Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

Sarala Birla University (SBU), Ranchi offers a 2-year full-time Master of Visual Arts (MVA) under its Faculty of Art, Culture and Sports, structured across 4 semesters. The programme provides advanced training in visual arts disciplines including Painting, Sculpture, Drawing, Ceramics, Watercolor, Photography, and Art History, along with theories of organizational management, art programming, and curatorship. The total course fee is Rs. 53,000, making it one of the most affordable postgraduate visual arts programmes in the region. The course is offered in full-time on-campus mode and is popular among students seeking careers in fine arts, design, art administration, and cultural industries.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are currently open at SBU. Based on last year's pattern, applications typically open in April-May and the batch commences in July-August. Students can apply online at admission.sbu.ac.in or visit the campus directly for counselling.

Key Points

Students may specialise in areas such as Art History, Ceramics, Drawing and Painting, Sculpture, and Watercolor.
The curriculum includes theories of organizational management, art programming, and curatorship, preparing students for art administration roles.
The programme nurtures art administrators capable of interpreting and demonstrating cultural phenomena.
Graduates are equipped for roles in government museums, non-profit art organisations, and commercial creative industries.
SBU is supported by the B.K. Birla and Aditya Birla Group, with international collaborations with institutions including University of Pennsylvania, UC Berkeley, and University of Minnesota.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

SBU MVA Fees

The total course fee for MVA at SBU is Rs. 53,000 for the full 2-year programme, making it an exceptionally affordable postgraduate visual arts programme. The fee comprises a one-time caution money of Rs. 5,000 at the time of admission and a per-semester fee of Rs. 12,000 payable each semester. Hostel facility is optional and available at Rs. 96,000 per year.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Caution Money (One-Time, Refundable)	5,000
Total One-Time Fees	5,000
Tuition Fee (Per Semester)	12,000
Total Per Semester Fee	12,000
Total Semester Fees (4 Semesters x Rs. 12,000)	48,000
Total Course Fee	53,000
Hostel Fee (Optional, Per Year, Non-AC Shared + Mess + Laundry)	96,000

Caution Money of Rs. 5,000 is refundable at the time of leaving the university, subject to no dues or penalties.
Hostel fee is optional and not included in the total course fee above. Annual hostel fee is Rs. 96,000 (Rs. 48,000 per semester), inclusive of Non-AC shared accommodation, mess, and laundry.
A security deposit of Rs. 5,000 is additionally required for hostel admission (refundable).
Scholarship concessions apply only to tuition fee components and not to hostel or transport fees.
Fee is subject to revision by the university.

SBU MVA Admission 2026-27

Admissions to MVA at SBU are merit-based and conducted through the university's own process. The 2026-27 admissions are currently open. Based on the previous year's schedule, applications typically open in April and the batch commences in July-August. Students can apply online or visit the campus for direct counselling and admission.

Important Dates

Event	Tentative Date
Application Portal Opens	April 2026
Last Date to Apply	June 2026
Counselling / Direct Admission	May - July 2026
Batch Commencement	July - August 2026

Note: SBU may conduct an aptitude and creative test followed by a personal interview for MVA admissions. Candidates may be required to present a portfolio of their artwork. No national-level entrance exam is mandated.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Graduation from any discipline with a minimum of 45% marks from a recognised university (5% relaxation for SC/ST category candidates).
A background or interest in visual arts, fine arts, or related fields is preferred.
Candidates may be required to present a portfolio of their creative work during the admission process.

Admission Process

Apply online at admission.sbu.ac.in or download and submit the application form with relevant documents.
Candidates may be required to appear for an aptitude and creative test, followed by a personal interview.
A portfolio of drawings, photographs, crafts, or other creative work may be required at the time of interview.
Documents required: Passing/Provisional Certificates with Mark Sheets, School/College Leaving Certificate, Conduct Certificate, Anti-Ragging Affidavit, Medical Fitness Certificate.
Applicants may also visit the campus directly for counselling and spot admission.
Fee payment to be completed at the time of admission to confirm the seat.

SBU MVA Scholarships 2026-27

SBU offers a range of merit-based and category-based scholarships applicable to the tuition fee component. Students from Jharkhand can additionally avail government scholarships through the e-Kalyan portal. Given the already very affordable fee structure of MVA, even a modest scholarship can significantly reduce the financial burden.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Eligibility	Benefit
Merit Scholarship	90% or above marks in qualifying examination and outstanding performance in Personal Interview	Up to 50% on tuition fee
Defence Personnel Scholarship	Ward of serving or retired defence personnel	15% on tuition fee
Freedom Fighters Scholarship	Ward of freedom fighters	10% on tuition fee
SBU/SBPS Students Scholarship	Students of Sarala Birla Public School (SBPS) or existing SBU students	25% on tuition fee
Ward/Spouse of BAGM Employees	Ward or spouse of employees of Birla Group of Companies	25% on tuition fee
Differently Abled Scholarship	Students with disabilities	25% on tuition fee
Kashmiri Migrants Scholarship	Kashmiri migrant students	15% on tuition fee
e-Kalyan Scholarship (Govt. of Jharkhand)	SC/ST/OBC students from Jharkhand meeting income criteria	As per government norms

Scholarship concessions are applicable only on the tuition fee and not on hostel fees, transport fees, or other charges.
Scholarship will be applied to the tuition fee across all semesters.
Only one scholarship is applicable at a time; the higher benefit will be considered in case of multiple eligibilities.
Students must apply for e-Kalyan scholarship separately through the Jharkhand government portal at ekalyan.cgg.gov.in.

SBU MVA FAQs

Ques. Is a portfolio required for MVA admission at SBU?

Ans. Yes, as part of the admission process, candidates may be required to present a portfolio of their creative work including drawings, photographs, crafts, or other artwork during the personal interview stage. This helps the faculty assess the candidate's creative aptitude and artistic background.

Ques. What career options are available after completing MVA from SBU?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as art teachers (school and college level), art directors in the film industry, graphic designers, product designers, interior/exterior designers, textile designers, computer graphic designers, pottery and ceramics professionals, and automobile/architectural designers. Roles in government museums, non-profit art organisations, and commercial creative industries are also available.

Ques. Can MVA graduates pursue a PhD in Visual Arts at SBU?

Ans. Yes, SBU offers PhD programmes across its faculties. MVA graduates can apply for PhD in the Faculty of Art, Culture and Sports at SBU, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria and clearing the PhD entrance process.

Ques. Is the MVA degree from SBU recognised for government school/college teaching positions?

Ans. Yes, SBU is recognised under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956. The MVA degree qualifies graduates for drawing teacher positions in government and private schools. For college-level teaching, candidates also need to clear NET/JRF in Visual Arts/Fine Arts conducted by NTA.

Ques. What specialisations are available in the MVA programme at SBU?

Ans. Students may choose to specialise in Art History, Ceramics, Drawing and Painting, Sculpture, and Watercolor. The programme also covers Photography and other visual arts disciplines. Students are encouraged to contact the university for the most current curriculum and specialisation options.

Ques. Does SBU have dedicated art studios and facilities for MVA students?

Ans. Yes, SBU has state-of-the-art infrastructure including dedicated art studios and practice spaces for visual arts students. The 60-acre WiFi-enabled campus provides a conducive environment for creative learning, with access to modern labs and facilities for all art disciplines covered in the MVA programme.