NIFA Policies & Guidelines
Welcome to NIFA – National Institute of Fine Arts
At NIFA, we believe that art is a journey of creativity, patience, practice and continuous learning. Every student comes with a different background, age, skill level and pace of learning. Our role is to provide the guidance, structure and encouragement that helps each learner progress with confidence.
These Policies & Guidelines are intended to make the learning journey smooth and transparent. They explain how our classes, fees, assessments, communication, exhibitions and other academic activities work. They help us maintain a fair, respectful and organised environment for everyone.
1. Our Learning Philosophy
Fine arts education is different from a conventional classroom subject. At NIFA, we encourage students to develop observation, imagination, technical ability and personal expression rather than simply reproduce a common assignment.
- 1. Students may progress at different speeds and may not always be working on the same artwork or topic.
- 2. Our faculty combines demonstrations, individual corrections, practical guidance and regular practice to support each student's development.
- 3. Students are encouraged to ask questions, practise between classes and make use of feedback.
- 4. Progress is considered in relation to the student's course, level, assignments and overall development.
2. General Guidelines
Clear communication and mutual respect make the learning experience better for everyone. These guidelines apply to students and, where relevant, parents or guardians.
- 1. Admission is confirmed only after completion of the required registration and payment formalities.
- 2. Students and parents/guardians should provide accurate contact and personal information and inform NIFA when important details change.
- 3. Respectful communication with faculty, staff and fellow students is expected.
- 4. Only official NIFA communication should be relied upon for fees, schedules, academic instructions and other commitments. Verbal promises or unauthorised commitments cannot be treated as official unless confirmed by NIFA management.
- 5. NIFA may update these guidelines when necessary.
3. Payment & Fee Guidelines
We believe that financial policies should be clear and transparent from the beginning. They help NIFA plan faculty, batches, resources and academic services responsibly. Before enrolment, students and parents are encouraged to understand the course structure, syllabus, duration, fees and learning methodology. Wherever applicable, students are given detailed counselling by our admission team and faculty, and may also attend a trial class or orientation to understand the programme better. We therefore trust that the decision to enrol is made thoughtfully, after the relevant information has been discussed and understood. Once a student chooses to enrol and makes the payment, the following fee guidelines apply:
- 1. Fees paid towards a course are non-refundable and non-transferable once admission is confirmed.
- 2. Fees paid for one course cannot ordinarily be adjusted or transferred towards another person or another course.
- 3. Course enrolment belongs to the student named on the admission record and cannot be transferred to a friend or relative.
- 4. Installments/EMIs must be paid according to the approved schedule. Delayed payments may attract applicable charges.
- 5. Where an EMI plan is approved, the full commitment must be completed within the period specified for the course.
- 6. Any genuine request for an academic or scheduling adjustment should be discussed with the Director/management before the situation becomes a problem. Approval, if granted, does not create a right to a refund.
- 7. If fees remain unpaid for the period specified by NIFA, admission may become inactive/cancelled. Re-admission may require approval and applicable charges.
- 8. A change of residence or employment transfer does not create a right to a refund. Where feasible, NIFA may assist with an available centre or alternative learning arrangement.
- 9. Where cheque payments are accepted, a dishonoured cheque may attract applicable bank/administrative charges and further lawful action.
- 10. Where required by the selected payment plan, admission becomes effective after the stipulated payment or approved payment arrangement is completed.
4. Offline Studio Classes
NIFA follows a personalised studio-based teaching methodology rather than a conventional lecture where everyone works on the same topic. Faculty members move between students, review their work and provide demonstrations or corrections according to individual requirements.
- 1. Students are requested to attend their allotted batch on time. Late arrival may reduce the individual guidance or demonstration time available during that session.
- 2. Students in the same studio may be working on different topics, artworks or assignments according to their course, level and progress.
- 3. Faculty guidance is provided progressively; students may sometimes need to wait briefly while another learner is being assisted.
- 4. Students should bring the art materials required for their current work unless the academy has informed them otherwise.
- 5. Large canvases or projects requiring substantial space need prior approval.
- 6. Students are requested to keep their work area reasonably clean and handle academy property carefully.
- 7. Batch schedules and working days may be adjusted when required by academic or operational circumstances, with changes communicated through official NIFA channels.
5. Online Live Class Guidelines
NIFA's online programme is based on live, interactive teaching. Being prepared before the class helps students make the most of every session.
- 1. Students should join the live class on time or approximately 2–3 minutes before the scheduled start time.
- 2. Keep the required device, stable internet connection, art materials and other learning resources ready before class begins.
- 3. Students should participate actively and follow faculty instructions during demonstrations and practice.
- 4. Internet or device problems at the student's end may affect participation, so the setup should be checked beforehand.
- 5. Class links, login credentials, recordings and other learning resources are for enrolled students only and must not be shared.
- 6. Recording, copying, uploading, selling or distributing NIFA classes, demonstrations, recordings or other course content is strictly not permitted.
- 7. Students should use the official student platform/app and communication channels for academic access and support.
6. Attendance, Missed Classes & Continuity
Regular attendance is important for artistic progress. Consistent practice allows faculty to understand a student's development and provide meaningful corrections.
- 1. Students are encouraged to attend all scheduled classes and assessments.
- 2. If a class will be missed, NIFA should be informed in advance wherever possible.
- 3. Backup or make-up classes, where offered, depend on faculty availability, batch structure and institute policy.
- 4. Repeated or prolonged absence may affect completion of assignments and the course within its original validity.
- 5. Students taking a break are responsible for completing pending work within the approved validity; additional classes may be required subject to availability.
- 6. An extension is not automatic. A written request may be submitted to the Director/management and any approved extension will be documented separately.
7. Course Duration & Validity
Every programme has an academic structure and defined validity period. Continuity is important so that students can complete their syllabus without losing momentum.
- 1. The official academic duration is as stated in the student's admission/course plan.
- 2. Where NIFA provides an additional completion window, this does not change the official academic duration.
- 3. Students who take an unplanned break should discuss the situation with the administration rather than assuming automatic extension.
- 4. Any approved extension is subject to the terms communicated by NIFA and may involve applicable charges.
8. Assignments, Tests & Submissions
Artistic development happens through practice and review. Assignments and submissions therefore form an important part of the academic process.
- 1. Students may be required to complete topic-based assignments, tests, practical work or periodic assessments.
- 2. Faculty may request corrections or additional practice before an assignment is considered complete.
- 3. Diploma students may be required to submit artworks for annual/final assessment according to programme requirements.
- 4. The number and nature of submissions depend on the course plan selected.
- 5. Submitted works may be retained by NIFA as part of its academic archive, assessment record or institutional documentation.
9. Certificates & Completion
A certificate represents successful completion of the applicable academic requirements.
- 1. Certificates are issued after applicable course requirements are fulfilled and outstanding dues are cleared.
- 2. Where assignments, assessments or final submissions are part of the programme, they must be completed before certification.
- 3. Students should check the spelling and personal details provided at admission. Corrections arising from incorrect information may require an administrative process or charge.
- 4. Certificate issue timelines may depend on completion of academic and administrative formalities.
10. Workshops, Exhibitions & Competitions
NIFA considers workshops, exhibitions, competitions, outdoor visits and special demonstrations valuable opportunities beyond regular classes.
- 1. Special activities may be organised from time to time and are not necessarily part of every course or included in tuition fees.
- 2. Participation in an exhibition or special event may require a separate fee, communicated before participation.
- 3. Exhibition dates and venues depend on venue availability and the final decision of management.
- 4. Where an activity is organised at another NIFA centre, students may be invited to attend there for the relevant day or session.
- 5. Selection for exhibitions or special showcases may depend on readiness, curatorial requirements, space and event guidelines.
11. Materials, Stationery & Studio Facilities
We strive to provide a comfortable and inspiring studio environment. Students may source their materials through NIFA or elsewhere.
- 1. Art materials and stationery are generally not included in course fees unless specifically stated.
- 2. Students may purchase materials from NIFA for convenience or from an outside supplier of their choice.
- 3. Prices or discounts on materials are not guaranteed unless specifically communicated.
- 4. NIFA does not ordinarily provide personal lockers or permanent storage for stationery, paintings or belongings.
- 5. Paintings or materials left at the centre are kept at the student's own risk and should follow centre instructions.
- 6. Students are responsible for personal belongings brought to the academy.
12. Faculty, Batch & Course Arrangements
NIFA's academic planning is designed to maintain continuity while allowing reasonable changes when faculty or operational circumstances require them.
- 1. NIFA does not guarantee the same faculty member throughout the course; faculty may change due to availability, leave or academic planning.
- 2. Batch allocation is based on course structure, faculty availability, space and operational requirements.
- 3. Requests for a batch or timing change are considered subject to availability and management approval.
- 4. Course or syllabus customisation may be considered where academically feasible and requires approval from the Director/management.
- 5. Change of course or programme is subject to availability, eligibility and management approval.
13. Respectful & Safe Learning Environment
Every student should feel comfortable, respected and able to concentrate on learning.
- 1. Students, parents and staff should communicate respectfully and avoid abusive, threatening, discriminatory or derogatory behaviour.
- 2. Smoking, chewing tobacco, alcohol and similar prohibited substances are not permitted on NIFA premises.
- 3. Misconduct, repeated disruption or behaviour affecting others may result in suspension or discontinuation of enrolment.
- 4. Damage to NIFA property caused intentionally or through negligence may be charged to the responsible student or parent/guardian.
- 5. Management may take reasonable action necessary to maintain discipline and decorum.
14. Celebrations & Use of Premises
NIFA is happy to support a positive student community while ensuring celebrations do not interfere with classes or academy operations.
- 1. Students are not required by NIFA to contribute money for birthdays, festivals or personal celebrations.
- 2. Student-organised celebrations require prior permission and must follow centre guidelines.
- 3. A formal event organised by NIFA at a student's request may be chargeable; the applicable amount will be communicated and an official receipt issued.
- 4. Students should not make payments on the basis of informal or unauthorised commitments. Please request an official receipt.
15. Home Tuition, Private Coaching & Unauthorised Services
NIFA's programmes are delivered through its approved teaching structure so that quality and accountability can be maintained.
- 1. NIFA does not provide home tuition or private coaching by faculty members as part of its regular institute services.
- 2. Faculty members are not authorised to undertake private portfolio completion or similar work on behalf of students under the name of NIFA.
- 3. Students should not represent private arrangements as NIFA-approved services unless confirmed by management.
- 4. Any authorised additional academic service will be communicated through official NIFA channels.
16. Media, Photography & Student Artwork
NIFA celebrates student progress through exhibitions, events and digital communication.
- 1. NIFA may photograph or record classes, workshops, exhibitions and student activities for educational, archival and promotional purposes.
- 2. Student artwork may be photographed or displayed on NIFA's website, social media, brochures, exhibitions and institutional communication.
- 3. Students or parents/guardians with a specific objection to identifiable photographs should communicate that preference to NIFA in writing.
- 4. Use of photographs or artwork for NIFA communication does not transfer ownership of the student's original artwork unless a separate written agreement states otherwise.
17. Communication & Student Support
Good communication helps us resolve concerns quickly.
- 1. Academic and administrative queries should be directed through official NIFA phone, WhatsApp, email or student-platform channels.
- 2. Students should not rely on informal messages or verbal assurances that conflict with official NIFA communication.
- 3. NIFA may use registered contact details for necessary academic, administrative, payment, scheduling and event-related information.
- 4. Students and parents should keep contact details updated so important communication is not missed.
18. Health, Safety & Emergency Support
We want students to learn in a safe and comfortable environment.
- 1. Parents/guardians should ensure that a child is fit to attend classes and inform NIFA of relevant circumstances that may affect participation or safety.
- 2. Basic first-aid facilities may be available at the centre for immediate assistance.
- 3. In an emergency, NIFA may take reasonable steps to obtain appropriate assistance or contact the parent/guardian.
- 4. NIFA cannot assume responsibility for medical conditions that have not been disclosed to the institute.
19. Digital Content, Intellectual Property & AI Use
NIFA invests significant time and expertise in creating demonstrations, course material and learning resources.
- 1. Course notes, demonstrations, recordings, presentations, teaching methods and NIFA-created learning resources may not be reproduced or commercially distributed.
- 2. Students may not upload, sell, redistribute or republish NIFA recordings or teaching material.
- 3. Students should not present NIFA teaching material or demonstrations as their own original course content.
- 4. Reusing, reproducing or adapting NIFA's proprietary course content, learning resources or other intellectual property to create, train, reproduce or commercially develop AI-generated educational material is strictly not permitted.
20. Changes & Unavoidable Events
Sometimes schedules, venues, faculty availability or other circumstances may change for reasons beyond the institute's reasonable control.
- 1. NIFA may adjust class timings, working days, faculty allocation, venues or delivery arrangements when required by academic or operational circumstances.
- 2. Natural disasters, government restrictions, public emergencies, technical disruptions or other circumstances beyond reasonable control may affect classes or events.
- 3. Where a change is necessary, NIFA may provide an alternative schedule, online arrangement, rescheduled session or other reasonable solution where feasible.
- 4. Management decisions concerning discipline, academic scheduling, batch allocation and institutional operations shall be final, subject to applicable law and specific written terms.
21. Legal & Jurisdiction
These guidelines should be read together with course-specific terms, admission documents and other applicable NIFA policies.
- 1. These Policies & Guidelines are governed by the laws of India.
- 2. Any dispute or difference shall be subject to the applicable jurisdiction of the courts at Delhi.
- 3. Where a specific written course agreement provides additional terms, those terms apply to the extent applicable.
- 4. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.
A Message from NIFA
At NIFA, we believe that the best learning happens when students feel encouraged to experiment, make mistakes, practise between classes and grow. Our policies are here to create clarity, fairness and consistency for everyone.