Top 10 Arts Colleges in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, one of Gujarat’s most prominent academic and cultural hubs, is home to around 20 arts colleges, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in arts, humanities, social sciences, and related disciplines. With a diverse mix of public universities, autonomous institutions, and private colleges, students have several options to pursue a meaningful arts education in the city.

However, with such a broad and varied academic landscape, identifying arts colleges that consistently deliver on educational quality and placement outcomes can be difficult. This blog brings together the top 10 arts colleges in Ahmedabad to help you make an informed choice based on accreditation, course offerings, admission pathways, and placement outcomes.

1. St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad

Established in 1955, St. Xavier’s College is one of the top autonomous arts and science colleges in Ahmedabad. The college is accredited with an A grade by NAAC and is affiliated with Gujarat University, while maintaining academic autonomy in curriculum design and evaluation. 

What sets the arts programmes at St. Xavier’s College apart is their strong emphasis on theoretical grounding, structured coursework, and continuous internal assessment, supported by tutorials, seminars, and faculty-led discussions.

Popular UG Courses: BA in Economics, Psychology, English, Political Science, and Sociology

Popular PG Courses: MA programmes in select arts disciplines, including English and Economics

Admission Fees (Approx.): Tuition fees for BA arts programmes at St. Xavier’s College generally range from ₹36,330 to ₹1.93 Lakh for the full course, depending on the specialisation chosen. MA programme fees typically range from ₹77,400 to ₹1.19 Lakh for the full course. 

Admission Process: Admissions are conducted through the college’s own process aligned with Gujarat University guidelines, typically based on merit from 10+2 results for UG programmes and graduation results for PG programmes. 

Average Placement Package: According to available placement reports, arts graduates and postgraduates from St. Xavier’s College have received salary offers in the range of ₹2.7 LPA to ₹2.9 LPA in recent years, depending on the programme and role.

2. L. D. Arts College, Ahmedabad 

Standing tall since 1937, L.D. Arts College is one of the oldest public arts colleges in Ahmedabad and has played a long-standing role in humanities and social sciences education in the city. The college is affiliated with Gujarat University and is accredited with a B+ grade from NAAC.

Academically, L.D. Arts College is known for offering a wide range of traditional arts disciplines with continuity across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This makes the college a top choice for those seeking subject depth, particularly in arts disciplines that emphasise foundational learning over interdisciplinary experimentation.

Popular UG Courses: BA in Gujarati, Hindi, Sanskrit, History, Political Science, Sociology, and Philosophy

Popular PG Courses: MA in Gujarati, Hindi, Sanskrit, History, Political Science, and Sociology

Admission Fees (Approx.): Annual tuition fees for BA programmes are approximately ₹740 to ₹1,340, depending on the subject. MA programmes typically involve fees in the range of ₹1,330 to ₹2,330 per year, as per available fee listings under Gujarat University norms.

Admission Process: Admissions are merit-based, conducted according to Gujarat University and state admission guidelines, based on qualifying examination scores.

Average Placement Package: Based on publicly available placement reports, arts students at L.D. Arts College have received average salary packages in the range of ₹2.4 LPA to ₹3.6 LPA, with some of the highest offers reaching around ₹5-6 LPA in select cases.

Also Read: Top Arts Colleges in Mumbai 

3. Ahmedabad Arts and Commerce College, Ahmedabad

Established in 1966, Ahmedabad Arts and Commerce College is one of the top public higher education institutions in the city, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in arts, humanities, and commerce. The college is affiliated with Gujarat University and secured a B-grade accreditation from NAAC.

Academically, this college is known for its focus on language-based and core arts disciplines. What distinguishes the college is its arts-commerce-linked academic environment, which allows arts students to remain closely connected to economics and administrative subjects that intersect public services, business, or management-oriented roles.

Popular UG Courses: BA in English, Gujarati, Hindi, Economics, History, Political Science, and Sociology

Popular PG Courses: MA in English and Gujarati

Admission Fees (Approx.): Annual tuition fees for BA programmes generally range from ₹8,000 to ₹15,000, depending on the subject and category. MA programmes typically involve fees in the range of ₹12,000 to ₹25,000 per year, as per available fee structures under Gujarat University norms.

Admission Process: Admissions are merit-based, conducted according to Gujarat University and state admission guidelines, based on qualifying examination scores.

Average Placement Package: Based on publicly available placement information, students from arts programmes at Ahmedabad Arts and Commerce College who secure placements have received salary offers typically in the range of ₹2.5 LPA to ₹3.5 LPA, depending on the role and sector.

4. C.U. Shah Arts College, Ahmedabad 

One of the established public arts institutions in Ahmedabad, C. U. Shah Arts College, began its academic journey in 1960. The college is affiliated with Gujarat University and holds a B/B+ grade accreditation from NAAC, as reflected in publicly available accreditation records.

The college combines conventional classroom instruction with active co-curricular engagement, shaping an environment where seminars, cultural programmes, and student-led activities support academic learning. This approach enables arts students to complement syllabus-driven coursework with participatory learning experiences, distinguishing the college from institutions that rely solely on lecture-centric instruction. 

Popular UG Courses: BA in English, Gujarati, Sanskrit, Sociology, Psychology, and History

Popular PG Courses: MA programmes in select arts disciplines offered under Gujarat University norms

Admission Fees (Approx.): Annual tuition fees for BA programmes are generally in the range of ₹1,500 to ₹3,000, depending on the subject and category. PG programme fees are similarly nominal and follow Gujarat University-recommended fee structures.

Admission Process: Admissions are merit-based, conducted according to Gujarat University and state admission guidelines. 

Average Placement Package: As per publicly reported placement data referenced in NIRF disclosures and education portals, arts students from C. U. Shah Arts College who secured placements have recorded salary outcomes in the range of ₹1.4 LPA to ₹2.25 LPA in recent years.

Also Read: Top Law Colleges in Ahmedabad

5. GLS University – Faculty of Performing Arts, Ahmedabad

GLS University is one of the top private state universities in Ahmedabad, founded in 2015.  The university holds an A+ grade accreditation from NAAC. Within the university, the Faculty of Performing Arts offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes focused on creative and performance-based arts disciplines.

The faculty follows a practice-led learning model, where theoretical study is closely integrated with studio work, rehearsals, performances, and continuous assessment. This approach enables students to develop technical skills and artistic expression alongside academic understanding, setting the faculty apart from conventional arts colleges.

Popular UG Courses: BA in Performing Arts, with specialisations in Theatre, Music, and Dance

Popular PG Courses: MA programmes in Performing Arts and allied specialisations

Admission Fees (Approx.): Tuition fees for UG programmes generally range from ₹2.4 Lakh to ₹3.6 Lakh for the full course. PG programmes typically involve fees in the range of ₹1.2 Lakh to ₹1.8 Lakh, depending on the specialisation.

Admission Process: Admissions are conducted through GLS University’s own admission process, which may include academic evaluation, auditions, or interviews, depending on the programme requirements.

Average Placement Package: Placement outcomes for performing arts graduates vary by individual career paths. Based on available placement information, students have received salary offers typically in the range of ₹3 LPA to ₹4.5 LPA, with many graduates also pursuing independent artistic or project-based careers.

6. Government Arts College (GAC), Maninagar, Ahmedabad

GAC is one of the top public arts colleges affiliated with Gujarat University, established in 2007. The college holds a NAAC Grade B accreditation and functions as a government-run institution serving students across Ahmedabad, particularly from the eastern parts of the city.

The college focuses on educational access and continuity. It primarily serves students seeking affordable arts education with a strong grounding in core humanities subjects. The teaching approach emphasises syllabus mastery and examination readiness, making the college a steady academic base for higher studies and public-sector career pathways.

Popular UG Courses: BA in English, Gujarati, Sanskrit, History, and Political Science

Popular PG Courses: The college primarily offers undergraduate arts programmes; postgraduate options are limited and subject to university approvals.

Admission Fees (Approx.): As a government institution, the college follows a nominal fee structure. Annual tuition fees for BA programmes typically fall in the range of ₹1,100 to ₹5,300, depending on the semester and student category.

Admission Process: Admissions are merit-based, conducted as per Gujarat University and state admission guidelines, based on 10+2 examination results.

Average Placement Package: Placement opportunities are modest. Based on publicly available reports, students who secure placements have recorded salary outcomes in the range of ₹1.4 LPA to ₹2.25 LPA in recent years.

Also Read: Top 10 Arts Colleges in Chennai 

7. Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad

Founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, Gujarat Vidyapith is one of the top public deemed universities in Ahmedabad. With a strong emphasis on education rooted in Indian knowledge systems and social development, the university holds a B++ grade accreditation from NAAC. 

The institution is distinct for its niche, society-oriented disciplines rather than conventional humanities streams. The curriculum is built around areas such as rural development, Gandhian studies, Indian culture, and social sciences, with a clear focus on community engagement, grassroots research, and applied social learning. 

Popular UG Courses: BA in Rural Economics, History & Culture, Social Work and Rural Development, Gandhi Darshan, and Gujarati Language & Literature

Popular PG Courses: MA in Rural Economics, History & Culture, Social Work and Rural Development, Gandhi Darshan, and Gujarati Language & Literature

Admission Fees (Approx.): Based on verified listings from education portals, UG arts programmes at Gujarat Vidyapith typically involve annual tuition fees in the range of ₹6,000 to ₹10,000. PG arts programmes generally fall between ₹8,000 and ₹15,000 per year, depending on the discipline.

Admission Process: Admissions are merit-based, conducted through Gujarat Vidyapith’s own admission process in line with UGC guidelines. Selection is based on qualifying examination results for both UG and PG programmes.

Average Placement Package: As per available placement information from trusted education portals, students who secure placements from arts programmes have received salary offers typically in the range of ₹2 LPA to ₹3 LPA, with many graduates opting for higher studies, research, teaching, or roles in the development and social sectors.

Also Read: Top Arts Colleges in Pune 

8. Gujarat Arts & Science College, Ahmedabad

Gujarat Arts and Science College (GASC) is one of Ahmedabad’s most longstanding public institutions for arts education, with its origins dating back to 1860. The college is affiliated with Gujarat University and has a B-grade NAAC accreditation. 

GASC stands out for offering rare and specialised arts disciplines that are uncommon across most city colleges. The Drama department, in particular, has a strong record of participation and recognition in inter-university and zonal theatre competitions, while language departments such as Urdu and Persian continue to attract students interested in classical and cultural studies. 

Popular UG Courses: BA in Urdu, Persian, and Drama

Popular PG Courses: MA in Gujarati, Hindi, Sociology, Psychology

Admission Fees (Approx.): As a government institution, the college follows a nominal fee structure. Annual tuition fees for BA programmes generally fall in the range of ₹2,500 to ₹10,000, depending on the subject and student category.

Admission Process: Admissions are merit-based, typically checking qualifying examination results. Programme-specific requirements, where applicable, are notified by the college during the admission cycle.

Average Placement Package: Based on publicly available placement and NIRF-related data, students who secure placements have recorded salary outcomes typically in the range of ₹1.8 LPA to ₹2.6 LPA, varying by programme and year, with many students also opting for higher studies or academic pathways.

9. Smt. L. & C. Mehta Arts College, Ahmedabad

Smt. Laxmiben & Chimanlal Mehta Arts College was established in 1953 and is one of the top arts colleges in Ahmedabad, managed by the Gujarat Law Society. The college is affiliated with Gujarat University and is accredited with Grade B by NAAC. 

The college focuses primarily on undergraduate education, offering a range of traditional arts disciplines under Gujarat University’s curriculum. The institution emphasises structured teaching, continuous evaluation, and student performance outcomes within the curriculum. This provides a strong foundation for graduates planning higher studies or careers requiring humanities proficiency. 

Popular UG Courses: BA in Gujarati, Hindi, English, History, Sociology, Psychology, and Sanskrit

Popular PG Courses: The college does not offer postgraduate (MA) programmes in arts as per official and verified listings.

Admission Fees (Approx.): Based on verified education portals and available fee disclosures, annual tuition fees for BA programmes generally range between ₹7,000 and ₹12,000, depending on the subject and student category.

Admission Process: Admissions are merit-based, conducted through Gujarat University’s centralised admission process, with selection primarily based on qualifying 10+2 examination results and university guidelines.

Average Placement Package: According to recent placement data reported by credible education portals, arts students from Smt. L. & C. Mehta Arts College have received average salary packages of around ₹3.2 LPA, with the highest packages reaching up to ₹6.4 LPA in the latest placement cycle, depending on role and sector.

10. Ahmedabad University, Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad University is one of the city’s prominent liberal-arts-led universities, having commenced its academic journey in 2009 as a private, non-profit research institution. The university is accredited with an A grade by NAAC. 

What sets the university apart in the arts space is its research-oriented liberal arts framework, where creative disciplines are embedded within a broader academic ecosystem. Arts students are evaluated not only on practice, but also on research output, writing, and interdisciplinary inquiry, with progression structured around credits, capstone projects, and long-form assessments. 

Popular UG Courses: Programme in Integrated Arts (Performing & Visual Arts)

Popular PG Courses: MA in Economics. 

Admission Fees (Approx.): Tuition fees for the undergraduate arts programme are approximately ₹4.95 lakh per year, as per the university’s published fee structure. Fees for postgraduate arts programmes vary by discipline and are detailed annually on the university’s admissions portal.

Admission Process: Admissions are conducted through Ahmedabad University’s own application process, with selection based on academic records, portfolio or audition requirements (where applicable), and interview rounds. The university also offers need-based and merit-based financial aid.

Average Placement Package: According to published placement summaries and NIRF-submitted data, graduates from arts and humanities-aligned programmes at Ahmedabad University have recorded median salary packages of around ₹6 LPA, with outcomes varying by programme and cohort.

Also Read: Top 10 Arts Colleges in Guwahati  

To conclude, lists like this are an ideal read as reference points rather than rankings set in stone. Each of these colleges represents a different approach to arts education in Ahmedabad, shaped by history, structure, and academic focus. How well that approach works depends on what a student wants to study and how they intend to use their degree.

For more such student-focused college lists and academic resources, explore Primebook’s Student Corner.