BHU M.P.A Tabla: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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The Master of Performing Arts [MPA] in Tabla 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 tabla performance, tala, layakari, accompaniment techniques, solo performance, and the history and theory of Indian percussion music. 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 percussion music programmes in India. Admission is based on CUET PG scores. BHU's Faculty of Performing Arts is renowned for its tradition of producing outstanding tabla players, and the programme is highly sought after by serious students of this instrument.

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 Hindustani classical music and percussion
Extremely limited intake of only 10 seats, making it one of the most competitive performing arts programmes in the country
Focuses on advanced tabla performance including solo recital, accompaniment, and layakari under eminent faculty
Curriculum covers tala, layakari, bandish, music theory, history of Indian percussion, and aesthetics
Graduates are well-positioned for careers as professional performers, accompanists, music teachers, and researchers
BHU's location in Varanasi, the cultural capital of India, provides an unparalleled environment for classical music learning

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BHU Latest Updates and News

Key Updates2

Other Updates1

02 Sep, 2026 BHU Spot Round 2 CUET PG Cutoff 2026 for MA is 17-257 for the General Category. For the category-wise cutoff, check here.

06 May, 2026 BHU Fee Structure 2026-27 is out for M.P.A Tabla programs. The total academic fee is ₹ 6,300 . Learn more.

BHU MPA (Tabla) Fees

The MPA (Tabla) 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 (Tabla) Admission 2026

Admission to the MPA (Tabla) 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 tabla performance 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)

Entrance Exam Dates

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 Tabla/Percussion from a recognised university with minimum 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD)
Prior training and proficiency in tabla performance is essential for CUET PG preparation
Candidates with a BPA in Tabla or equivalent qualification are preferred

Admission Process:

Appear in CUET PG 2026 (conducted by NTA) - the exam includes a practical/performance component for music 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 (Tabla) Scholarships 2026

BHU students pursuing MPA (Tabla) 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 (Tabla) FAQs

Ques. What level of tabla proficiency is required to get admission to MPA (Tabla) at BHU?

Ans. Candidates should have advanced proficiency in tabla performance. Typically, students who have completed a BPA (Bachelor of Performing Arts) in Tabla or have equivalent training of 5-7 years under a guru are well-prepared. The CUET PG exam for music subjects tests both theoretical knowledge and practical performance ability, so strong practical skills in solo and accompaniment are essential.

Ques. What are the career prospects after completing MPA (Tabla) from BHU?

Ans. Graduates of MPA (Tabla) from BHU can pursue careers as professional concert performers, accompanists to vocalists and instrumentalists, music teachers at schools and colleges (after clearing UGC NET in Music), and researchers in Indian classical music. Many graduates also pursue PhD in Music. BHU's strong alumni network and reputation in the classical music world opens doors to prestigious performance opportunities.

Ques. Does the MPA (Tabla) curriculum cover both solo and accompaniment aspects?

Ans. Yes, the MPA (Tabla) curriculum at BHU covers both solo tabla performance (including various gharana styles, peshkar, kaida, rela, tukda, chakradar) and accompaniment techniques for vocal and instrumental music. Students are trained to perform in both solo recital and as accompanists, which is essential for a well-rounded career as a tabla artist.

Ques. Which gharana of tabla is taught at BHU?

Ans. BHU's Faculty of Performing Arts has faculty trained in multiple gharanas of tabla, including the Banaras gharana (which is particularly prominent given BHU's location in Varanasi), as well as elements from other major gharanas. Students are exposed to the rich diversity of tabla traditions, with a focus on the Banaras gharana's distinctive style.

Ques. Can students from outside Uttar Pradesh apply for MPA (Tabla) at BHU?

Ans. Yes, MPA (Tabla) 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.

Ques. What is the hostel situation for MPA (Tabla) 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.

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BHU LLB Course is better than most Indian Colleges. Some of its salient features are:

Fee is higher than the 3-year course
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The placements at BHU are above average. You might get to work in law firms, practicing in courts under a senior lawyer. Other corporate sectors or legal advisory jobs are also available. Many BHU students also prefer pursuing Judiciary.

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