Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

The Master of Performing Arts (MPA) in Hindustani Classical Music (Vocal) is a two-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Department of Fine Arts and Music at Rajiv Gandhi University. This specialized course is designed for advanced musicians seeking to deepen their expertise in Hindustani classical vocal music through rigorous training in Khayal, Dhrupad, Dhamar, and other traditional forms. The programme combines practical vocal training with theoretical knowledge of Indian music history, aesthetics, and research methodology. With an intake capacity of 15 students, the course is offered in full-time mode on campus at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The total fees for the two-year programme is 30,700 INR. The primary entrance exams are CUET-PG 2026 (20% seats) and RGUCET 2026 (80% seats). This course is highly popular among aspiring classical musicians, music scholars, and performers who wish to pursue careers in music education, concert performances, research, and cultural preservation.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are currently ongoing through CUET-PG 2026 and RGUCET 2026. The CUET-PG 2026 registration period is from December 14, 2025 to January 25, 2026, with the exam scheduled from March 6 to March 27, 2026, and results expected on May 6, 2026. RGUCET 2026 will be conducted between late June and mid-July 2026. Admission process will commence soon after declaration of results. Merit lists will be notified by the Department of Fine Arts and Music. Counselling and seat allotment are expected to be completed by August 14, 2026, with classes commencing on September 1, 2026. Fee payment and hostel admission must be completed by August 30, 2026.

KEY POINTS

Comprehensive training in Hindustani classical vocal music under experienced Gurus and faculty members
Curriculum includes advanced Khayal, Dhrupad, Dhamar, and semi-classical forms with stage performance training
Strong emphasis on research methodology and musicological studies with publication opportunities
Practical training in performance techniques, raga elaboration, and tala recitation
Opportunities for concert performances, recordings, and collaboration with renowned musicians

Official Link:

Go To Website

Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Placements
FAQs

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RGU MPA Fees

The MPA programme at RGU offers comprehensive training in classical music at an affordable cost. The total fees for the two-year programme is 30,700 INR, which includes tuition fees, registration, examination, and other mandatory charges. This breaks down to approximately 15,350 INR per year. The fees structure is designed to be accessible to serious music students while maintaining high academic standards. A caution deposit of 1,100 INR is refundable upon completion of the course. Hostel fees are charged separately and are optional, with both regular and HEFA hostel options available at different rates. Additional expenses may include concert performance fees and recording costs.

Fees Breakdown Table

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fee (Per Year)	7,675
Registration Fee	500
Library Fee	300
Practical/Performance Fee	400
Student Activity Fee	150
Examination Fee	425
Total Annual Fee	9,450
Total Fees (2 Years)	18,900
Caution Deposit (Refundable)	1,100
Miscellaneous Charges	10,700
TOTAL FEES	30,700

The caution deposit of 1,100 INR is fully refundable upon completion of the course.
Hostel fees are charged separately and are optional.
No EMI options are available, but the university accepts payment in two installments (one at admission and one at the start of the second year).
Students may incur additional expenses for concert performances, recordings, and music materials.
Scholarships and fee waivers may be available for meritorious and economically disadvantaged students.

RGU MPA Admission 2026

Admission to the MPA programme is merit-based and conducted through two pathways: CUET-PG 2026 (20% of seats) and RGUCET 2026 (80% of seats). The admission process is transparent and follows the guidelines of Rajiv Gandhi University and the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates must apply separately for each entrance exam through the official admissions portal. Merit lists are prepared based on entrance exam scores, with additional weightage given to bonafide students from RGU-affiliated colleges (10% weightage) and APST (Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe) candidates from other universities (5% weightage). The Department of Fine Arts and Music conducts the selection process and notifies merit lists on the official website. Skill tests or auditions may be conducted by the department for final selection.

Admission Dates Table

Event	Date
CUET-PG 2026 Registration Start	December 14, 2025
CUET-PG 2026 Registration End	January 25, 2026
CUET-PG 2026 Admit Card Release	March 3, 2026
CUET-PG 2026 Exam Date	March 6 - March 27, 2026
CUET-PG 2026 Result Declaration	May 6, 2026
RGUCET 2026 Exam Window	Late June - Mid July 2026
Merit List Notification	On or before August 1, 2026
Skill Test/Audition (if required)	August 1 - August 10, 2026
Counselling and Seat Allotment	August 1 - August 14, 2026
Fee Payment Deadline	August 30, 2026
Hostel Admission and Room Allotment	On or before August 30, 2026
Hostel Opening	August 31, 2026
Commencement of Classes	September 1, 2026
Induction Programme	On or before September 6, 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have completed a Bachelor's degree (10+2+3 pattern) with 45% marks in Three Years of B.Music/B.P.A. Honours courses in Music/Performing Arts from Rajiv Gandhi University or any other UGC-recognized university

SC/ST/OBC (NCL) candidates are eligible with a relaxation of 5% marks (i.e., 40% marks)
Candidates who have appeared in their final semester UG examinations and are awaiting results can also apply, provided they submit their pass certificates and marksheets at the time of admission

Admission Process

Register on the official admissions portal (admissions.rgu.ac.in) and fill the application form with required details
Select Master of Performing Arts as the preferred course and choose the entrance exam (CUET-PG or RGUCET)
Pay the application fee online through the portal
Download the admit card from the portal on the specified date
Appear for the entrance exam on the scheduled date and time
Check the merit list released by the Department of Fine Arts and Music
Participate in skill test/audition (if called) to demonstrate musical proficiency
Participate in counselling (if called) and accept the seat allotment
Complete fee payment and hostel admission formalities within the specified deadline
Submit original documents (College Leaving Certificate/Migration Certificate, marksheets, caste certificate if applicable) at the time of admission

RGU MPA Scholarships 2026

Rajiv Gandhi University offers multiple scholarship schemes to support students pursuing higher education in music and performing arts. Students of the MPA programme are eligible for various central and state-level scholarships based on their category, income, and academic merit. The university has tie-ups with the National Scholarships Portal (NSP) through which students can apply for scholarships. Additionally, students from Arunachal Pradesh, particularly those belonging to Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, have access to dedicated scholarship schemes. The application process is merit-based and transparent, with deadlines typically in October-November of the admission year.

Scholarships Available Table

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Amount (INR)	Application Deadline
Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) for ST Students (Arunachal Pradesh)	ST students from Arunachal Pradesh, enrolled at RGU	19,000 per annum	October 31 / November 30
Post Matric Scholarship (PMS) for ST Students (Other States)	ST students from other states, enrolled at RGU	16,000 per annum	October 31 / November 30
National Scholarship Scheme (NSP)	Merit-based, all categories	Varies (up to 50,000 per annum)	As per NSP timeline
UGC-sponsored Scholarships	Merit-based, all categories	Varies	As per UGC guidelines
State Government Scholarships	Arunachal Pradesh domicile students	Varies	As per state guidelines
University Merit Scholarship	Top performers in entrance exam	Partial fee waiver	Automatic
Single Girl Child Scholarship	Female students (single child)	Partial fee waiver	At admission

All scholarships are subject to verification of documents and eligibility criteria.
Students must maintain a minimum academic performance to retain scholarships.
Application deadlines are typically October 31 or November 30 of the admission year.
Scholarships are credited directly to the student's bank account.
Some scholarships may require submission of income certificate and caste certificate.
For detailed information, visit the National Scholarships Portal (scholarships.gov.in) or contact the RGU Financial Aid Office.

RGU MPA Placement 2026

The MPA programme at RGU has a strong track record of graduate placements in music education, concert performances, research institutions, and cultural organizations. Graduates are well-positioned for roles in music teaching, concert performances, music direction, research, and cultural preservation. The university's Placement Cell actively facilitates recruitment drives and maintains connections with major employers in the music and cultural sectors. While specific placement statistics for MPA are not separately published, graduates have secured positions in government music colleges, private music schools, concert halls, recording studios, and cultural organizations. Many graduates pursue further studies (M.Phil/PhD) or establish themselves as independent concert performers and music teachers. Average salary packages for MPA graduates range from 2.45 LPA to 3.25 LPA depending on the sector and role.

Placement Statistics Table

Metric	Details
Average Placement Rate	50-60% (Estimated for MPA programmes)
Average Salary Package	2.45 - 3.25 LPA
Highest Salary Package	4.00 LPA (Estimated)
Primary Sectors	Music Education, Concert Performances, Research, Cultural Organizations
Top Recruiters	Government Music Colleges, Private Music Schools, Concert Halls, Recording Studios
Further Studies	30-40% pursue M.Phil/PhD or establish independent careers

Placement data is based on general music programme statistics at RGU.
Specific placement data for MPA is not separately published.
Placements depend on individual performance, musical skills, and market demand.
Many MPA graduates establish themselves as independent concert performers and music teachers.
The university provides career counselling and performance opportunities to enhance employability.

RGU MPA FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between B.Music and MPA in Hindustani Classical Music?

Ans. B.Music is an undergraduate degree (3 years) that provides foundational training in music theory and practice. MPA is a postgraduate degree (2 years) that offers advanced specialized training in Hindustani classical vocal music, including advanced Khayal, Dhrupad, research methodology, and performance techniques. MPA is designed for students who already have music training and wish to pursue professional careers in music.

Ques. Is prior music training required to apply for MPA?

Ans. Yes, candidates must have completed a B.Music or B.P.A. (Bachelor of Performing Arts) degree with 45% marks to be eligible for MPA. This ensures that students have foundational knowledge of music theory and practice before entering the advanced programme. Candidates without formal music education are not eligible for direct admission to MPA.

Ques. What are the career prospects after completing MPA in Hindustani Classical Music?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as music teachers in government and private music colleges, concert performers, music directors, researchers, and cultural consultants. Many establish themselves as independent concert performers and music teachers. Others join government services in cultural departments or pursue further studies (M.Phil/PhD). The course opens doors to diverse career paths in music education, performance, and research.

Ques. Are there performance opportunities during the MPA programme?

Ans. Yes, the MPA curriculum includes stage performance training and practical concerts. Students are required to perform in concerts and recitals as part of their coursework. The department organizes regular concerts and cultural events where students can showcase their skills. These performances are valuable for building professional networks and gaining experience.

Ques. What is the focus of the MPA curriculum?

Ans. The MPA curriculum focuses on advanced training in Khayal (the primary form of Hindustani classical vocal music), Dhrupad, Dhamar, and semi-classical forms like Thumri and Dadra. Students also study music history, aesthetics, research methodology, and teaching techniques. The programme emphasizes both practical performance skills and theoretical knowledge of Indian music.

Ques. Can I pursue MPA if I have a music degree from a private institution?

Ans. Yes, you can apply if your B.Music or B.P.A. degree is from a UGC-recognized private institution with a minimum of 45% marks. The university accepts degrees from any UGC-recognized institution, whether government or private. However, ensure your institution is listed on the UGC website before applying.