Performing Arts Courses, Admission 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Job Profiles and Salary
Pallavi Priyadarshini PandaContent Writer
Performing Arts courses are available at various educational levels like UG, PG and PhD programs. The course has different Performance art-related subjects, including Music, Dance, Acting, and Theatre. Apart from the course curriculum, students are also taught about various theories related to art programming, organizational management, and curatorship.
There are different careers one can pursue after the Performing Arts course, including Actor, Dancer, Musical Theatre Performer, and Arts Administrator. The average salary ranges from INR 3.6 - 10.5 lakh. Some of the top companies recruiting Performing Arts candidates include HT Media, Universal Arts, and Saregama India.
Performing Arts Course Details: Highlights
Check key points related to various courses in Performing Arts in the table below which contains the highlights on course level, course duration, entrance exams, average salaries, course fees, top recruiters, and top job profiles.
Candidates can refer to highlights for a quick reference:
| Highlights |
Details |
|---|---|
| Performing Arts Course Level |
Certificate, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctorate |
| Performing Arts Eligibility |
Certificate: Class 12 UG: Class 12 along with entrance examination PG: Graduation in any discipline or Theatre or Drama |
| Performing Arts Duration |
PH.D: Completion of Post-graduation degree. Certificate: 6 months - 1 year UG: 3 - 4 years PG: 2 years Ph.D: 3 – 5 years |
| Performing Arts Examination Type |
Semester-wise |
| Performing Arts Fee Range |
INR 30000-INR 10 lakh |
| Performing Arts Top Colleges |
Aligarh Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, Asian Academy of Film and Television, World University of Design, etc. |
| Performing Arts Average Starting Salary |
INR 2 LPA-INR 10 LPA |
| Performing Arts Job Scope |
Actor, Drama Artist, Choreographer, Musician, Therapist, Theatre Director, Cinematographer, Community Arts Worker, Theatre Teacher, etc |
| Performing Arts Entrance Exams |
CUET, UGAT, JMI Entrance Exam, CUET-PG |
| Performing Arts Top Recruiters |
Film and Television Institute of India, Balaji Telefilms, YRF Studios, Universal Arts, Iris Media |
Note - This info is taken from official website and may vary.
- Performing Arts Courses Admission 2025
- Performing Arts Entrance Exams 2025
- Performing Arts Syllabus
- Best Performing Arts Colleges in India
- Popular Private Performing Arts Courses Colleges in India
- Performing Arts Career: Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, Top Recruiters
- Performing Arts FAQs
- Popular Performing Arts Courses UG Courses
- Popular Performing Arts Courses PG Courses
Performing Arts Courses Admission 2025
Here is the guide for Admission to Performing Arts Courses:
- Review the program
- Prepare all the Important Documents
- Fill out the College Application Forms
- Give Entrance Exams
- Submit Application
- Await Admission Decision
- Confirm Admission
- Start Attending Classes
Source- Official sites and may differ.
Performing Arts Course Admission Criteria
Some of the common eligibility requirements to pursue the course -
|
Course |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
|
UG Level |
|
|
PG Level |
|
|
Certificate-Level/Diploma |
|
|
Ph.D Level |
|
Source- Official sites and may differ.
Sure, there are scholarships available for higher education in performance arts in India and abroad. Here are some of the Scholarships that are offered to the students pursuing higher education in Performing Arts:
- Sanskriti-kalakriti fellowship
- Takshila Fine Arts Scholarship
- Ishan Uday Scholarship
- Roberta Sykes Scholarships
Performing Arts Entrance Exams 2025
Many colleges that provide courses in Performing Arts give admissions on the basis of entrance exams. Students can check out the table below for some of the popular entrance exams:
|
Entrance Exam Name |
Entrance Exam Dates |
Entrance Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
|
IPU CET 2025 |
Apr '25 (Tentative) |
|
|
CUET 2025 |
May '25 - Jun '25 (Tentative) |
|
|
UGAT 2025 |
Jun '25 (Tentative) |
|
|
JMI Entrance Exam 2025 |
Apr '25 - May '25 (Tentative) |
|
|
SET 2025 |
May '25 (Tentative) |
|
|
PUBDET 2025 |
Jul '25 (Tentative) |
|
|
WUD DAT 2025 |
May '25 |
|
| WWI Entrance Exam 2025 | Jan '25 (Tentative) | WWI 2025 Entrance Exam Date 2025 |
| IIMC Entrance Exam 2025 | Mar '25 (Tentative) | IIMC Entrance Exam Date 2025 |
|
CUET-PG 2025 (for PG courses) |
March '25 |
Note - This info is taken from the official website and can vary.
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 |
Getting admission to a BPA course is similar to any other course. Some universities have the eligibility to qualify in the entrance exam.
- First, you need to apply for the entrance and appear in it.
- Then you need to apply for college.
- If you get the required score, you can get admission to the college.
The exams accepted for BPA course are:
CUET, SET, PUBDET, BHU UET
The top job roles are:
Actor, Choreographer, Musician, Cinematographer, Community Arts Worker, Theatre Teacher
I hope it will help.
Performing Arts Syllabus
The syllabus of Performing Arts Course depends on the type of course UG, PG, and Certification as well as the specialization (Dancing, Acting, Kathak, Music, Choreography, etc.) that a candidate is pursuing.
However, Candidates can check the table below for subjects that are typically taught in Performing Arts.
UG level Course syllabus
Given below are the core subjects that are generally taught in the Bachelor of Performing Arts or BPA , Dance, Theatre.
|
BPA Subjects |
||
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Indian Theatre | Dramatic Literature – Modern Indian | Western Music |
| Dance Health & Fitness | Technique of Dance | Theatre Techniques and Designing |
| Role of Kathak in Bollywood and contemporary dance forms |
Basic knowledge of instruments like Tabla and Harmonium |
Basics of Vocal Practice |
| Understanding costumes and jewelry used in Kathak | Theatre In Education | Film Theories |
| Indian Culture | Folk Theater Forms of India | Elementary Study of Hindustani Music |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/counseling body and may vary.
PG level Course syllabus
The course curriculum of Masters of Performing Arts or MPA , Music, Dance, Acting are mentioned in detail below:
|
MPA Syllabus |
||
|---|---|---|
| Performance of a Choice Raga and Performance of Other Genres | Theories of Acting | Music & Literature |
| Appreciation of Music | Analytical Study of Ragas and Talas | Dance in Sanskrit Treaties |
| Indian Aesthetics | Contemporary Indian Dance Framework | Improvisation, Mime, and Choreography |
| Concert Singing | Acting Grammar: Melodramatic and Method Acting | History of Indian Music |
| Overview of Kathak gharanas | Physical Exercise and Theatre Games | Usage of Technology in Dance |
| Traditional Folk Dances and Folk Theatre of North and South India | Classical Indian Theatre | Performing Arts -V (Musical Nukkad Play) |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/counseling body and may vary.
Students also liked these topics on the Performing Arts Course Syllabus:
A Bachelor of Performing Arts degree (BPA) is different from a general fine arts degree also known as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) that a BFA Course has a stronger emphasis on studio practice and the development of artistic skills. It often includes more hands-on experience and intensive studio work while A BA in Fine Arts may offer a broader liberal arts education which allows you to explore other subjects alongside your art studies.
- 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 Performing Arts Colleges in India
India is home to many good Colleges that are offering quality learning opportunities in their Performing Arts programs. Course Fees and placement opportunities are two important criteria considered while choosing a college for pursuing Performing Arts. There are many top government and private colleges which offer Performing Arts courses.
Best Government Colleges for Performing Arts in India
There are various Performing Arts Government Colleges in India that provide streams in Performing Arts such as Painting, Editing, Sculpture, Interior design, Ceramic, Metal Work, etc with lower fees. Here is the List of Best Government Colleges that provide Performing Arts Courses:
|
Performing Art Government Colleges |
Performing Art Government College Fees |
|---|---|
| Banaras Hindu University | INR 2,400 - INR 6,250 |
|
INR 10,000 |
|
| Delhi University | INR 480 |
|
INR 10,800 |
|
|
INR 45,600 |
|
|
INR 1.4 Lakh |
|
| MSU | INR 20,600 |
|
INR 30,850 |
|
|
INR 3,200 - 22,000 |
|
|
INR 14,900 - 22,400 |
|
|
INR 4,800 - 43,900 |
|
|
INR 2,400 |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website/counseling body and may vary.
Best Private Colleges for Performing Arts in India
There are many Best Performing Arts Private Colleges in India which are renowned for their industry-oriented programs, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Candidates can check the list below for Private Colleges that provide Performing Arts Courses in India:
|
Performing Art Private Colleges |
Performing Art Private College Fees |
|---|---|
|
INR 2.4 Lakh - 2.6 Lakh |
|
|
INR 50,000 |
|
|
INR 1 Lakh |
|
|
INR 1 Lakh |
|
|
INR 1.6 Lakh |
|
|
INR 1.2 Lakh |
|
|
INR 28,000 |
|
|
INR 4,000 |
|
|
INR 2.7 Lakh |
|
|
INR 80,000 |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website/counseling body and may vary.
Quick Links Related to Colleges for Visual Art Colleges:
Top Colleges Offering Dance Courses: Admission Process, Eligibility Criteria & Fees
Top PhD in Music Universities in India 2024-25
Top Acting Schools in India: Offered Courses, Fees & Famous Alumni
Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Applications open. Apply Now
Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Applications open. Apply Now
Music is a vast subject. You will have to be very clear with the field. Research on different styles. Like Hindustani, classical, etc. make sure what you want to learn. and Go as per that. Also keep in mind a degree in Music might give you job opportunities but frankly it wont help you to go on Stage. All the best.
BPA Courses are offered by many colleges under the Central government of India and various State governments.
Given below is a list of BPA government colleges along with BPA government college fees:
BPA Top Government Colleges | Average Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
6.25 K | |
27.18 K | |
27.6 K | |
2.52 K | |
45.6 K | |
83.2 K | |
15 K | |
99 K | |
1.45 L | |
10.8 K |
MPA in Hindustani Classical Music is a two-year course. Candidates must have completed Bachelor's in Performing Arts (Hindustani Classical Music) and clear PG-entrance examination. The following colleges offer MPA in Hindustani Classical Music:
Popular Private Performing Arts Courses Colleges in India
Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Applications open. Apply Now
Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Applications open. Apply Now
Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Applications open. Apply Now
Performing Arts Career: Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, Top Recruiters
Depending on their Performing Arts specialization, candidates can find employment in various sectors including Film Industry, Film Schools, digital media, academic institutions, television, music companies, and a lot more. Some of the popular job profiles for Performing Arts pass-outs include:
|
Job Profile |
Job Description |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Actor | An actor is a performer who depicts various characters in stories using his/ her voice, appearance, body, and gesture. An actor can work for films, television, theatre, commercials, etc. | INR 2 - 20 LPA |
| Musical Theater Performer | A musical theatre performer is a professional who combines songs, dialogues, acting as well as dance to perform for a live theatre audience. | INR 1 - 4.8 LPA |
| Dance Teacher | A dance teacher teaches students dancing techniques for various styles of dance such as jazz, ballet, kathak, contemporary, etc. A dance teacher can work for public or private schools or dance studios. | INR 2 - 6.1 LPA |
| Choreographer | A choreographer is a professional who designs as well as directs routines used in dances and performances. A choreographer is responsible for teaching dancing steps to performers during rehearsals. | INR 3 - 10 LPA |
| Screenwriter | A screenwriter is the writer of the script of a movie. A screenwriter creates the dialogue, characters, and storyline of a film script. | INR 2 - 8.1 LPA |
|
Singer |
A singer is an Artist who performs music to live audiences and records songs for albums or movies. |
INR 3 - 12 LPA |
|
Band Leader |
The work of a Band leader is to gather musicians for a band or ensemble, select or create material for them, and lead the group in performance while playing alongside them. |
INR 8.6 - 20.8 LPA |
|
Lyricist |
They write songs with the help of their creative writing skills. |
INR 4 - 6.9 LPA |
|
Dance Therapist |
Use Kathak movements as a form of therapy to improve mental and physical well-being. |
INR 2 - 8 LPA |
| Television Actor/Actress | Performs in TV series, and daily soaps | INR 2 - 6 LPA |
Note- The above salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.
Performing Art Top Recruiters
There are many career options available after finishing a degree in Performing Arts. Top recruiters include film agencies, dance schools, theatre companies, direction houses, production houses as well as museums and arts organizations. They hire skilled and trained Performing Arts graduates who possess relevant experience in their respective fields.
|
Performing Arts Top Recruiters |
||
|---|---|---|
| Saregama India | Universal Arts | Sony Music India |
| Eros International | UTV Motion Pictures | Zee Music |
| HT Media | Iris Mediaworks | 94.3 RadioOne |
| Balaji Telefilms | T-Series | Yash Raj Music |
| Ministry of Culture, Government of India | Disney+Hotstar | National Centre for the Performing Arts |
Relevant Link Related to Visual Communication Career:
After pursuing a BPA degree, candidates can get multiple job opportunities in the fields of music, theatre and choreography. They can work as:
- Music Therapist
- Art Administrator
- Community Arts Worker
- Theatre Director
- Choreographer
- Art Administrator
- Broadcast Presenter
Performing Arts FAQs
Take a look at some important FAQs related to Performing Arts Courses:
Performing arts can be defined as the form of a creative act performed in front of an audience or a group of people. The art includes music, drama and dance. The difference between MPA and BPA are as follows:
Parameter | BPA | MPA |
|---|---|---|
Degree level | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
Duration | 4 years | 2 years |
Focus | Practical aspects of performing arts | Practical aspects of performing arts |
Yes, candidates who are interested in sales, marketing, business administration, and other similar profiles can take up MPA after completing BPA. It will enhance their skills and allow them to attain in-depth knowledge of the course. After completing MPA, candidates can become teachers or instructors by clearing NET examination. They can teach as Assistant professors or also enter research and academia.
Yes, Bharatanatyam can be challenging for beginners to learn due to its intricate hand gestures (mudras), precise footwork, demanding poses and the need for strong body control and flexibility. Mastering this art form requires significant dedication and practice. However, with a good teacher and consistent effort, anyone can begin learning the basics and gradually progress. Becoming a proficient Bharatanatyam dancer takes years of training, commitment, and a deep understanding of the art form.
Popular Performing Arts Courses UG Courses
UG Courses
- BPA
25 Colleges
- B.A.
16 Colleges
- UG Diploma
7 Colleges
- BBA
1 College
- BFA
1 College
Popular Performing Arts Courses PG Courses
PG Courses
- MPA
18 Colleges
- M.A.
17 Colleges
- PG Diploma
2 Colleges
News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 65k Colleges
- 1k Exams
- 679k Reviews
- 1800k Answers
The eligibility requirements for a Master of Performing Arts (MPA) course vary depending on the university or institution. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in performing arts or a related field. They must have scored more than 55% in graduation. They should also possess score card of relevant entrance examination. Candidates can also bring recommendations from professors or other professionals in the performing arts. Lastly, candidates must demonstrate their skills through portfolio or through interview.