BPA [Bachelor of Performing Arts]: Course Details, Eligibility, Fees, Admission
BPA or Bachelor of Performing Arts is a 3-4 year undergraduate degree that deals with entertainment activities that are physically presented in front of an audience. The Bachelor of Performing Arts programme teaches students about dance, music, and acting/theaters, as well as provides specialization options. The BPA programme helps students enhance their practical knowledge and skills so that they can succeed in fields such as music, acting/drama, dance, and so on.
Bachelor of Performing Arts Course Details
| Degree | Bachelors |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Performing Arts |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Age | No age limit |
| Subjects Required | Any Subject |
| Minimum Percentage | 50% |
| Average Fees | ₹5K - 1 LPA |
| Average Salary | INR 3 - 7 LPA |
About BPA
BPA is a three-four year undergraduate programme that focuses on entertainment and related techniques. The course focuses on three primary parts of the entertainment and performance industry - music, dance, and drama - and allows students to specialize in any of these areas. The BPA full form is Bachelor of Performing Arts.
According to Wikipedia, "The performing arts are arts such as music, dance, and drama which are performed for an audience. It is different from visual arts, which is the use of paint, canvas or various materials to create physical or static art objects."
Table of Contents
- BPA Eligibility Criteria
- BPA Admission Process
- Who Should Do a BPA?
- Types of BPA
- BPA Specialization
- Popular BPA Entrance Exams
- Study BPA in India
- Top BPA Colleges
- Study BPA Abroad
- BPA Fees Structure
- BPA Integrated/Bridge Courses
- BPA Syllabus and Subjects
- Why Choose BPA?
- BPA Course Comparison
- Scope of Higher Education for BPA
- Preparation Tips for BPA
- Salary of a BPA Graduate
- Career Options after BPA
- Skills to Excel
Eligibility Criteria for BPA
Students who wish to enrol in the BPA programme must pass in their 10+2 in any stream from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% overall. Students must pass the common entrance examinations in addition to meeting the standard BPA eligibility requirements. This course has no age limit.
How To Get Admission for BPA?
Admission to the BPA course is either merit-based or entirely based on the candidate's qualifying exam score. A candidate's performance on a National, State or College-level entrance exam determines their admittance to the course. Some colleges conduct their own entrance exams for the admission process. Aspirants must also meet the minimal BPA eligibility requirements, which include 10+2 and an entrance exam score.
Though the BPA admission process varies from college to college, below are the steps that one should generally go through to get admission.
How to Apply?
In consideration of the COVID scenario, the majority of institutions are moving their admissions processes entirely online. Students must therefore go to the official websites of the colleges to which they are applying and begin the application process by submitting information. Students can also go to the college of their preference for offline enrollment and fill out an application form with all required documents.
Selection Process
In merit-based selection, candidates are chosen based on their academic performance during their 10+2 exams. For entrance-based selection, students need to take the entrance test. Once the candidates are qualified, they become eligible for any further stage of admission. Further stages of admission vary from college to college. Generally, the college will require a practical exam to test the knowledge in their respective areas of Performing Arts.
Who Should Pursue a Bachelor in Performing Arts?
Bachelor of Performing Arts is a general degree programme that includes work in all areas of the Performing Arts. Students have the option of choosing one or more specializations. The BPA course full form is Bachelor Of Performing Arts and it assists students in improving their practical knowledge and skills in order to succeed in the fields of Music, Acting/Drama, Dance, and other related fields.
When To Do BPA?
If a student wants to pursue a career in Performing Arts, he or she should begin at the 10+2 level. They must pass 12th class from a recognized board.
Types of BPA
Aspirants can pursue the course in the full-time or part-time mode. Below are the types of BPA courses in detail:
Full-Time
The full-time BPA duration is around three to four years. This course requires more practical knowledge than theoretical understanding. The advantage of a full-time course is that students can gain a lot more exposure, experience and knowledge through direct interaction with their peers and faculty.
Part-Time
The part-time BPA course is designed for students who cannot attend regular classes. The duration of the course is six years. The advantage of the part-time course is that students can pursue this course while simultaneously being engaged in employment, etc.
Distance
The distance Bachelor in Performing Arts programme lasts three to four years and is divided into six to eight semesters of six months each. For those who wish to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Performing Arts after 10+2 but don't have the time to attend normal classes, distance learning is the ideal option.
BPA Specializations/Courses
When it comes to the BPA course in India, there are a variety of specializations to choose from. The following are some of the specializations that are available:
- Sitar
- Flute
- Guitar
- Computer Graphics
- Odissi
- Hindustani Classical vocals
- Tabla
- Bharatnatyam
- Kathak
Popular Entrance Exams for BPA
BPA candidates must pass the entrance exams in order to be admitted to the academic course. The required cut-off marks for the entrance exam are set at the discretion of the institute that administers the test. Those who pass the BPA entrance exam will be invited to the final selection procedure. The following are some of the most popular BPA entrance exams:
A Quick Glance at the BPA Entrance Exams
The eligibility requirements for the above-mentioned entrance exams are entirely dependent on the conducting body and so vary accordingly. The following are some of the general guidelines for entrance exams:
- The exam can be offline or online.
- The exam duration is a minimum of 2 hours.
- The question paper is set in English.
- Questions will be MCQ based.
- The Paper will be 100 marks.
- The exam structure contains common topics such as English, Reasoning, Quantitative, etc.
Study BPA in India
India is home to some of the best Bachelor of Performing Arts colleges in India for aspirants. Candidates have many options to choose from in terms of the best BPA course as per their preferences. Depending on the type of BPA programs offered, candidates will have to make the appropriate choice. Below are some of the top colleges in India offering BPA courses:
Top 10 BPA Colleges in India
Below is the list of the 10 best BPA Colleges in India:
Top BPA Colleges in Delhi
India’s capital city is home to some of the best institutions for BPA in India. Check the table below for the top BPA colleges in Delhi:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Indraprastha College for Women |
| 2 | Daulat Ram College |
| 3 | Hindu College |
| 4 | Lakshmibai College |
| 5 | Ramjas College |
Top BPA Colleges in Mumbai
Mumbai also has some of the best institutions for BPA in India. Check the table below for the top BPA colleges in Mumbai:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Whistling Woods International |
| 2 | Nalanda Dance Research Center |
| 3 | TISS |
| 4 | Rachana Sansad Reify Institute of Event Management |
| 5 | Sharda Sangeet Vidyalaya |
Top BPA Colleges in Pune
Pune is home to some of the premier institutions for BPA in India. Check the table below for the best BPA colleges in Pune:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | MIT WPU |
| 2 | Fergusson College |
| 3 | Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Applied Arts and Crafts |
| 4 | Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Fine Arts |
| 5 | Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya |
Top BPA Colleges in Bangalore
The capital city of Karnataka is renowned around the country for colleges offering top BPA programmes. Check the table below for the best BPA colleges in Bangalore:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Alliance University |
| 2 | Universal College |
| 3 | AIMS Institutes |
| 4 | NID |
| 5 | Winds Creations College of Arts Media & Design |
Top BPA Colleges in Lucknow
The capital city of Uttar Pradesh has some of the best colleges for BPA courses in India. Check the table below for the best BPA colleges in Lucknow:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Amity University |
| 2 | Goel Group of Institutions |
| 3 | Babu Banarasi Das University |
| 4 | Institute of Creative Excellence |
| 5 | LPU |
Top BPA Colleges in Kolkata
The Capital City of West Bengal has some premier institutions in the country for BPA. Check the table below for top colleges for BPA in Kolkata:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Jadavpur University |
| 2 | Rabindra Bharati University |
| 3 | The Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship |
| 4 | Ecole Intuit Lab |
| 5 | Adamas University |
Top BPA Government Colleges
There are several top Government Colleges offering quality BPA programmes across the country. Check the table below for the top BPA government colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | AMU, Aligarh |
| 2 | JNU, Delhi |
| 3 | VNSGU, Surat |
| 4 | Jadavpur University, Kolkata |
| 5 | SVU, Tirupati |
Top BPA Private Colleges
India has seen significant growth in the number of quality BPA private colleges that offer some of the best programmes in the country. Check the table below for the top BPA private colleges in India:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Christ University, Bangalore |
| 2 | Stella Maris College, Chennai |
| 3 | St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore |
| 4 | Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore |
| 5 | St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad |
Study BPA Abroad
Students can opt to study a BPA course abroad if they can afford it. The BPA course abroad is for a minimum of 3 years, depending on the type of course, college and country. The benefits of studying a BPA programme overseas provide students with access to some of the best resources, facilities, and faculty, as well as global exposure to the subject matter and other cultures. In addition, students must achieve good grades in their 10+2 and have good English language skills. Below are some of the top BPA colleges abroad and the relevant fees structure:
Top BPA Colleges Abroad
The table below contains the list of some of the best colleges abroad for BPA:
| Institution | Fees |
| Vanier College, Canada | CAD 24,476 |
| Illinois State University, USA | USD 26,790 |
| Hofstra University, USA | USD 59,870 |
| ARU College, UK | GBP 14,200 |
| Birmingham City University, UK | GBP 6,250 |
| University of South Florida, USA | USD 9,833 |
| Goldsmiths, UK | GBP 15,940 |
| CATS Academy Boston, USA | USD 6,225 |
| Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts, UK | GBP 30,990 |
| College Universal, Canada | CAD 30,816 |
Top BPA Colleges in USA
The USA is home to some of the best universities and colleges offering top-notch BPA programmes in the world. The table below contains the list of top colleges for BPA in the USA:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Hofstra University |
| 2 | Illinois State University |
| 3 | University of South Florida |
| 4 | Palo Alto College |
| 5 | CATS Academy Boston |
Top BPA Colleges in the UK
The UK has institutions that date back to the 13th century. This makes the UK one of the best destinations for pursuing a Bachelor in Performing Arts. The table below shows the top colleges for BPA in the UK:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Birmingham City University |
| 2 | Goldsmiths |
| 3 | ARU College |
| 4 | University of Arts |
| 5 | Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts |
Top BPA Colleges in Canada
Known as the ‘Great White North, Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for BPA programmes in the world. The table below shows the top universities in Canada for BPA:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | Vanier College |
| 2 | Dawson College |
| 3 | CEGEP Heritage College |
| 4 | College Universal |
| 5 | John Abbott College |
Top BPA Colleges in Australia
For many students, Australia, also known as the 'Land Down Under,' has emerged as one of the top locations for higher education. The list of top colleges for BPA in Australia is as follows:
| Sl.No | Institution |
| 1 | La Trobe University |
| 2 | University of Queensland |
| 3 | University of Melbourne |
| 4 | University of New South Wales |
| 5 | Deakin University |
Fee Structure for BPA
The BPA fee is not fixed and depends on many factors. Some of the factors which affect the BPA fees include location, faculty, demand, infrastructure, and the facilities available to the students. The average BPA fee in India is around INR 5,000 - 1 LPA.
| Sl.No. | Name of the College | Total Fee Structure |
| 1. | Jadavpur University, Kolkata | INR 2,400 |
| 2. | Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune | INR 26,090 |
| 3. | Miranda House, New Delhi | INR 14,260 |
| 4. | Assam University, Assam | INR 14,820 |
| 5. | Hans Raj College, New Delhi | INR 20,945 |
Syllabus and Subjects for BPA
The BPA course covers a wide range of subjects in Music, Theater and Dance. The following is a list of the general topics that will be covered during the course:
Music:
- Raga Studies
- Fundamental Study of Hindustani Music
- Fundamental Study of Tala
- Intensive Study of Raga
Dance:
- History of Dance
- New Media & Performance Practice
- Technique of Dance
- Choreography
Theatre:
- Introduction to Indian Theater
- Indian Culture and Art
- History of Indian Theater
- Theatre Production
Read More: BPA Syllabus and Subjects
Why Choose BPA?
When students decide to pursue a Bachelor in Performing Arts, they should first research BPA course details to ensure that they know the course they are enrolling in. Breaking down the question "Why choose BPA?" into three brief questions simplifies the answer:
What is a BPA All About?
A BPA degree provides a good foundation in both performance practice and theory. Students can gain a broad understanding and improve their performance and leadership abilities. Performing Arts graduates can flourish in a variety of arenas due to their exposure to a wide range of performances in art aspects.
What Does a BPA Graduate Do?
Students can work as Choreographer, Theater Director, Dance Teacher, Music Therapist, etc. Here are some of the most common features:
- Choreographer: Working together with the director and musical director, a choreographer creates and oversees the dance or stylized movement in musical productions. A choreographer collaborates with dancers to develop and interpret concepts and turn them into the final performance.
- Music Therapist: Through musical therapies, music therapists assist their patients in achieving their goals for mental health.
Reasons Why BPA Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?
After earning a Bachelor in Performing Arts, both fresher and experienced professionals can pursue a variety of career opportunities. It is dependent on an individual's capabilities, academic record, skills, and experience. Some of the reasons are:
Demand: Due to their extensive work experience and skill set in the theatre and other similar fields of interest, individuals are in high demand in the industry. The candidates can pursue a Master of Performing Arts, or MPA, after finishing the BPA.
Career Growth: The graduates in music can work as performers, integrating into professional ensembles, as well as in structure and musical innovation. They may also pursue an MA in music. Graduates of the drama department work as actors, directors, writers, stage supervisors, etc. They can also pursue more comprehensive careers in the advertising, promotion, and publishing industries.
Read More: BPA Jobs & Scope
BPA Course Comparison
A bachelor's degree in the Arts sector can be earned as a BPA or a Bachelor of Visual Arts. The focus of the two streams differs slightly, but the eligibility requirements are nearly identical. Below is a comparison of the BPA course with the Bachelor of Visual Arts course:
BPA vs Bachelor of Visual Arts
The table below showcases the differences between BPA and Bachelor of Visual Arts:
| Course | B.P.A. | B.V.A. |
| Full-Form | BPA | Bachelor of Visual Arts |
| Stream | Arts | Arts |
| Course Duration | 3-4 years | 4 years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% | 10+2 from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% |
| Entrance Exams | NPAT, PUCET, JNUEE, etc. | DUET, CUET, IPU CET, etc. |
| Top Colleges | Jadavpur University, Hans Raj College, etc. | DU, BHU, LSR, etc. |
| Fees | INR 5,000 - 1 LPA | INR 30,000 - 3 LPA |
Read More: BVA
Preparation Tips for BPA
There are many tips that students must note when deciding to pursue a BPA. Some important preparation tips are listed below to ensure that the students crack the course and pass the exams without any hurdles.
Syllabus: Students must be well-versed with the course syllabus. This is the first and most fundamental step in the preparation process.
Exam Pattern: Understand the examination patterns and the kind of questions that are commonly asked. Students will most likely be asked multiple-choice questions.
Important topics: Students should concentrate more on the important areas, as these are where questions are most usually asked. These sections must be focused on while reviewing the chapters.
Practice: Practice questions from past years' question papers and sample papers.
Scope for Higher Education
Aspirants can pursue higher studies after obtaining a Bachelor in Performing Arts. Some of the top courses for higher studies in the field of Performing Arts are as follows:
- PhD
- Master’s Degree
Salary of a BPA Graduate
The salary for BPA graduates varies depending on the specialization chosen by the candidates. Other factors that can affect a BPA salary in India include experience, geography, and the industry they are working in.
Graduates can increase their salary by getting more work experience. The average BPA job starting salary for graduates is around INR 3 - 7 LPA [Source: PayScale].
Read More: BPA Job Salary
Career Options After BPA Graduation
There are plenty of jobs available for BPA students in both the public and private sectors. The job roles will differ based on the specialization that one has opted for. BPA graduates have abundant job opportunities with good salary packages that include the following job profiles:
- Actor
- Dancer
- Musical theatre performer
- Dance-, music- or drama- therapist
- Theatre director
- Screenwriter
- Arts administrator
- Theatre stage manager
Skills That Make You The Best BPA Graduate
Because Performing Arts programmes are used by every sector in this era, aspirants are enrolled to transform them from raw aspirants to professional Performing Arts aspirants. Some of the abilities that BPA students should have:
- Confidence
- Time Management
- Innovation
- Ability to Express
- Organizational Skills
- Teamwork
- Patience
- Visualization skills
- Creative
