Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai
The Government College of Fine Arts (initially known as the Madras School of Art) in Chennai is the oldest art institution in India. This institution was established in 1850 by a resident surgeon, Alexander Hunter as a private art school. In 1852, after being taken over by the government, it was renamed as the Government School of Industrial Arts.Later, it was renamed as the Government School of Arts and Crafts and the Government College of Arts and Crafts (1962), before finally being renamed as present. This institute offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in painting, sculpture, visual communication, textile design, graphic arts and ceramics. It also offers postgraduate programmes in painting, visual communication, textile designs and ceramics. In 2009, it started offering a course leading to the Master's degree in Fine Arts in sculpture., History, During British rule in India, the crown found that Madras had some of the most talented and intellectual artistic minds in the world. As the British had also established a huge settlement in and around Madras, Georgetown was chosen to establish an institute that would cater to the artistic expectations of the royals in London. At first traditional artists were employed to produce exquisite varieties of furniture, metalwork, and curios, and their work was sent to the royal palaces of the Queen. In a very short time, this institute established itself as the first school of art in India. It predates even the University of Madras. This school was originally located at Popham’s Broadway. In 1852, it was shifted to its present premises, a four-acre campus on Poonamallee High RoadA number of celebrated painters, sculptors and craftsmen of India are either products of this college or influenced by it. The stamp of this college can be found in each and every painting or sculpture that is being produced in India., Like the Bengal School, the Madras School flourishes on 'creating' new styles, arguments and trends., Government College of Fine Arts,, Chennai
Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai is a recognized higher education institute located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The college is officially affiliated with Affiliated State University and provides quality undergraduate and professional education to students across the region.
Campus Location
The Government College of Fine Arts (initially known as the Madras School of Art) in Chennai is the oldest art institution in India. This institution was established in 1850 by a resident surgeon, Alexander Hunter as a private art school. In 1852, after being taken over by the government, it was renamed as the Government School of Industrial Arts.Later, it was renamed as the Government School of Arts and Crafts and the Government College of Arts and Crafts (1962), before finally being renamed as present. This institute offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in painting, sculpture, visual communication, textile design, graphic arts and ceramics. It also offers postgraduate programmes in painting, visual communication, textile designs and ceramics. In 2009, it started offering a course leading to the Master's degree in Fine Arts in sculpture., History, During British rule in India, the crown found that Madras had some of the most talented and intellectual artistic minds in the world. As the British had also established a huge settlement in and around Madras, Georgetown was chosen to establish an institute that would cater to the artistic expectations of the royals in London. At first traditional artists were employed to produce exquisite varieties of furniture, metalwork, and curios, and their work was sent to the royal palaces of the Queen. In a very short time, this institute established itself as the first school of art in India. It predates even the University of Madras. This school was originally located at Popham’s Broadway. In 1852, it was shifted to its present premises, a four-acre campus on Poonamallee High RoadA number of celebrated painters, sculptors and craftsmen of India are either products of this college or influenced by it. The stamp of this college can be found in each and every painting or sculpture that is being produced in India., Like the Bengal School, the Madras School flourishes on 'creating' new styles, arguments and trends., Government College of Fine Arts,, Chennai
College Highlights at a Glance
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) - Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai
Comprehensive university-affiliated degree program focusing on foundational concepts, practical application, and career readiness.
Affiliated State University
Degrees for all students enrolled at Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai are conferred and certified by Affiliated State University. All curriculum guidelines, semester examination schedules, and degree evaluations are regulated by the university.
Check Eligibility Criteria
Ensure you fulfill the minimum qualification requirements (graduation marks, entrance test qualifying rank for professional courses like B.Ed / M.Ed / B.Tech).
Entrance Exam / CET Registration
Candidates must register for the relevant state entrance examination (e.g., MAH B.Ed CET for education courses, or state CAP portal) and obtain a scorecard.
Centralized Admission Process (CAP)
Participate in online CAP rounds by selecting Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai as your preferred institute choice.
Seat Allotment & Document Verification
Report to the college with original documents and pay the prescribed admission fees to confirm enrollment for academic session 2026.
Mandatory Documents for Admission
Modern Classrooms & Audio-Visual Hall
Well-ventilated lecture rooms equipped with visual aids for interactive teaching.
Curriculum & Reference Library
Extensive repository of textbooks, educational research journals, and study materials.
Computer & ICT Laboratory
High-speed internet enabled workstations supporting digital learning and coursework.
Subject & Practical Laboratories
Specialized lab setups for methodology practicals and experiential training.
Sports & Physical Activities
Outdoor playgrounds and indoor recreation facilities encouraging holistic health.
Auditorium & Multi-Purpose Hall
Spacious venue for seminars, academic symposiums, and cultural events.
The Government College of Fine Arts (initially known as the Madras School of Art) in Chennai is the oldest art institution in India. This institution was established in 1850 by a resident surgeon, Alexander Hunter as a private art school. In 1852, after being taken over by the government, it was renamed as the Government School of Industrial Arts.Later, it was renamed as the Government School of Arts and Crafts and the Government College of Arts and Crafts (1962), before finally being renamed as present. This institute offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in painting, sculpture, visual communication, textile design, graphic arts and ceramics. It also offers postgraduate programmes in painting, visual communication, textile designs and ceramics. In 2009, it started offering a course leading to the Master's degree in Fine Arts in sculpture., History, During British rule in India, the crown found that Madras had some of the most talented and intellectual artistic minds in the world. As the British had also established a huge settlement in and around Madras, Georgetown was chosen to establish an institute that would cater to the artistic expectations of the royals in London. At first traditional artists were employed to produce exquisite varieties of furniture, metalwork, and curios, and their work was sent to the royal palaces of the Queen. In a very short time, this institute established itself as the first school of art in India. It predates even the University of Madras. This school was originally located at Popham’s Broadway. In 1852, it was shifted to its present premises, a four-acre campus on Poonamallee High RoadA number of celebrated painters, sculptors and craftsmen of India are either products of this college or influenced by it. The stamp of this college can be found in each and every painting or sculpture that is being produced in India., Like the Bengal School, the Madras School flourishes on 'creating' new styles, arguments and trends., Government College of Fine Arts,, Chennai
District: Chennai | State: Tamil Nadu, India
Affiliated State University
Campus Location: Chennai
Located in The Government College of Fine Arts (initially known as the Madras School of Art) in Chennai is the oldest art institution in India. This institution was established in 1850 by a resident surgeon, Alexander Hunter as a private art school. In 1852, after being taken over by the government, it was renamed as the Government School of Industrial Arts.Later, it was renamed as the Government School of Arts and Crafts and the Government College of Arts and Crafts (1962), before finally being renamed as present. This institute offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in painting, sculpture, visual communication, textile design, graphic arts and ceramics. It also offers postgraduate programmes in painting, visual communication, textile designs and ceramics. In 2009, it started offering a course leading to the Master's degree in Fine Arts in sculpture., History, During British rule in India, the crown found that Madras had some of the most talented and intellectual artistic minds in the world. As the British had also established a huge settlement in and around Madras, Georgetown was chosen to establish an institute that would cater to the artistic expectations of the royals in London. At first traditional artists were employed to produce exquisite varieties of furniture, metalwork, and curios, and their work was sent to the royal palaces of the Queen. In a very short time, this institute established itself as the first school of art in India. It predates even the University of Madras. This school was originally located at Popham’s Broadway. In 1852, it was shifted to its present premises, a four-acre campus on Poonamallee High RoadA number of celebrated painters, sculptors and craftsmen of India are either products of this college or influenced by it. The stamp of this college can be found in each and every painting or sculpture that is being produced in India., Like the Bengal School, the Madras School flourishes on 'creating' new styles, arguments and trends., Government College of Fine Arts,, Chennai. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn driving directions to the campus.
Open in Google MapsSri Ram Chandra Medical College & Research Institute,Chennai
Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University, Chennai
Accel IT Academy, Chennai
Loyola ICAM College Of Engineering And Technology LICET, Nungambakkam
Anna University, Chennai
Quaid E Millath Government College for Women, Chennai
University of Madras, Chennai