Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for 2025, organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is scheduled to take place in the month of May 2025. This nationwide exam provides admission opportunities to various undergraduate (UG) programs offered by central, state, private, and deemed universities, as well as other participating institutions across India. Among these programs is the UG-level Fine Arts course, for which candidates need to be thoroughly prepared due to the highly competitive nature of the exam.
When filling out the CUET 2025 application form, students must select Fine Arts as their domain subject if they wish to appear for this test. It’s worth noting that the topics included in the CUET Fine Arts syllabus are based on what is typically taught in Class 12. Therefore, having a solid understanding of the Class 12 Fine Arts curriculum is crucial for success.
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For effective preparation, candidates should refer to previous years’ Fine Arts question papers. Analyzing these papers will help them identify important topics, understand chapter-wise weightage, and become familiar with the types of questions commonly asked. This strategic approach can greatly enhance their readiness and boost their chances of performing well in the CUET Fine Arts exam.
Also Read:- Top BBA Colleges in India Accepting CUET Scores 2025: Check Top CUET BBA Colleges
CUET 2025 Fine Arts Exam Pattern
To prepare effectively for the CUET 2025 Fine Arts exam, it’s crucial to understand the exam pattern. The question paper contains 50 questions, out of which candidates need to attempt 40. This allows flexibility in choosing questions based on your strengths, helping you optimize your score.
| CUET 2025 Fine Arts Exam Pattern | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Number of questions | 50 |
| Number of questions to be attempted | 40 |
| Type of question | Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) |
| CUET 2025 Fine Arts exam duration | 45 minutes |
| CUET 2025 marking scheme | +5 for each correct answer -1 for each incorrect answer |
| CUET Fine Arts Mapping for Courses | Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) |
CUET Fine Arts Syllabus 2025; Unit-wise Syllabus
Unit 1 : The Rajasthani And Pahari Schools of Miniature Painting
Introduction to Indian Miniature Schools: Western-Indian, Pala, Rajasthani, Mughal, Central India, Deccan, and Pahari.
(A) The Rajasthani Schools Syllabus:
- Origin and development of the following schools in brief: Mewar, Bundi, Bikaner, Kishangarh, and Jaipur, and the main features of the Rajasthani schools.
- Study of the following Rajasthani paintings:
| Title / Set / Painter | School |
| A Folio from Ramayana paintings of Sahibdin | Mewar |
| One Court scene or Hunting scene or Festival scene | Mewar Jagat Singh II |
| One Folio from Ragamala or Rasikapriya | Bundi |
| One painting of a Hunting Scene in a Forest | Kotah with Kotah |
| Maharaja | – |
| Radha (Bani-Thani) by Nihal Chand | Kishangarh |
| Pabuji Ki Phad, Folk Scroll painting | Bhilwara |
| Maru-Ragini | Mewar |
| Raja Aniruddha Singh Hara | Bundi |
| Chaugan Players | Jodhpur |
| Krishna on swing | Bikaner |
| Radha (Bani- Thani) | Kishangarh |
| Bharat Meets Rama at Chitrakuta | Jaipur |
(B) The Pahari Schools:
- Origin and development of Basohli, Guler, and Kangra schools in brief and main features of the Pahari schools
- Study of the following Pahari Paintings:
| Title / Set / Painter | School |
| One Folio of Ramayana | Basohli (Sangri – Early Phase) |
| One Folio of Gita Govinda of Jaideva by Manaku | Guler |
| One Krishna Lila or Bhagavata Purana Sukh | Kangra Folio by Nain |
| One painting from Nayaka Nayika | Guler or Kangra or Baramasa or Ragamala |
| Krishna with Gopis | Basohli |
| Nand, Yashoda and Krishna with Kinsmen Going to Vrindavana | Kangra |
Unit 2 : The Mughal & Deccan Schools of Miniature Painting
(A) The Mughal School: Origin and development of the Mughal school in brief and main features of the Mughal School Study of the following Mughal Paintings:
| Title | Painter | School |
| A Folio from Akbar Namah | Basawan | Akbar |
| Baber Crossing the river Sone | Jagannath | Akbar |
| Krishna Lifting Mount Govardhana | Miskin | Akbar |
| Birth of Salim | Ramdas | Akbar |
| Jahangir holding the picture | Abul Hassan | Jahangir |
| Falcon on Bird-Rest | Ustad Mansoor | Jahangir |
| Kabir and Raidas | Ustad Faquirullah Khan | Shajahan |
| Marriage procession of | Haji Madni | Provincial |
| Dara Shikoh | – | Mughal (Oudh) |
(A) The Deccani School
Origin and development of the Deccani school and Main features of the Deccan School.
Study of the following Deccani Paintings:
| a. Ibrahim AdilShah II of Bijapur | Bijapur |
| b. Raga Hindola | Ahmednagar |
| c. Ragini Pat-hamsika | Ahmednagar |
| d. Hazart Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusro | Hyderabad |
| e. Chand Bibi Playing Polo (Chaugan) | Golconda |
Unit 3: The Bengal School and Cultural Nationalism
- New Era in Indian art-an introduction
- Study of the following paintings:
| (i) | Rama Vanquishing the pride of the ocean | Raja Ravi Verma |
| (ii) | Journey’s End | Nandlal Bose |
| (iii) | Parthasarthi | M.A.R. Chughtai |
| (ii) | Ghalib’s Poetry Painting based on | Gaganendranath Tagore |
| (iii) | Select a cubistic painting | Jamini Roy |
| (iv) | Mother and child | Rabindranath Tagore |
| (v) | Female Face | Amrita Sher Gill |
| (vi) | Hill Women | Nandlal Bose |
| (Vii) | Shiv and Sati | Kshitindranath Majumdar |
| (viii) | Rasa-Lila | M.A.R. Chughtai |
| (ix) | Radhika | Ram Gopal Vijaivargiya |
| (vii) | Meghdoot | — |
National flag and the Symbolic significance of its forms and colours.
Contribution of Indian artists in the struggle for the National Freedom Movement
Tiller of the Soil-Nandlal Bose.
Unit 4 : Modern Trends In Indian Art Introduction
| No. | Painting | Painter |
| iv. | Tantric Painting | G.R. Santosh |
| v. | Words and images | K.C.S. Pannikar |
| vi. | Rama Vanquishing the Pride of the Ocean | Raja Ravi Varma |
| vii. | Mother and child | Jamini Roy |
| viii. | Haldi Grinders | Amrita Sher Gil |
| ix. | Mother Teresa | M.F. Husain |
| x. | The Vulture | Kamlesh Dutt Pande |
Sculpture : Study of the following sculptures:
| (i) | Triumph of Labour | D. P. Roychowdhury |
| (ii) | Santhal Family | Ramkinker Vaij |
| (iii) | Standing Woman | Dhanraj Bhagat |
| (iv) | Cries Unheard | Amar Nath Sehgal |
| (v) | Ganesha Figure | P.V.Jankiram |
| (vi) | Dhanpal | Sankho Chaudhuri |
| (vi) | Chatturmukhi | Aekka Yada Giri Rao |
Graphic-Prints
| (i) | Whirlpool | Krishna Reddy |
| (ii) | Children | Somnath Hore |
| (iii) | Devi | Jyoti Bhatt |
| (iv) | Of walls | Anupam Sud |
| (v) | Man, Woman and Tree | K. Laxma Goud |
Preparation Tips for CUET 2025 Fine Arts Exam
If you’re aiming to secure admission to Fine Arts courses through the CUET UG 2025 exam, following a strategic preparation plan is crucial to scoring high. Here are some key tips to help you ace the Fine Arts paper:
- Familiarize Yourself with the Syllabus: Start by thoroughly going through the CUET Fine Arts syllabus. Identify the key areas, including topics like art history, artistic techniques, and various art forms, to ensure you cover everything needed for the exam.
- Organize a Study Schedule: Create a well-structured timetable that allows you to allocate time to all the topics. Prioritize areas that you find more challenging while leaving room for revision and practice.
- Use Quality Study Resources: Gather comprehensive study materials, such as textbooks, notes, and trusted online resources. Reliable references will give you a clear understanding of the core concepts in Fine Arts.
- Practice Artistic Techniques Regularly: Fine Arts isn’t just about theory—it’s equally about practical skills. Dedicate time to practicing drawing, painting, and other techniques relevant to your field. Consistent practice is key to mastering your craft.
- Analyze Previous Years’ Papers: Go through past CUET Fine Arts question papers to understand the exam pattern and frequently asked questions. This will help you get familiar with the structure of the paper and improve your answer framing skills.
- Collaborate with Peers: Join study groups or collaborate with fellow aspirants preparing for the CUET Fine Arts exam. Group discussions can offer new perspectives and make learning more engaging.
- Stay Inspired and Explore Creativity: Keep your creativity alive by visiting art galleries, museums, or virtual exhibitions. Immersing yourself in art outside of your study routine can provide inspiration and broaden your artistic perspective.
| CUET Section/Domain Wise Syllabus PDF | |
| Subjects | Syllabus PDFs |
| General Test | CUET General Test Syllabus PDF |
| Agriculture | CUET Agriculture Syllabus PDF |
| Chemistry | CUET Chemistry Syllabus PDF |
| Physics | CUET Physics Syllabus PDF |
| Biology | CUET Biology Syllabus PDF |
| Maths | CUET Maths Syllabus PDF |
| English | CUET English Syllabus PDF |
| History | CUET History Syllabus PDF |
| Computer Science | CUET Computer Science Syllabus PDF |
| Psychology | CUET Psychology Syllabus PDF |
| Accountancy | CUET Accountancy Syllabus PDF |
| Business Studies | CUET Business Studies Syllabus PDF |
| Sanskrit | CUET Sanskrit Syllabus PDF |
| Performing Arts | CUET Performing Arts Syllabus PDF |
| Political Science | CUET Political Science Syllabus PDF |
| Geography/Geology | CUET Geography Syllabus PDF |
| Mass Media/Communication | CUET Mass Media/Communication Syllabus PDF |
CUET Fine Arts Syllabus 2025 FAQs
Is Fine Art included as a subject in CUET 2025?
Yes, Fine Arts, which includes Painting, Sculpture, Graphics, and Commercial Arts, is one of the domain subjects in CUET 2025. The syllabus covers four units, including Unit 1: The Rajasthani and Pahari Schools of Miniature Painting and Unit 2: The Mughal and Deccan Schools of Miniature Painting.
How can I prepare for CUET Fine Arts?
Consistent practice is key to scoring well in the CUET Fine Arts 2025 exam. Candidates should focus on solving previous years’ question papers, mock tests, and sample papers. Regular revision is essential for retaining concepts and improving performance.
Can I choose five subjects in CUET?
Yes, candidates can select up to five subjects from the CUET domain sections, depending on their desired undergraduate program and the requirements of the accepting university. These subjects are included under Section 2 of the CUET UG exam.
Can I pass CUET without coaching?
Absolutely! Clearing CUET without coaching is achievable with the right strategies, dedication, and a structured study plan. Allocate sufficient time for each subject and focus on thorough coverage of the syllabus to ensure success.
Is CUET mandatory for arts students?
Yes, arts students seeking admission to central universities must appear for CUET. They must also meet the eligibility criteria for the chosen university, program, and CUET PG exam, where applicable.
Does CUET have negative marking?
Yes, CUET includes negative marking. For every incorrect answer, 1 mark will be deducted. However, there is no penalty for unattempted questions.
