Government College of Art and Design, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The Government College of Art and Design, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) is a premier institution for fine arts in Maharashtra. Established to foster creative talent in the Marathwada region, it remains a vital hub for aspiring artists and designers.

• Affiliation: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (BAMU).
• Campus Location: Kileark, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.
• Flagship Course: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA).
• Admission Basis: MAH-AAC-CET (Maharashtra Applied Arts and Crafts Common Entrance Test).
• Institutional Type: Government-funded and managed.
• Regional Significance: Located near the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora, providing students with unparalleled historical and artistic inspiration.

The college is renowned for its intensive studio-based learning. The most sought-after programmes for the 2026 academic session include:

• BFA in Applied Art: Focuses on graphic design, advertising, and digital illustration.
• BFA in Painting: Dedicated to traditional and contemporary painting techniques, including portraiture and landscape.
• BFA in Sculpture: Training in clay modeling, stone carving, and metal casting.
• BFA in Textile Design: Merging traditional Indian weaves with modern fashion and interior trends.

These four-year degree programs are designed to balance technical skill with theoretical knowledge of art history.

Admissions for the 2026 session are strictly merit-based, determined by the state-level entrance examination. The process is managed by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra.

Candidates must have completed 10+2 (HSC) or equivalent with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for reserved categories) and must appear for the practical and theory components of the CET.

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

The cutoff for 2026 is expected to remain competitive, especially for the Applied Art specialization. Cutoffs are based on the aggregate of the MAH-AAC-CET score and the 12th-grade percentage (weightage as per DTE norms).

• BFA Applied Art: Expected score range 150-165 out of 200.
• BFA Painting: Expected score range 135-150 out of 200.
• BFA Sculpture/Textile: Expected score range 120-140 out of 200.

Note: Cutoffs vary significantly based on home university (BAMU) vs. other university (OHU) quotas and category reservations.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

Placements in fine arts are typically driven by portfolios and freelance opportunities. In 2025, the college saw successful transitions for its graduates into various sectors:

• Applied Art: Students secured roles in advertising agencies in Mumbai and Pune, and design studios in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar's growing industrial zones (Waluj and Shendra).
• Painting & Sculpture: Many graduates established successful independent studios or were commissioned for public art projects and murals.
• Top Recruiters: Local advertising firms, regional media houses, and educational institutions.
• Average Package (Applied Art): INR 3.5 LPA to 5 LPA for entry-level designers.

As a state government institution, the college offers extensive financial aid through the MahaDBT portal:

• Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Fee Reimbursement: For EBC students.
• Post-Matric Scholarships: Dedicated schemes for SC, ST, VJNT, and OBC candidates.
• Merit Scholarships: Awarded to top performers in the annual university examinations.
• Minority Scholarships: Available for students from notified minority communities as per state norms.

The most popular courses at the institution are:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Applied Art: Preferred by students aiming for careers in the corporate and digital design world.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Painting: The soul of the college, attracting those interested in fine arts galleries and academia.
• Bridge Course in Fine Arts: Often sought by diploma holders looking to transition into degree programs.

The fee structure is highly subsidized by the Government of Maharashtra. The following is the estimated fee for 2026:

Note: Fees are subject to change as per government resolutions.

The application process is entirely online via the Maharashtra State CET Cell website:

1. Visit the official MAH-AAC-CET 2026 portal.
2. Register with personal details and upload the required documents (Photo, Signature).
3. Pay the application fee (approx ₹800 for General, ₹600 for Reserved).
4. Download the admit card for the practical exams (Design, Memory Drawing, Object Drawing).
5. After results, participate in the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) by filling out option forms.

The college is housed in a building with significant architectural character. Facilities include:

• Specialized Studios: Large, well-lit spaces for painting and sculpture.
• Exhibition Hall: An art gallery where students display their annual works for the public.
• Library: A collection of rare art books, journals, and history of art references.
• Computer Lab: Basic facilities for Applied Art students to learn design software.
• Canteen: A basic facility providing affordable meals to students.

The academic structure is divided into specialized departments:

• Department of Applied Art: Focuses on visual communication.
• Department of Painting: Focuses on creative expression through various media.
• Department of Sculpture: Focuses on 3D form and spatial design.
• Department of Art History: Provides the theoretical foundation for all practical subjects.