The college grants equal opportunities to women and men (no age limit) who possess an exceptional aptitude for the visual arts and who have attained a reputable standard in general education before applying for admission.

The College conducts admission tests which are held in all the provinces of Pakistan. The College does not discriminate against admission for physically challenged persons.

Candidates wishing to join the Faculty of Fine Arts, Faculty of Multimedia Art and Faculty of Design are required to obtain high grades in the drawing and aptitude tests. Candidates wishing to apply for the Faculty of Architecture are required to pass an examination in mathematics in addition to drawing and aptitude tests. Those wishing to apply to the Department of Music, Cultural Studies and Faculty of Film and Television will be required to attempt respective departmental aptitude tests. Only those candidates are eligible to take the admission examinations who have either passed or awaiting result of the Higher Secondary/Intermediate Examination or its equivalent from any recognized institution, with a minimum of second division (45% Marks). Students with third division are not eligible to apply.

Admission may be conducted once a year. If a candidate fails to complete the requirements of enrolment, his/her admission shall stand cancelled. However, nominees of foreign countries and other government organizations may be admitted with the condition that they will have to cover the courses by taking seminars, special problem and research projects.

A candidate seeking admission to the degree must have twelve years of education, F.A./F.Sc./A-Level or equivalent with 45% marks at minimum. Moreover, the student will be required to pass the aptitude test and interview of the NCA.

The candidate must produce, at the time of the first enrolment, a certificate from the authorized District Government Hospital to the effect that he/she is free from any communicable (contagious) disease or mental or physical disability which is likely to stand in the way of his/her pursuing the chosen field of study.

All Candidates shall apply on the prescribed Admission Application Form as advertised, at NCA website/NTS website. Application from candidates to be submitted to the office as prescribed by the office of the National Testing Service NTS website and NCA official website. The candidates for GB and AJK can apply through NTS, however processing of the admission shall be subject to nomination received from their respective nomination board.

Attested Photocopies of the following documents must accompany the Application for Admission:

1. Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or its Equivalent Certificate
2. Higher Secondary/Intermediate or its Equivalent Certificate
3. Equivelance certificate issued by IBCC other than Matric and Intermediate
4. Verification of Matric and Intermediate from IBCC
5. Documents in support of additional qualifications (If any)
6. Domicile Certificate
7. Medical Fitness Certificate as prescribed in the admission policy
8. Pages 1 to 5 passport (International Students only)
9. National identity card
10. Five attested passport size recent photographs
11. Bank draft as applicable
12. Affidavit of father/guardian income

Note: Candidates granted admission shall be required to submit other documents as directed, before registration/enrolment in the Foundation semester.

Unless otherwise stated, the fees and other charges are non refundable even if the students withdraw from the College or are struck off the College rolls. Absence from the College will not be accepted as an excuse for non-payment of dues, fees shall be charged on the basis of the respective financial year on semester basis. However, fee refund policy will be dealt as per HEC criteria.

All students of the College are issued identity cards. Upon their enrolment in the first semester, students obtain identity cards from the College office for payment. Identity cards are renewed at the commencement of each academic session. If an identity card is lost, a duplicate can be obtained by paying additional charges. On any account identity cards must be returned to the College office by the students when leaving the College, otherwise their refundable securities shall be forfeited.

Students are required to keep the College office informed/updated regarding any change of address (current or permanent) and telephone numbers.

The college shall not be responsible for lost, misplaced and undelivered mail.

2% separate quota seats of total, 1st year (F.C) seats of the College are reserved for differently abled candidates. All such applicants should attach an application with the admission form indicating their desire to be considered for special seat. A certificate issued and duly verified by the Disability Board of the respective Government hospital must be attached with the application.

In accordance with the decision of the Government of Pakistan, a separate 5% quota is allocated for the children of overseas Pakistanis on a Self-Finance and Self-Support basis. All such applicants must submit an application along with the admission form, indicating their desire to be considered for the overseas Pakistani quota. They must also attach copies of their passport and overseas Pakistani identity card.

Separate seats are allocated for candidates from foreign countries who have other than Pakistani or Azad Jammu and Kashmir citizenship. Admission to the College for foreign nationals is processed by the College through Higher Education Commission (HEC). A total of 11 seats are reserved for foreign candidates at NCA Lahore and 5 seats for NCA Rawalpindi Campus.

All international students should forward the prescribed application forms (available from the College/ NCA website) to the College. Candidates must forward their applications in time to ensure that the applications are received in the College by the due date.

In accordance with the decision of the Government of Pakistan separate 2% quota seats are allocated for the children of refugees before 1989, of the Indian held Kashmir (IHK). Admission on these seats is processed by the Federal Government.

In accordance with the decision of the Government of Pakistan, a separate 2% quota is allocated for minority students. All such applicants must submit an application along with the admission form, indicating their desire to be considered for the minority quota. They must also attach relevant proof of their minority status.

A number of students are admitted to the College as full fee paying students. Admission tests on the basis of open merit for this scheme are identical to those conducted for other students. An equally high merit in the test is required to qualify for admission as a full-fee paying/self finance student under the full-fee paying/self finance scheme. As mentioned at the fee structure 2027.

The full tuition fee for the length of the course in Fine Arts, Design and Music, Architecture, Multimedia and Film & Television is non refundable in case a student is disqualified/expelled; or the voluntary discontinuation of the course on the part of the student for whatever reason at any stage of his/her studies. In addition to the tuition fee stated in applicable fee structure, students will be required to pay other dues and student charges.