Performing Arts Courses, Admission 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Job Profiles and Salary

Updated on Feb 3, 2025 12:13 IST

Performing Arts courses are available at various educational levels, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs. Some of the courses offered include the Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) and the Master of Performing Arts (MPA). These programs provide a range of career opportunities in the creative sector, including positions for Dancers, Choreographers, and Actors. The fees for Performing Arts courses typically range from INR 50,000 to INR 6 lakh.

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 information is sourced from official website and may vary.

Quick Links Related to Performing Arts Courses:

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Table of content
  • 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
View More

Performing Arts Courses Admission 2025

Here is the general step-by-step guide for the  Admission to Performing Arts 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.

Performing Arts Course Eligibility Criteria

To achieve success in the field of Performing Arts, candidates should possess imaginative, design, artistic, communication, creative, drawing, and interpersonal skills, among others. Consequently, individuals who have these talents can pursue various courses in Performing Arts. Candidates can pursue various courses such as a Bachelors in Performing Arts (BPA ), Masters in Performing Arts (MPA ), Music Courses, Acting Courses, Certificate Courses related to Performing Arts, Theatre Courses, Ph.D in Performing Arts, etc. to make their career in the field of Visual Art.

Below are some of the common eligibility criteria to pursue a Performing Arts Course:

Course

Eligibility Criteria

UG Level

  • To pursue a Performing Arts program 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%).
  • Sometimes universities/ colleges also demand basic knowledge of Performing Arts or Performing Arts or Performing Arts subjects to which candidates are applying.

PG Level

  • To pursue a Performing Arts Course at a degree or PG diploma level candidates should complete their graduation with a minimum aggregate of 50 % from a recognized University.  

Certificate-Level/Diploma

  • Performing Arts courses are short-term courses that candidates can pursue on passing Class 10th. 

Ph.D Level

  • To pursue a Performing Arts Course at PH.D level candidates need to complete their Post-graduation with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized University.

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

Q:   Will I be eligible for the MPA course?
Q:   Are scholarships available for higher education in performance arts?

Performing Arts Entrance Exams 2025

Many colleges offering courses in Performing Arts require admissions to be based on entrance exams. These exams may be conducted by the college itself or may involve scores from national or state-level entrance examinations. Below are some popular entrance exams that aspiring students should consider for admission:

Entrance Exam Name

Entrance Exam Dates

Entrance Exam Schedule

IPU CET 2025

Apr '25 (Tentative)

IPU CET Exam Date 2025

CUET 2025

May '25 - Jun '25 (Tentative)

CUET Exam Date 2025

UGAT 2025

Jun '25 (Tentative)

UGAT Exam Date 2025

JMI Entrance Exam 2025

Apr '25 - May '25 (Tentative)

JMI Entrance Exam Date 2025

SET 2025

May '25 (Tentative)

SET Exam Date 2025

PUBDET 2025

Jul '25 (Tentative)

PUBDET Exam Date 2025

WUD DAT 2025

May '25

WUD DAT Exam Date 2025

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

CUET-PG Exam Date 2025

Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam and may vary.

Performing Arts Course topics you might be interested in:

CUET Performing Arts Syllabus: Get Important Topics, Exam Pattern

How is CUET syllabus different from CBSE syllabus?

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
Q:   How can I get admission to a BPA course? Is there any entrance exam for the same or can I get direct admission?
Q:   What is a good score in CUET UG?

Performing Arts Syllabus

The syllabus of Performing Arts Course depends on the type of course UGPG, 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:

MPA in Dance Syllabus

Arts (Fine/Visual/Performing) Syllabus

Q:   How is BPA different from a general fine arts degree?
Q:   What is the syllabus for Kathak course?

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, EditingSculpture, Interior designCeramicMetal 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

Bangalore University 

INR 10,000

Delhi University INR 480

Assam University, Silchar

INR 10,800

CSJM - Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University

INR 45,600

Gujarat University

INR 1.4 Lakh

MSU INR 20,600

Rajiv Gandhi University

INR 30,850

Shivaji University

INR 3,200 - 22,000

University of Hyderabad

INR 14,900 - 22,400

University of Rajasthan

INR 4,800 - 43,900

Visva Bharati University

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

Amity University, Noida

INR 2.4 Lakh - 2.6 Lakh

Assam Down Town University

INR 50,000

Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune

INR 1 Lakh

LPU - Lovely Professional University

INR 1 Lakh

MIT Vishwashanti Sangeet Kala Academy

INR 1.6 Lakh

NIMS School of Humanities and Social Sciences

INR 1.2 Lakh

AISECT University

INR 28,000

Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped University

INR 4,000

World University of Design

INR 2.7 Lakh

SAGE University

INR 80,000

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

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2.4 K - 2.49 L
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3.6

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Applications open. Apply Now

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Popular Private Performing Arts Courses Colleges in India

1.4 L - 9.36 L
3.6

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Applications open. Apply Now

3 Courses
14 K - 90 K
3.5
9.5 L
5 LPA
30 K - 2.7 L
3.12 LPA
15 K - 3.6 L
2 L - 4 L

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:

Career in Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

Know All About the Top Acting Schools in India

Q:   What are the jobs after BPA course?
Q:   Is Performing Arts a good career?

Performing Arts FAQs

Take a look at some important FAQs related to Performing Arts Courses:

Q:   What is meant by Music course?
Q:   What is the difference between Film Making and Theatre?
Q:   What is the difference between BPA and MPA?
Q:   Can I do MPA after BPA?
Q:   Is Bharatanatyam difficult to learn for beginners?

Popular Performing Arts Courses UG Courses

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

UG Courses

Popular Performing Arts Courses PG Courses

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

PG Courses

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