What is Kathak?: Course Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions
Pallavi Priyadarshini PandaContent Writer
Kathak is a classical Indian dance form that expresses us through dance, music, and song. It is one of India’s eight classical dance forms. 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 syllabus of Kathak Course is rich in dance techniques, rhythm (tala), Kathak history, and abhinaya (expressions). To pursue these courses, one must have completed their 10+2 in a relevant field with 50%. Job roles include Kathak performer, choreographer, dance instructor, and cultural program coordinator
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. |
- Kathak Course Eligibility Criteria
- Kathak Course Admission 2025
- Kathak Course Entrance Exam
- Syllabus for Kathak Courses
- Best Colleges for Kathak Course in India
- Popular Private Kathak Colleges in India
- Kathak Career: Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, Top Recruiters
- FAQs related to Kathak Course
- Popular Kathak UG Courses
- Popular Kathak PG Courses
Kathak Course Eligibility Criteria
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 |
|
|
PG Level |
|
|
Certificate-Level/Diploma |
|
Note: The eligibility criteria are subject to change depending on the college or entrance exam.
Kathak Course topics you might be interested in:
The eligibility for taking admission in Rabindra Bharati University - RBU for MA in Dance is mentioned below: Candidate must have completed M.A. or B.A,(Hons./Spl.) in dance or in any subject with special aptitude in Vocal Music from any UGC recognized University. Since your eligibility is not included in the question if you match the eligibility as above then you can take admission.
Kathak Course Admission 2025
Candidates can check a general overview of the admission process below:
- Make sure you meet the eligibility
- Apply online by filling up form
- Take entrance exam
- Wait for the merit list and result
- If selected, attend the counselling session
- Get the documents verified and pay the fee to secure the seat
Yes, you can surely go for B.A. Kathak irrespective of your stream in class 12th. It depends on your interest. For the admission to Kathak Courses, you will need to clear the practical tests . Some Colleges also accept CUET entrance exam scores and practical tests both.
Kathak Course Entrance Exam
The entrance exams for Kathak can differ based on the level of the course and the college offering it. Many colleges provide admission to students on a merit basis and a practical exam. See the details of the Entrance Test that you can appear for:
|
Kathak Entrance Exam Name |
Kathak Entrance Exam Dates |
Kathak Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
|
CUET |
May '25 - Jun '25 (Tentative) |
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 21 May ' 23 - 08 Jun ' 23 | BHU CUET 2023 exam days |
| 09 Apr ' 23 - 11 Apr ' 23 | BHU CUET 2023 Application Window Reopened |
| 10 Feb ' 23 - 30 Mar ' 23 | CUET 2023 application process (extended) |
6 May ' 25 | CUET PG 2025 Result |
6 May ' 25 | CUET PG Final Answer Key 2025 |
Mar '26 | PUBDET 2026 Applications TENTATIVE |
10 Sep ' 25 | PUBDET 2025 2nd Round Seat Allotment |
Sep '25 | MAH AAC CET 2025 Cut-off Date for all type of adm... TENTATIVE |
Sep '25 | MAH AAC CET 2025 Last date of uploading the data TENTATIVE |
Mar '26 | CUET 2026 Application Process TENTATIVE |
May '26 - Jun '26 | CUET 2026 Exam TENTATIVE |
Having a thorough understanding of the syllabus is the first stage in exam preparation. This will help you determine the topics you should cover and the amount of time you should devote to each one. In order to concentrate your study on the areas where you need the greatest development, you can also examine last year's papers to determine your strengths and shortcomings. Candidates can refer to BPA syllabus as well as reasoning topics in order to prepare for the entrance.
Syllabus for Kathak Courses
The syllabus of a Kathak course differs on the basis of the level of study (beginner, intermediate, advanced or professional) and the college where you are studying the program. Below is a detailed 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 |
Useful Links for the Arts Course Syllabus:
- Abhinaya: Performing on a given theme
- Peacock dance: Performing a peacock dance in the Kathak style
- Chals: Performing different chaos in the Kathak style
- Gat Bhav and Gat Nikas: Performing Gat Bhav and Gat Nikas
- Tatkar: Performing a task with ease and speed in different layers
- Tihais: Composing tihais on the spot
- Gharanas: Answering general questions about the existing gharanas of Kathak dance
Best Colleges for Kathak Course in India
Candidates can see the list of government and private colleges that offer Kathak courses listed below:
Best Government Colleges for Kathak Courses
Candidates can see the table below:
|
Kathak Government Colleges |
Average Fees |
|---|---|
|
INR 2,400 - 5,160 |
|
|
INR 33,550 |
|
|
INR 4,310 |
|
|
INR 10,200 – 45,600 |
|
|
INR 10,000 |
|
|
INR 3.13 Lakh |
|
|
INR 3,000 |
|
|
INR 20,560 – 28,320 |
|
|
INR 6,590 – 43,920 |
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
Best private Colleges for Kathak Courses
Candidates can see the table below:
|
Kathak Private Colleges |
Average Fees |
|---|---|
|
INR 75,000 |
|
|
INR 1 Lakh |
|
|
INR 15,000 |
|
|
INR 66,000 |
|
|
NA |
|
|
INR 78,000 - 1.27 Lakh |
|
|
NA |
|
|
Yashwantrao Mohite College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Bharati Vidyapeeth |
INR 60,000 |
Note: The info is taken from other sources and can be different.
The Total fees charged by BHU Main campus for MPA in Dance (Kathak) is about Rs 6,000(approx.) for the total duration of 2 yrs of the course. This does not include the Hostel and Other facilities. Also, this fees is applicable only to Regular students and not the Paid seats or affiliated colleges.
Some of the colleges in and around Pune that offer B A and M A programmes in dance and music are mentioned below for the candidates' reference:
Bharati Vidyapeeth
BVDU School of Performing Arts
FLAME University
MIT ADT University
Fergusson College
Savitribai Phule Pune University UNIPUNE
Yashwantrao Mohite College of Arts, Science and Commerce
Vishwakarma University
TMV - Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth
Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune
MIT Vishwashanti Sangeet Kala Academy, MIT-ADT University
University of Mumbai
At the UG level, these colleges provide a 3 years B.A. in Dance as well as 3 years B.A. in Music courses to the students.
Popular Private Kathak Colleges in India
Kathak Career: Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, Top Recruiters
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:
Some of the job profiles that an MPA graduate can work are Musical Theater Performer, Actor, Choreographer, Theatre Director, Dancer, Dance Teacher, Stage Manager, Music Teacher etc. They can also work as Arts Administrator which govern theaters, museums, and dance groups. They can also become Arts therapists who use performing arts to assist clients with a range of mental and physical health issues.
There is a promising and long-term career in classical dance, particularly in Kathak. Learning a classical art form is truly a blessing. It is not just about mastering the techniques and eventually opening a dance studio; it's about fully immersing yourself in the art and embracing the joy and wellness it brings. While financial success is possible, it largely depends on your dedication and passion for continuous learning and creating unique dance pieces through your creative process.
FAQs related to Kathak Course
Here are important Questions regarding Khatak Courses.
In order to pursue MA in Kathak must have a graduation degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognised university. Candidates will also be needed to appear for the entrance exam conducted by the respective university. Some of the colleges offering MPA in Kathak are as follows:
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MPA in Kathak full form is Master of Performing Arts in Kathak. It is a 2 years Master's degree which teaches the students all the aspects of Kathak dance that 2 years that include choreography, musicology, and dance iconography.