The UGC NET Visual Art (Drawing & Painting/Sculpture/Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art) Syllabus 2026 assesses the candidate’s ability to comprehend concepts, sensitivity to arts, technical expertise, and knowledge of history pertaining to various fields within visual arts. The exam, which is conducted by the National Testing Agency under the aegis of the University Grants Commission, prepares the candidates to serve as Assistant Professors and Junior Research Fellows (JRF).
The syllabus incorporates aspects like studio practice, art history, aesthetics, and recent trends; therefore, a balanced approach is recommended while preparing for the exam.
UGC NET Visual Art (Drawing & Painting/Sculpture/Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art) Syllabus 2026 Overview
UGC NET Visual Art (Drawing & Painting / Sculpture / Graphics / Applied Art / History of Art) Syllabus 2026 aims to evaluate the knowledge of aspirants about visual aesthetics, techniques of artists, and historical changes in the world of arts. The examination will be held by the National Testing Agency for the University Grants Commission in 10 major modules with electives like Drawing & Painting, Sculpture, Graphics (Printmaking), Applied Art, and History of Art.
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| Feature | Details |
| Exam Name | UGC NET Visual Art (Drawing & Painting/Sculpture/Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Papers | Paper 1 (General) + Paper 2 (Gujarati) |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Official Website | ugcnet.nta.nic.in |
UGC NET Visual Art Syllabus PDF 2026
The UGC NET Visual Art Syllabus PDF 2026 is a vital resource that is issued by the National Testing Agency, especially for those students who are appearing for the NET examination in Visual Arts (Code 79). The syllabus is complete and authentic, making sure that students concentrate only on relevant topics.
It is recommended that candidates download the PDF syllabus of Visual Arts (Code 79) and refer to all the units and electives before commencing their preparation. This is important in planning your study and prioritizing topics for the purpose of preparing for the NET examination.
| UGC NET Visual Art Syllabus PDF English | Click Here |
| UGC NET Visual Art Syllabus PDF Hindi | Click Here |
UGC NET Visual Art (Drawing & Painting/Sculpture/Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art) Syllabus 2026 Unit Wise Paper 2
UGC NET Visual Art Syllabus 2026 (Paper 2), formulated by National Testing Agency, provides a well-rounded and interdisciplinary approach for candidates who have specialized in visual arts.
Check UGC NET Syllabus Paper PDF Here
This syllabus is not just meant to test theoretical knowledge, but it covers other skills like knowledge of art, practical knowledge, and history of art, among others. The syllabus is structured into ten main units, including various topics such as design and techniques, among others.
| Unit | Topic | Key Areas Covered |
| Unit 1 | Fundamentals of Visual Art | Elements (line, shape, form, colour, texture, space), principles (balance, harmony, contrast), 2D & 3D representation, conceptual aspects |
| Unit 2 | Interrelationship of Arts | Connections with performing arts, cinema, literature, interdisciplinary creativity |
| Unit 3 | Traditional Media & Techniques | Carving, casting, fresco, mural art, relief & intaglio printmaking, miniature painting (Wasli) |
| Unit 4 | Modern & Contemporary Techniques | Digital art, multimedia, CAD, installation art, hyperrealism, trompe-l’œil |
| Unit 5 | Aesthetics & Art Appreciation | Indian theories (Rasa, Dhvani), Western thinkers (Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Hegel), art criticism |
| Unit 6 | Western Art History | Prehistoric to postmodern art, movements like Renaissance, Baroque, Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism |
| Unit 7 | Early Indian Art History | Indus Valley, Maurya, Gupta, Chola, temple architecture, Ajanta, Ellora, Sanchi |
| Unit 8 | Modern & Contemporary Indian Art | Bengal School, Progressive Artists Group, modern practices, art education in India |
| Unit 9 | Asian Art Traditions | Art of China, Japan, Tibet, Nepal, Southeast Asia, cultural exchanges |
| Unit 10 | Folk & Tribal Art | Madhubani, Warli, Pithora, Phad, Pattachitra, traditional crafts |
UGC NET Visual Art (Drawing & Painting/Sculpture/Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art) Syllabus Exam Pattern 2026
UGC NET Visual Art Exam Pattern 2026 is developed by the National Testing Agency for assessing the teaching and research aptitudes as well as subject-specific knowledge of candidates in Visual Art subject.
Check UGC NET Exam Pattern 2026 Here
The test will be administered via Computer Based Test (CBT) mode and is comprised of two papers within one sitting without any interval. The both tests include MCQs only.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks |
| Paper 1 | (General Aptitude) | 50 | 100 |
| Paper 2 | UGC NET Visual Art (Drawing & Painting/Sculpture/Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art) | 100 | 200 |
| Total | 150 | 300 |
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Conclusion
The UGC NET Visual Art (Drawing & Painting/Sculpture/Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art) Syllabus covers a range of topics that include both theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge, as well as historical perspectives. In order to pass the exam successfully, students must concentrate not only on the essential topics but also on their chosen elective topic, work on developing visual skills and understanding different art movements, recapitulate important artists and their timelines, and solve past years’ question papers frequently.
UGC NET Visual Art (Drawing & Painting/Sculpture/Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art) Syllabus FAQs
How many units are there in UGC NET Visual Art (Drawing & Painting/Sculpture/Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art) syllabus?
The syllabus consists of 10 core units in Paper 2, covering fundamentals, techniques, and historical developments in visual arts.
Where can I download UGC NET Visual Art (Drawing & Painting/Sculpture/Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art) syllabus PDF?
You can download the official syllabus PDF from the website of the National Testing Agency under the UGC NET syllabus section.
Is UGC NET Visual Art (Drawing & Painting/Sculpture/Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art) syllabus difficult?
The syllabus is considered moderate to difficult as it requires a mix of theoretical knowledge, artistic skills, and understanding of art history and techniques.
What are the important topics in UGC NET Visual Art (Drawing & Painting/Sculpture/Graphics/Applied Art/History of Art)?
Important topics include Indian & Western Art History, Aesthetics, Contemporary Art Practices, and Traditional & Modern Techniques.
