National College of Arts
Also known as NCA
The National College of Arts, in Lahore, is one of the oldest and most prestigious art and design institutions in South Asia, with roots going back to the Mayo School of Arts founded in.
Quick Facts
| Location | Lahore |
|---|---|
| Province | Punjab |
| Private or Government | Public (Government) |
| Institution Type | College |
| HEC Recognition | HEC Recognized |
| Website | http://www.nca.edu.pk/ |
About
The National College of Arts, in Lahore, is one of the oldest and most prestigious art and design institutions in South Asia, with roots going back to the Mayo School of Arts founded in the 19th century.
Degree Programs and Fee Structure
| Program | Duration | Eligibility | Fees whole programme |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Arch Architecture | — | ||
| B.Des Ceramic Design | — | ||
| B.Des Fashion Design | — | ||
| B.Des Product Design | — | ||
| B.Des Textile Design | — | ||
| B.Des Visual Communication Design | — | ||
| BFA Drawing | — | ||
| BFA Miniature Painting | — | ||
| BFA Multimedia Art | — | ||
| BFA Painting | — | ||
| BFA Printmaking and Digital Media | — | ||
| BFA Sculpture | — | ||
| Cultural Studies | — | ||
| Film and Television | — | ||
| Master of Interior Design | 550,200 (2026) | ||
| Master of Multimedia Art | 640,200 (2026) | ||
| Master of Visual Art | 550,200 (2026) | ||
| MPhil Cultural Studies | 550,200 (2026) | ||
| Music | — |
Admissions
Undergraduate admission is normally based on HSSC or an equivalent qualification, with many institutions adding an entry test or interview. Postgraduate admission commonly requires GAT or an institutional equivalent. Requirements, closing dates and merit criteria change each cycle, so treat the institution’s own admissions page as authoritative. As a public-sector institution, fees are generally lower than at private institutions, and merit competition is correspondingly higher.
Applying in Punjab
Public-sector engineering admission in Punjab runs through the ECAT administered by UET Lahore, while medical and dental admission uses the national MDCAT. Punjab operates one of the country’s largest public university systems, so applicants typically hold offers from several institutions at once and should compare merit positions before accepting. Public-sector seat allocation includes a domicile component, so where your domicile certificate was issued affects which quota you compete under at National College of Arts.
HEC Recognition and Accreditation
National College of Arts holds Higher Education Commission recognition. That status confirms the institution is chartered and empowered to award degrees whose attestation the HEC will process. Recognition is institutional, however, and does not by itself confirm that any particular programme is accredited by its professional body. Applicants should confirm programme-level accreditation with the relevant council directly.
Disciplines
Contact Details
- Address: 4-Shahrah-e-Quaid-I-Azam, Lahore.
- Phone: +92-42-99211622
- Official website: nca.edu.pk
Frequently Asked Questions
Is National College of Arts recognized by HEC?
Yes. The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan lists National College of Arts as a recognised institution, which means its degrees can be attested by the HEC and are accepted for further study and public-sector employment. Recognition applies to the institution; individual programmes may additionally require accreditation from a professional council.
Is National College of Arts private or government?
National College of Arts is a public-sector institution. Public institutions generally charge lower fees than private ones because they receive government funding, and admission is correspondingly more competitive on merit.
What entry test is required for admission to National College of Arts?
Requirements vary by programme. Most undergraduate intakes are based on HSSC or an equivalent qualification, and many institutions add their own entry test or interview. Confirm the current requirement on the institution's own admissions page, since criteria and closing dates change each cycle.
Does HEC recognition mean every programme at National College of Arts is accredited?
No. HEC recognition confirms the institution is chartered to award degrees. Individual programmes in regulated fields need separate accreditation — the Pakistan Engineering Council for engineering, PMDC for medicine and dentistry, the Pakistan Bar Council for law, NCEAC for computing. A programme can sit inside a recognised institution without holding that professional accreditation, so check the specific programme before enrolling.
Where is National College of Arts located?
National College of Arts is located in Lahore, Punjab. Full address and contact details are listed above; the official website is www.nca.edu.pk.