BPA or Bachelor of Performing Arts is a 3-4 year bachelor's degree program that is divided into 6-8 semesters. The program has a speciality of providing expert education and educational know-how in fields consisting as track, dance, theatre, and allied performance arts. Students get hold of competencies in conventional and current arts performance, manufacturing, choreography, and theoretical aspects.
The eligibility criteria include passing 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board with at least 50% total marks. Some universities require candidates to pass a qualification check or audition that assesses practical abilities and information about the form of selected artwork.
The course fee for BPA in India is INR 1,50,000-4,00,000, depending on whether or not the university is funded or non-public by the government. Notable faculties supplying BPA courses include MGM University, IES University, Ras Bihari Bose Subharti University, Parul University, Lovely Professional University, and MIT ADT University.
BPA can serve as a performance of graduate artists, dance or music teachers, choreographers, theatre directors, and art administrators. They can also make a career in event management, the media, and the entertainment industries. Starting salary is usually from INR 2-5 LPA, with experienced artists and teachers earning from INR 8–12 LPA.
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BPA Key Highlights
Below are the key highlights of the BPA or Bachelor in Performing Arts course in India:
What is a BPA?
BPA or Bachelor of Performing Arts is a graduate program of three to four years designed for students of music, dance, theater, and other performance arts. The course combines practical training in performing art history, aesthetics and theoretical knowledge of the stagecraft. BPA focuses on nourishing creative talent and technical proficiency through workshops, rehearsals, and live performance, which enables students to master their chosen art forms.
Unlike general art programs, BPA provides immersive exposure for choreography, direction, and production design, which equips graduates to grow as artists, teachers or creative directors. BPA cultivates artists capable of impressing audiences and contributing to cultural protection and innovation by promoting discipline, expression, and significant praise.
Also Check: BA Theatre
Why Study BPA?
BPA or Bachelor of Performing Arts is perfect for those people who are passionate about dance, music, theater and performance, who offer a creative, complete and culturally rich career. The reasons for advancing BPA include:
- Extension of cultural and creative industries: Live performance, with an increase in demand for digital content and cultural programming, has been rapidly sought by skilled artists and directors.
- Miscellaneous professional opportunities: Graduates can work in professional artists, choreographers, music directors, art administrators, drama coaches, or teachers, films, television, event management and educational institutions.
- Artistic and personal development: BPA promotes discipline, confidence and expression, helps students to master their art forms by developing teamwork and leadership skills.
- Increasing demand for education and welfare: Performance beyond, there is a growing requirement of art teachers, doctors and workshops in the demonstrations, schools, welfare centers and community programs.
- Entrepreneurial Edge: The program encourages creative entrepreneurship, enabling graduates to open dance schools, music academies, production studios, or cultural organizations, which promote art locally and globally.
Who should study BPA?
BPA or Bachelor of Performing Arts is an excellent choice for creatively interested students who want to make a career in music, dance, theater and performance arts. The course nourishes talent and creates professional skills for the cultural and entertainment industries. Below are the best-fit candidates who should pursue the BPA course:
- Students who aspire to become professional dancers, musicians, actors or choreographers.
- Those who enjoy expressing themselves through live performance, stagecraft or production.
- Applicants are emotional about preserving traditional art forms or the discovery of contemporary performance styles.
- Performance Arts aimed at teaching or operating workshops in schools, universities, or community centers.
- Creative thinkers who want to establish their own dance schools, music academies or production houses.
- People inspired people to contribute to cultural festivals, event management and art promotion.
Read More: BA Dance
BPA Eligibility Criteria
To enroll in the Bachelor of Performing Arts in India, the applicant has to meet some criteria, without which it is not possible to enter this creative program. The BPA eligibility criteria mentioned below are:
- Completed 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board in any stream - art, science, or commerce.
- A minimum of 50% marks in the 10+2 exam.
- Auditions are designed to assess qualifications and basic skills in the form (dance, music, theater, etc.) of college/university-level entrance examinations or the form of chosen art (dance, music, theatre, etc.).
- Some institutes may also conduct personal interviews or consider pre-formal/informal training in performance arts.
BPA Entrance Exams 2025
For pursuing a BPA or Bachelor in Performing Arts in India, various national/ state/ university-level entrance examinations are required to be taken. Colleges and Universities in India offer admission depending on the marks or rank obtained in these examinations. Some of the top BPA or Bachelor in Performing Arts entrance examinations in India are given below:
BPA Colleges
Various institutions in India are offering Bachelor of Performing Arts courses; each institute has got some entrance exam criteria for admitting students. Some of the top BPA or Bachelor in Performing Arts colleges in India have been mentioned below, along with their total course fee, NIRF Ranking, and entrance exams required for admission:
BPA Admission Process 2025
The process of admission for entering the BPA or Bachelor of Performing Arts at Parul University, Gujarat, is as follows:
Step 1: Visit the official Parul University website, navigate on the BPA (drama/music/dance) program page, and complete the registration form with personal, educational and contact details.
Step 2: Upload required documents - 10th and 12th mark sheet, transfer and character certificate, passport photo, and registration fee (INR 2,700– INR 3,000 on the basis of discipline).
Step 3: appear to conform to your expertise (drama/music/dance) for the entrance test (theory + practical) of the University of Parul.
Step 4: Waiting for results; Shortlisting is based on the combined performance in the practical and theory test.
Step 5: If chosen, confirm your admission by paying the provisional seat fee. Then, proceed to document verification on the campus.
Step 6: Pay full academic and alternative hostel fees as per the confirmation schedule.
Step 7: Participate in compulsory orientation and advice sessions; The course officially begins at the beginning of the semester.
Required Documents:
- Class 10th & 12th mark sheets and certificates
- Transfer Certificate / School Leaving Certificate
- Character Certificate
- Passport-size photographs
- Valid ID proof (e.g. Aadhaar/Passport)
- Entrance test admit card and score report (theory + practical)
BPA Syllabus
The syllabus for BPA or Bachelor of Performing Arts in India is more or less the same in the colleges offering the course. The syllabus may slightly differ depending on the curriculum followed by the institute. For reference, the syllabus for Bachelor of Performing Arts is given below:
BPA Job Opportunities in India
BPA or Bachelor in Performing Arts graduates can have job roles in multiple fields, including Theatre Artist, Choreographer, Music/Dance Teacher, Stage Manager / Production Assistant, Art Administrator, Choreographer / Music Composer, and others. Some of the common job roles for BPA or Bachelor of Performing Arts graduates in India are given below:
BPA FAQs
What types of projects or performances do BPA students usually perform?
BPA students usually participate in stage products, solo and group performances, choreography projects, script writing and production design tasks. These projects help them to detect traditional and modern art forms. The purpose is to enhance creativity, technical skills and stage confidence. Many colleges also encourage the rearing of original functions or classic performances, which gives students a chance to express their artistic voice.
Does the BPA program include practical training?
Yes, hands-on training is super important for the BPA course. Students go to workshops, live sessions, rehearsals and even sometimes behind the curtains. These regular practice sessions make you learn in class, acting skills, stage setups and work to connect with the audience. This combo means that when you graduate, you're a confident artist who's all set for the real world.
What are the career opportunities available after completing BPA?
BPA can serve as a graduate artist (in dance, drama, or music), a choreographer, music director, art administrator, drama teacher, or event coordinator. You can also find jobs in media like TV and film, or at cultural centers. Some folks even decide to open their dance studios, music schools, or theatre groups, mixing what they like the most.
How is a BPA different from a normal Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree?
Unlike a normal BA, which is primarily principle-focused, a BPA combines academic studies with extensive practical training in a selected art form. The course emphasises performance, creativity and technical skills rather than purely theoretical knowledge. It prepares BPA graduates for a professional artistic career or further special study.
Are there internships or industry exposure opportunities during BPA?
Many universities include internships or in-house training as part of the BPA program. Students can do internships with theater companies, dance boards, cultural ceremonies or film production teams. Such an internship helps them to experience real-world challenges, expand professional networks and apply classroom learning in industry contexts.
Can BPA students gain international exposure?
Yeah, lots of schools have exchange programs, workshops, and team up with artists or colleges from other countries. Students can also join cultural festivals, contests, or online shows around the world. These chances let them pick up different styles, get how people from different backgrounds see things, and really get a good grip on art.
