What is BPA: Full Form, Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Syllabus, Salary & Scope

Pallavi Priyadarshini PandaContent Writer
BPA or Bachelor of Performing Arts is a 3 - 4 year UG degree focusing on Dance, Drama, and Music as its core subjects. This course is designed for students who are passionate about music, dance, drama, or theatre.
BPA Course Details - Highlights
The highlights table gives quick information about the course types, duration, course fees, and entrance exams for pursuing a BPA course. Candidates can check this table to get an idea about the average salary offered after completing this course as well as the top recruiters for BPA graduates.
Some key points related to the BPA course are given in the table below:
| Particulars |
Details |
| BPA Course full form |
Bachelor of Performing Arts |
| BPA Course level |
Graduation |
| BPA Course Duration |
3 - 4 years, depending on specialization |
| BPA Course Fee |
INR 6000 - INR 4 lakh |
| BPA Course Top Institutes |
Banaras Hindu University, Rabindra Bharati University, Amity University |
| BPA Average Salary |
INR 3.6 lakh - INR 10.5 lakh. |
| BPA Top Recruiters |
Film and Television Institute of India, Balaji Telefilms, YRF Studios, UTV Motion Pictures, T-series |
| BPA Course Entrance Exams |
CUET, SET, PUBDET, etc. |
| BPA Course Top Job Positions |
Actor, Choreographer, Musician, Cinematographer, Community Arts Worker, Theatre Teacher and Broadcast Presenter |
Note - This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Relevant Links Related to the BPA Course:
Performing Arts: Courses, Admission 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Job Profiles and Salary
What are the different types of Bachelor of Performing Arts Courses
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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 |
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.
Arts (fine/visual/performing)courses are specialised programs that are designed to develop and enhance artistic skills in various forms of creative expression. Fine arts courses basically focus on developing technical abilities and an understanding of art history and theory in traditional disciplines such as painting, sculpture, and drawing.
Visual arts courses take this exploration one step ahead which is to include modern and digital mediums such as graphic design, photography, and digital art. This emphasizes both traditional techniques and contemporary practices.
Performing arts courses are centered around subjects such as theater, dance, and music which helps in providing the students with training in performance techniques, stagecraft, and the historical and theoretical aspects of their art form.
Collectively, these courses aim to nurture artistic talent, foster creativity, and provide students with a comprehensive understanding of their chosen field.
- BPA Course Eligibility Criteria and Admission 2025
- BPA Entrance Exams 2025
- BPA Syllabus
- Best Bachelor of Performing Arts Colleges in India
- Popular Private BPA (Bachelor of Performing Arts) Colleges in India
- BPA Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
- Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) Course FAQs
- Most Popular Courses
- Popular BPA (Bachelor of Performing Arts) Specializations
- Course Cutoffs
BPA Course Eligibility Criteria and Admission 2025
If you have an interest in this course, see the eligibility criteria in the table below:
|
Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
|
BPA Academic Qualifications |
|
|
BPA Qualifying % |
|
|
BPA Age Limit |
|
Note - This information is sourced from the official website of the institute and may vary.
Bachelor of Performing Arts Admission 2025
Here is the general steps for Admission to the Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) Course:
- Prepare all the required documents to avoid any last minute issues.
- Fill out the Application Form and Pay the Fees
- If required, give the entrance exam and wait for the result.
- Submit all the required documents with completed application form.
- Monitor the admission portal or your email for updates on the results.
- To confirm your enrollment in the coourse, attend the counselling session.
To gain admission to the BPA course, candidates need to have a Class 12 pass certificate with at least 50% - 60% aggregate marks. However, candidates with a background in performing arts are given preference at the time of admission. Many colleges also offer Diploma or certificate courses which the candidates can opt for before studying BPA. Subsequently, they can merge the credits and also pursue BPA in Lateral Entry.
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 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 |
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
BPA Entrance Exams 2025
There are multiple BPA entrance exams that candidates appear for each year. Candidates must prepare well for the BPA entrance exam by referring to the entrance exam syllabus. Candidates should also be prepared for practical examinations.
The table given below contains the list of BPA entrance exams along with the exam schedule:
|
BPA Entrance Exam |
BPA Exam Dates |
BPA Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
|
CUET 2026 |
May ' 26 (Tentative) |
|
|
PUBDET 2026 |
Jun '26 (Tentative) |
|
|
MAH AAC CET 2025 |
Apr '26 (Tentative) |
BPA Course topics you might be interested in:
What is the right time to begin CUET 2025 preparation?
Want to pursue a Course in Music? Check out the Top Music Colleges in India
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| Jan ' 26 | OJEE 2026 registrations TENTATIVE |
| Feb ' 26 - Apr ' 26 | IPU CET 2026 Application Form Availability TENTATIVE |
| Feb ' 26 - Apr ' 26 | IPU CET 2026 Application Form Availability TENTATIVE |
| Mar ' 26 | CUET 2026 Application Process TENTATIVE |
| Mar ' 26 | PUBDET 2026 Applications TENTATIVE |
| Apr ' 26 | IPU CET 2026 Release of Admit Card TENTATIVE |
| Apr ' 26 | IPU CET 2026 Release of Admit Card TENTATIVE |
| Dates | Past Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 10 Sep ' 25 | PUBDET 2025 2nd Round Seat Allotment |
| 06 Sep ' 25 | PUBDET 2025 1st Round Seat Allotment |
| 30 Aug ' 25 | PUBDET 2025 Counselling Seat Matrix |
The table given below contains the list of BPA entrance exams along with the exam schedule:
BPA Entrance Exam | BPA Exam Schedule |
|---|---|
Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test IPU CET is a National Level Exam. IPU CET or Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test, is a competitive examination conducted by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) in Delhi, India. It is held annually for admission to various undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered by the university and its affiliated colleges.
CUET exam centre is allocated on the basis of the preferences entered by the candidate while filling the CUET application form. NTA allotes exam centre as per the preference entered and is subject to availability and logistical consideration.
While filling the CUET application form, candidates can select four cities of their choice. Choice of CUET exam centre cities will be limited to the State of permanent address or State of present address only. In case there are very few candidates from a city, the NTA reserves the right to merge one, two, or more cities.
CUET 2026 exam will be held in May-June 2026 in computer based mode over a month window. The exam will be held across more than 300 exam cities in India. Candidates will be able to know the alloted exam centre on issuance of CUET intimation slip or CUET admit card.
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.
BPA Syllabus
BPA Music comes under Bachelor in Performing Arts and includes subjects like Raga Studies and Folk Music. Please refer below for more details:
| BPA Music Syllabus - Semester 1 | |
|---|---|
| Raga Studies | Fundamental Study of Tala |
| Fundamental Study of Hindustani Music | Folk Music |
| BPA Music Syllabus - Semester 2 | |
| Elementary Study of Hindustani Music | Western Music |
| Tala Studies | Raga Studies |
| BPA Music Syllabus - Semester 3 | |
| History of Dance | Choreography |
| Technique of Dance | New Media and Performance Practice |
| BPA Music Syllabus - Semester 4 | |
|---|---|
| Indian Culture | Chandas |
| Mudras | Movement Techniques |
| BPA Music Syllabus - Semester 5 | |
| Indian Culture and Art | Body Movement and Dance |
| History of Indian Theatre | Basics of Vocal Practice |
| BPA Music Syllabus - Semester 6 | |
| Film Theories | Stagecraft and design |
| Folk Theater Forms of India | Scriptwriting |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute and may vary.
Relevant Links for BPA Course Syllabus:
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, BPA is a good course as the career opportunities after completion of the course is wide. Candidates can get multiple job roles as per their interest after completing the course. Therefore, candidates must employ their skills such as performing arts techniques, communication skills, creativity and management skills and business handling skills in order to harness the benefits of pursuing this course.
Candidates pursuing BPA have to study different subjects such as:
- History of Indian Theatre
- Western Music
- Sound Editing
- Introduction to Indian Theatre
- Choreography, World Music
- Project on Commercial Advertisement
- Basic Concepts of Film Making
- 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
Bharatnatyam is one of the oldest dance forms in India. It is the most respected classical dance forms of India which was originated in Tamil Nadu. It is deeply rooted in spirituality and storytelling, using intricate footwork, graceful hand gestures (mudras), and expressive facial expressions (abhinaya). Bharatanatyam Course is specially designed for the students to learn Bharatnatyam dance from beginning.
Best Bachelor of Performing Arts Colleges in India
Many good institutes in India have been offering quality learning opportunities in BPA courses. BPA courses are available in government and private colleges in regular and distance mode. Candidates are advised to choose a college for BPA Admission by checking the college’s fees, overall rating, and placement sessions.
Best Government Colleges for BPA
BPA Courses are offered by many colleges under the Central government of India and various State governments.
Given below is a list of Bachelor of Performing Arts government colleges along with BPA government college fees:
|
BPA Government Colleges |
BPA Government College Fees |
|---|---|
| Banaras Hindu University | INR 2,400 - 6,250 |
| Visva Bharati University | INR 2,520 |
| Assam University, Silchar | INR 10,800 |
| IGNOU | INR 27,600 |
| MSU | INR 28,320 |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute and may vary.
Best Private Colleges for BPA
BPA private colleges provide excellent infrastructure and experts in the field of acting, theatre, and filmmaking, making these colleges popular for BPA courses.
Candidates can find below some BPA private colleges along with their total tuition fees:
|
BPA Private Colleges |
BPA Private College Fees |
|---|---|
| NIMS | INR 1.2 Lakh |
| SVSU - Swami Vivekanand Subharti University | INR 1.27 Lakh |
| MIT Vishwashanti Sangeet Kala Academy | INR 1.64 Lakh |
| SAGE University | INR 2.2 Lakh |
| Amity, Noida | INR 2.4 Lakh - 2.8 Lakh |
| Parul University | INR 2.7 L - 3.6 Lakh |
| LPU | INR 4 Lakh |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute and may vary.
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 |
BPA private colleges provide excellent infrastructure and experts in the field of acting, theatre and film making, making these colleges popular for BPA course.
Candidates can find below some BPA private colleges:
- Amity University, Noida
- Assam Down Town University
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune
- LPU - Lovely Professional University
- NIMS School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Parul University
- SAGE University, Bhopal
- BFA University
- SVSU - Swami Vivekanand Subharti University
Quick Links Related to Art Courses Fees:
Following is the list of colleges that provides BPA in Kathak:
- Sarvajanik College of Performing Arts
- National School of Drama
- Film and Television Institute of India
- Amity School of Performing Arts
- Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)
- Centre for Performing Arts (Lalit Kala Kendra)
- Pune University
Hope it helps!!
Here are the colleges in Varanasi, UP that offer BPA (Bachelor of Performing Arts):
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
- Mahila Mahavidyalaya
- Shri Venkateshwara University (SVU)
- Varanasi College of Arts, Science and Commerce (VCASC)
- Varanasi Sanskrit University
These colleges offer a variety of specializations in BPA, such as dance, music, theatre, and fine arts. Admission to these colleges is based on merit, and some may also require an entrance exam.
Here are some of the pros and cons of studying BPA in Varanasi:
Pros:
- Varanasi is a cultural hub, and there are many opportunities to learn about and practice different forms of performing arts.
- The colleges in Varanasi offer high-quality education in BPA.
- The cost of living in Varanasi is relatively low.
Cons:
- Varanasi is a competitive city, and it can be difficult to get into the top colleges.
- The weather in Varanasi can be hot and humid, which can be uncomfortable for some people.
- There are not as many job opportunities in Varanasi for people with a BPA degree as there are in other cities.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to study BPA in Varanasi is a personal one. If you are interested in performing arts and are willing to put in the hard work, then Varanasi can be a great place to study BPA.
Popular Private BPA (Bachelor of Performing Arts) Colleges in India
Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing ) Applications open. Apply Now
BPA Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
Graduates of BPA programs can pursue careers in entertainment sector, arts, etc.
Students can also pursue a Master of Performing Arts to enhance their skills.
BPA Job Profiles and Salary
Career prospects for a performing arts graduate are bright. There are a variety of entertainment houses that seek talented professionals to serve their industry. Given below are some of the popular job profiles available for candidates with a BPA degree:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Actor | An actor is a professional who portrays different characters in film, television, theatre, or any other performing arts media. Experience plays a significant role in the field of acting, as greater experience leads to higher-paying roles. | INR 3.2 LPA - INR 20 LPA |
| Choreographer | A choreographer creates designs and directs routines used in various dances and performances. A choreographer creates dance and movement routines, sometimes by revising existing routines. | INR 3.5 LPA - INR 10 LPA |
| Dance Teacher | A dance teacher is a professional who leads dance classes for an individual or a group of people. A dance teacher teaches various dancing techniques to his/ her students and ensures that they refine their dancing skills. | INR 3.3 LPA - INR 6.5 LPA |
| Theatre Director | A theatre director is responsible for practical as well as creative interpretation of a dramatic script. The director works closely with all the performers and creative and production teams to create a drama/ performance that connects with the audience. | INR 2.2 LPA - INR 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 2.3 LPA - INR 5.3 LPA |
Note: The average salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.
BPA Top Recruiters
There are many career options available after completing the BPA course. Top recruiters include film agencies, dance schools, theatre companies, directing houses, production houses as well as museums and arts organizations. They hire skilled and trained BPA graduates who possess relevant experience in their respective fields. Some of the top recruiters for BPA graduates include:
| Top Recruiters for BPA Graduates | |
|---|---|
| Saregama India | Universal Arts |
| Eros International | UTV Motion Pictures |
| HT Media | Iris Mediaworks |
| Balaji Telefilms | T-Series |
| Nritya Shakti | Shiamak Davar Institute for the Performing Arts |
Read More about BPA Career:
Career in Dance: How dance has evolved over the years
Career Opportunities after Kathak Course
Performing Arts provides various good career options. Along with the degree, your skills also matters as it will help you in combining your creative skills with practical aspects. The expansion of entertainment industry has further highlighted the importance of this course. This career option offers various arena to showcase one's creativity and also provide opportunities to start one's entrepreneurial venture. It also offers competitive market wherein many talented artists are eying for the jobs.
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
Some of the popular recruiters for BPA graduates are:
- Universal Arts
- Saregama India
- HT Media
- Balaji Telefilms
- Iris Mediaworks
To become a professional dancer after class 10, follow these steps:
1. Instruction – Join one of the recognised school for dances or institute that have begun special courses on the specific type of dance preferred by you (for example, classical, contemporary or hip hop). Some of them are Shiamak Davar Dance Academy and The Danceworx.
2. PRACTICE & PERSEVERATION – This is very true, practice makes perfect. It also meant that in order to build experience the school must participate in competitions and performances.
3. You need to follow either an academic route by taking up a degree programme in dance such as B.A. in Dance or Certification programmes accredited in schools/ colleges by institutions like Sangeet Natak Akademi.
4. Promotion- Attend the workshops, create a picture of the audience, find other dancers to work with and perform shows with.
Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) Course FAQs
Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) Course FAQs
No, they are two different courses. BA is Bachelor of Arts while BPA is Bachelor of Performing Arts. They both are undergraduate degree courses. BA is a general degree which is offered across various streams and specialisations such as Music, Dance and various other branches of Performing Arts. BPA is a specialised degree which is curated for candidates who wish to pursue a general course can take up BA whereas for a specialised education can choose BPA.
A degree in Performing arts or a similar discipline is not legally required to succeed in the acting industry, though it might be helpful for those who want to pursue this career path. Building a successful career in acting is generally dependent on a combination of talent, experience, networking, and practical abilities, making it a unique vocation. Here are some things to think about:
- Instruction and Development of Skills: A performing arts degree offers a systematic training programme that aids in the skill and technique development of performers.
- Opportunities for Networking: Drama schools and performing arts programmes frequently offer chances for students to network with teachers and other professionals in the field.
- Exposure to a Range of Acting Techniques: Students enrolled in degree programmes may be exposed to an extensive array of performing styles, ideas, and historical viewpoints, thereby expanding their comprehension of the trade.
- Possibilities for Performance: Students can take part in productions through a variety of programmes, earning significant stage or on-screen experience.
There is a MPA Course that is a two-year specialisation course in dance, drama, music, or theater. MPA Full form is Master of Performing Arts.
Students who pursue an MPA may have the chance to focus on one or more performing arts disciplines, such as dance, theater, music, or film. As a result, they may be able to advance their expertise and understanding in that field and improve their all-around performance.
One's communication and teamwork abilities can be enhanced by taking courses in the performing arts. You'll gain knowledge on how to collaborate with others to put on a performance. Additionally, you'll discover efficient ways to interact with your audience. Your social skills can be strengthened by taking performing arts classes. You will pick up social skills, relationship-building techniques, and teamwork abilities. Additionally, you'll discover efficient ways to communicate with people.
The following is the list of best institutes that offer BPA in Hyderabad:
Sri Thyagaraja Government College for Music & Dance
University of Hyderabad
Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (JNAFAU)
Nizam College, Hyderabad
Woxsen School of Liberal Arts & Humanities
Maulana Azad National Urdu University
Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Government Music College
There are many other institutes also, but these are the top ones. You can go for any one of them based on your choices and preferences. You can visit the official website of these institutes to get detailed information about them.
Among the institutions providing the best Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) in India is the University of Mumbai.
Currently, the BPA Music, BPA Dance, and BPA Theatre courses are such one that requires 10+2 (50%), aptitude test, and further detailed categories related with a maximum of 41. Name, history, faculty, and being the hub of culture make Mumbai University better. BHU (with BPA through entrance) and IGNOU (distance) are some other contenders; the strong - yet stronger with Mumbai industry and performance capabilities that Mumbai Bachelor of Arts inherently provides.
Most Popular Courses
Popular BPA (Bachelor of Performing Arts) Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Tabla
22 Colleges
- Kathak
15 Colleges
- Hindustani Classical Vocals
11 Colleges
- Sitar
6 Colleges
- Bhartnatayam
5 Colleges
- Violin
4 Colleges
- Odissi
3 Colleges
- Percussions
3 Colleges
- Flute
2 Colleges
- Acting
1 College
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The candidates prefer to pursue a BPA course for several reasons that are explained below:
Hence, this course is tailor-made for candidates who are creative and have the desire to express their creativity.
Quick Links Related to BPA Course: