Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Bachelor of Performing Arts [BPA] in Vocal at Banaras Hindu University is a 3-year full-time undergraduate programme offered by the Department of Vocal Music under the Faculty of Performing Arts. The programme provides comprehensive training in North Indian Classical Vocal Music (Hindustani tradition), covering raga-based compositions, tala, music theory, and the rich heritage of various vocal gharanas. The total fees for the programme are just Rs. 6,900 for the entire 3-year duration, making it one of the most affordable classical music degrees in India. Admission is based on CUET (UG) scores, and the programme is popular among students who wish to pursue a career as classical vocalists, music educators, or researchers in Hindustani music.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are upcoming. The CUET UG 2026 application window has already closed (January 3 - February 26, 2026). The exam is scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026 (tentative), with results expected by early July 2026 (tentative). BHU's counselling and seat allotment process is expected to begin in August-September 2026, based on the previous year's pattern.

Key Points

The Department of Vocal Music at BHU is part of the Faculty of Performing Arts, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions for classical music training in India, established in 1950.
The BPA Vocal programme focuses on North Indian Classical Vocal Music (Hindustani tradition), including Khayal, Thumri, Dhrupad, and other classical vocal forms.
Varanasi is historically one of the most important centres of Hindustani classical music, and studying at BHU provides students with immersion in this living tradition.
Students receive training from highly qualified faculty who are accomplished vocalists and scholars of Hindustani music.
The programme includes regular workshops, lecture-demonstrations, and performances by eminent vocalists, providing students with rich exposure to the concert platform.
The course is offered strictly on-campus (full-time, regular mode) at the BHU Varanasi campus.

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06 May, 2026 BHU BPA Vocal Fee Structure 2026-27 has been released. The total academic fee is ₹ 6,900 . Read more.

BHU BPA Vocal Fees

The BPA Vocal programme at BHU is among the most affordable classical music degrees in India. The annual tuition fee is Rs. 2,300 per year, resulting in a total tuition fee of Rs. 6,900 for the complete 3-year programme. No additional charges beyond tuition have been reported for this course. Hostel accommodation is available separately on campus for interested students.

Fee Structure

Fee Component	Year 1 (Rs.)	Year 2 (Rs.)	Year 3 (Rs.)	Total (Rs.)
Tuition Fee	2,300	2,300	2,300	6,900
Other Charges	-	-	-	-
Total Fees (excluding Hostel)	2,300	2,300	2,300	6,900
Hostel Fee (if opted, Male)	5,375 (approx.)	5,375 (approx.)	5,375 (approx.)	16,125 (approx.)

Hostel fee is optional and not mandatory for all students.
It is charged separately and is not included in the Total Fees row above.
SC/ST and PwD students are eligible for full tuition fee waiver under the Government Post-Matric Scholarship scheme.
Fees are subject to revision by the university each academic year.
No EMI option is officially mentioned for this programme given the very low fee structure.

BHU BPA Vocal Admission 2026

Admission to BPA Vocal at BHU is based on CUET (UG) scores. BHU follows a Centralised Admission Process (CAP) where candidates are allotted seats based on their CUET performance and course-specific eligibility. The 2026 admission season is upcoming, with the CUET exam scheduled in May 2026. Based on the 2025 pattern, BHU's counselling and allotment process is expected in August-September 2026.

BHU BPA Vocal Admission Dates

Event	Date
CUET UG 2026 Application Start	January 3, 2026
CUET UG 2026 Application End	February 26, 2026
CUET UG 2026 Admit Card Release	May 4-5, 2026 (Tentative)
CUET UG 2026 Exam	May 11 - May 31, 2026 (Tentative)
CUET UG 2026 Answer Key	June 17, 2026 (Tentative)
CUET UG 2026 Result	July 4, 2026 (Tentative)
BHU CAP Registration / Counselling	August 2026 (Tentative)
BHU Seat Allotment Round 1	August-September 2026 (Tentative)
Fee Payment for Allotted Seat	September 2026 (Tentative)
Physical Reporting at BHU	September 2026 (Tentative)
Commencement of Classes	October 2026 (Tentative)

Entrance Exam Dates

Exam	Event	Date
CUET UG 2026	Application Window	January 3 - February 26, 2026
CUET UG 2026	Admit Card	May 4-5, 2026 (Tentative)
CUET UG 2026	Exam Date	May 11 - May 31, 2026 (Tentative)
CUET UG 2026	Answer Key	June 17, 2026 (Tentative)
CUET UG 2026	Result	July 4, 2026 (Tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognised board.
Minimum 50% marks in the qualifying examination for General category candidates (45% for OBC-NCL; relaxation for SC/ST/PwD as per UGC norms).
Candidates must not be more than 22 years of age as on July 1, 2026.
A background or demonstrated training in Hindustani Classical Vocal Music is strongly recommended, as the course involves a practical performance component.

Admission Process

Register and appear for CUET UG 2026 at cuet.nta.nic.in.
After CUET results, register on BHU's Centralised Admission Process (CAP) portal (bhucuet.samarth.edu.in).
Select BPA Vocal as the preferred course during BHU CAP registration.
Seat allotment is done based on CUET score and merit.
Candidates allotted a seat must pay the admission fee online within the stipulated deadline.
Report physically to BHU campus with original documents for verification and enrolment.

BHU BPA Vocal Scholarships 2026

BHU offers a range of scholarships and financial assistance schemes for students of the BPA Vocal programme. Given the already very low fee structure, the scholarships primarily benefit students from economically weaker sections and reserved categories. SC/ST students in particular receive full tuition waivers along with monthly maintenance allowances, making the programme virtually free for them.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount	Frequency
Government Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)	SC/ST students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh	Full tuition waiver + Rs. 1,200/month (hostellers) or Rs. 550/month (day scholars)	Monthly/Annual
Pratidana Initiative (BHU)	Underprivileged students, family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh, min. 60% in Class 12	Rs. 25,000 per year	Annual
Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (BHU)	Top CUET rankers with family income below Rs. 1 lakh	Rs. 5,000 per year	Annual
Student Welfare Fund Concession (BHU)	Economically weaker students	Fee waiver up to Rs. 10,000	Per year
Central Sector Scheme (Government of India)	Students with 80%+ in Class 12, day scholars	Rs. 12,000 per year	Annual
Post-Matric Scholarship for Minorities	Minority community students, family income below Rs. 2 lakh	Rs. 3,000 + fees	Annual

Applications for BHU institutional scholarships (Pratidana, Welfare Fund) are submitted via bhuonline.in after admission.
Government scholarships (Post-Matric, Central Sector) are applied through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
Scholarship application deadlines are typically in November each year, post-admission.
Students must maintain a minimum CGPA of 7.0 for renewal of merit-based scholarships.
SC/ST students must submit valid category certificates and income proof at the time of admission.

BHU BPA Vocal FAQs

Ques. What style of vocal music is taught in BHU's BPA Vocal programme?

Ans. The BPA Vocal programme at BHU focuses on North Indian Classical Vocal Music (Hindustani tradition). This includes training in Khayal, Thumri, Dhrupad, and other classical vocal forms, along with raga theory, tala, and the history of Hindustani music. Varanasi's rich musical heritage makes BHU an ideal place to study this tradition.

Ques. Is prior training in classical vocal music required for admission to BPA Vocal at BHU?

Ans. While the official eligibility only requires 10+2 with 50% marks, the practical nature of the course means that candidates with prior formal training in Hindustani classical vocal music have a significant advantage. The programme is designed for students who already have a foundational grounding in classical singing.

Ques. What is the admission process for BPA Vocal at BHU in 2026?

Ans. Admission is through CUET UG 2026. Candidates must register for CUET (application closed February 26, 2026), appear for the exam (May 11-31, 2026, tentative), and then register on BHU's CAP portal after results are declared. Seat allotment is based on CUET scores and merit.

Ques. What career options are available after completing BPA Vocal from BHU?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as professional classical vocalists, music teachers at schools and colleges, accompanists, music directors, or cultural programme coordinators. Many graduates also pursue MPA (Master of Performing Arts) in Vocal Music or PhD in Music from BHU or other institutions. The BHU degree carries significant prestige in the Hindustani classical music community.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for BPA Vocal students at BHU?

Ans. Yes, BHU has hostel facilities on campus. Male students can avail hostel accommodation at approximately Rs. 5,375 per year (excluding mess charges). Female students can apply for accommodation in the women's hostels on campus. Hostel allotment is subject to availability and is not guaranteed for all students.

Ques. What is the significance of studying Hindustani Vocal Music at BHU in Varanasi?

Ans. Varanasi is one of the most important centres of Hindustani classical music in India, with a rich tradition of vocal gharanas and legendary musicians. BHU's Faculty of Performing Arts has been training classical musicians since 1950, and the university's location in Varanasi provides students with unparalleled access to the living tradition of Hindustani music through concerts, festivals, and interactions with master musicians.