Planning to pursue Arts in Kerala? With 14 Arts colleges offering BA(JMC), BPA, BVA, and MA(JMC), choosing the right college depends on key factors such as rankings, fees, placements, and entrance exams accepted.
Kerala's Arts landscape includes top government institutes like Kerala Kalamandalam and Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, along with leading private universities. Admissions are conducted through exams like national entrance exams, depending on the course and institution.
This page provides a complete list of Arts colleges in Kerala 2026, helping you compare colleges based on fees, placements, courses, and admission criteria to shortlist the best options.
Overview of Arts Colleges in Kerala
Kerala has a diverse mix of arts colleges across government, private, and deemed categories, offering programs in core and emerging fields. These colleges vary in terms of fee structure, admission process, and placement outcomes, making comparison essential for informed decision-making.
Admissions to most top colleges are based on national-level exams like national entrance exams, while state and private colleges accept CETs and institute-level entrance exams.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Data |
| Total Arts Colleges in Kerala | 14 |
| Government Colleges | 10 |
| Private Colleges | 3 |
| Popular Courses | M.A. in Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts, M.A. in Applied Economics, M.A. in Mohiniyattam |
| Top Exams Accepted | — |
| Average Fees | ₹3.4 K - ₹4 L |
| Average Placement (sample) | ₹3.5 L |
| Top Recruiters | IBM, Idea Cellular Services, Wipro, Amazon |
Top Arts Colleges in Kerala 2026 (Rankings)
Arts college rankings are based on parameters such as academic reputation, faculty quality, research output, placements, and infrastructure. Rankings from sources like NIRF, India Today, and The Week are widely used by students to shortlist top colleges.
Government vs Private Arts Colleges in Kerala
Arts colleges in Kerala are broadly divided into government and private institutions, with key differences in fees, placements, admission process, and ROI. Government colleges are generally more competitive with lower fees, while private colleges offer higher seat availability and modern infrastructure.
Top Government Arts Colleges
Government institutes such as Kerala Kalamandalam and Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit are known for high ROI, strong placements, and national-level competition.
| College | Fees | Total Courses | Popular Course |
| Kerala Kalamandalam | ₹3.4 K | 7 | M.A. in Chenda |
| Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit | ₹4 K - ₹33 K | 30 | B.A. in Dance |
Fee Comparison (Govt vs Private)
| Govt Colleges | |
| B.A. | ₹4.8 K |
| BFA | ₹6 K |
| M.A. | ₹3.4 K - ₹4 K |
| MFA | ₹33 K |
Government colleges are significantly more affordable compared to private institutions.
ROI Analysis
ROI is a key factor for most candidates, calculated based on fees vs placement outcomes.
| College | Fees | Popular Course |
| Kerala Kalamandalam | ₹3.4 K | M.A. in Chenda |
| Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit | ₹4 K - ₹33 K | B.A. in Dance |
Government colleges offer higher ROI due to lower fees and strong placements, while private colleges provide better infrastructure, flexibility, and more seat availability.
From a decision-making perspective, candidates targeting top ranks and ROI should prioritise government colleges, while those looking for backup options and infrastructure can consider top private arts institutes.
Govt and Private
| College | Fees | Popular Course |
| Kerala Kalamandalam | ₹3.4 K | M.A. in Chenda |
| Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit | ₹4 K - ₹33 K | B.A. in Dance |
Top Arts Colleges in Kerala by Fees
Fees is a key parameter while shortlisting arts colleges, as it directly impacts the overall cost of education and return on investment (ROI). In Kerala, arts college fees vary significantly based on the type of institution—government colleges are more affordable, while private universities have higher fee structures due to infrastructure and facilities.
Low Fee Arts Colleges (Below ₹1 L)
Low-fee arts colleges are primarily state government institutions and central universities, offering Arts programs at subsidised costs. Admissions are usually based on state-level entrance exams together with national and state-level entrance exams (where applicable).
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| Public/Government | ₹3.4 K - ₹33 K | Arts | ~8 avg courses (2 colleges) |
These colleges are suitable for candidates looking for affordable arts education with reasonable placement opportunities, especially in core sectors and government roles.
Best ROI Arts Colleges in Kerala
Return on Investment (ROI) is a key factor while selecting arts colleges, as it compares the total cost of education with placement outcomes. Colleges with lower fees and higher salary packages offer better long-term value.
ROI Comparison Across Top Colleges
| College | Average Fees |
| Kerala Kalamandalam | ₹3.4 K |
| Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit | ₹4 K - ₹33 K |
Government institutes such as Kerala Kalamandalam and Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit consistently offer high ROI due to subsidised fees and strong placement records.
Popular Arts Courses in Kerala
Arts colleges in Kerala offer a wide range of specialisations, with demand driven by placement trends, industry requirements, and long-term career growth. Among these, certain branches consistently attract higher enrolment due to better salary outcomes and job opportunities.
Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹7.4 L
- Top Recruiters: Accenture, Atlas Cycle, Azim Premji Foundation, Federal Bank
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts | 3–4 Years | ₹1.5 K - ₹3.5 L | 10+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
M.A. in Music
- Top Recruiters: Genpact, TCS, 3G Global, ABN Amro Bank
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| M.A. in Music | 2 Years | ₹4 K - ₹21 K | 8+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting
- Top Recruiters: —
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting | 4–5 Years | ₹1.7 K - ₹6.2 L | 8+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
Arts Admission Process in Kerala 2026
Admission to arts colleges in Kerala follows a structured process based on entrance exams, result evaluation, and centralised or institute-level counselling. Candidates can apply through national, state, or college-level exams, depending on their target institutions and courses.
Counselling Process
After qualifying entrance exams, candidates must participate in counselling for seat allocation based on rank, preferences, and availability.
The counselling process includes choice filling, seat allotment, document verification, and final admission confirmation.
State-wise Arts Colleges in India
India has 14 arts colleges distributed across states like Kerala, with a mix of government and private institutions. Top government colleges include Kerala Kalamandalam and Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, while leading private colleges include leading private colleges.
State-wise distribution helps candidates shortlist colleges based on location preference, fees, and admission through state-level exams like state-level exams.
Arts Colleges in Kerala
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Kerala Kalamandalam | ₹3.4 K | 7 Courses |
| Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit | ₹4 K - ₹45 K | 30 Courses |
City-wise Arts Colleges in India
Top cities like Thrissur and Ernakulum host a large number of arts colleges, including both government and private institutions. Leading colleges include Kerala Kalamandalam and Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, along with private institutes like leading private colleges.
City-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on placement opportunities, industry exposure, and proximity to tech hubs.
Arts Colleges in Thrissur
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Kerala Kalamandalam | ₹3.4 K | 7 Courses |
Arts Colleges in Ernakulum
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit | ₹4 K - ₹45 K | 30 Courses |
Course wise Arts Colleges in India
Arts colleges in India offer admissions across popular branches and emerging fields. Kerala Kalamandalam and Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit lead in core and tech branches, while private colleges like leading private colleges offer a wide range of specialisations.
Course-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on branch preference, placement trends, and career opportunities.
M.A. in Mohiniyattam Colleges in Kerala
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Kerala Kalamandalam | ₹3.4 K | 7 Courses |
| Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit | ₹4 K - ₹45 K | 30 Courses |
Bachelor of Fine Arts Colleges in Kerala
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit | ₹4 K - ₹45 K | 30 Courses |
Bachelor of Music Colleges in Kerala
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit | ₹4 K - ₹45 K | 30 Courses |
B.A. in Dance Colleges in Kerala
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit | ₹4 K - ₹45 K | 30 Courses |
B.A. in Performing Arts Colleges in Kerala
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Kerala Kalamandalam | ₹3.4 K | 7 Courses |
Comparison of Top Arts Colleges
Comparing top arts colleges helps candidates evaluate options based on fees, placements, rankings, infrastructure, and ROI. Government colleges like IITs, NITs, and IIITs offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges such as BITS, VIT, and SRM provide better infrastructure and higher seat availability.
A structured comparison allows candidates to shortlist colleges based on their budget, rank, preferred course, and career goals, ensuring better decision-making during admission.
Private vs Government Comparison
| Private | Government | |
| Total Colleges | 3 | 10 |
| Top Colleges | — | Kerala Kalamandalam and Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit |
| College distribution % | 23% | 77% |
| Top Courses | M.A. and B.A. | M.A. and B.A. |
| Fees Range | — | ₹3.4 K - ₹33 K |
Top Colleges Comparison Table
| College | Type | Fees |
| Kerala Kalamandalam | Government | ₹3.4 K |
| Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit | Government | ₹4 K - ₹33 K |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many arts colleges are there in Kerala?
There are over 14 arts colleges in Kerala, including government, private, and deemed universities offering UG, PG, and doctoral programs.
Which are the top arts colleges in Kerala?
Top arts colleges in Kerala include Kerala Kalamandalam and Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, based on rankings, placements, and academic reputation.
What exams are required for admission to arts colleges in Kerala?
Admission is mainly through exams like popular entrance exams, along with other institute-specific and state-level entrance tests depending on the course and college.
What is the average fee for arts colleges in Kerala?
The fee range for arts colleges in Kerala is ₹3.4 K - ₹4 L.
Which arts colleges have the best placements?
Colleges with strong industry connections, high placement rates, and better salary outcomes typically include top-ranked institutes and leading private universities in Kerala.
Which is better: government or private arts colleges?
Government colleges often offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges may provide better infrastructure and more seat availability. The best choice depends on budget, location, and goals.
What is the admission process for arts colleges in Kerala?
The process generally includes application → entrance exam → result → counselling/selection → seat allotment → admission, depending on the exam and college.
How to choose the best arts college in Kerala?
Compare colleges by rankings, fees, placements, available courses, location, and the exams they accept to shortlist options that match your goals.
