFA graduate, is regarded as the father of Indian cinema. MF Hussain is counted among the most celebrated Indian painters globally. Amol Palekar and Nana Patekar are among the prominent film personalities who trained here.
| Career Pathway | Domain |
|---|---|
| Fine Arts Practice | Painting, sculpture, printmaking (gallery representation, commissions, public art) |
| Design Industry | Textile design, interior design, product/metal craft, jewellery design |
| Film and Media | Art direction, production design, costume design, animation, visual effects |
| Art Education | Schools, colleges, cultural organisations, government art academies |
| Arts Administration | Museum curation, gallery management, cultural heritage conservation |
| Commercial Arts | Graphic design, illustration, advertising, digital media |
Graduates from the BFA programme in Textile Design and Interior Decoration have built careers at design firms across Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru, as well as with export-oriented textile manufacturers. Ceramics and Metal Work graduates find niche roles in studio craft, export design, and luxury goods. The institution’s Fort location in South Mumbai provides proximity to Mumbai’s commercial art, media, and design industries.
Sir JJ School of Art Campus and Infrastructure
The Sir JJ School of Art campus occupies a landmark Grade I heritage building at 78, Dr. D. N. Road, Fort, Mumbai - originally designed in the neo-Gothic Indo-Saracenic style. The campus includes expansive studio halls for painting and sculpture, dedicated craft workshops for ceramics, metalwork, and textile fabrication, a sculpture garden, and a print studio. The building’s high-ceilinged studios provide natural north light suited to fine arts practice.
The campus houses a specialised fine arts library with an archive of historical artworks, manuscripts, and reference material covering Indian and Western art history. The three studio auditoria are used for critiques, exhibitions, and public talks by practising artists and designers. The college is a short walk from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS, formerly Prince of Wales Museum), one of India’s premier art museums, which provides additional study resources for students.
Sir JJ School of Art vs MS University Baroda vs Jamia Fine Arts
Aspirants seeking BFA education at premier government institutions in India most commonly compare Sir JJ School of Art with the Faculty of Fine Arts, MS University of Baroda (Vadodara) and the Faculty of Fine Arts, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. All three are government-funded, historically significant fine arts institutions with highly competitive admissions.
| Parameter | Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai | Faculty of Fine Arts, MS University Baroda | Faculty of Fine Arts, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1857 | 1950 | 1960 (faculty est.) |
| Type | Deemed University (Maharashtra Govt.) | Central University (Faculty) | Central University (Faculty) |
| BFA Specialisations | Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Metal Work, Textile, Interior Decoration | Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Applied Art, Art History | Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Applied Art, Photography |
| BFA Fees (Govt Quota) | INR 42,200 (4 years) | Central University fees (very low) | Central University fees (very low) |
| Admission Route | MAH AAC CET (state-level) | CUET UG + university test | CUET UG + entrance test |
| Location Advantage | South Mumbai - proximity to design and media industry | Vadodara - established art community | New Delhi - national art and cultural institutions |
Sir JJ School of Art leads in historical prestige, its unique applied crafts specialisations (Ceramics, Metal Work), and proximity to Mumbai’s commercial design and film industry. MS University Baroda (Faculty of Fine Arts) is widely regarded as one of the strongest fine arts faculties academically and has produced numerous national award-winning artists. Jamia’s Faculty of Fine Arts is the preferred choice for aspirants seeking Delhi proximity and central government university status. Admission to all three is highly competitive, and aspirants should evaluate preferred specialisation and city of study alongside institutional reputation.
Sir JJ School of Art FAQs
Ques. Is Sir JJ School of Art a deemed university?
Ans. Yes. Sir JJ School of Art was granted de novo Deemed to be University status by UGC in 2023, becoming the Sir JJ School of Art, Architecture and Design (Deemed to be University), Maharashtra’s only government-run deemed-to-be university. The new status was operational from the 2024-25 academic session.
Ques. How do I get admission to BFA at Sir JJ School of Art?
Ans. BFA admission is through the MAH AAC CET (Maharashtra Applied Arts and Crafts Common Entrance Test), conducted by the Maharashtra State CET Cell. Candidates must have passed 10+2 with minimum 45% aggregate. Seat allotment follows DTE Maharashtra’s CAP process based on MAH AAC CET score and choice-filling.
Ques. What is the total fees for BFA at Sir JJ School of Art?
Ans. Total fees for BFA under the government quota are INR 42,200 for the full four-year programme. This is among the lowest fee structures for a premier fine arts institution in India, funded by the Government of Maharashtra.
Ques. What is the intake for BFA at Sir JJ School of Art?
Ans. The total BFA intake at Sir JJ School of Art is 75 seats across six specialisations: Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Metal Work, Textile Design, and Interior Decoration. This makes it one of the most competitive fine arts admissions in India.
Ques. What careers do JJ School of Art BFA graduates pursue?
Ans. Graduates pursue careers in fine arts (painting, sculpture, printmaking), design (textile, interior, metal craft), film and media (art direction, production design), art education, gallery management, and commercial arts. The institution’s alumni include internationally renowned artists, designers, architects, and filmmakers.
Ques. Is Sir JJ School of Art ranked by NIRF?
Ans. Sir JJ School of Art does not currently appear in the NIRF rankings. The institution recently transitioned to deemed university status (2024-25), and NIRF ranking participation under the new institutional structure is expected in subsequent cycles.
Ques. Who are the notable alumni of Sir JJ School of Art?
Ans. Notable alumni include MF Hussain (legendary Indian painter), Dadasaheb Phalke (father of Indian cinema), BV Doshi (first Indian Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate, 2018), Amol Palekar (actor and filmmaker), and Nana Patekar (actor). The school’s alumni have shaped Indian art, cinema, architecture, and design for over a century.
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Sir J.J. School of Art offers a B.F.A program specializing in various streams. The course is pursued on a full-time basis. To secure a seat for the B.F.A. course, candidates have to clear the MAH-AAC-CET exam. Candidates are given admission to Sir J.J. School of Art based on the counselling after the announcement of the MAH-AAC-CET result. The seat intake is 60 for this course. You must have done 10+2 from a recognized board.
Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy School of Art (Sir J.J. School of Art), Mumbai, does not offer distance education programs. The institution provides full-time undergraduate (BFA), postgraduate (MFA), diploma, and part-time certificate courses in various fine arts disciplines. These programs are conducted on campus, emphasizing hands-on training and studio-based learning. For instance, the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program spans two academic years, with a combination of theory lectures and practical sessions totaling 16 hours per week.
Candidates seeking admission to BFA, MFA, Diploma and Hobby courses must have applied for concerned entrance exams. The institute follows the below steps for admission for BFA courses:
Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai, does not offer a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) program. Instead, it provides various undergraduate programs in fine arts, including Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in disciplines such as Drawing and Painting, Sculpture and Modeling, Textile Design, Metal Work, and Ceramics. These programs are pursued after completing Class 12 and do not require the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA) for admission.
Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program with a specialization in Interior Decoration. The average annual fee for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program is INR 8,500.
Candidate should have HSC (Std. XII /10 + 2 Level) passed from a recognized institution. Admission is based on the Maharashtra Applied Arts & Crafts-Common Entrance Test. The fee for the BFA course is INR 8,500 at the Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai.
Candidates seeking admission to BFA, MFA, Diploma, and Hobby courses must have applied for the concerned entrance exams. The institute follows the below steps for admission for courses:
You can contact the JJ School of Art at 022-22621652 for the query.
Aspirants seeking admission to 2 year Full-time Diploma Program should have passed FOUNDATION COURSE conducted by the Directorate of Art, Maharashtra state, Mumbai.
The entrance exam viz. MH-AAC-CET is scheduled to be held in May 12th 2024.
You can revisit the site and apply as a new candidate, or you can wait for the correction portal to open.
Sir JJ College of architecture does not offer BFA course to students.
Candidate should have HSC (Std. XII /10 + 2 Level) passed from a recognized or institution. Admission is based on the Maharashtra Applied Arts & Crafts-Common Entrance Test.
Yes, there is a high scope for fine arts and you can opt for art director, graphic designer, animator, etc.
The admission fee has not been specified, you can register and download the brochure for the detailed information.
Admissions are based on the score obtained in the entrance examinations as well as the merit for the various UG/PG/Diploma courses.
Yes, for the UG courses, Clearance of the exam MH-AAC-CET is required.
Check here for the BFA courses from Sir JJ School of Art. The college does not contact the candidate, but you can contact the college at 022-22621652 for the queries.
No, you can not apply for MFA after B.Com. The eligibility is to complete BFA in graduation or its equivalent degree.