Maharashtra Overhauls Art Education; Diploma Courses Now Three Years

Maharashtra has reduced the duration of its art diploma courses from four to three years for the 2025-26 academic year. The mandatory foundation year is now optional.

In a landmark decision that ends a five-decade-old policy, the Maharashtra government has announced a major overhaul of its art education system. As per a Government Resolution (GR) issued in June, the duration of several key diploma courses in art and design has been reduced from four years to three, starting from the 2025-26 academic session.

The most significant change is the removal of the mandatory one-year foundation course, which was previously a prerequisite for admission to the diploma programs. Under the new policy, students who have passed their Class 10 (S.S.C.) examinations can now apply directly for admission to a range of three-year diploma programs, including Applied Art, Drawing and Painting, Sculpture, and various specialisations in Art and Craft.

Impact on Students and New Structure:

This reform, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to make art education more accessible and employment-oriented by shortening the time students take to enter the professional world. The changes are expected to save a year of time and fees for aspirants, making creative careers a more viable option.

For students who still wish to build a strong foundational base, the one-year preparatory course has been renamed the "Foundation Certificate in Art and Design." It will continue to be offered as an optional, one-year program, maintaining its two-semester format.

The Directorate of Art (DoA) has already begun the admission process for the 2025-26 session under this new framework. Students are advised to carefully check the admission schedules and eligibility criteria for their chosen diploma course on the official website of the Directorate of Art, Maharashtra, for the latest updates.