Bachelor of Music

The Bachelor of Music (B.Music) at Banaras Hindu University is a 3-year full-time undergraduate programme offered by the Faculty of Performing Arts. It is a comprehensive degree that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of Indian classical music, including vocal music, instrumental music, and musicology. The total fees for the programme are just Rs. 6,900 for the entire 3-year duration, making it one of the most affordable music degrees in India. Admission is based on CUET (UG) scores, and the programme is popular among students who wish to build a strong academic and performance foundation in Indian classical music. BHU's Faculty of Performing Arts, established in 1950, is one of the most prestigious institutions for music education in the country, and the B.Music degree from BHU carries significant recognition in the field.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are upcoming. The CUET UG 2026 application window has already closed (January 3 - February 26, 2026). The exam is scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026 (tentative), with results expected by early July 2026 (tentative). BHU's counselling and seat allotment process is expected to begin in August-September 2026, based on the previous year's pattern.

Key Points

• The B.Music programme at BHU is offered by the Faculty of Performing Arts, one of the oldest and most prestigious music institutions in India, with a legacy dating back to 1950.
• The programme provides a strong academic grounding in Indian classical music, covering both performance and theoretical aspects including raga, tala, music history, and aesthetics.
• BHU's location in Varanasi, a city with a centuries-old tradition of classical music, provides students with an unparalleled cultural environment for music education.
• Students have access to distinguished faculty who are accomplished performers and scholars in their respective disciplines.
• The programme includes regular workshops, lecture-demonstrations, and performances by eminent musicians, enriching the learning experience.
• The course is offered strictly on-campus (full-time, regular mode) at the BHU Varanasi campus.

BHU B.Music Fees

The B.Music programme at BHU is among the most affordable music degrees in India. The annual tuition fee is Rs. 2,300 per year, resulting in a total tuition fee of Rs. 6,900 for the complete 3-year programme. No additional charges beyond tuition have been reported for this course. Hostel accommodation is available separately on campus for interested students.

Fee Breakdown

• Hostel fee is optional and not mandatory for all students.
• It is charged separately and is not included in the Total Fees row above.
• SC/ST and PwD students are eligible for full tuition fee waiver under the Government Post-Matric Scholarship scheme.
• Fees are subject to revision by the university each academic year.
• No EMI option is officially mentioned for this programme given the very low fee structure.

BHU B.Music Admission 2026

Admission to B.Music at BHU is based on CUET (UG) scores. BHU follows a Centralised Admission Process (CAP) where candidates are allotted seats based on their CUET performance and course-specific eligibility. The 2026 admission season is upcoming, with the CUET exam scheduled in May 2026. Based on the 2025 pattern, BHU's counselling and allotment process is expected in August-September 2026.

BHU B.Music Admission Dates

Entrance Exam Dates

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognised board.
• Minimum 50% marks in the qualifying examination for General category candidates (45% for OBC-NCL; relaxation for SC/ST/PwD as per UGC norms).
• Candidates must not be more than 22 years of age as on July 1, 2026.
• A background or demonstrated training in Indian classical music (vocal or instrumental) is strongly recommended, as the course involves practical performance components.

Admission Process

• Register and appear for CUET UG 2026 at cuet.nta.nic.in.
• After CUET results, register on BHU's Centralised Admission Process (CAP) portal (bhucuet.samarth.edu.in).
• Select Bachelor of Music as the preferred course during BHU CAP registration.
• Seat allotment is done based on CUET score and merit.
• Candidates allotted a seat must pay the admission fee online within the stipulated deadline.
• Report physically to BHU campus with original documents for verification and enrolment.

BHU B.Music Scholarships 2026

BHU offers a range of scholarships and financial assistance schemes for students of the B.Music programme. Given the already very low fee structure, the scholarships primarily benefit students from economically weaker sections and reserved categories. SC/ST students in particular receive full tuition waivers along with monthly maintenance allowances, making the programme virtually free for them.

Scholarship Details

• Applications for BHU institutional scholarships (Pratidana, Welfare Fund) are submitted via bhuonline.in after admission.
• Government scholarships (Post-Matric, Central Sector) are applied through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
• Scholarship application deadlines are typically in November each year, post-admission.
• Students must maintain a minimum CGPA of 7.0 for renewal of merit-based scholarships.
• SC/ST students must submit valid category certificates and income proof at the time of admission.

BHU B.Music FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between B.Music and BPA (Bachelor of Performing Arts) at BHU?

Ans. The B.Music degree at BHU is a broader music degree that covers both theoretical and practical aspects of Indian classical music across multiple disciplines. The BPA programmes (Violin, Tabla, Vocal, Dance) are more specialised, focusing on a single instrument or art form. B.Music is suited for students who want a comprehensive academic grounding in music, while BPA is for those who want deep specialisation in one discipline.

Ques. What specialisations or subjects are covered in BHU's B.Music programme?

Ans. The B.Music programme at BHU covers Indian classical music comprehensively, including vocal music (Hindustani), instrumental music, musicology, music history, raga theory, tala, and aesthetics of music. Students gain both performance skills and academic knowledge of music.

Ques. What is the admission process for B.Music at BHU in 2026?

Ans. Admission is through CUET UG 2026. Candidates must register for CUET (application closed February 26, 2026), appear for the exam (May 11-31, 2026, tentative), and then register on BHU's CAP portal after results are declared. Seat allotment is based on CUET scores and merit.

Ques. What career options are available after completing B.Music from BHU?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as professional musicians, music teachers at schools and colleges, music directors, sound engineers, music researchers, or cultural programme coordinators. Many graduates also pursue M.Music (Master of Music) or MPA (Master of Performing Arts) from BHU or other institutions. The BHU degree is well-regarded in both academic and performance circles.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for B.Music students at BHU?

Ans. Yes, BHU has hostel facilities on campus. Male students can avail hostel accommodation at approximately Rs. 5,375 per year (excluding mess charges). Female students can apply for accommodation in the women's hostels on campus. Hostel allotment is subject to availability and is not guaranteed for all students.

Ques. Is prior formal training in music required for admission to B.Music at BHU?

Ans. While the official eligibility only requires 10+2 with 50% marks, the practical nature of the course means that candidates with prior formal training in Indian classical music (vocal or instrumental) have a significant advantage. The programme is designed for students who already have a foundational grounding in music, and the competitive admission process further favours those with prior training.