Top Arts Colleges in Pune

Often referred to as the "Oxford of the East," Pune boasts a rich academic heritage with a multitude of institutions offering diverse programs in the arts. The city hosts about 42 arts colleges, comprising 40 private and 2 government-run institutions. This vibrant educational landscape provides students with a plethora of options to pursue their passions in the field of humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. 

However, with so many choices, narrowing down the right college, the one that aligns with the student’s interests and academic goals, can be challenging. In this blog, we’ll walk you through a curated list of top arts colleges in Pune, known for their academic reputation, program quality, and career outcomes.

Fergusson College, Pune

Standing tall since 1885, Fergusson College is not only one of the top arts colleges in Pune but also a historic arts institution in India. Affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University, the college was granted autonomous status by the UGC. 

The college holds an A+ grade from NAAC and has been consistently featured in the NIRF Top 50 Colleges in India list. Its strong academic environment, active student societies, and reputed faculty make it a top destination for liberal arts aspirants.

Popular Programmes: B.A. in English, Psychology, Economics, Political Science, and Marathi. 

Admission Process: Based on 10+2 merit. Applications are submitted through the Fergusson College online portal during the university admission cycle.

Approximate Fees: ₹5,600 to ₹7,500 per year for undergraduate arts programs; PG courses may cost around ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 annually.

Approximate Placement Package: The average package is around ₹3 to ₹5 LPA, with students placed in roles spanning research, education, journalism, and public policy.

Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce, Pune

Founded in 1983, Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce is one of the top autonomous colleges in Pune for undergraduate arts education. Affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University, it is accredited with an A+ grade by NAAC. 

The college is known for offering a balance of academic depth and industry-relevant learning. The campus hosts a diverse student body and fosters global exposure through international collaborations and seminars. 

Popular Programmes: B.A. in Psychology, English, and Economics. 

Admission Process: Admissions are based on 10+2 merit. Applications must be submitted via the official Symbiosis College portal.

Approximate Fees: ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 per year for most B.A. programmes, depending on the specialization and subject combinations.

Approximate Placement Package: The average package stays around ₹3.5 to ₹6 LPA, with students securing roles in communications, analytics, corporate training, and education sectors.

Also Read: Best Art Colleges in Bangalore 

St. Mira’s College for Girls, Pune

Opening doors in 1962, St. Mira’s College for Girls has emerged as one of the top female-only arts colleges in Pune, affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University and accredited with an A grade by NAAC. 

The college is known for its inclusive learning environment and academic focus on social sciences and humanities. Besides academic depth and research orientation, it also promotes value-based education rooted in personal growth and social responsibility.

Popular Programmes: B.A. in English, Sociology, and Economics, and it remains the same at the postgraduate level as well.

Admission Process: Based on one’s 10+2 board marks (for UG) and qualifying degree scores (for PG). Applications are accepted via the official college portal.

Approximate Fees: ₹12,000 to ₹18,000 per year for UG programmes; M.A. programmes typically range between ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 per year.

Approximate Placement Package: The average package is around ₹2.5 to ₹4 LPA, with placements in NGOs, academic institutions, research organisations, and early-career editorial or HR roles.

MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) – School of Liberal Arts, Pune

Established in 2004, the School of Liberal Arts at MIT-WPU is another of the top colleges in Pune, offering an interdisciplinary approach to arts education. It is accredited with an A grade by NAAC. 

The school of liberal arts here combines academic rigor with experiential learning, integrating fieldwork, internships, and international exposure. The curriculum emphasizes outcome-based learning, preparing students for diverse career paths in media, public affairs, academia, and development sectors.

Popular Programmes: B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science, Psychology, English, and Journalism, while top postgraduate offerings are M.A. programs in English and Public Policy. 

Admission Process: Based on 10+2 board results or MIT-WPU’s UG PET for undergraduate programs; academic merit and/or personal interview for postgraduate programs.

Approximate Fees: ₹1.5 to ₹2.1 Lakhs per year for B.A. (Hons.) programs; postgraduate programs range around ₹2 to ₹2.5 Lakhs annually.

Approximate Placement Package: The average package is about ₹4 to ₹6.5 LPA, with placements in journalism, public affairs, academic publishing, and consulting sectors.

Also Read: Top Arts Colleges in Mumbai

Poona College of Arts, Science, and Commerce, Pune

Since its inception in 1970, Poona College of Arts, Science, and Commerce has earned a reputation as one of the top arts colleges in Pune, affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University. The college has secured an A+ grade accreditation from NAAC and is known for its balanced academic approach and social inclusivity. 

What sets the college apart is its consistent support for minority and first-generation students by reserving 50% of its seats for Muslim minority candidates, fostering an inclusive educational environment. 

Popular Programmes: B.A. in History, Philosophy, and Urdu, and M.A. degrees in Urdu, Economics, and History.  

Admission Process: Based on 10+2 merit, applications are accepted via the official college portal.

Approximate Fees: ₹16,430 for the entire B.A. programme; postgraduate arts programmes range from ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 annually.

Approximate Placement Package: The average package revolves around ₹2.5 to ₹4 LPA, with placements in education, cultural institutes, publishing, and early research roles.

To sum up, choosing the right arts college in Pune isn’t just about rankings or infrastructure; it’s about finding a place that matches one’s academic interests, career vision, and the kind of intellectual community they want to be part of. Whether leaning toward classical humanities disciplines or looking to explore liberal arts with a contemporary twist, these five colleges offer a unique mix of depth and direction. 

For more such curated lists of colleges in Pune, stay tuned to Primebook’s Student Corner.