Highlights 2026
Rachana Sansad's College of Applied Arts and Craft, located in the heart of Mumbai at Prabhadevi, continues to be a premier destination for aspiring artists and designers. For the academic year 2026, the institution has expanded its curriculum to include advanced specializations reflecting modern industry needs.
- Location: 278 Shankar Ghanekar Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai 400 025.
- Affiliation: University of Mumbai and Directorate of Art, Maharashtra State.
- Approval: AICTE approved courses.
- New Initiative: Introduction of specialized modules in Digital Experience Design and Visual Communication for 2026.
- Legacy: Over 60 years of excellence in art education.
- Campus: Urban campus with proximity to Mumbai's major advertising and design hubs.
Popular Programmes 2026
The college is renowned for its rigorous training in visual arts. The most sought-after programmes for 2026 include:
| Programme | Duration | Focus Area |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Applied Art | 4 Years | Advertising, Illustration, Typography |
| Master of Fine Arts (MFA) - Applied Art | 2 Years | Advanced Research and Design Management |
| New Course: BFA (Digital Media Specialization) | 4 Years | UI/UX, Motion Graphics, Interaction Design |
The BFA in Applied Art remains the flagship program, attracting students from across Maharashtra due to its strong industry reputation.
Admission Process & Important Dates 2026
Admission to the undergraduate programs is primarily through the Maharashtra Applied Arts and Crafts Common Entrance Test (MAH-AAC-CET). For 2026, the following timeline is expected:
- Online Registration for MAH-AAC-CET: February - March 2026
- Entrance Examination: April 2026
- Declaration of Results: May 2026
- Centralized Admission Process (CAP) Rounds: June - July 2026
- Commencement of Academic Session: August 2026
Candidates must have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for reserved categories) and qualify in the state-level drawing examination where applicable.
Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.
Expected Cutoff 2026 (approximate)
Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.
The cutoff for 2026 will depend on the difficulty of the MAH-AAC-CET and the number of applicants. Historically, the following percentiles are required for the General Category:
- BFA Applied Art (Aided): 92 - 96 Percentile
- BFA Applied Art (Unaided): 85 - 91 Percentile
- New Digital Media Course: Expected 88+ Percentile
Reservation policies as per the Government of Maharashtra apply for SC, ST, OBC, and VJ/NT categories, which may have lower cutoff requirements.
Placements (approximate)
Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.
The 2025 placement season saw a strong turnout from Mumbai's booming media and advertising sector. Key highlights include:
- Highest Package: INR 12.5 LPA (Digital Design Role).
- Average Package: INR 5.5 LPA.
- Top Recruiters: Ogilvy & Mather, Leo Burnett, Lowe Lintas, Tata Interactive Systems, and various boutique design studios in Lower Parel and Bandra.
- Internships: 100% of students in the 2025 batch secured mandatory summer internships with leading creative agencies.
- Roles Offered: Art Director (Junior), Visualizer, UI/UX Designer, Illustrator, and Brand Identity Designer.
Scholarships 2026
Financial assistance is available through various state and institutional schemes for the 2026 session:
- Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Fee Reimbursement: For EBC students with family income below 8 Lakhs.
- Post-Matric Scholarship: Available for SC/ST/OBC students via the MahaDBT portal.
- Merit-based Awards: The college provides internal awards for toppers in the annual exhibitions.
- Minority Scholarships: Available for students belonging to Jain, Muslim, Christian, and other minority communities as per state norms.
Popular Courses
The college offers specialized training that blends traditional art with modern technology. Popular courses include:
- BFA in Applied Art: Focuses on commercial art, branding, and advertising.
- MFA in Visual Communication: A post-graduate program focusing on strategic design and research.
- Certificate Courses: Short-term programs in Photography, Interior Design, and Fashion (offered via sister concerns within the Rachana Sansad campus).
- New 2026 Electives: Augmented Reality (AR) Design and Sustainability in Visual Communication.
Courses and Fees 2026
The fee structure for 2026 is designed to be competitive while maintaining high-quality infrastructure:
| Course | Annual Fee (Approx.) | Seats |
| BFA Applied Art (Aided) | ₹18,000 - ₹25,000 | 60 |
| BFA Applied Art (Unaided) | ₹85,000 - ₹1,10,000 | 60 |
| MFA Applied Art | ₹75,000 - ₹95,000 | 20 |
| New Digital Specialization | ₹1,20,000 | 30 |
Note: Fees are subject to approval by the Fees Regulating Authority (FRA), Maharashtra.
Application Process 2026
The application process for 2026 is primarily digital:
- CET Registration: Visit the MAH-AAC-CET official website to register for the entrance exam.
- Document Upload: Scan and upload 10th/12th marksheets, caste certificates (if applicable), and domicile certificates.
- Exam Appearance: Clear the Theory and Practical (Drawing/Design) papers of the CET.
- CAP Registration: After results, register for the Centralized Admission Process.
- Option Entry: Choose Rachana Sansad (College Code: 278) as your first preference.
- Verification: Complete physical document verification at an ARC center in Mumbai.
Infrastructure
Despite being in a congested part of Mumbai, the college provides a well-equipped environment:
- Studios: Large, well-lit studios for drawing, painting, and design work.
- Computer Labs: Updated with the latest Adobe Creative Cloud suite and high-end rendering machines.
- Library: An extensive collection of rare art books, international design magazines, and digital archives.
- Canteen: A popular student hangout known for budget-friendly Mumbai snacks.
- Exhibition Hall: A dedicated space for the annual degree show where industry professionals visit student works.
Departments
The college is organized into specialized departments to ensure focused learning:
- Department of Applied Art: Oversees the core BFA curriculum.
- Department of Visual Communication: Focuses on typography, branding, and layout design.
- Department of Illustration: Specializes in digital and manual illustration techniques.
- Department of Digital Media: (Newly expanded for 2026) Managing UI/UX, animation, and web design.
- Department of Photography: Providing elective and core training in commercial photography.
FAQs
The college does not have its own hostel, but students often find accommodation in nearby PGs in Dadar, Prabhadevi, or Matunga.
2. What is the intake for the new 2026 course?The new digital-focused specialization has an initial intake of 30 seats.
3. Does the college help with placements?Yes, the college has an active placement cell and an annual exhibition that serves as a recruitment fair.
4. Is the MAH-AAC-CET mandatory?Yes, for all BFA courses in Maharashtra, the CET is the compulsory entrance gateway.
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