Many students want to pursue arts, but choosing the right path after 10th grade can be difficult. We often consider art to be only drawing, painting, or dancing, while in reality, the field is vast and includes a lot of creative, cultural, and even analytical professions. Arts education also covers history, literature, music, design, and performing arts, helping students develop useful skills for today’s world.
In India, parents have noticed a growing trend of students choosing the arts stream over the past decade. According to a government study, the percentage of students choosing the arts stream in higher secondary education increased from 31% in 2012 to 40% in 2022. The total number of students also rose from 30.9 lakh to 40 lakh during this period. This upward trend reflects a growing interest in arts education nationwide.
In this blog, we will explore why pursuing arts can be an excellent choice, listing the top institutes in India for art courses after 10th and sharing essential advice to keep in mind when selecting a college or a course.
Why Arts Matter
When children receive their art lessons, they are not just learning art, but also critical thinking, respect, cultural practices, and ICT skills. Education enriches a learner’s self-organisation and self-communication, sharpens critical thinking skills, and broadens their understanding of the world and their place in it. In this way, the arts become a potent field, leading to noble and impactful careers.
Top 10 Institutes for Arts in India
Let’s discuss the top ten institutes in India for arts after 10th grade, highlighting their unique features, campus information, fee structures, and achievements, along with tips for making the right choice.
1. National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
Unique Features: NID is particularly famous for its post-graduate industrial design programmes, along with textile and visual communication. Their curriculum is structured around practical classes, allowing students to use their hands to explore various designs.
Campus: The facility in Ahmedabad is new and comes with well-fitted laboratories, art studios and a creatively stimulating library.
Fee Structure: The approximate cost of diploma courses here is ₹1-2 lakhs per annum.
Achievements: NID has received international recognition, with students consistently winning design awards and participating in exhibitions around the world.
2. Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai
Unique Features: As one of the oldest art schools in India, Sir J.J. School of Art produces artists with a rich tradition and extensive experience in painting, sculpture, illustration, graphics, and all forms of artistry. It enables students to receive a quality education with professional artists as instructors.
Campus: Located in the heart of Mumbai, occupying a floor space of 150,000 sq ft, the campus offers traditional painting and sculpture facilities, an art studio, and an art library that fosters a positive learning environment.
Fee Structure: The annual fees for diploma courses are very affordable, ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000.
Achievements: Some of the alumni have become prominent artists, sculptors, or teachers of art, while others have gained international recognition for their artwork.
3. Srishti Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, Bangalore
Unique Features: Srishti is oriented towards interdisciplinary fields such as art and technology and liberal arts. The institute challenges students to innovate, think critically, and creatively solve problems.
Campus: The campus in Bangalore is equipped with modern facilities, including technology-enhanced labs, media labs, and open student collaboration spaces.
Fee Structure: The approximate course fees are ₹2-3 lakhs per year for diploma programs.
Achievements: Srishti graduates are known for their design-thinking approach and have secured positions at leading organizations and design firms globally.
4. Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai
Unique Features: This college is ideal for students interested in Indian performing arts, offering courses in Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and visual arts.
Campus: The Chennai campus retains a beautiful natural landscape interwoven with aesthetic sculptures. It features dance studios, recording studios, and open-air theatres.
Fee Structure: The annual tuition fees range from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 for common courses, making it affordable.
Achievements: Established in 1804, the institution has produced many leading performers who have promoted Indian art worldwide.
5. Faculty of Fine Arts, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda
Unique Features: The Faculty offers programs in applied art, painting, sculpture, and more. It is renowned for developing critical viewpoints and creative talent in students.
Campus: The large campus in Vadodara provides spacious studio spaces, a large hall art gallery, and plenty of room for imagination.
Fee Structure: The annual tuition fees for diploma courses range between ₹10,000 and ₹50,000.
Achievements: The Faculty of Fine Arts is regarded as a key contributor to the contemporary face of Indian art, with a powerful alumni network of fine artists.
6. Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan
Unique Features: Kala Bhavana, founded by Rabindranath Tagore, integrates art and architecture with the natural environment. The faculty offers courses in painting, sculpture, and art history, nurturing creativity rooted in culture.
Campus: Located in rural Santiniketan, the campus features open-air classes and studios, with minimal architectural interruptions and a focus on natural surroundings.
Fee Structure: Tuition fees range from ₹5,000 to ₹30,000 per year, making it moderately priced.
Achievements: Kala Bhavana’s unique philosophy has led to the rise of several renowned Indian and international artists.
7. Lalit Kala Sansthan, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra
Unique Features: Lalit Kala Sansthan provides a strong foundation in visual arts and traditional crafts, focusing on enhancing students’ technical skills in fine arts.
Campus: The Agra campus offers practical art infrastructure, including painting and sculpture studios, an art gallery, and a library with a vast collection of art literature.
Fee Structure: Tuition fees range from ₹15,000 to ₹40,000 per year.
Achievements: The institute has produced talented professionals in traditional Indian arts, with alumni excelling in painting, sculpture, and art teaching.
8. MIT Institute of Design, Pune
Unique Features: MIT is renowned for its design-centric academic curriculum, combining art, design, and engineering. Students are encouraged to create freely and experiment in fields such as graphic and fashion design.
Campus: Located in Pune, the campus includes design laboratories, group work areas, and a dedicated library.
Fee Structure: The fee for diploma courses is approximately ₹2-4 lakhs per year.
Achievements: MIT graduates have found success in design industries, with the institute forming partnerships with international design firms.
9. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s S.P. College of Communication and Management, New Delhi
Unique Features: This institute offers unique streams that combine the arts with communication, making it ideal for students interested in media, journalism, and dramatics.
Campus: The New Delhi campus is equipped with well-lit classrooms, a media lab, and a performing arts theatre for drama, music, and other performances.
Fee Structure: The fees are affordable, ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹60,000 per year.
Achievements: Alumni have ventured into media and performing arts, excelling in their respective fields and securing full-time employment.
10. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi – Faculty of Visual Arts
Unique Features: BHU provides a blend of traditional and modern art forms. The university adopts a cultural approach that is deeply rooted in the Indian artistic heritage.
Campus: Located in Varanasi, the faculty is surrounded by natural beauty, with well-equipped studios and spaces designated for visual arts.
Fee Structure: The fees are reasonable, ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per year.
Achievements: BHU has nurtured esteemed artists who contribute significantly to the global art community, with a particular focus on Indian arts.
Also Read: What Next? Top Institutes for Pursuing Courses After 10th in Commerce
Key Tips for Students Considering Arts
- Know Your Interest Area: Arts can be defined in the broadest sense, including performing arts, visual arts such as fine arts, and design arts. Remember to identify what motivates you the most before enrolling in a particular course.
- Consider Campus Environment: Every institute has its unique environment. Some may be more approachable and general, while others may focus on the technological aspects and their methods. Try to visit the campus if possible to get a feel for what the institution is like.
- Budgeting: Arts courses come with varying costs. Choose an institute that fits your budget without straining your finances more than you can afford.
- Review Alumni Work: The success of alumni can offer an indication of the quality of education and the opportunities available to you after graduation.
- Seek Practical Exposure: Consider institutes that offer practical experiences, workshops, and internships. Arts education thrives through hands-on practice, where students gain firsthand experience.
- Understand the Cultural Fit: If you are interested in classical arts, choose an institute that supports those values. For modern arts, look for places that encourage creativity and innovation.
- Check Support Systems: Many institutes offer counselling and career services, which can be a huge benefit as you plan your career in the arts.
Also Read: What Next? Top Medical Courses After 10th
Conclusion
Pursuing arts after 10th grade can be one of the best decisions of your life, as you are not only following your passion but also acquiring valuable, skills-based education that can lead to lucrative job opportunities. Whether you are inclined to Indian arts, design, or contemporary dance, India boasts numerous excellent institutes. Be sure to choose a program you love, considering all factors, including academic aspects, college life, fees, and future opportunities.
By carefully selecting the right institute after the 10th grade, you will pave the way for numerous opportunities in the arts field—if you have the passion and determination. Take the necessary time to research and explore your options, and think thoroughly before making your decision. Never let the thought, “I can’t do this because I can’t afford it,” hold you back – seek out experienced partners like Varthana to support your higher education journey. With determination and the right guidance, your dreams in the arts can truly flourish!
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