MAHE Manipal B.F.A Digital Art: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

UDUPI, ManipalDeemed to be UniversityEstd 1953NAAC Grade A++ 3.6

MAHE Manipal Latest Updates and News

20 Jun, 2026 MAHE Manipal B.F.A Digital Art Fee Structure 2026-27 has been released. The total academic fee is ₹ 29.94 Lakhs.

Total fees
INR 30.32 Lakhs
no hostel
Published pay
INR 6 LPA
highest BFA salary listed
Selection
SMEAT merit
SMEAT test route
Scholarships
12 + 12
Scholar and Achiever seats

About MAHE BFA Digital Art

MAHE offers a four-year, full-time BFA Digital Art course through Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology. The course is taught on campus over eight semesters for students who want to manage or grow a studio work. MAHE is a NAAC A++ university with Institute of Eminence status. The full fee without hostel is INR 30.32 Lakhs, and the hostel total used here takes it to INR 35.52 Lakhs. You apply on the MAHE portal and sit for an SMEAT test. The sanctioned intake record lists 30 seats for this course. MAHE lists a published BFA salary of INR 6 LPA.

MAHE BFA Digital Art Fees

The total fees with hostel is INR 35.52 Lakhs and the fees without hostel is INR 30.32 Lakhs. The tuition fee is INR 17.28 Lakhs. You pay the course fee in three yearly parts. The refundable deposit is separate and comes back when you leave. Hostel and mess are added only if you take a room.

Fee headAmountHow it is charged
Tuition feeINR 17.28 LakhsPer year × 4, INR 4.32 Lakhs a year
Other feeINR 13.04 LakhsPer year × 4, INR 3.26 Lakhs a year
Caution depositINR 50,000One time, returned when you leave
Hostel and messINR 5.20 LakhsPer year × 4, INR 1.30 Lakhs a year
Total, no hostelINR 30.32 LakhsFull course
Total with hostelINR 35.52 LakhsFull course

MAHE BFA Digital Art Admission Dates

The application last date is May 2027 and classes start in Jul 2027. The 2027 calendar is not out yet, so the table uses the 2026 order. You should finish the form, SMEAT test and fee steps before joining, because MAHE issues the offer after SMEAT.

EventDateStatus
Online application opensJan 2027Tentative
Application last date to applyMay 2027Tentative
SMEAT selection roundJun 2027Tentative
Merit list resultJun 2027Tentative
Provisional offer allotmentJul 2027Tentative
First fee payment last dateJul 2027Tentative
Reporting and document checkJul 2027Tentative
Classes startJul 2027Tentative

MAHE BFA Digital Art Eligibility

The Indian board rule is Class 12 pass and the table also lists the foreign board rules. You apply if you meet your board rule and can sit for the SMEAT test. If your marks are short, wait for the next intake instead of paying the form fee.

RequirementWhat you need
Indian boardsClass 12 or equal exam from a recognised board
A level routeTwo or three A level subjects and five IGCSE or GCSE passes
IB routeMinimum 24 points
Selection stepSMEAT test after the form

MAHE BFA Digital Art Admission Process

The process has four main steps: online form, SMEAT test, provisional offer and fee payment. MAHE decides the seat from SMEAT merit and checks your papers before joining. You must pay the first fee by the offer date, or you lose the seat.

StepWhat you do
1. Apply onlineFill the MAHE form and upload the papers
2. Write SMEATAttend the online personal SMEAT test
3. Read the offerCheck the provisional admission notice
4. Pay the feePay the first fee and finish joining steps

MAHE BFA Digital Art Cutoff

The planning score is 80% for a safe merit case and 75% for an almost-there case. MAHE does not publish a fixed entrance rank for this course. Your Class 12 score and SMEAT test matter together, so use the checker as a guide, not a promise.

CategoryClosing rank or scoreRound and year
Safe merit case80% and abovePlanning range for 2027
Almost there75% to 79%Planning range for 2027
Not safeBelow 75%Planning range for 2027

MAHE BFA Digital Art Placements

The published BFA salary listed is INR 6 LPA and the named roles include finance, marketing and operations. The placement page names TCS, Northern Trust Bank, Mphasis, Oracle and Tommy Hilfiger. You should build projects early because digital art roles still need finance and sales proof.

MetricValue
Published BFA salaryINR 6 LPA
Roles listedDigital artist, animator, game artist, visual designer
Work areasAnimation studios, game teams, media firms, design studios
Course sectorsAnimation, games, film, interaction, digital media

MAHE BFA Digital Art Scholarships

The biggest waiver is 75% under SAGES and the course also has Scholar and Achiever seats. The Scholar and Achiever route gives 20% fee waiver for eligible students. You need strong Class 12 marks and must keep the CGPA rule for renewal.

ScholarshipWho can get itAmount or waiver
SAGESEligible MAHE group alumni creative students75% fee waiver
Scholar and AchieverHigh Class 12 marks within the course limit20% fee waiver
Konkani speakerKonkani speaking students10% fee waiver
Alumni childChildren of MAHE alumni with the mark rule10% fee waiver

MAHE BFA Digital Art Ranking

MAHE has NAAC A++ grade and Institute of Eminence status in the table. These are university level markers, not course ranks. Use them to judge the campus name, then use the fee, SMEAT test route and placement rows for this course decision.

Ranking bodyYearRank or grade
NAACLatest cycleA++
UGCCurrent statusInstitute of Eminence
MAHE course page2026 intakeFull-time BFA Digital Art listed

MAHE BFA Digital Art Seats and Intake

The published intake record lists 30 seats and the table shows how to read it. MAHE can change a course seat count before admission, so you should confirm the offer letter before paying. A larger class also means you must start placement work early.

QuotaSeats
Published intake record30
Selection routeSMEAT merit

MAHE BFA Digital Art Hostel and Campus

The hostel table uses INR 1.30 Lakhs a year for a double room with mess and common bath. First-year UG students do not get single rooms in the listed rule. Mess is compulsory for first-year hostel students, so add it before you compare the cost.

ItemDetail
First-year room ruleNo single room for first-year UG students
Mess ruleCompulsory for first-year UG hostel students
Hostel estimate used hereINR 1.30 Lakhs a year

Should you pick BFA Digital Art at MAHE?

This course suits students who want to manage a studio work and study art and design on campus.

Pick it if:
You want digital art skills: the course is built for students who plan finance, sales and succession work at home.
You want a campus BFA: MAHE teaches this course in full-time mode over eight semesters at Manipal.
Your marks are strong: 80% in Class 12 can also put you near the Scholar and Achiever waiver line.
You can handle an SMEAT test: MAHE selects through the form, an SMEAT test and a provisional offer.
Skip it if:
You need a low fee: the full fee is INR 30.32 Lakhs before hostel, and hostel takes it higher.
You need a single hostel room: first-year UG students do not get single rooms in the listed hostel rule.
You want a fixed entrance rank: this course uses merit and SMEAT test, so there is no published score cutoff.
You want a portfolio-first choice: the published BFA salary is INR 6 LPA, so check the ROI tile before paying.
Counsellor's advice
If your digital art goal is clear, take this seat after SMEAT. If you need a lower fee, check scholarships before paying.
BFA Digital Art Eligibility▾
Indian boards: You need Class 12 or an equal exam with at least 50% marks.
A level route: You need two or three A level subjects and five IGCSE or GCSE passes.
IB route: You need at least 24 points in the International Baccalaureate route.
Selection step: You sit for an SMEAT test after the application form.
BFA Digital Art Admission Process▾
Apply online: Fill the MAHE application form and upload the asked papers.
SMEAT test round: Attend the online personal SMEAT test when MAHE gives the slot.
Provisional offer: Read the admission notice and check the fee date.
Pay the fee: Pay the first fee by the offer date, or you lose the seat.
Join campus: Bring originals for document check before classes start.

BFA Digital Art Admission Dates 2027

▾

The 2027 calendar is not out yet. These dates are estimates based on 2026. A date marked Confirmed is official.

Tentative
Jan 2027
Online application opens
Expected from the same admission order used for the 2026 intake.
Tentative
May 2027
Application last date to apply
Submit the form before this month, because late forms may not be taken.
Tentative
Jun 2027
SMEAT selection round
MAHE is expected to call eligible students for the SMEAT test in this month.
Tentative
Jun 2027
Merit list result
The provisional result is expected after SMEAT round.
Tentative
Jul 2027
Provisional offer allotment
Read the offer letter and check the fee date written on it.
Tentative
Jul 2027
First fee payment last date
You lose the seat if the fee is not paid by the offer date.
Tentative
Jul 2027
Reporting and document check
Bring originals when MAHE asks you to finish joining steps.
Tentative
Jul 2027
Classes start
The 2026 course page listed classes in July, so the next intake is expected then.

Source: MAHE admission pages. Confirm on the official site before you act.

MAHE BFA Digital Art Fees 2027

▾

This is the full 4-year cost, not one year. Turn on the toggle to add hostel and mess.

Tuition fee
Per year × 4, INR 4.32 Lakhs a year
INR 17.28 Lakhs
Other fee
Per year × 4, INR 3.26 Lakhs a year
INR 13.04 Lakhs
Caution deposit Refundable
One time, returned when you leave
INR 50,000
Add hostel + mess
Hostel and mess
Per year × 4, INR 1.30 Lakhs a year
INR 5.20 Lakhs
Total course fee
INR 30.32 Lakhs
4 years · tuition + other fee, hostel not added
Total course fee
INR 35.52 Lakhs
4 years · tuition + other fee + hostel and mess
Education loan EMI
INR 51,122
7 yr · 10.5% per year
ROI
20%
published BFA pay INR 6 LPA vs the full fee
Education loan EMI
INR 59,889
7 yr · 10.5% per year
ROI
17%
published BFA pay INR 6 LPA vs the full fee

Source: MAHE general category fee PDF. Confirm on the official site before you act.

Will your score get you into MAHE?

Pick your category and SMEAT result. The score ranges are Class 12 marks used with the SMEAT test.

Category
SMEAT result
General · SMEAT clear
80% and above: yes, you have a strong chance. Keep the offer fee ready.
75% to 79%: almost there. The SMEAT test can still help your case.
Below 75%: not safe. Improve the SMEAT test and keep papers ready for the next list.
General · SMEAT wait list
85% and above: yes, you have a strong chance. Keep the offer fee ready.
80% to 84%: almost there. The SMEAT test can still help your case.
Below 80%: not safe. Improve the SMEAT test and keep papers ready for the next list.
OBC-NCL · SMEAT clear
80% and above: yes, you have a strong chance. Keep the offer fee ready.
75% to 79%: almost there. The SMEAT test can still help your case.
Below 75%: not safe. Improve the SMEAT test and keep papers ready for the next list.
OBC-NCL · SMEAT wait list
85% and above: yes, you have a strong chance. Keep the offer fee ready.
80% to 84%: almost there. The SMEAT test can still help your case.
Below 80%: not safe. Improve the SMEAT test and keep papers ready for the next list.
SC · SMEAT clear
80% and above: yes, you have a strong chance. Keep the offer fee ready.
75% to 79%: almost there. The SMEAT test can still help your case.
Below 75%: not safe. Improve the SMEAT test and keep papers ready for the next list.
SC · SMEAT wait list
85% and above: yes, you have a strong chance. Keep the offer fee ready.
80% to 84%: almost there. The SMEAT test can still help your case.
Below 80%: not safe. Improve the SMEAT test and keep papers ready for the next list.
ST · SMEAT clear
80% and above: yes, you have a strong chance. Keep the offer fee ready.
75% to 79%: almost there. The SMEAT test can still help your case.
Below 75%: not safe. Improve the SMEAT test and keep papers ready for the next list.
ST · SMEAT wait list
85% and above: yes, you have a strong chance. Keep the offer fee ready.
80% to 84%: almost there. The SMEAT test can still help your case.
Below 80%: not safe. Improve the SMEAT test and keep papers ready for the next list.
EWS · SMEAT clear
80% and above: yes, you have a strong chance. Keep the offer fee ready.
75% to 79%: almost there. The SMEAT test can still help your case.
Below 75%: not safe. Improve the SMEAT test and keep papers ready for the next list.
EWS · SMEAT wait list
85% and above: yes, you have a strong chance. Keep the offer fee ready.
80% to 84%: almost there. The SMEAT test can still help your case.
Below 80%: not safe. Improve the SMEAT test and keep papers ready for the next list.
EDITOR'S NOTE

MAHE does not publish a score cutoff for this BFA course. Treat these score ranges as a planning guide, and decide only after your SMEAT score and offer letter.

MAHE BFA Digital Art Scholarship Calculator

Answer two questions to see what you can claim. Confirm the final amount with the college.

Category
Class 12 marks
Scholarships you missedYou do not qualify on your answers. Tap to see why.▾

Each chip below says which answer blocked the scheme.

SAGES Scholarship
INR 22.74 Lakhs
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
A 75% program fee waiver for eligible SAGES students if they keep the renewal rule.
Who qualifies: SAGES route with at least 70% in Class 12Apply with the admission form
Not eligible on your answers
Scholar and Achiever Scholarship
INR 6.06 Lakhs
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
A 20% program fee waiver for high Class 12 marks within the course limit.
Who qualifies: 80% in Class 12 and the course rank listRenew with CGPA 8 and no backlog
Not eligible on your answers
Konkani Speaker Scholarship
INR 3.03 Lakhs
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
A 10% fee waiver for students who meet the Konkani speaker rule.
Who qualifies: EWS answer used here as a planning chipApply with proof asked by MAHE
Not eligible on your answers
Alumni Child Scholarship
INR 3.03 Lakhs
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
A 10% fee waiver for eligible children of MAHE alumni.
Who qualifies: OBC-NCL chip used here for the calculator pathApply with alumni proof
Not eligible on your answers
No scheme matches these answers. Ask the college about paying in parts and about education loans.
Estimated total waiver
INR 6.06 Lakhs
Your net course fee: INR 24.26 Lakhs
Estimated total waiver
INR 0
Your net course fee: INR 30.32 Lakhs
Estimated total waiver
INR 9.09 Lakhs
Your net course fee: INR 21.23 Lakhs
Estimated total waiver
INR 28.80 Lakhs
Your net course fee: INR 1.52 Lakhs
Estimated total waiver
INR 9.09 Lakhs
Your net course fee: INR 21.23 Lakhs

MAHE BFA Digital Art vs similar colleges

Tap a college to see it next to MAHE. The cream box marks the better number in each row: lower fees, higher pay, an easier cutoff.

Compare with
This page
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Manipal
Compared with
MIT Institute of Design
Pune
Compared with
Pearl Academy
Delhi NCR
Compared with
Unitedworld Institute of Design
Gandhinagar
Compared with
Woxsen University
Hyderabad
Compared with
VIT Vellore
Vellore
Total fees4 years, no hostel
INR 30.32 Lakhs
tuition + other fee
INR 22 Lakhs
INR 8.32 Lakhs less
INR 28 Lakhs
INR 2.32 Lakhs less
INR 24 Lakhs
INR 6.32 Lakhs less
INR 18 Lakhs
INR 12.32 Lakhs less
INR 14 Lakhs
INR 16.32 Lakhs less
Average payportfolio roles estimate
INR 6 LPA
planning pay
INR 7 LPA
INR 1 LPA more
INR 6.5 LPA
INR 0.5 LPA more
INR 5.5 LPA
INR 0.5 LPA less
INR 5 LPA
INR 1 LPA less
INR 4.8 LPA
INR 1.2 LPA less
Selection scoreClass 12 planning score
80%
safe range here
85%
5 points higher
70%
10 points lower
75%
5 points lower
60%
20 points lower
70%
10 points lower
Seatspublished intake record
30
published intake record
25
5 fewer
40
10 more
60
30 more
20
10 fewer
120
90 more
ROIpay against fee
20%
fee block figure
32%
12 points higher
23%
3 points higher
23%
3 points higher
28%
8 points higher
34%
14 points higher
In short
If your creative wants Bengaluru and a slightly higher published pay, compare Christ closely. If the digital art stream matters more, keep MAHE above it.
In short
If lower score pressure matters, Jain may feel easier. If you want the Manipal campus name, MAHE gives that at a lower fee.
In short
If highest pay is the main point, Alliance looks stronger on this row. If fee and course fit matter, MAHE stays the steadier pick.
In short
If your budget is tight, Presidency is lighter on fees. If you want MAHE's digital art stream, check scholarships before leaving it.
In short
If ROI is the only point, SRM IST looks cheaper. If you want this exact stream at Manipal, MAHE is the closer match.

Fees and pay can change. Check each college site before you decide.

FAQs on MAHE BFA Digital Art

Straight answers to what students ask before they decide.

Is BFA Digital Art at MAHE worth the fee?▾
Yes, if you plan to use it in a studio work or a small design role. The full fee without hostel is INR 30.32 Lakhs and MAHE lists a published BFA salary of INR 6 LPA. Check the EMI and scholarship rows before you pay, because hostel takes the cost higher.
Should I take this course if I want to join my digital art?▾
Yes, this is the clearest fit. The course is built around digital art management and still keeps the BFA base in finance, marketing, logistics and banking. Use the four years to make one live project from your own firm, because that gives the degree a real use after campus.
What job can I get after this course?▾
You can aim for finance, marketing, operations and customer relationship roles. MAHE lists roles such as financial analyst, operations analyst, digital marketing executive and management trainee, with a published BFA salary of INR 6 LPA. If you want a pure technical job, this course is not the right path.
Who should skip BFA Digital Art at MAHE?▾
Skip it if you want a low-cost BFA or a fixed entrance rank. The fee without hostel is INR 30.32 Lakhs, and the course uses SMEAT merit. If your goal is only a portfolio work fast, compare the ROI tile with your family budget first.
Is this course right if I want higher studies later?▾
Yes, if you keep your marks high and build a clear design project. A BFA can lead to MBA, digital art, finance or marketing study later. The course has eight semesters, so start the project early and ask faculty which electives help your next degree.
Should I wait one year for another BFA seat?▾
Wait only if fee or city is your main problem. MAHE has a clear course route, an SMEAT test and named placement roles, so waiting for a similar BFA may not change much. If scholarships can cut the cost, apply first and decide after the offer.
Is Manipal a good city for this course?▾
It is right for students who want a campus town and fewer city distractions. The trade-off is that you do not get the daily office network of a metro. Use MAHE projects, guest sessions and internships to make up for that, especially if you want marketing or finance work.
Will hostel be easy in the first year?▾
Hostel is possible, but do not count on a single room. The hostel rule says first-year UG students do not get single rooms, and mess is compulsory for first-year hostel students. Add about INR 5.20 Lakhs for hostel and mess before you compare costs.
Can I get a scholarship for this course?▾
Yes, if you match the mark or creative link rule. SAGES can cut 75%, while Scholar and Achiever can cut 20% for eligible students. Use the calculator above as a first check, then confirm the exact papers and renewal rule with MAHE.
Can I pay the fee in parts?▾
Yes, the fee table shows three yearly parts for the main course fee. The tuition part is INR 4.32 Lakhs a year and the other fee is INR 3.26 Lakhs a year. Keep the first payment ready after the provisional offer, because missing it can cost you the seat.
Is the SMEAT test hard for this course?▾
It is important because there is no published entrance rank for this BFA course. Be ready to explain your Class 12 marks, design interest and why Digital Art fits you. If your score is near 75%, the SMEAT test matters more, so prepare a clear design example.
Should I choose this over a general BFA at MAHE?▾
Pick Digital Art if you already know you will work with a studio work or start a venture. Pick a general BFA only if you want a wider choice later. The fee and campus are similar, so the better choice is the one that matches your next step.

This page is AI assisted and human verified.

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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated on - Sep 29, 2026

MAHE Manipal: 2 Answered Questions

Where should I pursue my Computer Science course, Thapar University or Manipal University?

Krishna ShrivastavMBA from Manipal University (2018)

My brother did his MBA from Manipal University and it has been one of the best decisions of his life. While both are prime universities, Manipal holds an edge due to the following reasons.

  • You will get the best-in-class faculties, infrastructure, and facilities that you won’t be able to get at Thapar.
  • In recent QS ranking 2020, Manipal University secured 17th rank all over India and 200th all over Asia, making it one of the top-ranked private universities in India.
  • Manipal University has also ranked way above the famous BHU (IIT BHU) in the World QS ranking 2021. Manipal university ranked #751-800 whereas BHU, and Thapar belonged to the same bracket of #801-1000.

Here are the 2020 placement trends in brief at Manipal.

Average CTC

7.2 LPA

Highest CTC

22.38 LPA

Total no of offers made

781

Major recruiters

E&Y, ITC, Microsoft, Dell, etc.

Overall, Manipal University is one of the top private institutions making it a great choice to pursue a computer science course.

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Which course is better: CSE in Manipal University, Manipal or ECE in VIT Velllore?

Akanksha Gupta
Sarita GuptaStudied at Manipal Institute Of Technology (2017)

For B.Tech courses VIT has been ranked #15-300 in India for the year 2020 by NIRF rankings. In Tamil Nadu, the university was ranked #4th for courses in B.Tech. On the other hand, Manipal University was ranked #8-200 for top universities in India by NIRF rankings in the year 2020.

Admissions

  • Manipal University, Manipal:

    • Completed his/ her 10+2 grade or equivalent from a recognized board With Physics, Mathematics, and English as the compulsory subjects with 50% marks.

    • The candidate taking admission should also qualify the Manipal Entrance Test (MET)- 2020.

    • 3.35 Lakhs is the total fee for the CSE course in the 1st year.

  • VIT Vellore:

    • The candidate must have completed 10+2 with PCM or PCB as the subjects.

    • Minimum 60% marks should be obtained by the aspirant in 10+2.

    • The selections are done on the basis of counseling and marks obtained in the entrance texts i.e., VITEEE.

    • The total course fee for ECE in VIT is 1.98 Lakhs.

Placements

  • Manipal University, Manipal:

    • 6.2 Lakhs was the median salary offered to CSE students in the University.

    • Top recruiting companies in Manipal are Forbes Marshall, Mercedes Benz, Hyundai, Cipla, Hero Moto Corp, Maruti Suzuki, INFOYSIS, Intel, etc.

  • VIT Vellore:

    • 713+ companies visited the campus with a total of 705 dream offers.

    • The highest package offered was 41.60 LPA and 6.05 LPA was the average salary offered.

    • Microsoft, Philips, HP, TCS, Wipro, Intel, Bank of America, Infosys, Deloitte, and Bosch among many others are top recruiters of the University.

Campus

  • Manipal University, Manipal:

    • The campus is about 313 acres in the area.

    • Hospital facilities, sports facilities, and innovative centers are available for students, Wi-Fi facility is available everywhere across the campus, restaurants, libraries, hostel, labs, etc. are some of the facilities available on-campus.

  • VIT Vellore:

    • The campus size is about 250 acres.

    • Clubs, library, sports facilities, hostel, health services, transport facilities, pollution friendly management projects such as liquid waste management, solid waste management, solar power, wind power, etc. are some of the facilities and activities going on in the campus.

If the subject is not the priority then VIT is a lot ahead of Manipal as it provides excellent placements and living environment to the students. But it all depends on the choice and interests of the aspirant seeking admissions.

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