What is Kathak?: Course Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

The Kathak Course is created to teach the students Kathak is a classical Indian dance form that tells stories through dance, music, and song. Kathak is one of India’s eight classical dance forms, blending intricate footwork, graceful movements, and storytelling through expressions.

Aspiring Kathak professionals can pursue courses ranging from diploma to postgraduate programs, offered by prestigious institutions like Kathak Kendra (Delhi), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya. 

Students can pursue Kathak courses at various levels, i.e. undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate. To pursue these courses from renowned colleges, one must have completed their 10+2 in a relevant field with an aggregate of 50% or more. The Course fee of Kathak ranges from INR 2,000 to INR 4 Lakh yearly depending on the program and institution.

The syllabus of Kathak Course is rich in dance techniques, rhythm (tala), Kathak history, and abhinaya (expressions). Upon graduation, job roles include Kathak performer, choreographer, dance instructor, and cultural program coordinator, with salaries ranging from INR 2 LPA to INR 20 LPA  depending on expertise and experience. Reputed recruiters include ICCR, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and leading dance academies, ensuring a vibrant career for passionate dancers.

Kathak Course Details: Highlights

Kathak course is all about the Indian Classical Dance - Kathak. This course facilitates students to learn all the aspects of Kathak Dance. From the History and the Origin of Kathak Dance, students will be able to understand the technical as well as aesthetical dimensions of this dance form.

The highlights table gives quick information about the course types, duration, course fees, and entrance exams for pursuing Kathak courses. 

Highlights	Details
Course Level	Certificate, Undergraduate, Postgraduate
Eligibility	Certificate: Class 12  UG: Class 12 along with entrance examination PG: Graduation in any discipline with dance as the main subject or BA in Dance/ BPA in Dance
Duration	Certificate: 6 months - 1 year UG: 3 - 4 years PG: 2 years
Examination Type	Semester-wise
Fee Range	INR 2,000 - INR 4 Lakh
Top Colleges	Banaras Hindu University, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU), Bangalore University, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University (SVSU), etc.
Average Starting Salary	INR 2 LPA - INR 10 LPA
Job Scope	Kathak Performer, Kathak Choreographer, Dance Teacher/Instructor, Dance Therapist, etc.
Entrance Exams	CUET
Top Recruiters	Doordarshan, Asia Society, Udemy, Kathak Kendra, etc.

Note: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

Quick Links Related to Kathak Courses:

Diploma in Kathak

Art Scholarships for Indian Students

The eligibility criteria for Kathak courses vary depending on the level of the program (beginner, diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate) and the institution offering it. Most of the Colleges offer admission to Kathak Courses on the basis of practical tests and merit-based. Some Colleges accept CUET entrance exam scores and practical tests.

The following are the eligibility criteria that a candidate must meet in order to get admission into the Kathak Course: 

Course	Eligibility Criteria
UG Level	To pursue a Kathak Course at a degree or diploma (after 12th ) level candidates should complete Class XII in any stream from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate percentage (usually 50% - 60%).
PG Level	To pursue a Kathak Course at a graduate degree or PG diploma level, the Candidate must have passed B.Music/BPA in Dance in Indian Classical Dance (Kathak/Bharat Natyam) from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate of 50 percent or equivalent
Certificate-Level/Diploma	Kathak Courses are short-term courses that candidates can pursue on passing Class 10th.

Note: The eligibility criteria are subject to change depending on the college or entrance exam.

Kathak Course topics you might be interested in:

What is the difference between Fine Arts and Applied Arts?

Visual Arts Vs Fine Arts Vs Applied Arts

Here is the general step-by-step guide for the  Admission to Kathak Courses:

• Step-1 Review the program: First review the curriculum, specializations, faculty, and facilities after that check academic qualifications, entrance exam requirements, and any additional criteria.
• Step-2 Prepare Required Documents: Prepare all the documents beforehand so that no last-minute issues occur. The documents include academic mark sheets, certificates, Exam Scores, and letters of recommendation.
• Step-3 Fill out the Application Form and Pay the Fees: Complete the application form provided by the institution. This may be done online or on paper and pay any required application fees.
• Step-4 Entrance Exams (if applicable): If the program requires an entrance exam, such as a specific university's test, register and prepare for it. Take the exam then wait for the result.
• Step-5 Submit Application: Submit all required documents along with the completed application form. Always ensure that all documents have been received and verify the status of your application.
• Step-6 Await Admission Decision: Monitor the admission portal or your email for updates on the results. If accepted an official offer letter will be provided by the university.
• Step-7 Confirm Enrollment: Confirm your intention to enroll in the program and Pay the required enrollment or tuition Fees.
• Step-8 Prepare for the Start of Classes: Follow instructions for course registration and orientation. If needed, arrange for on-campus or off-campus housing and attend any orientation sessions to familiarize yourself with the campus and program.
• Step-9 Start Classes: Attend classes and start your academic journey.

Note: Be sure to check the specific requirements and deadlines for each program as they can vary. Some programs may also have additional steps or unique requirements.

The entrance exams for Kathak vary depending on the level of the course (diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral) and the institution offering it. Various universities provide admission to students on a merit basis and a practical exam. However, many prestigious universities and institutions conduct entrance exams or auditions to assess a candidate’s practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and passion for Kathak. Here are the details of the Entrance Test that students can appear for:

Kathak Entrance Exam Name	Kathak Entrance Exam Dates	Kathak Exam Schedule
CUET	May '25 - Jun '25 (Tentative)	CUET Entrance Exam Schedule

Kathak topics you might be interested in:

How is CUET syllabus different from CBSE syllabus?

How to Appear for CUET 2025: Comprehensive Guide for CBT Mode

The syllabus of a Kathak course typically varies based on the level of study (beginner, intermediate, advanced, or professional) and the institute offering the program. Below is a detailed breakdown of the syllabus commonly followed across most Kathak courses:

Kathak Course Syllabus
Introduction to the history and origins of Kathak	Basic knowledge of taal (rhythmic cycles) and matras (beats)
Overview of Kathak gharanas	Understanding costumes and jewelry used in Kathak
Study of Natya Shastra and its connection to Kathak	Role of Kathak in Bollywood and contemporary dance forms
Detailed history of Kathak and its evolution through the Mughal and modern eras	Understanding Layakari (tempo variations – Vilambit, Madhya, Drut)
Basic knowledge of instruments like Tabla and Harmonium	Types of compositions (Parans, Chakradars
Detailed understanding of rhythm and notation systems	In-depth study of Kathak literature and notable contributions by legendary artists
Writing and notating compositions for academic purposes	Exploration of Kathak’s role in global cultural contexts

Arts (Fine/Visual/Performing) Syllabus

BVA Applied Arts Syllabus

BFA Syllabus

MFA Syllabus

MVA Syllabus

India is home to many good institutes that have been offering quality learning opportunities in their Kathak Courses. Several reputed colleges and institutions in India offer Kathak courses, ranging from certificate programs to postgraduate degrees. These institutions are known for preserving the classical dance form while providing rigorous training in both theoretical and practical aspects of Kathak. Here is a list of prominent colleges and institutions offering Kathak courses in India:

Best Government Colleges for Kathak Courses

Some of the top government colleges for pursuing Kathak Courses include various central and state universities which are popularly known as temples of excellence. The Kathak Course government colleges are as follows:

Kathak Government Colleges	Average Fees
Banaras Hindu University	INR 2,400 - 5,160
Bangalore University	INR 33,550
Binod Bihari Mahto Koyalanchal University, Dhanbad	INR 4,310
Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJM)	INR 10,200 – 45,600
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University	INR 10,000
Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya	INR 3.13 Lakh
Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur University	INR 3,000
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU)	INR 20,560 – 28,320
University of Rajasthan (UNIRAJ)	INR 6,590 – 43,920

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/counseling body and may vary.

There are 15 Private Colleges that provide Kathak Courses. They provide excellent infrastructure and experts in the fields of Dance, which makes these colleges popular for pursuing Kathak Courses. Here is the list of Private Colleges that provide Kathak Courses:

Kathak Private Colleges	Average Fees
Bharati Vidyapeeth	INR 75,000
Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune	INR 1 Lakh
M.S. Panwar Group of Institutions	INR 15,000
Mewar University	INR 66,000
Shri Krishna University	NA
Swami Vivekanand Subharti University (SVSU)	INR 78,000 - 1.27 Lakh
V N Bhatkhande Sangeet Mahavidyalaya	NA
Yashwantrao Mohite College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Bharati Vidyapeeth	INR 60,000

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/counseling body and may vary.

Students also liked courses on Khatak Courses:

Importance of Music and Music as a Career Opportunity

Banaras Hindu University Entrance Examination

Graduates with a Kathak course certification or degree can pursue various job profiles across the performing arts, education, entertainment, and cultural sectors.

Job Profiles and Salaries After Kathak Courses:

Check out the different job profiles for Kathak Course Graduates below:

Job Profile	Job Description	Average Annual Salary
Kathak Performer	They perform solo or group Kathak recitals at cultural events, festivals, and stage shows.	INR 1.5 - 6 LPA
Kathak Choreographer	Their job is to create innovative Kathak choreographies for stage performances, films, and TV shows.	INR 3 - 10 LPA
Dance Teacher/Instructor	A Dance Teacher teaches Kathak to students in schools, colleges, or private dance academies	INR 2.6 - 15 LPA
Dance Therapist	Use Kathak movements as a form of therapy to improve mental and physical well-being.	INR 2.5 - 10 LPA

Note- The above salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.

Top Recruiters for Kathak Course

Graduates of Kathak courses can find employment with various organizations, institutions, and platforms that promote classical dance and performing arts. Here’s a list of top recruiters for Kathak professionals in India:

Kathak Course Top Recruiters
Kathak Kendra	Bhatkhande Music Institute	Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Doordarshan	Banaras Hindu University (BHU)	Kalashram
Bollywood and Regional Cinema	DNA Entertainment Networks	Wizcraft International Entertainment
Dancing Mindfulness Centers	Asia Society	Udemy

Kathak Course topics you might be interested in:

Popular Kathak Gurus in India

Certificate Courses to pursue Kathak in India

Here are important Questions regarding Khatak Courses.

Following are the most popular Kathak UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

Following are the most popular Kathak PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.