Planning to pursue MPA in India? With 51 MPA colleges offering Master of Performing Art (MPA), MPA in Music, MPA in Vocal, and M.P.A. in Dance, choosing the right college depends on key factors such as rankings, fees, placements, and entrance exams accepted.
India's MPA landscape includes top government institutes like Allahabad University, Tamil University, and Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University, along with leading private universities. Admissions are conducted through exams like national entrance exams, depending on the course and institution.
This page provides a complete list of MPA colleges in India 2026, helping you compare colleges based on fees, placements, courses, and admission criteria to shortlist the best options.
Overview of MPA Colleges in India
India has a diverse mix of mpa colleges across government, private, and deemed categories, offering programs in core and emerging fields. These colleges vary in terms of fee structure, admission process, and placement outcomes, making comparison essential for informed decision-making.
Admissions to most top colleges are based on national-level exams like national entrance exams, while state and private colleges accept CETs and institute-level entrance exams.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Data |
| Total MPA Colleges in India | 51 |
| Government Colleges | 29 |
| Private Colleges | 24 |
| Popular Courses | Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Master of Performing Art (MPA), MPA in Music |
| Top Exams Accepted | — |
| Average Fees | ₹2.5 K - ₹6.9 L |
| Average Placement (sample) | ₹3.6 L - ₹10.3 L |
| Top Recruiters | Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, Wipro, ICICI |
Top MPA Colleges in India 2026 (Rankings)
MPA college rankings are based on parameters such as academic reputation, faculty quality, research output, placements, and infrastructure. Rankings from sources like NIRF, India Today, and The Week are widely used by students to shortlist top colleges.
Government vs Private MPA Colleges in India
MPA colleges in India are broadly divided into government and private institutions, with key differences in fees, placements, admission process, and ROI. Government colleges are generally more competitive with lower fees, while private colleges offer higher seat availability and modern infrastructure.
Top Government MPA Colleges
Government institutes such as Allahabad University, Tamil University, and Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University are known for high ROI, strong placements, and national-level competition.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Popular Course | Latest Ranking |
| Allahabad University | — | — | 192 | B.A. LL.B (Hons.) | #101 NIRF 2025 |
| Tamil University | — | — | 23 | M.A. in History and Archeology | — |
| Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University | — | ₹7.4 L | 98 | MPA in Vocal | — |
| UUC | ₹6.5 K | — | 85 | M.P.A. in Flute | — |
Fee Comparison (Govt vs Private)
| Govt Colleges | |
| MPA | ₹6.5 K |
Government colleges are significantly more affordable compared to private institutions.
Placement Comparison
| Govt Colleges | |
| Highest Package | ₹33.6 L |
| Average Package | ₹7.4 L |
| Median Package | ₹7.4 L |
Government colleges generally have stronger placement outcomes, especially in Allahabad University, Tamil University, and Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University.
ROI Analysis
ROI is a key factor for most candidates, calculated based on fees vs placement outcomes.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Popular Course |
| Allahabad University | — | — | B.A. LL.B (Hons.) |
| Tamil University | — | — | M.A. in History and Archeology |
| Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University | — | ₹7.4 L | MPA in Vocal |
| UUC | ₹6.5 K | — | M.P.A. in Flute |
Government colleges offer higher ROI due to lower fees and strong placements, while private colleges provide better infrastructure, flexibility, and more seat availability.
From a decision-making perspective, candidates targeting top ranks and ROI should prioritise government colleges, while those looking for backup options and infrastructure can consider top private mpa institutes.
Govt and Private
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Popular Course |
| Allahabad University | — | — | B.A. LL.B (Hons.) |
| Tamil University | — | — | M.A. in History and Archeology |
| Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University | — | ₹7.4 L | MPA in Vocal |
| UUC | ₹6.5 K | — | M.P.A. in Flute |
Top MPA Colleges in India by Fees
Fees is a key parameter while shortlisting mpa colleges, as it directly impacts the overall cost of education and return on investment (ROI). In India, mpa college fees vary significantly based on the type of institution—government colleges are more affordable, while private universities have higher fee structures due to infrastructure and facilities.
Low Fee MPA Colleges (Below ₹1 L)
Low-fee mpa colleges are primarily state government institutions and central universities, offering MPA programs at subsidised costs. Admissions are usually based on state-level entrance exams together with national and state-level entrance exams (where applicable).
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| Public/Government | ₹6.5 K | MPA | ~12 avg courses (1 colleges) |
These colleges are suitable for candidates looking for affordable mpa education with reasonable placement opportunities, especially in core sectors and government roles.
Best ROI MPA Colleges in India
Return on Investment (ROI) is a key factor while selecting mpa colleges, as it compares the total cost of education with placement outcomes. Colleges with lower fees and higher salary packages offer better long-term value.
ROI Comparison Across Top Colleges
| College | Average Fees | Average Salary |
| Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University | — | ₹7.4 L |
| UUC | ₹6.5 K | — |
Government institutes such as Allahabad University, Tamil University, and Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University consistently offer high ROI due to subsidised fees and strong placement records.
MPA Colleges in India with Best Placements
Placements are a critical parameter in evaluating mpa colleges, as they reflect career opportunities, industry exposure, and earning potential. Top colleges in India maintain strong placement records across technology, consulting, and core sectors.
Colleges with Highest Placement Packages
Top mpa institutes, especially Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University, report some of the highest placement packages in India.
| College | Highest Package |
| Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University | ₹33.6 L |
These offers are typically made by international recruiters and top product-based companies.
Colleges with Best Average Salary
Average salary provides a more realistic view of placement outcomes across the student cohort.
| College | Average Salary |
| Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University | ₹7.4 L |
Colleges with higher average salaries generally indicate strong industry connections, better training, and higher-quality recruiters.
Top Recruiters Hiring MPA Professionals
Leading companies regularly recruit from top mpa colleges in India across domains such as software, consulting, analytics, and core mpa:
- Accenture
- Atlas Cycle
- Azim Premji Foundation
- Federal Bank
- Genpact
Popular MPA Courses in India
MPA colleges in India offer a wide range of specialisations, with demand driven by placement trends, industry requirements, and long-term career growth. Among these, certain branches consistently attract higher enrolment due to better salary outcomes and job opportunities.
M.P.A. in Tabla
- Top Recruiters: Accenture, Atlas Cycle, Azim Premji Foundation, Federal Bank
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| M.P.A. in Tabla | 2 Years | ₹6.5 K - ₹3 L | 3+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
M.P.A. in Sitar
- Top Recruiters: Accenture, Atlas Cycle, Azim Premji Foundation, Federal Bank
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| M.P.A. in Sitar | 2 Years | ₹6.5 K | 3+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
MPA in Vocal
- Top Recruiters: Accenture, Atlas Cycle, Azim Premji Foundation, Federal Bank
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| MPA in Vocal | 2 Years | ₹3 K - ₹2 L | 2+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
MPA Admission Process in India 2026
Admission to mpa colleges in India follows a structured process based on entrance exams, result evaluation, and centralised or institute-level counselling. Candidates can apply through national, state, or college-level exams, depending on their target institutions and courses.
Counselling Process
After qualifying entrance exams, candidates must participate in counselling for seat allocation based on rank, preferences, and availability.
The counselling process includes choice filling, seat allotment, document verification, and final admission confirmation.
Comparison of Top MPA Colleges
Comparing top mpa colleges helps candidates evaluate options based on fees, placements, rankings, infrastructure, and ROI. Government colleges like IITs, NITs, and IIITs offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges such as BITS, VIT, and SRM provide better infrastructure and higher seat availability.
A structured comparison allows candidates to shortlist colleges based on their budget, rank, preferred course, and career goals, ensuring better decision-making during admission.
Private vs Government Comparison
| Private | Government | |
| Total Colleges | 24 | 29 |
| Top Colleges | — | Allahabad University, Tamil University, and Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University |
| College distribution % | 45% | 55% |
| Top Courses | MPA and BPA | MPA and BPA |
| Fees Range | — | ₹6.5 K |
| Highest Salary | — | ₹33.6 L |
| Median Salary | — | ₹7.4 L |
| Average Salary | — | ₹7.4 L |
Top Colleges Comparison Table
| College | Type | Fees | Average Salary | Median Salary | Highest Salary | Ranking |
| Allahabad University | Government | — | — | — | — | #101 NIRF 2025 |
| Tamil University | Government | — | — | — | — | — |
| Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University | Government | — | ₹7.4 L | ₹7.4 L | ₹33.6 L | — |
| UUC | Government | ₹6.5 K | — | — | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many mpa colleges are there in India?
There are over 51 mpa colleges in India, including government, private, and deemed universities offering UG, PG, and doctoral programs.
Which are the top mpa colleges in India?
Top mpa colleges in India include Allahabad University, Tamil University, Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University, and UUC, based on rankings, placements, and academic reputation.
What exams are required for admission to mpa colleges in India?
Admission is mainly through exams like popular entrance exams, along with other institute-specific and state-level entrance tests depending on the course and college.
What is the average fee for mpa colleges in India?
The fee range for mpa colleges in India is ₹2.5 K - ₹6.9 L.
Which mpa colleges have the best placements?
Colleges with strong industry connections, high placement rates, and better salary outcomes typically include top-ranked institutes and leading private universities in India.
Which is better: government or private mpa colleges?
Government colleges often offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges may provide better infrastructure and more seat availability. The best choice depends on budget, location, and goals.
What is the admission process for mpa colleges in India?
The process generally includes application → entrance exam → result → counselling/selection → seat allotment → admission, depending on the exam and college.
How to choose the best mpa college in India?
Compare colleges by rankings, fees, placements, available courses, location, and the exams they accept to shortlist options that match your goals.
