Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

The Master of Performing Arts (MPA) in Bharatnatyam at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered by the Faculty of Performing Arts. The course spans 4 semesters and provides advanced training in Bharatnatyam dance, including nritta, nritya, natya, abhinaya, adavus, compositions, and the theoretical and historical aspects of this classical dance form. With a total tuition fee of approximately Rs. 36,000 for the entire 2-year duration and only 10 seats, it is one of the most exclusive and prestigious classical dance programmes in India. Admission is based on CUET PG scores. BHU's Faculty of Performing Arts is one of the oldest and most respected institutions for classical dance training in India, and the programme is highly sought after by serious students of Bharatnatyam.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are upcoming. The CUET PG 2026 examination is currently ongoing (March 13 - April 1, 2026), and results are expected in May 2026. BHU's Combined Allotment Program for PG (CAP-PG 2026) registration is expected to open tentatively in May-June 2026 at bhucuetpg.samarth.edu.in, based on the previous year's schedule.

Key Points

Offered by the Faculty of Performing Arts, one of India's most prestigious institutions for classical dance
Extremely limited intake of only 10 seats, making it one of the most competitive performing arts programmes in the country
Focuses on advanced Bharatnatyam training including nritta, nritya, natya, abhinaya, and margam compositions
Curriculum covers dance theory, history of Indian classical dance, aesthetics, and Sanskrit texts on dance (Natyashastra)
Graduates are well-positioned for careers as professional performers, dance teachers, choreographers, and researchers
BHU's location in Varanasi, the cultural capital of India, provides an unparalleled environment for classical arts learning

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
Cutoff
FAQs

BHU MPA (Bharatnatyam) Fees

The MPA (Bharatnatyam) at BHU is an affordable programme for a specialised performing arts degree at a premier central university. The total tuition fee for the entire 2-year course is approximately Rs. 36,000, which includes tuition, admission, library, sports, medical, and other university charges. Examination fees are charged separately each semester. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at an additional cost (not mandatory).

Fee Breakdown

Fee Component	Amount (Total - 2 Years)
Tuition Fee	Rs. 24,000
Admission Fee	Rs. 100
Library Fee	Rs. 400
Sports Fee	Rs. 200
Medical Fee	Rs. 200
Other University Charges	Rs. 11,100
Total Tuition and University Fees	Rs. 36,000
Hostel Fee (Optional, per year)	Rs. 9,750

Hostel fee is not mandatory and is charged separately; it does not include mess/food charges.
SC/ST students may be eligible for fee concessions as per university norms.
Security deposit (caution money) is refundable at the time of leaving the university.
Examination fees are charged separately each semester and are not included in the above total.
The above fees are based on 2024-25 data; minor revisions may apply for 2026-27.

BHU MPA (Bharatnatyam) Admission 2026

Admission to the MPA (Bharatnatyam) programme at BHU is based on CUET PG scores. Candidates must first appear in CUET PG and then register separately for BHU's Combined Allotment Program (CAP-PG). The CUET PG 2026 exam is currently ongoing, and BHU's CAP-PG 2026 registration is expected to open in May-June 2026. Given the very limited intake of 10 seats, competition is extremely high and candidates with strong practical proficiency in Bharatnatyam are expected to score well in CUET PG.

Important Dates

Event	Dates
CUET PG 2026 Exam	March 13 - April 1, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Result	May 6, 2026 (Tentative)
BHU CAP-PG 2026 Registration Opens	May 2026 (Tentative)
BHU CAP-PG 2026 Registration Closes	June 2026 (Tentative)
Seat Allotment / Counselling	July 2026 (Tentative)
Batch Commencement	July/August 2026 (Tentative)

Event	Dates
CUET PG 2026 Registration	December 14, 2025 - January 23, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Admit Card	March 3, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Exam	March 13 - April 1, 2026
CUET PG 2026 Result	May 6, 2026 (Tentative)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree (10+2+3 pattern) or BPA (Bachelor of Performing Arts) in Bharatnatyam/Dance from a recognised university with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
Prior training and proficiency in Bharatnatyam is essential for CUET PG preparation
Candidates with a BPA in Bharatnatyam or equivalent qualification are preferred

Admission Process:

Appear in CUET PG 2026 (conducted by NTA) - the exam includes a practical/performance component for dance subjects
Register on BHU's CAP-PG portal (bhucuetpg.samarth.edu.in) after CUET PG results
Submit course preferences during CAP-PG registration
Seat allotment based on CUET PG score, category, and preferences
Accept allotted seat and pay fees within the stipulated deadline
Report to the university for document verification and enrolment

BHU MPA (Bharatnatyam) Scholarships 2026

BHU students pursuing MPA (Bharatnatyam) can avail a range of scholarships from central and state government schemes as well as university-level awards. The relatively affordable fee structure of the programme means that scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden. Students from economically weaker sections and reserved categories are particularly well-supported.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) - Central Sector Scheme	Students with family income below Rs. 8 lakh p.a., 80th percentile in qualifying exam	Rs. 12,000 per annum (PG level)
UP Government Post-Matric Scholarship	SC/ST/OBC/Minority students domiciled in Uttar Pradesh	Varies by category; covers tuition and maintenance
BHU Merit Scholarship	Top-performing students in the department	Rs. 2,000 per annum (varies)
Pratidana UG/PG Awards (BHU)	Underprivileged students with family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh p.a.	Rs. 25,000 per annum
Sangeet Natak Akademi Scholarships	Outstanding performing arts students	Varies; check Sangeet Natak Akademi website

UP Scholarship applications are typically accepted through the official UP Scholarship portal (scholarship.up.gov.in) at the start of each academic year.
NSP applications open annually; students must apply within the deadline on scholarships.gov.in.
BHU-specific scholarships are awarded by the university based on academic performance and financial need; details are notified at the start of each session.
Students can apply for only one government scholarship at a time (NSP or UP Scholarship).

BHU MPA (Bharatnatyam) FAQs

Q1. What level of Bharatnatyam proficiency is required to get admission to MPA (Bharatnatyam) at BHU?

Ans. Candidates should have advanced proficiency in Bharatnatyam, typically having completed a BPA (Bachelor of Performing Arts) in Bharatnatyam or equivalent training of 7-10 years under a guru, including completion of the Arangetram (debut solo performance). The CUET PG exam for dance subjects tests both theoretical knowledge and practical performance ability.

Q2. What are the career prospects after completing MPA (Bharatnatyam) from BHU?

Ans. Graduates of MPA (Bharatnatyam) from BHU can pursue careers as professional concert performers, dance teachers at schools and colleges (after clearing UGC NET in Dance), choreographers, dance researchers, and cultural ambassadors. Many graduates also pursue PhD in Dance. BHU's strong alumni network and reputation in the classical arts world opens doors to prestigious performance opportunities and academic positions.

Q3. Is the MPA (Bharatnatyam) at BHU focused only on the classical Bharatnatyam style?

Ans. The MPA (Bharatnatyam) at BHU's Faculty of Performing Arts is primarily focused on classical Bharatnatyam in the traditional style. The curriculum covers the complete margam (repertoire), including alarippu, jatiswaram, shabdam, varnam, padam, tillana, and shlokam, along with the theoretical foundations from the Natyashastra and Abhinaya Darpana.

Q4. How does BHU's MPA (Bharatnatyam) compare to other dance institutions in India?

Ans. BHU's Faculty of Performing Arts is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions for classical dance in India. The faculty includes eminent Bharatnatyam performers and scholars. The programme provides rigorous training in both the practical and theoretical aspects of the dance form, and the degree from BHU carries significant weight in the classical dance community.

Q5. Can students from outside Uttar Pradesh apply for MPA (Bharatnatyam) at BHU?

Ans. Yes, MPA (Bharatnatyam) at BHU is open to students from all states across India. There is no domicile restriction for admission. International students are also eligible to apply. The admission is purely merit-based through CUET PG scores.

Q6. What is the hostel situation for MPA (Bharatnatyam) students at BHU?

Ans. BHU has a large residential campus with separate hostels for boys and girls. Hostel accommodation is available but not guaranteed and is allotted on a first-come, first-served basis subject to availability. The hostel fee is approximately Rs. 9,750 per year (excluding mess charges). Students are advised to apply for hostel accommodation immediately after admission confirmation, as demand is high.