CUET Fine Arts Syllabus 2026, Succeed with Smart Preparation and Best Books
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Fine Arts is not just about painting on a canvas – it’s about expressing imagination, culture, and history. For students preparing for CUET UG 2026, Fine Arts is one of the most creative and scoring domain subjects. The CUET Fine Arts Syllabus 2026 includes three units, each with its own set of subsections. Unit 1 is separated into two sections, A and B, while Unit 2 has two sections, 1 and 2. Each section adds significantly to the total preparation, necessitating equal attention from candidates. The article below provides a full description of the Fine Arts ideas covered by CUET, along with the detailed syllabus, preparation tips, and most importantly, the toppers' prescribed books..
CUET Fine Arts Syllabus 2026
Go over the CUET Fine Arts syllabus 2026 to ensure you do well on part 2 of the test. This section covers a variety of Domain Specific Subjects, including the expanding field of "Arts in Education." This educational study is informed by evidence-based research on learning through the arts. Arts education can take numerous forms, such as performing arts, literature, narrative and poetry, visual arts instruction through film, and other artistic expressions. Sculpting the brains of students in these areas is critical for enhancing their lives and broadening their perspectives.
CUET UG Fine Arts Unit-Wise Syllabus
- 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
CUET Fine Arts Syllabus 2026 PDF Download Link
Students preparing for CUET UG Fine Arts can now access the detailed Fine Arts syllabus PDF through the download link shared below. The syllabus covers essential topics like painting, sculpture, applied arts, and the history of Indian art, helping students plan their preparation effectively. Every year, the National Testing Agency (NTA) releases and updates the CUET UG syllabus on its official website to ensure students stay aligned with the exam pattern and topics. Referring to the official PDF is important as it provides the latest subject-wise details, ensuring a structured approach for better exam performance.
Download CUET Fine Arts Syllabus PDF
CUET Fine Arts Detailed Syllabus 2026
The CUET Fine Arts syllabus is designed for students passionate about painting, sculpture, and visual creativity. It covers practical and theoretical aspects like the history of Indian art, famous artists, techniques, and important periods of fine arts. Students can check the detailed CUET Fine Arts syllabus below to plan their preparation in a smart way.
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 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 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 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) |
(B) 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:
| Rama vanquishes the pride of the ocean | Raja Ravi Verma |
| Journey’s End | Nandlal Bose |
| Parthasarthi | M.A.R. Chughtai |
| Ghalib’s Poetry Painting based on | Gaganendranath Tagore |
| Select a cubistic painting | Jamini Roy |
| Mother and child | Rabindranath Tagore |
| Female Face | Amrita Sher Gill |
| Hill Women | Nandlal Bose |
| Shiv and Sati | Kshitindranath Majumdar |
| Rasa-Lila | M.A.R. Chughtai |
| Radhika | Ram Gopal Vijaivargiya |
| 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: The Modern Trends in Indian Art Introduction
| Painting | Painter |
| Tantric Painting | G.R. Santosh |
| Words and images | K.C.S. Pannikar |
| Rama Vanquishing the Pride of the Ocean | Raja Ravi Varma |
| Mother and child | Jamini Roy |
| Haldi Grinders | Amrita Sher Gil |
| Mother Teresa | M.F. Husain |
| The Vulture | Kamlesh Dutt Pande |
Sculpture: Study of the following sculptures:
| Triumph of Labour | D. P. Roychowdhury |
| Santhal Family | Ramkinker Vaij |
| Standing Woman | Dhanraj Bhagat |
| Cries Unheard | Amar Nath Sehgal |
| Ganesha Figure | P.V.Jankiram |
| Dhanpal | Sankho Chaudhuri |
| Chatturmukhi | Aekka Yada Giri Rao |
Graphic-Prints
| Whirlpool | Krishna Reddy |
| Children | Somnath Hore |
| Devi | Jyoti Bhatt |
| Of walls | Anupam Sud |
| Man, Woman and Tree | K. Laxma Goud |
Best Books for CUET Fine Arts
Below we have shared the list of a few Best CUET Preparation Books for the Fine Arts exam. So that students can get a better understanding of the CUET UG Fine Arts Syllabus.
- NCERT Fine Arts (Class XI & XII) – These are the foundation books that cover the basics of painting, sculpture, and Indian art history. Every CUET aspirant must read them to build strong conceptual clarity.
- Arihant CUET Fine Arts Guide – This book is specially designed for CUET aspirants, with topic-wise notes, solved examples, and practice questions according to the latest syllabus.
- Trueman’s Fine Arts for CUET – Great for students who want in-depth explanations of art movements, artists, and detailed theories. It also provides solved questions for better understanding.
- Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) – The best way to understand the exam pattern, frequently asked topics, and time management. Practicing PYQs gives a real exam-like feel.
Preparation Tips for CUET Fine Arts
With consistent practice, the CUET Fine Arts subject can become one of the most creative yet high-scoring parts of your exam preparation.
- Start with NCERTs – Begin your preparation by thoroughly reading the NCERT Fine Arts books. Highlight key topics like famous paintings, artists, and their contributions.
- Create Short Notes – Make easy-to-revise notes on painters, important artworks, techniques, and different periods of art. These will save time during last-minute revision.
- Practice PYQs & Mock Tests – Solving past year papers helps you understand question trends. CUET Mock Test improves speed and accuracy, which are crucial for scoring high.
- Revise Regularly – Keep revisiting flashcards or charts of painters, art styles, and timelines. Visual revision helps in better memory retention.
- Seek Guidance if Needed – If you find any topic difficult, don’t hesitate to join CUET UG Online Coaching, video lectures, or coaching. Expert guidance can clear doubts quickly