Sir J.J. School of Art, established in 1857, is a pioneer institution for fine art education in India. Located in Mumbai, it is situated in a heritage campus that has a rich artistic and cultural legacy. Established in the Elphinstone Institute with elementary classes in drawing and design, the school was shifted to the present campus in 1878 through the philanthropic efforts of Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy.
It was a place established to teach the art traditions of Europe, but with the passing of time, it learned to appreciate and celebrate Indian art and craft traditions. Thus, special departments developed to specialize in areas like Drawing and Painting, Sculpture and Modelling, Mural, Portraiture, Printmaking, and Arts and Crafts. Arts and Crafts encompasses ceramics, metalwork, interior decoration, and textiles, a combination of training that was both practical and ornamental.
Reay Art Workshops was founded in 1891. The institute focuses on promoting traditional Indian techniques along with modern art practices. In addition to its school programs, the institute offers teacher training and higher degree programs. The institute awards students a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA).
The Sir J.J. School of Art was a nursery to many of India's biggest names, like Vasudev Gaitonde, Tyeb Mehta, Akbar Padamsee, and to contemporary names Atul Dodiya and Shilpa Gupta. Here, one finds innovation coupled with Indian artistic heritage; it challenges students to work through myriad mediums and methodologies while developing their craft in this direction.
The curriculum combines technical training, art history, and aesthetic theory, ensuring a well-rounded education. Students are exposed to extracurricular activities, workshops, and collaborative projects to prepare them for the evolving global art scene.
A legacy as strong as it is both European and Indian in tradition stands Sir J.J. School of Art, an undeniable pillar of fine art training in India. Committing itself to artistic excellence and relevance contemporary, it continues to have that influence on the world of art and culture.
- Sir JJ School of Art: Highlights
- Sir JJ School of Art: Rankings
- Sir JJ School of Art: Courses and eligibility
- Sir JJ School of Art: Admissions and Application process 2025
- Sir JJ School of Art: Scholarships 2025
- Sir JJ School of Art: Infrastructure and facility
- Sir JJ School of Art: Placements
- Sir JJ School of Art: Notable Alumni
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Sir JJ School of Art: Highlights
| Established | Type | 1878 | Private |
|---|---|
| Approved | All India Council of Technical Education |
| Affiliated | University of Mumbai |
| Courses | BFA, MFA, Diploma, Hobby, and Certificate |
| Application Portal | Online (UG), Offline (Rest) |
| Admission Criteria | Entrance Test (for UG), Interview, Merit-Based |
| Accepted exam score | MH-AAC-CET |
| Facilities | Hostel, Library, Computer lab, Extracurricular Activities, Study Excursions |
| Scholarship | Yes |
| Official Website: | https://www.sirjjschoolofart.in/ |
Sir JJ School of Art: Rankings
This table highlights the consistent performance of Sir J.J. College of Architecture in major rankings, with notable recognition in 2024 by Outlook-ICARE (#2) and India Today (#6).
| Rank Publisher & Category | 2021 | 2022 | 2,023 | 2,024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India Today (Architecture) | #3 | #3 | #4 | #6 |
| India Today (Best in Maharashtra) | - | - | Best Among Maharashtra Colleges | - |
| Outlook-ICARE (Architecture - Government) | - | - | - | #2 |
Sir JJ School of Art: Courses and eligibility
The college offers 6 undergraduate, 9 postgraduate, 3 diploma courses, 1 certificate course, and a few Hobby courses. The details of the courses are as mentioned below:
| Course | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) | Duration: 4 yearsEligibility: Higher secondary pass (10+2) from recognized board or universityIntake: Total of 75 seatsSpecializations: Painting, Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics, Textile Design, and Interior DecorationSelection Criteria: Maharashtra Applied Arts & Crafts-Common Entrance Test (MH-AAC-CET). |
| Master of Fine Arts | Duration: Two YearsEligibility: Bachelor of Fine Arts degreeIntake: 45Specializations: Painting in Creative Painting, Painting in Portrait, Sculpture, Painting in Graphic (Printmaking), Painting in Mural, Interior Decoration, Textile Design, Metalwork, and Ceramics.Selection Criteria: Merit Based |
| Diploma in Sculpture and Modelling | Duration: 4-YearsEligibility: Must have passed Foundation Course conducted by the Directorate of Art, Mumbai.Intake: 10Selection Criteria: Merit Based |
| Art Teacher Diploma | Duration: 2-yearsEligibility: H.S.C. examination (12th std) in MaharashtraIntake: 30Selection Criteria: Intermediate Drawing Grade Examination conducted by the Directorate of Art, Mumbai. |
| Diploma in Art Education | Duration: 1-yearEligibility: Diploma/ Degree in Drawing & Painting or Sculpture & modeling or Applied Art.Intake: 25Selection Criteria: Interview |
| Certificate Course | Duration: 1-yearEligibility: Art teacher's Diploma and a minimum of 3 years of Art teaching experience.Intake: 25Specializations: Art Masters CertificateSelection Criteria: Interview |
| Hobby Courses | Duration: 6 monthsEligibility: 10th Standard /Intermediate Grade ExamIntake: 140Specializations: Painting, Portrait Painting, Printmaking, Landscape Painting, Ceramic, and Metal.Selection Criteria: Seniority and Merit-Based |
Sir JJ School of Art: Admissions and Application process 2025
JJ School of Arts BFA admissions are based on the Maharashtra Applied Arts & Crafts-Common Entrance Test (MH-AAC-CET) and the rest are primarily done on the merit obtained in the qualifying examinations and further on interviews held.
How to Apply?
- Go to website www.mahacet.org and click New Registration. Fill up online application form.
- Upload the photographs and signature as mentioned.
- Pay Application fee through the Online Payment Mode only.
- Choose the CET Centre for the practical examination.
- Download the admit card from the website.
- Counseling will be done according to the merit obtained in the examination and admission will be followed based on counseling sessions.
Application to the College
- Application forms for the respective courses can either be downloaded or taken from the office of the College. They have to be then filled and submitted to the College Office. The form will be called upon to interview the candidates based on it.
- The Interview will carry 100 marks, out of which 50 marks will be 50% marks of the grand total of the marks obtained at degree examination of B.F.A. (in respective branch), and the remaining 50 marks will be allotted to the candidate's performance in the interview. The applicant must present his / her entire B.F.A. Class/ Sessional/ Term-work portfolio at the time of the interview. The list of students selected will be put on the website of the college.
Documents Required for Application
- Mark sheet of BFA examination or equivalent
- College Leaving Certificate/ Transfer Certificate / Migration Certificate
- Eligibility Certificate from the University of Mumbai
- Caste Certificate, Non-Creamy Layer Certificate.
Sir JJ School of Art: Scholarships 2025
The college offers merit-based scholarships and freeships to the talented students. Scholarships are given to 6% of students and freeships to 10% of students in each class. The scholarship rate is INR 25 per month for first-year BFA students and INR 35 for all other classes. INR 75 is also provided as stipend for Diploma in Arts Education Class students. There are several other merit scholarships, endowment scholarships prizes, and freeships that are awarded to the students regularly as per rules. The Registrar of the Institute can be contacted for this purpose.
Sir JJ School of Art: Infrastructure and facility
Sir J.J. School of Art is a heritage campus situated in Mumbai, which brings the feel of historical value along with the best of modern facilities. It has infrastructure and facilities suitable for creativity and practical training in all art forms. The key highlights of the infrastructure and facilities of this college are as follows:
- Heritage Campus
The college is housed in a historic building having some colonial architectural features which denote its legacy since centuries.
The campus is surrounded by fresh greenery that provides a wonderful atmosphere for artistic expression
- Studios and Workshops
Reay Art Workshop: This contains departments for ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and decoration of interior.
Drawing studio, painting studio, modelling studio, and sculpture workshops.
There are high level tools and equipment for hand-on practical training in those mediums
- Libraries and Archives
A library containing a vast collection of books, journals, and periodicals on fine arts, architecture, and art history.
Reproduction of Ajanta murals and other relevant historical references are preserved within the archives.
- Exhibition Galleries
Thematic galleries and exhibition halls to facilitate the presentation and discussion of student work before the art fraternity.
Occasional exhibitions and exhibits of both traditional and modern art.
- Electronic and Informational Facilities
Facilities for digital arts, graphic design, and multimedia productions.
Access to computers and software for 3D modeling and virtual design.
- Art and Craft Museum
It carries a rich collection of traditional Indian crafts and artefacts, with inspiration for students and can be taken as a reference.
- Classrooms and Lecture Halls
Well-proportioned large classrooms so that interactive learning is easier.
Audio-visual aids for better methods of teaching.
- Open Studios and Outdoor Spaces
Open studios and open spaces allow working in natural light and explorations of various forms of art.
Gardens and courtyards for sculpture installations, plein-air painting sessions, etc.
- Other Recreational Facilities
Workshop facilities, visiting lectures, and art camps.
Extracurricular activity spaces that are conducive to the all-rounded development of students.
Sir JJ School of Art: Placements
There is no formal placement or internship cell in Sir J.J. School of Art, Mumbai, like any other professional institution. Still, it offers a solid base to the students for making contacts, industry exposure, and launching successful careers in the art world.
- Network Opportunity
The institution organizes art exhibitions, cultural events, and workshops and gives an opportunity to display the work of the student in front of the reputed artists, curators, and art lovers.
These events usually involve galleries, collectors of art, and professionals of the industry directly.
- Industry Insight
Collaborations by students with museums, institutions of art, and other cultural organizations can help provide insight into the art world.
Most on-campus projects and events bring about direct experience in terms of marketing and presenting a work of art.
- Freelance and Entrepreneurial Careers
Graduates commonly use all the contacts during their tenure to obtain freelance projects.
Many students set up independent practices as artists, designers, or illustrators after graduating.
- Reputation and Legacy
The great legacy of Sir J.J. School of Art attracts attention from art circles worldwide, providing its alumni with a platform to excel in all fields, including fine arts, design, and academia.
Alumni like Tyeb Mehta, Vasudev Gaitonde, and Jitish Kallat are well-known icons and examples that show this school is a launching platform to achieve success in the art world.
- Practical Skills
The School trains its students with appropriate skills and an understanding of aestheticism and history in and about art.
Practical skills will equip students for coping with the demands placed upon them by contemporary industries in art and design.
Top recruiter
- Gaursons India
- Shilpa Architects
- DLF India
- RSP Design Consultants (India) Pvt. Ltd.
- IMK Architects
- Clinical Medical Center Osijek
- Arris Design Studio LLP
- Space Matrix
Sir JJ School of Art: Notable Alumni
Sir J.J. School of Art is one of those institutions that has a glorious legacy of some of the best artists in India and in the world, who have excelled in their respective fields ranging from fine arts to contemporary art, designs, and academia. Following are a few of its most celebrated alumni:
- Vasudev S. Gaitonde
Acclaimed as one of the most influential modern abstract painters in India.
He is known for his meditative and abstract art, a fusion of minimalism and Indian aesthetics.
His works have achieved record-breaking prices at auctions worldwide.
- Tyeb Mehta
He is one of the most celebrated Indian painters for his modernist and expressionist style.
He is known for his works, such as Mahishasura and The Falling Figure.
His paintings have sold at record prices at auctions globally.
- Akbar Padamsee
He is considered the pioneer of modern Indian art for his exploration of form, space, and color.
Worked in different mediums like painting, photography, and sculpture.
Won several coveted awards for his contribution to art.
- Jeram Patel
Avant-garde artist and significant figure in the modern art movement in India
His work is characterized by an experimental approach and dynamic use of mediums.
- M.V. Dhurandhar
Famous artist and illustrator of the early 20th century.
Known for his academic and realistic style, as well as for his portraits and mythological illustrations.
- Jitish Kallat
A contemporary artist whose work includes painting, photography, and multimedia.
He is known for his thought-provoking & innovative creations that portray urban life and global issues.
- Shilpa Gupta
A contemporary artist who is known for installations and multimedia art.
Her themes include identity, boundaries, and human perception.
- Atul Dodiya
A leading contemporary artist who combines traditional Indian themes with modern techniques.
Known for his installations and narrative-style paintings.
- Krishnamachari Bose
An artist and curator, known for his dynamic and experimental works.
He is a significant contributor to the contemporary art scene in India.
- Prabhakar Kolte
He is often called the Indian Paul Klee because of his abstract and modernist paintings.
He is a respected mentor and educator in the field of fine arts.
Conclusion
Sir J.J. School of Art provides students with the opportunity to pursue the richness of heritage with all its modern facilities, including excellent guidance in fine arts. The institution boasts legacy by renowned alumni, and diversely it provides industry exposure which would equip a student well in all aspects for developing and pursuing careers in the creative field.
FAQs
What is the eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program at Sir J.J. School of Art?
To be eligible for the BFA program, candidates must have completed their Higher Secondary (10+2) from a recognized board or university. Admission is based on the Maharashtra Applied Arts & Crafts-Common Entrance Test (MH-AAC-CET).
Does Sir J.J. School of Art offer scholarships?
Yes, the college offers merit-based scholarships and freeships to students. Scholarships are given to 6% of students, and freeships are awarded to 10% of students in each class.
What are the available courses at Sir J.J. School of Art?
The college offers various programs, including the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), diploma courses, and certificate courses, specializing in fields such as Painting, Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics, and Interior Decoration.
Is there a placement cell at Sir J.J. School of Art?
No, there is no formal placement or internship cell. However, the institution offers networking opportunities, industry exposure, and alumni connections to help students launch successful careers in the art world.
How do I apply for admission to Sir J.J. School of Art?
For BFA admissions, candidates must apply through the Maharashtra Applied Arts & Crafts-Common Entrance Test (MH-AAC-CET). For other courses, application forms can be downloaded from the college website or obtained from the college office. Interviews are conducted for selection in some courses.
