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Some of the best colleges for pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Painting in India include Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi, known for its strong faculty and traditional art foundation; Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidyalaya (IKSV) in Khairagarh, one of the oldest and most respected art universities with a focus on fine arts and research; and the Government College of Art, Chandigarh, recognised for its rich legacy and modern studio training. Other reputed institutions such as the Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts (CAVA) in Mysore and Kurukshetra University also offer affordable and high-quality postgraduate programs in painting. Additionally, AAFT University of Media and Arts, Raipur is an emerging institute to consider, offering an MFA programme with specializations in Drawing, Oil Painting, Watercolor, Printmaking, and Digital Art Studies. It provides students with access to modern infrastructure, advanced studios, and experienced faculty with strong industry connections. Internationally, institutes like the Frank Mohr Institute in the Netherlands and Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan are renowned for their experimental and interdisciplinary approaches to painting. Collectively, these programs offer a well-rounded balance of creative exploration, technical mastery, and exposure to global contemporary art practices, preparing students for successful professional careers in the fine arts.