MA Dance: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Subjects, Colleges, Careers

• Updated on  Jul 07, 2025, by Hafsha Qureshi

M A Dance is a two-year study provided by universities around India. It focuses on advanced training in both the practical and theoretical aspects of dance. It covers classical, contemporary, and folk dance forms, along with choreography, performance, and dance history. Students learn to refine their technique, explore creative expression, and understand the cultural roots of various dance styles.

 

The MA in Dance eligibility criteria is that the candidate must have completed graduation with at least 50% grades in the relevant stream. Final-year students can also apply for the course.The CET determines who gets admitted to this MA Dance course. Some MA Dance colleges admit students based on merit. Colleges that offer CET entrance are based on AUCET scores, and some universities hold separate admission examinations.

 

The M.A Dance average course fee ranges from INR 10,000 – 1,00,000 depending on the institute type. Some of the renowned universities that offer the course are Andhra University, Rabindra Bharati University, Guru Nanak Dev University, and Alva's University.

 

MA Dance course covers a variety of topics, including the Dance of arts, Natya Shastra, the concept of Nataraja, dance literature, and Natya Gruha. The average pay offered after completing MA Dance course ranges between INR 1.5 LPA and INR 3.5 LPA, based on the candidate's talents and capabilities.

 

Table of Contents

  1. M.A Dance Highlights
  2. What is an MA in Dance?
  3. Why Study an MA in Dance?
  4. Who Should Study an MA in Dance?
  5. M.A Dance Eligibility Criteria
  6. M.A Dance Entrance Exams 2025
  7. M.A Dance Colleges in India
  8. M.A Dance Admission Process 2025
  9. M.A Dance Syllabus
  10. M.A Dance Job Opportunities in India
  11. M.A Dance FAQs

 

M.A Dance Highlights

The table below provides a quick overview of the MA Dance program in India:

Particulars

Details

Course Name

Master of Arts in Dance

Course Level

Postgraduate (Master’s Degree)

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Course Type

Full-Time, Part-Time, Online, Distance, Correspondence

Admission Process

Entrance Exam-based or Merit-based (Varies by Institution)

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor's degree in Dance or related field (45-50% marks)

Course Fees

INR 20,000–50,000 per year (Varies by college)

Subjects Covered

Dance Theory, Choreography, Dance Dance, Performance Studies, Cultural Dance

Top Colleges

Nrityagram, Banaras Hindu University, Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University

Job Profiles

Choreographer, Dance Teacher, Performance Artist, Dance Therapist, Dance Researcher

Top Recruiters

Dance Academies, Cultural Institutions, Schools, Colleges, Theater Groups

Average Salary

INR 4-8 LPA (Freshers)

 

INR 8-12 LPA (Mid-Level)

 

INR 15-20 LPA (Experienced)

 

What is an MA in Dance?

Master of Arts degree in Dance is an advanced course that dives into numerous aspects of dance, such as its Dance, cultural background, performance, and artistic expression. MA Dance gives students a thorough understanding of dance genres, theoretical frameworks, and research procedures. Students learn choreography methods, trace the growth of various dance styles, and investigate the connection between dance and other forms of art.

 

MA Dance training focuses mostly on the students' dancing talents. M A Dance course helps students learn different dance forms (both folk and classical). MA in Dance offers excellent opportunities for individuals who desire to pursue a career in dance art. MA Dance course is separated and created in a way that will help students enhance their abilities and talents in this field. Students who are passionate about this art form are welcome to enroll in the course.

 

Why Study an MA in Dance?

Choosing an MA in Dance offers various benefits and career opportunities:

  • MA Dance is a degree that will prepare you to demonstrate your talent in front of an audience.
  • MA Dance course can be taken by a candidate who possesses active learning skills, such as grasping concepts and tactics for entertaining the audience in the best possible way.
  • Candidates seeking this degree have personal resources such as motivation, development, and self-direction in order to improve themselves at all times.
  • Candidates pursuing this degree must have a thorough understanding of dance theory and practices, as well as the ability to execute music and dance.
  • Obtaining a master's degree in dance will allow a candidate to hone their skills and pursue a career as a professional dancer in the near future.

 

Who Should Study an MA in Dance?

Master of the Arts in Dance is offered to students who are interested in dance as the art form and its role in the present.

  • Considering that you are a dance enthusiast and want to learn further about dance, this course has found the right audience.
  • Believe in your Dreams of being a choreographer and producing your own shows and performances, then this degree will equip you.
  • Aspirants with an interest in venturing into the professional life of dance would learn more about technique, history, and performance.
  • This course will suit those people who might be curious about how people use dance in various cultures and how it has evolved.
  • This is a complete training that will be useful to individuals who intend to teach dance in a school or in higher institutions.

 

M.A Dance Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following Master of Arts in Dance eligibility criteria before applying:

  • Candidates must have completed their graduation from a recognized university in the relevant specializations. Final-year students can also apply.
  • A minimum of 50% marks are necessary for the qualification level.
  • Specialization reservation policies have been implemented for reserved candidates.

 

M.A Dance Entrance Exams 2025

Admissions to Master of Arts degree in Dance are dependent on both the Common Entrance Test administered by universities and merit-based admissions, which vary in each college. Some institutions accept AUCET as an entry test for MA in dance programs, while others require separate exams.

Exam Name

Application Date

Exam Date

Application Fee (INR)

CUET-PG 2026

January 2026 (tentative)

May 2026 (tentative)

INR 1400 (General)INR 1200 (OBC-NCL, Gen-EwS)INR 1100 (SC/ST/TG/PwD)

JNU Entrance Examination (JNUEE)

March–April 2026

May–June 2026

INR 500 (General)INR 265 (SC/ST/PwD)

 

M.A Dance Colleges in India

Several dance institutions in India provide a variety of dance and choreography courses. There are both private and government dance colleges in India. Candidates can choose any of these MA Dance colleges based on their preference.

College Name

Location

Total Fees (Approx.)

NIRF Ranking (2024, Category)

Admission Process

Kathak Kendra (Sangeet Natak Akademi)

New Delhi

INR 15,600

-

Direct Admission (Audition)

Bharati Vidyapeeth University

Pune, Maharashtra

INR 74,000

30 (University)

Entrance Exam (BVP CET)

DR BR Ambedkar University of Delhi

Delhi

INR 74,000

  

SAGE University

Bhopal

INR 53,000

  

 

M.A Dance Admission Process 2025

The admission procedure for Master of Arts degree in Dance at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) for the academic year 2025-26 is as follows:

 

Step 1: To apply online, go to the official BHU admissions website at bhuonline.in. Fill out the essential information completely, including your personal, academic, and contact information. After registering, create login credentials to access the application form.

 

Step 2: After submitting their application, students must register for the BHU Entrance Examination for M.A. Dance program. The entrance exam will evaluate students on areas such as dance history, theory, practical expertise, and overall performing arts awareness.

 

Step 3: The BHU Entrance Exam for M.A. Dance will be held in May 2026 (tentative). Ensure that you download your admit card from the BHU admission page. The exam will include both theory and practical components to assess your theoretical knowledge and dance abilities.

 

Step 4: Once the entrance exam results are announced, BHU will release the list of shortlisted candidates. Shortlisted students will be contacted via the official admissions portal.

 

Step 5: Shortlisted candidates must undertake a document verification process at the university. The verification will be completed in person at the designated BHU campus.

 

Step 6: After the documents are verified, candidates must pay the entrance costs and confirm their enrollment in the program. After all processes have been fulfilled, official admission to M.A. Dance program will be confirmed.

 

Documents Required:

Candidates must upload and present the following documents for verification:

  • Bachelor’s Degree Mark Sheets (All years of undergraduate study)
  • Transfer Certificate from the last attended institution
  • Character Certificate from the last attended institution
  • Category Certificate (if applicable, such as SC/ST/OBC)
  • Passport-sized Photographs (as per the prescribed format)
  • Government-issued ID Proof (Aadhar card, Passport, or other valid identification)
  • Migration Certificate (if applicable, for students from universities outside India or from universities not affiliated with BHU)

 

M.A Dance Syllabus

Master of Arts degree in Dance curriculum is structured into four semesters, each lasting two years. MA Dance syllabus is separated into theoretical and practical courses. MA in Dance program is ideally tailored to the pupils' specific artistic abilities.

 

SNDT Women's University MA in Dance program features a comprehensive curriculum that covers dance philosophy, history, and performance.

 

The following is the yearly distribution of M A Dance syllabus:

Semester I

Semester II

History of Indian Classical Dance

Advanced Dance Techniques

Dance Theory and Criticism

Dance Choreography

Introduction to Dance Forms

Dance in Cultural Contexts

Movement Analysis

Dance and Society

Dance Performance I

Dance Performance II

Dance Pedagogy

Dance and Media

Semester III

Semester IV

Dance Research Methodologies

Dance Dissertation/Project

Dance and Identity

Dance and Global Perspectives

Dance and Healing

Dance and Community Engagement

Dance in Education

Dance and Performance Analysis

Dance Internship

Dance Showcase

 

M.A Dance Job Opportunities in India

Completing a PG in Dance Art can provide a candidate with job possibilities before they choose a career path.

 

Candidates can see various M A Dance jobs below, along with a brief description of the MA Dance job profile and the typical yearly pay.

Job Title

Top Recruiters

Experience Level

Average Salary (INR)

Dance Teacher

Schools, Colleges, Dance Academies

2–5 years

4–6 LPA

Choreographer

Dance Companies, Theater Groups

3–5 years

6–10 LPA

Dance Performer

Cultural Institutes, Theaters

1–5 years

5–8 LPA

Dance Therapist

Hospitals, Rehabilitation Centers

2–4 years

5–8 LPA

Dance Researcher

Research Institutions, Universities

1–3 years

4–7 LPA

Dance Critic/Writer

Media Houses, Dance Magazines

1–3 years

3–6 LPA

Dance Event Manager

Event Management Companies, Cultural Agencies

3–5 years

6–10 LPA

Dance Studio Owner

Independent Studios, Cultural Centers

2–5 years

5–8 LPA

Public Relations Executive (Dance Focus)

Government Cultural Agencies, NGOs

2–4 years

5–8 LPA

Film & TV Dance Consultant

Film Production Houses, TV Channels

3–6 years

8–12 LPA

 

M.A Dance FAQs

Can I pursue an MA in Bharatanatyam?

Yes, many colleges offer specific MA Dance programs that focus on Bharatanatyam. These programs stress classical dance techniques, theory, history, and Bharatanatyam-specific choreography. Depending on the course arrangement, students might learn about both classic and contemporary dance genres.

Which college offers the best MA Dance course?

Top MA Dance colleges in India include Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University (SNDTWU), and Nrityagram. These institutions are well-known for their dance programs, faculty, and performing possibilities, with specialized courses in classical and modern dance.

Can I pursue an MA in Dance after completing my BA degree?

Yes, you can pursue an MA in Dance after earning a BA in Dance or a similar degree, such as Performing Arts. Most universities provide this option. A BA provides basic knowledge, while an MA focuses on dance theory, choreography, performance, and research, providing advanced academic and practical instruction.

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