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Rabindra Bharati University Admission 2024: Important Dates, UG, PG, and Application Process

Kolkata, West Bengal

State University

NAAC Grade A

7.5/10 (10 Reviews)

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Zollege Team

Content Curator | Updated On - Oct 7, 2026

Rabindra Bharati University (RBU) admits students in 2026 through merit lists and entrance tests, depending on the course. BA (Hons) admission is through the West Bengal Centralised Admission Portal (WBCAP) using Class 12 marks, while BFA, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and Music courses need an RBU Entrance Test with theory and practical or audition parts.

For PG courses, most MA seats are filled through graduation marks. MA Human Rights, MA Mass Communication, MFA, and some other courses need admission tests or viva rounds. The application fee stated for RBU portal based programmes is INR 400 for General category students and INR 200 for SC/ST/PwD candidates, while the standard fee is also stated as INR 250 plus bank charges for some programmes.

Admission Update:

BA (Hons) Admission: WBCAP handles BA admission for Rabindra Bharati University through Class 12 merit.
UG Fine Arts and Performing Arts: RBU conducts entrance tests for these courses, with theory and practical or audition components.
PG (MA/MFA) Admission: Applications are expected from November 2026 (Tentative). Students should check online.rbu.net.in for updates.
PhD Admission: RBU uses the Research Eligibility Test and interview process for PhD admission.

RBU is the only university in India with a dedicated Faculty of Fine Arts covering Visual Arts, Performing Arts, and Music.
Reservation norms in West Bengal are SC 22%, ST 6%, OBC-A 10%, OBC-B 7%, EWS 10%, PwD 5% horizontal, and Women 30% horizontal.
PhD applicants who have valid UGC NET, CSIR NET, or GATE scores are exempt from the RET written test and move directly to the interview stage.
RBU offers MA and MSW in distance mode through its Centre for Distance and Open Education (CDOE) at rbucdoe.ac.in. No separate entrance test is needed for these ODL courses.

RBU Admission Portal 2026: online.rbu.net.in

Direct Admission at RBU: Rabindra Bharati University is a state government university under the Government of West Bengal. Admission is based on merit or entrance tests through official portals. RBU does not offer management quota or NRI quota seats.

Table of Contents

RBU Important Dates 2026
RBU UG Admission 2026
RBU PG Admission 2026
RBU PhD Admission 2026
RBU Scholarships 2026
RBU Admission FAQs

RBU Important Dates 2026

Event	Date
MA Application Window (Tentative)	November 12 to 19, 2026
RBU Admission Test for Select MA Programmes (Tentative)	November to December 2026
PG Merit List Publication (Tentative)	December 2026
Document Verification and Fee Payment (Tentative)	December 2026 to January 2027

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

RBU UG Admission 2026

At the UG level, Rabindra Bharati University offers BA (Hons), BFA, BPerforming Arts, and Music programmes. BA (Hons) seats are allotted through WBCAP on the basis of Class 12 marks. Fine Arts, Performing Arts, and Music courses follow RBU's own entrance process.

RBU BA (Hons) Eligibility Criteria 2026

Programme	Eligibility	Minimum Marks
BA (Hons) in Bengali, English, Sanskrit, Hindi, History, Geography, Political Science, Education, Sociology, Philosophy, Economics, Tagore Studies	10+2 from a recognised West Bengal or central board	50% General; 45% for SC/ST/PwD

RBU BA (Hons) Selection Criteria 2026

For standard BA (Hons) subjects, RBU does not conduct a separate entrance test. WBCAP prepares category-wise merit lists from Class 12 (HS) marks and completes seat allotment online through wbcap.in.

How to Apply for BA (Hons) at RBU?

Register at wbcap.in, the West Bengal Centralised Admission Portal, and complete the form.
Add subject choices and choose Rabindra Bharati University in the preference list.
Check the WBCAP merit list when it is published.
After seat allotment, visit RBU for document verification within the given admission window.
Pay the course fee online or at the university to lock the seat.

RBU Fine and Performing Arts Eligibility Criteria 2026

BFA, BPerforming Arts, and Music applicants must clear the RBU Entrance Test. The test checks both subject knowledge and practical skill through a theory paper and a practical or audition round.

Programme	Eligibility	Minimum Marks
BFA (Painting, Graphics-Printmaking, Sculpture, Applied Arts, History of Art, Pottery and Ceramics)	10+2 from a recognised board; portfolio submission required	50% General; 45% for SC/ST/PwD
BPerforming Arts (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi, Rabindra Nritya, Drama)	10+2 from a recognised board; audition required	50% General; 45% for SC/ST/PwD
BA (Hons) in Music (Rabindra Sangeet, Hindustani, Western Vocal, Instrumental)	10+2 from a recognised board; audition required	50% General; 45% for SC/ST/PwD

RBU Fine and Performing Arts Selection Criteria 2026

The final score is calculated out of 100 marks. RBU gives 80 marks to the entrance test and 20 marks to Class 12 performance. The entrance test has a theory section of 30 marks and a practical or audition section of 50 marks.

How to Apply for Fine and Performing Arts at RBU?

Apply through online.rbu.applythrunet.co.in when RBU opens the application window.
Pay the application fee of INR 400 for General category or INR 200 for SC/ST/PwD through SBI Collect or challan.
Download the admit card from the RBU portal after it is released.
Take the RBU Entrance Test at the allotted centre. The test includes theory and practical or audition rounds.
Check the merit list, complete document verification, and pay the course fee to confirm admission.

RBU PG Admission 2026

RBU PG admission covers MA courses in humanities and arts subjects, MFA in Visual Arts, and specialised programmes in Musicology, Drama, and Mass Communication. Most MA courses use graduation marks for admission, while some programmes need an RBU Admission Test.

RBU PG Eligibility Criteria 2026

Programme	Eligibility	Selection Basis
MA (Bengali, English, History, Education, Sociology, Economics, etc.)	Bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject with minimum 50% marks	Graduation merit; no separate entrance test
MA Human Rights and MA Mass Communication and Videography	Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% marks	RBU Admission Test required
MFA (Painting, Sculpture, Applied Art, Graphics-Printmaking, History of Art, Museology)	BFA or BVA degree from a recognised university	Written test (Phase I) and Viva-Voce (Phase II) conducted by RBU
M.Lib.I.Sc	B.Lib.I.Sc. from a recognised university	Graduation merit

RBU PG Selection Criteria 2026

For most MA subjects, RBU prepares admission lists from graduation marks. Courses with an admission test use test scores for shortlisting. MFA admission has 2 stages: a written test in Phase I and viva-voce in Phase II.

How to Apply for PG at RBU?

Create an account on the RBU student portal at online.rbu.net.in when PG applications begin.
Pay INR 400 for General category or INR 200 for SC/ST/PwD through SBI Collect.
If the selected course needs an RBU Admission Test, download the admit card and appear at the test centre.
Check the portal for the result or merit list and attend document verification in the announced window.
Pay the PG course fee to complete seat confirmation at RBU.

RBU PhD Admission 2026

PhD admission at Rabindra Bharati University is done through the RBU Research Eligibility Test (RET) and interview. Applicants with valid UGC NET, CSIR NET, or GATE scores do not have to take the RET written test.

RBU PhD Selection Criteria 2026

Candidates who qualify through RET move to the interview stage. NET, CSIR NET, and GATE qualified candidates directly attend the interview. Final admission is based on RET performance or exemption status along with the interview score.

How to Apply for PhD at RBU?

Fill the PhD application form through the official RBU portal when applications are open.
Submit the required academic details and research-related documents.
Appear for the RET written test if no valid NET, CSIR NET, or GATE qualification is held.
Attend the interview round conducted by RBU.
Complete document verification and other admission steps after selection.

RBU Scholarships 2026

Students at Rabindra Bharati University can apply for state and central government scholarships. The schemes are based on merit, category, income, gender, or PG study status.

Scholarship	Eligibility	Benefit
Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (WB Govt)	60%+ in each semester; family income below the threshold	INR 12,000 per year (UG); INR 24,000 per year (PG)
Kanyashree Scholarship (WB Govt)	Girl students of West Bengal meeting age and income criteria	INR 24,000 (varies by tier)
OASIS Scholarship (WB Govt)	SC/ST/OBC students with valid category certificate	As per state scheme norms
Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child	Single girl child pursuing PG at a recognised university	Central scheme; amount as per UGC norms

Fees are subject to revision. Students should confirm exact fee details with Rabindra Bharati University or visit rbu.ac.in.

RBU Admission FAQs

Ques. How are regular BA (Hons) seats filled at RBU?

Ans. Regular BA (Hons) admission at RBU is done through WBCAP at wbcap.in. The university uses Class 12 merit for these subjects, so students do not take a separate RBU entrance test. Entrance tests are needed only for BFA, BPerforming Arts, and Music courses.

Ques. What marks are needed for BFA admission at Rabindra Bharati University?

Ans. A student must pass 10+2 from a recognised board with at least 50% marks. SC/ST/PwD candidates need 45%. Selection uses the RBU Entrance Test of 80 marks, split into theory of 30 marks and practical of 50 marks, along with 20 marks from Class 12 performance. Visual Arts applicants also need a portfolio.

Ques. Where should students apply for BA (Hons) at RBU?

Ans. Students must apply through WBCAP (wbcap.in), the West Bengal Centralised Admission Portal. RBU is part of this state admission process. Applicants register, add preferences, and receive allotment through the state merit list.

Ques. Do NET or GATE qualified PhD applicants need to write RBU RET?

Ans. No. Applicants with valid UGC NET, CSIR NET, or GATE qualification are exempt from the written part of the RBU Research Eligibility Test. They still have to appear for the interview. Final PhD selection considers RET or exemption status along with the interview performance.

Ques. Does Rabindra Bharati University have paid quota admission?

Ans. No. RBU is a state government university under the Government of West Bengal. Admission is done through WBCAP merit or RBU entrance tests. The university does not offer management quota or NRI quota admission.

Ques. How much is the RBU application fee?

Ans. The RBU application fee is stated as INR 250 plus bank charges for General category students, with the total stated as INR 400 for some RBU portal applications. SC/ST/PwD candidates pay a reduced fee, stated as INR 200 for relevant programmes. Payment is made through SBI Collect or SBI Challan. Students should check the current RBU notice for course-wise fee details.

Ques. In which month does RBU usually start MA admission?

Ans. RBU usually begins PG (MA) admission in November, after UG admission work is over. The 2026 MA application window is tentatively expected from November 12 to 19, 2026. Students should follow online.rbu.net.in for the official schedule.

Ques. Can students study MA at RBU in distance mode?

Ans. Yes. RBU's Centre for Distance and Open Education (CDOE) offers MA in Bengali, English, History, Geography, Education, Political Science, Sanskrit, and Rabindra Sangeet in ODL mode. Students can apply through rbucdoe.ac.in. No separate entrance test is required for these distance programmes.

Ques. Are students in the final year of graduation allowed to apply for MA?

Ans. Yes. Final-year graduation students may apply provisionally. They must submit final marksheets and the degree certificate by the deadline fixed by RBU. Admission becomes final only after verification proves the required 50% graduation marks.

Ques. Which Performing Arts subjects are available at RBU?

Ans. RBU offers BPerforming Arts in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi, Rabindra Nritya, and Drama. At PG level, students can study MA in Dance and MA in Drama.

COURSE	ADMISSION LINK
B.Ed, BA (Hons.) History, BA (Hons.) English, MA Bengali, MFA Painting, MSW	Admission Link

RBU Kolkata Admission 2026 Dates

Important Events

Event	Date
Admission Timeline [MA]	Nov 12, 2026 - Nov 19, 2026 (Tentative)

Stream
Course Tag
Course
Batch

Arts (10)

Reviews found (10)

Overall Rating8.4

placement

8.0

college

8.0

course

9.0

internship

9.0

campus life

8.0

PritamM.A, English|Enrolled 2023

Navigating the Journey: A Comprehensive Review of Preparing for College

Remarks:

The University is recognised and offers a quality study. The annual package one got after the course on or avarage 5LPA. The environment of the campus is satisfactory. Selection for the course is based per on the government rules. General,Sc,ST And OBC quota.

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Reviewed on November 17, 2024|

Overall Rating5.5

placement

1.0

college

9.0

course

7.0

hostel

5.0

internship

1.0

campus life

10.0

Kumar Bisal DasM.A, Economics|Enrolled 2021

A review of Rabindra Bharati University

What I Liked

Campus life of the Rabindra Bharati University.
Environment and the infrastructure of Rabindra Bharati University. Aesthetic vibes.

What I didn’t like

No placement features in the Rabindra Bharati University.
No opportunity for internship with the help of the Rabindra Bharati University.

Remarks:

There is good faculty. Smart Classes, computer labs are available. There is no admission test, students can take admission by the merit score based on his/her previous examination result. A merit list is published by University based on the merit score for admission.

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Reviewed on October 24, 2024|

Overall Rating9.8

placement

10.0

college

10.0

course

10.0

hostel

10.0

internship

9.0

campus life

10.0

Sapnamay GhoshM.A, Political Science|Enrolled 2023

Rabindra Bharati University ( The Iconic University)

What I Liked

Infrastructure, way to learn, Professors , Culture,

What I didn’t like

Bus service, Our campus far away from nearest railway station

Remarks:

Rabindra Bharati have Entrance exam to enroll any courses, I cleared entrance for M.A Rabindra Bharati University has finest University in India , This is the purely Government university and this university is NAAC A,++

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Reviewed on October 22, 2024|

Overall Rating4.6

placement

1.0

college

7.0

course

8.0

internship

1.0

campus life

6.0

Ekantika MandalB.A {Hons.}, English|Enrolled 2022

Rabindra bharati university, an educational institution.

What I Liked

I like the ambience and the environment of this university very much.
Social life in Rabindra Bharati university is very good

What I didn’t like

I wish I had a better social life. Although its my problem since I cant socialize that much.

Remarks:

It's a home university. With varied subject options and is a renowned university. I got into the university through a merit list. I scored 89% in the sc quota on the CBSE board but still, my name came on the last list.

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Reviewed on August 9, 2024|

Overall Rating10

placement

10.0

college

10.0

course

10.0

internship

10.0

campus life

10.0

Suman GiriBA, Drama|Enrolled 2020

Reviewing Simplified

What I Liked

You can Find. Peace & greatness in every corner
You Will get Space To open up yourself to achieve what you wish

What I didn’t like

Union, Some Political influence , Food, Sport

Remarks:

I Got Admission By Taking a Written Test, a Practical Test & Interview, The Course Name Is Drama, But The Syllabus Is beyond That, Upgraded Equipment For Better Study. The Syllabus Includes the History Of Theatre and technicalities Of Theatre like Script, Story, Light, Music, Acting, Production, Design, Art, stage, etc. And There Are Directions & Videography Subject As Well.

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Reviewed on June 15, 2024|

Overall Rating8

college

8.0

course

8.0

campus life

8.0

Rohit AnsariB.A {Hons.}, English|Enrolled 2023

The beauty of the RBU

Remarks:

The natural beauty of this University attracts me. Other hand the course I chose has good faculty for this course and there is no entrance exam for admission another reason to study at University is because of my father's legacy.

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Reviewed on May 23, 2024|

Overall Rating5.2

placement

2.0

college

8.0

course

6.0

internship

2.0

campus life

8.0

Avijit DuttaM.A, Bengali|Enrolled 2023

MY 3 YEARS EXPERIENCE OF Rabindra Bharati UNIVERSITY.

What I Liked

Teachers are very helpful and senior aslo.
Here you will love infrastructure of this university.

What I didn’t like

Here you can't get any type of interships and no any other company will call you for interships. That is a bad side of this university.
Senior are don't respect other students and some teachers also

Remarks:

Because the education system in Rabindra Bharati is very advanced. The teachers here help with everything. There is no interview or admission test for admission to the Arts Faculty. The environment of this campus is calm and very good for learning.

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Reviewed on April 16, 2024|

Overall Rating10

placement

10.0

college

10.0

course

10.0

internship

10.0

campus life

10.0

Sayan GhoshM.A, Bengali|Enrolled 2023

A perfect university life

What I Liked

I like the culture about the university. And the frank behaviour of the senior.
The infrastructure of the university is very cool specially the jhil par.

What I didn’t like

There is no summer vacation in the university which I disliked most.
I also dislike about some things about faculty like less seminar.

Remarks:

Our university is very good in every aspect...I specially choose this university because of its culture .the best thing about the university is the behaviour of the seniors with the juniors.and the teachers are very friendly with the students. There is no ragging culture in the campus.every one can choose thus university. I an lucky by getting a chance here.

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Reviewed on April 16, 2024|

Overall Rating4.8

placement

1.0

college

7.0

course

8.0

internship

1.0

campus life

7.0

Sandip Kumar DasB.A {Hons.}, Political Science|Enrolled 2022

Rabindra Bharati University (RBU)

What I Liked

If you will come this collage then you can see 3 canteens . This is my one of fev thing in collage.
Here all students and teachers friendly which is good think for me or other students.

What I didn’t like

I didn't like union . Because I don't think they are helpful.
Education system of this collage too weak . This is a bad side of this collage.

Remarks:

You didn't need to take an exam for admission to this college. If you have a good percentage in the higher secondary exam then you are eligible for this course. If you choose my course then you need a minimum number of HS exams and you are eligible for this course.

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Reviewed on April 16, 2024|

Overall Rating6.4

placement

5.0

college

8.0

course

9.0

internship

1.0

campus life

9.0

Biswajit MandalB.A {Hons.}, Political Science|Enrolled 2022

review

What I Liked

If you come here you will love this campus. It is a beautiful campus. Every one is behaving like a brother or sister. All teachers are also friendly.
You can see here all teachers are help ful and friendly.

What I didn’t like

Nothing to have dislike here. Everything you will like here.
HoD are very strict. He every time worry about his students.

Remarks:

This collage campus is too good for me and other colleges. And here all students are help ful and I applied to this college for some personal reasons. You don't need to take an entrance exam to join this collage.

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Reviewed on April 16, 2024|