Bhatkhande Music Institute (now Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya) is a premier government music university located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Established in 1926 as Marris College of Music, it was renamed in honor of musicologist Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande and became a deemed university in 2000. The institute offers UG, PG, diploma, and doctoral programs in Hindustani classical music, dance, and musicology, with a student strength of ~1,200+ and a faculty of renowned artists and scholars. It is recognized by the UGC and has played a pivotal role in shaping formal music education in India.
Bhatkhande Music Institute Highlights
Founded in 1926 as Marris College of Music, the institute was taken over by the Uttar Pradesh government in 1966 and declared a deemed university in 2000. It was upgraded to a state university in 2022. The campus hosts ~1,200+ students and a distinguished faculty. The flagship programs include Bachelor and Master of Performing Arts, with annual fees ranging from INR 10,000–30,000. Admissions are based on entrance tests and auditions.
Particulars | Details |
Established | 1926 |
Type | State University (formerly Deemed University) |
Approvals/Accreditations | UGC, State Govt. of Uttar Pradesh |
Student Intake / Strength | ~1,200+ |
Faculty | ~50+ |
Flagship Program & Fees | Bachelor of Performing Arts (INR 10,000–18,000/year), Master of Performing Arts (INR 12,000–30,000/year) |
Entrance Exams | University Entrance Test, Audition/Interview |
Official Website |
Bhatkhande Music Institute Courses & Fees
The institute offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral programs in music, dance, and musicology. Eligibility for UG courses is 10+2, while PG courses require a relevant bachelor’s degree. Total fees are among the most affordable in the country for specialized music education.
Program | Level | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
Bachelor of Performing Arts (Vocal/Instrumental/Dance) | Undergraduate | 4 Years | 10+2 or equivalent | INR 10,000–18,000/year |
Master of Performing Arts (Vocal/Instrumental/Dance) | Postgraduate | 2 Years | Bachelor’s in relevant discipline | INR 12,000–30,000/year |
Diploma in Music/Dance | Diploma | 2 Years | 10+2 or equivalent | INR 8,000–12,000/year |
PhD in Music/Dance | Doctoral | Minimum 3 Years | Master’s in relevant discipline | INR 15,000–25,000/year |
Bhatkhande Music Institute Admission Process
Admissions for all major programs are conducted annually, typically between May and July. Candidates must apply online, appear for the entrance test and audition/interview, and submit required documents. Selection is based on merit, performance, and seat availability.
Application Window: May–July (annual)
Entrance Exams (if any): University Entrance Test, Practical Audition
Selection Stages (GD/PI/WAT/etc.): Audition/Interview (no GD/WAT)
Step | Details | Indicative Timeline | Documents |
Online Application | Register and submit application on official portal | May–June | Photo, ID, Academic Certificates |
Entrance Test | Written test in music theory and general aptitude | June–July | Admit Card |
Audition/Interview | Performance-based audition and personal interview | June–July | Instrument (if applicable), Portfolio |
Document Verification & Fee Payment | Submission of originals and payment of first-year fees | July | All originals, Fee receipt |
Bhatkhande Music Institute Scholarships
The institute and state government offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for students in various programs. Scholarships are also available for SC/ST/OBC and minority students as per government norms.
Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefit | How to Apply |
Merit Scholarship | Top rankers in entrance/semester exams | Fee waiver/financial support (INR 5,000–10,000/year) | Apply through institute after admission |
State Government Scholarship | Uttar Pradesh domicile, income criteria | Tuition fee reimbursement, stipend | Apply via UP scholarship portal |
SC/ST/OBC/Minority Scholarships | As per government reservation norms | Tuition fee waiver, maintenance allowance | Apply through respective government portals |
Bhatkhande Music Institute Campus & Facilities
The campus, located in central Lucknow, features heritage buildings, modern classrooms, and specialized music infrastructure. Facilities include a well-stocked library, digital resources, and dedicated practice rooms. Hostel accommodation is available for both boys and girls.
Library / Digital Resources: Over 20,000 books, rare manuscripts, audio archives, e-library access
Labs / Research Centres / Special Equipment: Sound recording studio, musicology research centre, instrument labs
Classrooms / Seminar Halls / Auditoriums: Lecture halls, seminar rooms, 500-seat main auditorium
Hostel / Dining: Separate hostels for boys and girls, mess facility
Sports / Gym / Grounds: Basic sports facilities, indoor games, open grounds
Connectivity / Transport: Well-connected by city bus, auto, 2 km from Lucknow Railway Station
Bhatkhande Music Institute Placements
Graduates pursue careers as performers, educators, composers, researchers, and music directors. While formal campus placements are limited, many students secure roles in academia, All India Radio, Doordarshan, music schools, and cultural organizations. Some alumni have achieved national and international recognition.
Year | Highest Package | Average Package | Median Package | Top Recruiters |
2024 | INR 6–8 LPA | INR 3–4 LPA | INR 2.5–3 LPA | All India Radio, Music Academies, Private Schools, Cultural NGOs |
Bhatkhande Music Institute Notable Alumni
The institute has produced Padma awardees, Sangeet Natak Akademi fellows, and celebrated performers in Indian classical music and dance. Alumni include iconic names who have shaped the landscape of performing arts in India.
Name | Role / Achievement |
Begum Akhtar | Legendary Ghazal and Thumri Singer, Padma Bhushan |
Anup Jalota | Bhajan Samrat, Playback Singer |
Shubha Mudgal | Hindustani Classical Vocalist, Padma Shri |
Pt. Rajan & Sajan Mishra | Renowned Classical Vocalists, Padma Bhushan |
Ravi Shankar (Honorary association) | Sitar Maestro, Bharat Ratna |


