The National College of Arts is Pakistan’s leading federally chartered institution for art, design, architecture, film and performing arts, with its main campus on The Mall in Lahore. It admits students once a year through its own drawing and aptitude tests and also runs campuses in Rawalpindi and Gilgit.
Quick Facts
| City | Lahore (campuses also in Rawalpindi and Gilgit; Islamabad camp office) |
| Province / Region | Punjab |
| Established | check official website |
| Sector | Public (Federal Chartered Institute) |
| HEC Recognition | HEC pages for this institution are listed on hec.gov.pk; confirm current status at hec.gov.pk. |
| Official Website | www.nca.edu.pk |
| Admissions Portal | www.nca.edu.pk/college?name=admission-policy-procedures |
Main Programs Offered
Undergraduate programs are offered in the following faculties and disciplines (see the official website for the complete and current list):
- Fine Arts
- Design
- Multimedia Art
- Architecture
- Film & Television
- Performing Arts / Music
- Cultural Studies
- Humanities
Admission Process
Admission is conducted once a year through a prescribed Admission Application Form advertised on the NCA and NTS websites. Candidates need Intermediate/HSSC or equivalent with at least 45% marks (third division not eligible). Candidates from Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK apply via NTS subject to nomination by their boards. Exact dates: check official website.
Entry Test and Merit
NCA conducts its own departmental drawing and aptitude tests, held in all provinces; Architecture applicants also sit a mathematics examination. Music, Cultural Studies and Film & Television have their own departmental aptitude tests. No merit formula is stated officially; check official website.
Approximate Fee Range
The official 2027 undergraduate fee page lists one-time/annual charges of PKR 69,550 plus PKR 140,080 per semester (open merit) or PKR 124,380 per semester (self-finance, who also pay a lump-sum tuition of PKR 840,950 to 1,059,960 depending on department).
Source: official fee page. Fees are revised by the university and may exclude taxes, security deposits and hostel charges.
Useful Links
- Official website
- Online admissions portal
- Current admission schedules on Pak Student Hub
- Entry test details and Merit Calculator
- Admission guides and all universities
Last updated: 18 October 2026. Information is compiled from the official university website and HEC. Always confirm deadlines, fees and eligibility on the official website before applying.
National College of Arts
Information last verified: 2026-09-19
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