CUET Fine Arts Syllabus 2026: Topics, Exam Pattern & Guide

Introduction

The CUET Fine Arts / Visual Arts / Commercial Arts syllabus 2026 is designed to assess a student’s understanding of visual expression, art history, aesthetics, and applied art concepts. This subject is relevant for students seeking admission into undergraduate programmes such as B.F.A., Visual Communication, Applied Arts, Graphic Design, Animation, Commercial Arts, and other creative disciplines through CUET UG.

The syllabus focuses on artistic knowledge, visual literacy, and conceptual understanding, aligned with the senior secondary level.

CUET Syllabus for Fine Arts / Visual Arts / Commercial Arts 2026

Unit 1: The Rajasthani and Pahari Schools of Miniature Painting

‍Unit 2: The Mughal and Deccan schools of miniature painting

‍Unit 3: The Bengal School and Cultural Nationalism

‍Unit 4: The Modern trends in Indian Art

Unit 1: The Rajasthani and Pahari Schools of Miniature Painting

(16th Century A.D. to 19th Century A.D.)

Introduction to Indian Miniature Schools:
Western-Indian, Pala, Rajasthani, Mughal, Central India, Deccan and Pahari.

(A) The Rajasthani Schools

• Origin and development of following schools in brief: Mewar, Bundi, Kota, Bikaner, Kishangarh and Jaipur, and main features of the Rajasthani schools.
• Study of the following Rajasthani paintings:

(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:

Unit 2: The Mughal and Deccani Schools of miniature painting (16th Century A.D. to 19th Century A.D.)

(A) The Mughal School

• Origin and Development of the Mughal School: A Brief Overview and Main Features.
• Study of the following Mughal paintings:

(B) The Deccani School

• Origin and Development of the Deccani School and Main features of the Deccan School.
• Study of the following Deccani Paintings:

Unit 3: The Bengal School and Cultural Nationalism

• New Era in Indian art – an introduction
• Study of the following paintings:

Unit 4: The Modern Trends in Indian Art Introduction

• Indian Modern Art
• Study of the following Sculptures.
• Study of the following Paintings.

Study of the following Sculptures:

Study of the following Paintings:

CUET Fine Arts / Visual Arts Exam Overview 2026

Below is an overview of the CUET UG Fine Arts / Visual Arts / Commercial Arts examination:

• Exam Name: Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG)
• Subject: Fine Arts / Visual Arts / Commercial Arts
• Conducting Authority: National Testing Agency (NTA)
• Exam Level: Undergraduate
• Mode of Examination: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Medium of Paper: Multiple languages
• Syllabus Level: Senior secondary level
• Focus Areas: Art history, visual studies, aesthetics, and applied art concepts

The paper evaluates a student’s understanding of art forms, visual elements, and creative concepts.

CUET Fine Arts / Visual Arts Preparation Strategy

Use the following preparation tips to score well in this subject:

• Study Art History Thoroughly: Focus on major art movements, artists, and styles.
• Understand Elements & Principles of Art: Line, colour, form, texture, balance, and composition are key.
• Use Visual References: Images and examples help in retaining art concepts.
• Revise Terminology & Definitions: Many questions are theory and terminology-based.
• Attempt Mock Tests: Regular CUET-style MCQs improve accuracy and confidence.

Best Books for CUET Fine Arts / Visual Arts 2026

NCERT-based books should be your primary resource, supported by CUET-focused practice material.

Recommended Books

Tip: Focus on concepts and visual understanding, not just memorisation.

Topics to Refer for CUET Fine Arts / Visual Arts

Students should prioritise the following important topics:

• Prehistoric and ancient Indian art
• Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu art traditions
• Indian temple architecture
• Mughal and Rajput painting
• Modern Indian art
• Western art movements (basic)
• Elements and principles of design
• Visual communication
• Applied and commercial art basics
• Art terminology and aesthetics

These topics are frequently tested and conceptually important.

Conclusion

The CUET Fine Arts / Visual Arts / Commercial Arts syllabus 2026 is theory-based with strong visual orientation. With a solid understanding of art history, visual concepts, and consistent MCQ practice, students can perform well in this subject.

Fine Arts is a high-scoring subject for students who prepare systematically and understand artistic concepts clearly.

FAQs CUET Fine Arts / Visual Arts 2026