Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Bachelor of Performing Arts [B.P.A. (Hons.)] in Drama and Theatre Arts is a 4-year full-time undergraduate programme offered by the School of Performing Arts at Pondicherry University, a NAAC A+ accredited Central University. Structured under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework, the programme provides comprehensive training in drama, theatre, and performing arts, blending theory with intensive practical work. With an intake of 25 seats and a total course fee of approximately Rs. 2,11,278 for the entire 4-year programme, it is one of the most affordable performing arts programmes at a central university in India. Admission is through CUET (UG) with Performing Arts or General Test as the domain subject. The programme is popular for its unique interdisciplinary approach, practical orientation, and the university's vibrant campus life in Puducherry.

Admissions for 2026-27 are upcoming, based on CUET (UG) 2026 scores. The CUET (UG) 2026 application window has closed (January 3 - February 26, 2026), and the exam is scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026 (tentative). Results are expected in early July 2026, after which Pondicherry University will release its merit list and provisional select lists for counselling. Based on the 2026-27 cycle, counselling and admissions are typically completed by July-August.

Key Points

The programme is one of the very few B.P.A. (Hons.) Drama and Theatre Arts programmes offered by a Central University in India, lending it significant academic and professional credibility.
The curriculum is structured under NEP 2020 with a Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS), offering interdisciplinary electives and skill-enhancement courses alongside core performing arts training.
Students receive hands-on training in acting, direction, stagecraft, script writing, theatre history, and production design.
The programme is offered under the School of Performing Arts, which provides dedicated infrastructure for theatre and performance practice.
Students can pursue postgraduate studies in Drama and Theatre Arts or related disciplines after completing the B.P.A. programme.
The university's 780-acre campus in Puducherry, with its multicultural student community, provides a rich environment for creative and artistic development.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
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FAQs

Pondicherry University Latest Updates and News

17 Apr, 2026 CUET UG 2026 Exam will be held from May 11 to 31, 2026. The city intimation slip and Admit card will be released soon @cuet.nta.nic.in.

03 Feb, 2026 Pondicherry University BPA {Hons.} Drama Fee Structure 2026 has been released. The total academic fee is ₹ 87,044 . Check details.

PU BPA Fees

The B.P.A. (Hons.) Drama and Theatre Arts programme at Pondicherry University falls under the Performing Arts category for fee purposes, with a total course fee of approximately Rs. 2,11,278 for the entire 4-year programme. The first semester carries a higher fee due to one-time charges such as registration, matriculation, amenities development fund, alumni association fund, and group medical insurance. From the second semester onwards, the fee is Rs. 25,200 per semester. SC/ST students are exempt from all fees except the refundable caution deposit and group medical insurance premium.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Semester I (Rs.)	Semester II to VIII (Rs. per semester)
Tuition Fee	3,000	3,000
Registration Fee	300	-
Matriculation Fee	100	-
Recognition Fee	400	-
Sports Fund	500	500
Medical Examination / Facilities Fund	600	600
Library Fund	1,500	1,500
Laboratory Running / Maintenance Fund	5,000	5,000
Amenities Development Fund	6,000	-
Students' Welfare Fund	600	600
Alumni Association Fund	500	-
Caution Deposit (Refundable)	1,000	-
Advanced Lab Facility Fund	2,000	2,000
Facilities Upgradation Fund	10,000	-
Placement Activity Fund	2,000	2,000
Academic Activity Fund	3,000	3,000
Field Visit Fund	1,000	1,000
Industry-Institute Interface Fund	2,000	2,000
Digital Activity Fund	2,000	2,000
Group Medical Insurance	378	-
University Development Fund	2,000	-
Total Fees (per semester)	34,878	25,200

Fee Summary

Summary	Amount (Rs.)
Semester I Fee	34,878
Semesters II to VIII (7 x Rs. 25,200)	1,76,400
Total Course Fees (4 Years)	2,11,278

The Caution Deposit of Rs. 1,000 is refundable upon leaving the university after deducting any dues.
SC/ST students are fully exempt from all fees; they pay only the refundable caution deposit and group medical insurance premium.
Differently-abled students are also exempt from all fees including examination fees.
Late payment fine: Rs. 5 per day for the first 10 days; Rs. 10 per day thereafter.
Fees must be paid within 10 days from the beginning of each semester.
No EMI facility is mentioned; fees are to be paid in full at the start of each semester.
Hostel fees are separate and not included in the above.
Hostel room rent for UG students is Rs. 900 per annum (non-refundable), plus General Amenities Fund Rs. 700 p.a., Establishment Charges Rs. 300 p.a., and a one-time Application Fee of Rs. 75.
A refundable caution deposit of Rs. 3,000 is also payable at the time of hostel admission.
Hostel accommodation is limited and not guaranteed for all students.

PU BPA Admission 2026

Admissions to the B.P.A. (Hons.) Drama and Theatre Arts programme at Pondicherry University are conducted through CUET (UG) scores, with Performing Arts or General Test as the domain subject. The university prepares a merit list based on CUET scores and conducts counselling for shortlisted candidates. For 2026-27, the CUET (UG) 2026 application has closed and the exam is scheduled in May 2026. Based on the 2026-27 cycle, the university typically releases its merit list and provisional select lists in July-August, followed by counselling and fee payment. Candidates must apply separately on the Pondicherry University admissions portal after CUET results are declared.

University Admission Schedule

Event	Tentative Date
CUET (UG) 2026 Application Start	January 3, 2026
CUET (UG) 2026 Application End	February 26, 2026 (Closed)
CUET (UG) 2026 Exam	May 11 - May 31, 2026
CUET (UG) 2026 Admit Card	May 5, 2026 (Tentative)
CUET (UG) 2026 Answer Key	June 17, 2026 (Tentative)
CUET (UG) 2026 Result	July 4, 2026 (Tentative)
PU Merit List / Provisional Select List Release	July 2026 (Tentative)
Counselling and Document Verification	July - August 2026 (Tentative)
Fee Payment and Admission Confirmation	August 2026 (Tentative)
Commencement of Classes	August - September 2026 (Tentative)

CUET (UG) Exam Dates

Event	Date
Application Start	January 3, 2026
Application End	February 26, 2026
Admit Card Release	May 5, 2026 (Tentative)
Exam Dates	May 11 - May 31, 2026
Answer Key Release	June 17, 2026 (Tentative)
Result Declaration	July 4, 2026 (Tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognised board with a minimum of 50% marks.
SC/ST candidates are eligible to apply irrespective of the percentage of marks obtained in the qualifying examination.
CUET (UG) 2026 domain subject accepted: Performing Arts / General Test.

Admission Process

Register and appear for CUET (UG) 2026 through the NTA portal (cuet.nta.nic.in), selecting Performing Arts or General Test as the domain subject.
After CUET results, apply separately on the Pondicherry University admissions portal (admissions.pondiuni.edu.in).
The university prepares a merit list based on CUET scores.
Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification and counselling.
Confirm admission by paying the prescribed fees within the stipulated time.
Reservation: 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, 27% for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), 10% for EWS, and 5% for differently-abled candidates.

PU BPA Scholarships 2026

Pondicherry University offers a range of scholarships and financial assistance schemes for students. While the university's own merit and merit-cum-means scholarships are primarily for PG students, UG students can avail several government-funded national scholarships. SC/ST students are fully exempt from all fees, which is a significant financial benefit. Students are eligible for only one scholarship at a time.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount	Offered By
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS)	Top 20 percentile in Class 12 board exams; family income below Rs. 8 lakh p.a.	Rs. 10,000 p.a. (first 3 years); Rs. 20,000 p.a. (4th year and above)	Ministry of Education, Govt. of India
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students	SC/ST students; income criteria as per state norms	Covers tuition and other fees; varies by state	State Governments / Govt. of India
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Schemes	Various categories (OBC, Minority, EWS, Differently-abled)	Varies by scheme	Govt. of India via NSP
Indira Gandhi Scholarship for Single Girl Child	Single girl child pursuing UG/PG	Rs. 3,000 per month (for PG; UG students may check eligibility)	UGC
Government of Puducherry Merit / Merit-cum-Means Scholarship	Students belonging to UT of Puducherry enrolled in PU courses	Varies	Government of Puducherry
Fee Exemption for SC/ST Students	All SC/ST students admitted to PU	Full fee waiver (except caution deposit and medical insurance)	Pondicherry University
Fee Exemption for Differently-Abled Students	All differently-abled students admitted to PU	Full fee waiver including examination fees	Pondicherry University

Students must apply for national scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) within the prescribed deadlines, typically in October-November each year.
SC/ST students eligible for Post-Matric scholarships may pay fees after receiving the scholarship amount by submitting an undertaking at the time of admission; fees must be paid within 90 days.
Students are eligible for only one scholarship at a time as per university rules.
Application deadlines for government scholarships vary; students should check the NSP portal regularly.

PU BPA FAQs

Ques. Is the B.P.A. (Hons.) Drama and Theatre Arts programme at Pondicherry University a rare offering in India?

Ans. Yes, the B.P.A. (Hons.) Drama and Theatre Arts is one of the very few undergraduate performing arts programmes offered by a Central University in India. Most drama and theatre programmes are offered by specialised institutions or state universities. Getting this degree from a NAAC A+ accredited central university gives it significant academic credibility and recognition for higher studies and employment.

Ques. What CUET (UG) subject should I choose to apply for B.P.A. (Hons.) Drama and Theatre Arts at Pondicherry University?

Ans. You should select Performing Arts or General Test as the domain subject in CUET (UG) 2026. Both are accepted for this programme. Performing Arts is the more directly relevant subject if you have studied it at the Class 12 level. If not, you can appear in the General Test.

Ques. What are the practical components of the B.P.A. Drama and Theatre Arts programme?

Ans. The programme includes extensive practical training in acting, direction, stagecraft, script writing, theatre history, production design, and performance practice. Students participate in live productions, workshops, and performances as part of the curriculum. The NEP 2020 structure also allows students to take interdisciplinary electives and skill-enhancement courses from other departments.

Ques. What career options are available after completing B.P.A. Drama and Theatre Arts from Pondicherry University?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as theatre artists, actors, directors, playwrights, drama teachers, theatre production managers, cultural programme coordinators, content creators for OTT platforms, and arts administrators. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate studies in Drama, Theatre Arts, or related disciplines. The central university credential provides a strong foundation for both professional performance careers and academic pursuits.

Ques. Is there a postgraduate programme in Drama and Theatre Arts at Pondicherry University?

Ans. As of the latest available information, Pondicherry University offers the B.P.A. (Hons.) Drama and Theatre Arts at the undergraduate level under the School of Performing Arts. Students interested in postgraduate studies in performing arts can explore M.A. programmes in Drama and Theatre Arts at other central universities or specialised institutions after completing the B.P.A. programme.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for B.P.A. Drama students at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Hostel accommodation at Pondicherry University is limited and not guaranteed for all students. Accommodation is given on the recommendation of the Head of Department, subject to availability, with preference given to students coming from distant places. Only about one-third of admitted students in each course can be accommodated. The hostel room rent for UG students is Rs. 900 per annum, and dining in the hostel mess is compulsory for hostel residents. Students are advised to apply for hostel accommodation early after securing admission.