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The Certificate in Performing Arts - Hindustani Music (CPAHM) is a 6-month distance learning programme offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) through its School of Performing and Visual Arts. The programme carries 16 credits comprising both theory and practical components, and aims to provide basic knowledge of the theory and practical aspects of Hindustani music. It covers Indian cultural heritage, Indian art forms, an introduction to Hindustani music, and three levels of practical training in Hindustani music. The total programme fee is Rs. 4,300 (Rs. 4,000 programme fee + Rs. 300 registration fee). The programme is open to anyone who has passed Class 10 (no upper age limit), and is delivered through Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode. It is ideal for music enthusiasts, aspiring Hindustani musicians, music teachers, and those who wish to gain formal academic knowledge of this classical Indian music tradition.

As of March 2026, the January 2026 admission cycle is currently ongoing. The last date for fresh admissions for the January 2026 session has been extended to March 30, 2026. Students can apply online at ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in. The next admission cycle (July 2026) is expected to open in May 2026, with a tentative last date in August 2026.

Distance Mode Centres:

The CPAHM programme is offered through IGNOU's ODL mode and is currently available at Study Centres under the following Regional Centres: Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Noida, Patna, Delhi 1 (School of Performing and Visual Arts, SOPVA), and Jodhpur (G D Memorial College). Students outside these regions should check the IGNOU admission portal for updated centre availability.

Key Points

The programme covers both the theoretical foundations of Hindustani music and three progressive levels of practical training (OMUL 2, OMUL 3, OMUL 4).
Practical components require students to attend counselling sessions and demonstrate musical skills before academic counsellors.
The minimum eligibility is Class 10 pass, with no upper age limit, making it accessible to learners of all ages.
The programme can be completed in a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 2 years.
It is one of the very few formal Hindustani music certificate programmes offered through distance mode in India.
The programme helps learners understand the historical evolution of Indian classical music and the distinction between Hindustani and Karnatak traditions.

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Fees
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Scholarships
FAQs

IGNOU Latest Updates and News

06 May, 2026 IGNOU has opened re-registration for the Jul 2026 session for all ODL and Online programs. Register now! The last date to apply @ignou.ac.in is Jun 30, 2026.

IGNOU CPAHM Fees

The CPAHM programme has a total fee of Rs. 4,300, comprising a programme fee of Rs. 4,000 and a registration fee of Rs. 300. The examination fee is Rs. 120 per paper, payable separately when submitting the examination form. There are no hostel facilities as this is a distance learning programme.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Programme Fee (Tuition)	4,000
Registration Fee	300
Examination Fee (per paper)	120
Total Programme Fee	4,300 + exam fee

The programme fee of Rs. 4,000 covers all theory and practical courses.
Registration fee of Rs. 300 is mandatory and payable at the time of admission.
Examination fee of Rs. 120 per paper is payable separately when submitting the exam form.
In case a student fails in any paper, they need to re-appear by paying Rs. 120 per paper again.
Late fee for examination form submission: Rs. 1,000 (if submitted after the regular deadline).
No hostel facility is available as this is a distance learning programme.
Fees once paid are generally non-refundable as per IGNOU policy.

IGNOU CPAHM Admission 2026

Admissions to the CPAHM programme are open twice a year - in January and July sessions. The January 2026 session admission is currently ongoing with the last date extended to March 30, 2026. The admission process is entirely online through IGNOU's official admission portal. No entrance examination is required; admission is granted on the basis of eligibility criteria.

CPAHM Admission Dates

Event	Date
January 2026 Session Admission Opens	December 2025
Last Date for Fresh Admission (January 2026)	March 30, 2026 (Extended)
Distribution of Study Material	January - March 2026
Counselling / Contact Sessions	February - May 2026
Assignment / Practical Submission Deadline	March - September 2026
Term-End Examination (TEE) - June 2026	June 1 - July 15, 2026
Declaration of Results	August 2026 (Tentative)
July 2026 Session Admission Opens	May 2026 (Tentative)
Last Date for Fresh Admission (July 2026)	August 2026 (Tentative)

Term-End Examination Dates

Event	Date
Exam Form Submission (June 2026 TEE)	March 1 - March 31, 2026
Exam Form Submission with Late Fee (June 2026 TEE)	April 1 - May 15, 2026
June 2026 TEE Commencement	June 1, 2026
June 2026 TEE Last Date	July 15, 2026
Hall Ticket / Admit Card Release	2 weeks before exam

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or equivalent from a recognised board.
No upper age limit.
No prior formal music training required; the programme is designed for beginners and enthusiasts.

Admission Process

Visit the official IGNOU admission portal: ignouadmission.samarth.edu.in
Register and fill in the online application form for the CPAHM programme.
Upload required documents: Class 10 marksheet/certificate, identity proof, and passport-size photograph.
Pay the programme fee of Rs. 4,000 and registration fee of Rs. 300 online.
Select your preferred Regional Centre and Study Centre (Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Noida, Patna, Delhi 1 - SOPVA, or Jodhpur) from the available list.
Submit the application and note down the enrollment number for future reference.
Study material will be dispatched to the registered address after enrollment confirmation.
Attend counselling sessions and complete practical assessments at the designated Study Centre.

IGNOU CPAHM Scholarships 2026

IGNOU students can avail of various government scholarships and financial assistance schemes. The university itself does not offer exclusive scholarships for the CPAHM programme, but students can apply for national and state-level scholarships.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount	Details
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Scholarships	SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS students	Varies	Available via scholarships.gov.in
Post-Matric Scholarship (State Government)	SC/ST students	Varies by state	Applied through respective state government portals
IGNOU Fee Concession	BPL students	Up to 100% fee waiver	Apply at the time of admission with BPL certificate
Sangeet Natak Akademi Scholarships	Performing artists and students of classical arts	Varies	Check at sangeetnatak.gov.in

Students must apply for scholarships separately through the respective portals.
Scholarship deadlines vary; students should check the NSP portal (scholarships.gov.in) for current deadlines.
BPL students should contact their Regional Centre for fee concession details.
Classical music students may also explore scholarships from state cultural academies and the Ministry of Culture.

IGNOU CPAHM FAQs

Ques. Do I need to know how to play an instrument or sing before enrolling in CPAHM?

Ans. No prior formal training is required. The CPAHM programme is designed for beginners and introduces students to Hindustani music from the basics. However, having some interest or exposure to Indian classical music will be helpful in understanding the practical components.

Ques. How are the practical music courses assessed in CPAHM?

Ans. The practical courses (OMUL 2, OMUL 3, OMUL 4) are assessed through live demonstrations at the Study Centre during counselling sessions. Students must attend these sessions and perform before academic counsellors who are trained musicians. Regular practice at home is essential for success in the practical components.

Ques. What instruments or vocal styles are covered in the CPAHM practical courses?

Ans. The CPAHM programme focuses on Hindustani classical music broadly. The practical training typically covers vocal music (raga-based singing) and basic understanding of tala (rhythm). Students should clarify with their Study Centre counsellor whether specific instruments are also covered at their centre.

Ques. Can I pursue CPAHM alongside a full-time job or other studies?

Ans. Yes, the distance learning format of CPAHM makes it flexible for working professionals and students. You only need to attend counselling sessions (typically on weekends) and submit assignments. The self-study component can be managed at your own pace within the 6-month to 2-year window.

Ques. Is the CPAHM certificate recognised for teaching music in schools?

Ans. The CPAHM is a certificate-level programme and may not meet the minimum qualification requirements for a formal music teacher position in government schools (which typically require a diploma or degree). However, it is a recognised IGNOU certificate and can be valuable for private music teaching, community music programmes, and as a foundation for higher studies in music.

Ques. What is the difference between CPAHM (Hindustani Music) and CPAKM (Karnatak Music) at IGNOU?

Ans. CPAHM focuses on Hindustani classical music, which is the North Indian tradition of Indian classical music, while CPAKM focuses on Karnatak music, which is the South Indian classical tradition. Both programmes have the same structure and fee, but differ in the musical tradition, ragas, talas, and performance styles covered. Students should choose based on their regional background and musical interest.