Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

Note: At BHU, the postgraduate programme in Musicology is formally titled "Master of Performing Arts (MPA) in Musicology" (course code PG0373), offered under the Faculty of Performing Arts, Department of Musicology. It is equivalent to an MA in Musicology and is listed as such in various databases.

Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of India's most prestigious central universities and a globally recognised centre of classical learning, offers the Master of Performing Arts (MPA) in Musicology through its Faculty of Performing Arts, Department of Musicology. This is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme spread over 4 semesters. Musicology at BHU is the academic and theoretical study of music, covering Indian classical music theory, history of music, music aesthetics, ethnomusicology, and the scientific study of sound and musical systems. The total tuition fee for the programme is Rs. 6,000 for the entire 2-year course (Rs. 1,500 per semester), making it one of the most affordable postgraduate programmes in the country. Admission is based on CUET-PG scores. Varanasi's status as the cultural capital of India and a living centre of classical music traditions makes BHU an especially significant place to study Musicology.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are upcoming. Based on the 2025-26 cycle, BHU PG admissions are conducted through CUET-PG scores via the Combined Allotment Program (CAP-PG). The CUET-PG 2026 exam was conducted between March 6 and March 27, 2026, and results were declared on May 6, 2026. BHU CAP-PG registration for 2026-27 is expected to begin around June 2026, with allotment rounds in July 2026 and classes commencing in August 2026.

Key Points

MPA Musicology at BHU is one of the few dedicated postgraduate programmes in Musicology offered by a central university in India, with a strong emphasis on Indian classical music theory and history.
The programme is offered under the Faculty of Performing Arts, which also houses departments of Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, and Dance, providing a rich interdisciplinary environment.
Varanasi is one of the most important centres of Indian classical music (both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions), and BHU's location provides students with unparalleled exposure to living musical traditions.
The course covers both theoretical and historical aspects of music, including Indian music theory (Sangeet Shastra), history of music, music aesthetics, and ethnomusicology.
Graduates are well-positioned for careers in music research, music education, music journalism, and cultural heritage management.

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Cutoff
FAQs

BHU MPA Musicology Fees

MPA Musicology at BHU is extremely affordable, with a total tuition fee of Rs. 6,000 for the entire 2-year course (Rs. 1,500 per semester). The fee includes tuition and other university charges. Hostel fees are separate and optional.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount
Tuition Fee per Semester	Rs. 1,500
Total Fee for 4 Semesters (2 Years)	Rs. 6,000

Hostel Fees

Hostel Component	Amount
Hostel Fee	Approx. Rs. 4,875 per semester
Hostel Security Deposit (Refundable)	Rs. 2,000 (one-time)

Hostel accommodation is NOT guaranteed and is allotted on a composite merit basis (distance from university + entrance score).
The security deposit of Rs. 2,000 is refundable at the end of the course.
No EMI option is available; fees are to be paid as per the schedule announced during CAP-PG allotment rounds.
Full refund of admission fee is available if withdrawal is made before the last date of admission set by BHU.
Paid seats (supernumerary) may be available at a higher fee; details are announced at the time of admission.

BHU MPA Musicology Admission 2026

Admission to MPA Musicology at BHU is based on CUET-PG scores. Candidates must first appear in CUET-PG in the relevant test paper (HUQP14 for Performing Arts/Music) and then register separately on BHU's CAP-PG portal. The 2025-26 admission cycle saw registration open on May 22, 2025, with allotment rounds conducted in July 2025. For 2026-27, the process is expected to follow a similar timeline.

BHU PG Admission Schedule

Event	Tentative Date (2026-27)
CUET-PG 2026 Registration Opens	December 2025
CUET-PG 2026 Registration Closes	January 2026
CUET-PG 2026 Admit Card	March 2026
CUET-PG 2026 Exam	March - April 2026
CUET-PG 2026 Result	May 2026
BHU CAP-PG Registration Opens	June 2026
BHU CAP-PG Registration Closes	Early July 2026
1st Round Allotment	Mid-July 2026
2nd Round Allotment	Late July 2026
3rd Round Allotment	Late July 2026
Spot Round (if seats vacant)	August 2026
Classes Commence	August 2026

CUET-PG 2026 Exam Dates

Event	Date
CUET-PG Registration Start	December 14, 2025
CUET-PG Registration End	January 25, 2026
CUET-PG Admit Card	March 3, 2026
CUET-PG Exam	March 6 - March 27, 2026
CUET-PG Result	May 6, 2026

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) or equivalent degree from a recognised university, securing a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate.
Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in Music (BA with Music as a major subject) may also be eligible; candidates should verify the specific eligibility criteria in the BHU PG Bulletin 2026-27.
SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates are eligible for a 5% relaxation in minimum eligibility marks as per university norms.

Admission Process

Appear in CUET-PG 2026 in the relevant test paper (HUQP14).
Register on BHU's CAP-PG portal (admission.bhu.ac.in) after CUET-PG results are declared.
Pay the non-refundable CAP-PG registration fee: Rs. 300 (UR/OBC-NCL/EWS) or Rs. 150 (SC/ST/PwBD) per programme.
Fill in programme preferences and submit the application.
Seat allotment is done based on CUET-PG score and programme-specific merit list.
Upon allotment, pay the full admission fee within the stipulated deadline to confirm the seat.
Report to the Department of Musicology, Faculty of Performing Arts, BHU, for document verification and physical reporting.

BHU MPA Musicology Scholarships 2026

BHU offers several scholarships and financial aid options to students. The tuition fee for MPA Musicology is already very low (Rs. 6,000 for the full course), and additional support is available through government and university schemes.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount/Benefit
UP Government Post-Matric Scholarship	Students domiciled in Uttar Pradesh with family income below Rs. 2 lakh (General/OBC) or Rs. 2.5 lakh (SC/ST)	Fee reimbursement + maintenance allowance
National Scholarship Portal (NSP)	Students from other states with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh	Varies by category and course
BHU Merit Scholarship (Rank Holders)	1st rank holder in the programme	One-time reward of Rs. 4,000
BHU Merit Scholarship (2nd Rank)	2nd rank holder in the programme	One-time reward of Rs. 3,000
BHU Scholarship for Economically Weak Students	Family income below Rs. 1 lakh per annum	Free meals (lunch and dinner) for 7 months; Rs. 2,000 annually for 100 students
BHU Scholarship for Physically Challenged Students	PwBD students enrolled at BHU	One-time Rs. 4,000 for 25 students

Students already receiving any other scholarship are NOT eligible for BHU's internal scholarships.
UP Scholarship applications are typically submitted online through the UP Scholarship portal (scholarship.up.gov.in) at the start of the academic year.
BHU scholarship application forms are available at the university administration office; there is no online application for BHU's internal scholarships.
Minimum 75% attendance is mandatory to remain eligible for BHU scholarships.

BHU MPA Musicology FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between MPA Musicology and MPA Vocal Music/Instrumental Music at BHU?

Ans. MPA Musicology is the academic and theoretical study of music, covering music theory, history, aesthetics, and ethnomusicology. It is offered by the Department of Musicology. MPA Vocal Music and MPA Instrumental Music are performance-based programmes that focus on the practical aspects of singing and playing instruments respectively. Students interested in the academic and research aspects of music should opt for MPA Musicology, while those interested in performance should consider MPA Vocal Music or MPA Instrumental Music.

Ques. Is MPA Musicology at BHU focused on Indian classical music or Western music?

Ans. MPA Musicology at BHU is primarily focused on Indian classical music (both Hindustani and Carnatic traditions), Indian music theory (Sangeet Shastra), and the history of Indian music. However, the curriculum also includes comparative musicology, ethnomusicology, and the study of music from a global perspective. Students with a background in Indian classical music will find the programme most relevant.

Ques. What are the career options after MPA Musicology from BHU?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in music research and academia (as lecturers/professors in music departments), music journalism and criticism, music education (as music teachers in schools and colleges), cultural heritage management, music archiving and documentation, and government bodies promoting Indian classical music. The degree is also a strong foundation for PhD research in musicology, ethnomusicology, and related fields.

Ques. Can a student with a BA in Music (not B.Mus.) apply for MPA Musicology at BHU?

Ans. Students with a BA in Music (where Music is a major subject) may be eligible, but they should verify the specific eligibility criteria in the BHU PG Bulletin 2026-27 before applying. The primary eligibility is a Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) or equivalent degree with a minimum of 50% marks. Candidates should also check the CUET-PG syllabus for HUQP14 to ensure they are adequately prepared.

Ques. Is there a practical/performance component in MPA Musicology at BHU?

Ans. MPA Musicology is primarily a theoretical and academic programme. While students are expected to have a basic understanding of music performance (as part of their B.Mus. background), the programme itself focuses on the academic study of music rather than performance. Students interested in performance should consider MPA Vocal Music or MPA Instrumental Music programmes at BHU.

Ques. What is the CUET-PG test paper code for MPA Musicology at BHU, and what does it cover?

Ans. The relevant CUET-PG test paper code is HUQP14 (Performing Arts). The paper covers topics related to Indian classical music theory, history of music, music aesthetics, and related subjects. Candidates are advised to refer to the official NTA CUET-PG syllabus for HUQP14 available on the NTA website (exams.nta.nic.in/cuet-pg/) for detailed preparation guidance.