Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA): Syllabus, Courses, Scope, Fees, Online, Salary, Distance

Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) is an undergraduate degree programme that focuses on entertainment and related techniques. The course lasts three or four years and is available at various universities and colleges throughout India.

A BPA course focuses on three major aspects of the performance and entertainment industry – music, dance, and drama – and allows students to specialise in any of these. The course assists students in honing their skills and becoming successful artists in any of the three distinct forms of performing arts: dance, drama, and music.

Everything you need to know about the BPA course, including eligibility requirements, course curriculum, job opportunities, and more, is provided below.

Overview of Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)

The following are some key highlights of the BPA course:

Course Name	BPA
Full form	Bachelor of Performing Arts
Level of Course	Undergraduate
Duration of Course	3-4 years
Eligibility Criteria	10+2
Process of Admission	Merit or entrance based
Average tuition fee	INR 5,000 to INR 1,00,000
Job Positions	Actor, screenwriter, choreographer, community arts worker, theatre director, dance teacher, arts administrator, music therapist, broadcast presenter, broadcast engineer etc.
Average salary	INR 3,00,000 – 7,00,000

Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA): Introduction

Here is a description of the course BPA, including everything a student should know about it. It includes what areas this course focuses on, what you will learn, and what skills you will develop after completing this course:

• Theatre, studies, music, and dance are all examples of performing arts.
• The BPA degree frequently includes a general course of study that includes dance, music, and drama.
• While students can specialise in one area, a bachelor’s degree in performing arts is a general degree programme that includes work from all performing arts areas.
• Folk Music, Rabindra Sangeet, Indian Dances, and other subjects are covered in the BPA course.
• The BPA programme assists students in developing practical knowledge and skills that will enable them to succeed in the fields of music, acting/drama, dance, etc.

Relevant Links
Bachelor Of Visual Arts [BVA]	Bachelor Of Arts [BA] (multimedia)	Bachelor Of Arts [BA] (media Studies)
Diploma In Art And Craft	Diploma In Performing Arts	Diploma In Public Relations

Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)

To be considered eligible for a BPA programme at any college, candidates must meet the required eligibility criteria. However, the eligibility criteria for admission are determined by the college where the candidates wish to pursue BPA.

• A candidate must have a degree from a 10+2 or higher secondary examination in order to pursue a BPA course.
• Candidates must have a minimum of 50% in 10+2 from a recognised board of education.
• Students who wish to apply for this course should have a background in the fine arts, which includes music, dance, and drama, in order to be considered.

Admission Process for Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)

Admission to the BPA programme is either through an entrance examination or on the basis of merit. Admission applications can be obtained from the university’s official website or by visiting the admissions office.

Direct Admission

In India, there are numerous colleges that offer bachelor of performing arts programmes through direct admission. Candidates are evaluated based on their performance in the previous qualifying exams (10+2). The relevant university publishes a merit list that includes the names of the candidates who were chosen. Once chosen, these candidates must attend a counselling session on the university campus and submit all required documentation. Following the verification of these documents, the university assigns seats to qualified candidates. Candidates for the Bachelor of Performing Arts programme at Mumbai University can apply for direct admission.

Entrance Based

While some universities offer direct admission to interested and qualified candidates, others accept candidates through an entrance exam. Candidates must prepare for and take the theoretical entrance exam, which will be used to shortlist candidates for further rounds. After passing the theoretical exam, they must sit for a practical exam that will assess their practical knowledge of the performing arts. The eligible candidates will be summoned to the university for counselling. Universities that hold entrance exams to accept candidates for Bachelor of Performing Arts degrees include Banaras Hindu University and Lovely Professional University.

The following documents are required for admissions:

• 12th class certificate
• Character/school leaving/transfer document
• Aadhar cards (of candidate and his/her parents)
• Three passport size photographs of the candidate.
• 10th class certificate
• Entrance test scorecard

Skills Required for Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)

All candidates who want to work in the entertainment industry and have artistic ability are encouraged to apply. Candidates should have the following skills and characteristics in order to pursue the course:

• Organisation skills
• Passionate
• Confidence
• Time management skills
• Observant
• Creative
• Self-presentation
• Teamwork
• Innovative
• Patience
• Commitment to the entertainment industry
• Hardwork
• Visualisation skills
• Ability to express

Benefits of Pursuing Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)

There are several advantages to obtaining a BPA degree for those who have decided to pursue this course, including:

• A Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts provides a solid understanding of performance practise and theory.
• Students can gain comprehensive knowledge while also improving their performance and leadership abilities.
• Their exposure to a diverse range of artistic performance enables graduates to succeed in a variety of arenas.
• The emphasis on performance and leadership in many programmes also helps students improve their confidence, communication skills, and ability to collaborate productively with others.
• These abilities are essential in any profession and provide a solid foundation for future success.

Entrance Exams for Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)

Students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in performing arts must take the entrance exams that will guarantee their admission to the desired college/university. The following are some entrance exams used to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge of the performing arts.

• DUET- The National Testing Agency administers the Delhi University Entrance Test on behalf of the Delhi University. It is a two-hour computer-based examination. The test paper will contain 100 multiple-choice questions, with each correct answer worth four points and a -1 penalty for each incorrect answer.
• LPUNEST– The Lovely Professional University holds the LPUNEST twice a year for admission to its various courses. The exam lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes and is administered entirely online. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have completed their 10+2 with a grade point average of 60%.
• BHU UET– It is an undergraduate entrance test administered by the Banaras Hindu University for students seeking admission to courses offered by the college. BHU UET is offered in both paper-based and computer-based formats.

Preparation Tips for Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)

College entrance exam preparation is almost as important as the body of knowledge you have gained in school. If you are not prepared for them, it is unlikely that you will perform well. Here are some top tips to help you prepare for entrance exams so you can get the best possible score.

• Students typically devote more time to planning than to carrying out their plans. Here, you must prioritise the subjects based on your interests and devote more time to studying the ones you are weak in. As a result, it is recommended that you begin your preparation with these subjects, as this will allow you to devote more time and effort to this phase.
• Students have a habit of referring to a plethora of books for each subject, despite the fact that the majority of them convey the same information. Having too many books on your plate will cause confusion during the revision phase, and most of your doubts will go unresolved. As a result, it is preferable to select a specific book for each subject in order to avoid over-studying and optimise your preparation.
• Each student relies on specific shortcuts to prepare for entrance exams. These shortcuts will help you save time when remembering formulas or memorising points. You can select standard shortcuts to use. Creating your own set of shortcuts will also help.
• Take as many practise exams as you can. There are many options, and you can look them up online. Many websites also provide useful test tips, videos, and quizzes.
• Using helpful resources will give you a significant advantage when it comes time for the real thing.

Syllabus for Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)

The subjects taught in a BPA course vary depending on the specialisation in which a candidate is enrolled. However, an overview of subjects taught in BPA specialisations is provided below;

Genres	Subjects
Music	Raga Studies Fundamental Study of Hindustani Music Fundamental Study of Tala Intensive Study of Raga Folk Music Rabindra Sangeet Analytical Study of Tala and Shastra Analytical Study of Indian Classical Music Tala Studies Elementary study of Hindustani Music Western Music Elementary Study of Tala
Dance	History of Dance New Media & Performance Practice Technique of Dance Choregraphy Dance on Camera Indian Culture Movement Techniques
Theatres	Introduction to Indian Theatre Basic Computer Skills Environmental Studies Indian Culture and Art Acting Event Management Theatre Production History of Indian Theatre Body Movement and Dance Basics of Vocal Practice Communication Skills Mixed Martial Arts Basics of Camera Light and Sound Project on Short Film Film Theories TV Production Folk Theatre Forms of India Basic Concepts of Film Making Stage Craft and Design Theory of Direction and Stage Craft Direction Yoga Sound Editing Project on Commercial Advertisement Practical Knowledge Of Basic Ragas Event Management Basics of TV Production History of Western Theatre Sound Recording Script Writing Environmental Studies Practical Knowledge Of Basic Ragas TV Production Lab

Top Colleges for Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)

The table below lists some of the top colleges and universities that offer BPA, as well as their admission process, annual fees, average:

University Name	Location	Average Annual Fees	Admission Process
Jadavpur University	Kolkata, West Bengal	INR 2,400	Entrance based
Savitribai Phule Pune University	Maharashtra	INR 26,090	Entrance based
Lovely Professional University	Jalandhar	INR 56,000	Entrance based
Mumbai University	Mumbai, Maharashtra	INR 3,680	Merit based
Assam University	Silchari, Assam	INR 14,820	Entrance followed by an interview
Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda	Vadodara, Gujarat	INR 9,060	Entrance based
Miranda House	New Delhi, Delhi NCR	INR 14,260	Merit based
Hindu College	New Delhi, Delhi NCR	INR 17,590	Merit based
Hans Raj College	New Delhi, Delhi NCR	INR 20,945	Merit or entrance based
Gargi College	New Delhi, Delhi NCR	INR 12,295	Merit based

Job Profiles and Career Oportunities in Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)

Students of performing arts have a diverse range of career opportunities in the arts, including the film industry, entertainment houses, arts organisations, volunteer organisations, music companies, art universities, and many more. There are numerous positions available in the industry that allow you to earn while utilising the power inherited in art.

Some of the job opportunities, along with their descriptions and average annual salaries, are listed below:

Jobs	Description	Average Salary
Choreographer	Understanding the project’s specifications and limitations, as well as collaborating with the director, creating dance steps that fit with the mood, music, and theme, supporting, guiding, and explaining all the steps and formations to dancers, ensuring studio or venue is available for rehearsal and that dancers have been notified in a timely manner, conducting research by watching dance shows and attending performances are all choreographer’s responsibilities.	INR 3,10,000
Music therapist	Music Therapists use music to help their patients achieve mental health goals. A Music Therapist is a healthcare professional who works with a wide range of patients to improve mental health outcomes by implementing individualised, clinical, and evidence-based treatment plans.	INR 2,00,000
Broadcast presenter	The broadcast presenter’s responsibilities generally include organising meetings, interviews, and schedules, operating technical equipment, such as radio “desks,” conducting relevant background research, interviewing guests over the phone or in person, writing and rehearsing scripts, meeting with programme directors/producers to discuss programs/shows, reviewing newly released books, films, music, and so on.	INR 4,78,000
Community arts worker	The duties of a community art worker include identifying the needs of community groups, designing, monitoring, and evaluating arts projects, teaching project participants performance or creative skills, compiling and maintaining databases of professionals available to work on projects, publicising events, supporting community groups and offering advice on fundraising and project formation, managing volunteers and recruiting artists, and liaising with local government.	INR 2,50,000
Theatre director	Working with producers on large productions, the theatre director’s responsibilities may include working with other supporting staff such as artistic directors and music directors to collaborate on extensive production designs. He or she leads rehearsals and collaborates creatively with the actors and technical crew to make the blocking natural, changing it as needed and allowing for inspiration. Directors complete their work when they determine that the final pacing of the play reverberates with the life of a satisfying and complete artistic vision.	INR 3,49,000

Future Scope in Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)

The scope of Bachelor of Performing Arts is very broad, and candidates who complete the BPA course can find many excellent opportunities in a variety of fields all over the world. Following this course, you will be able to:

• Following completion of the BPA, candidates may pursue a Master’s degree in Performing Arts, or MPA.
• Because of their work expertise and skill set in the theatrical and related fields, these professionals are in high demand in the industry.
• Music graduates can work as entertainers, integrating in expert ensembles, as well as in structure (including music piece) and music innovation. They can also pursue an MA in Music.
• Music graduates can also work in expressions administration, music education, publishing, and news coverage.
• Graduates of the drama department can work as a performing artist, chiefs, essayists, creators, stage managers, expert dramatisation instructors, TV analyst, makers and moderators, and expression overseers, as well as in more broad professions such as advertising, promoting, and publishing.
• Graduates of dance departments are very unlikely to find full-time employment, which means that many people must work other part-time jobs to make ends meet.

Frequently Asked Questions