Master of Performing Arts [MPA] (Kathak)

The Master of Performing Arts [MPA] in Kathak at Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur is a two-year full-time postgraduate programme offered under the Department of Music, School of Creative and Performing Arts. The programme provides advanced training in Kathak dance along with an in-depth study of the theory and aesthetics of Indian classical dance, covering Laya-Taal understanding, intricate footwork (Tatkar), Abhinaya, traditional and contemporary Kathak repertoire, and classical compositions such as Thaat, Aamad, Tukde, Paran, and Gat. With 20 seats, an annual fee of Rs. 13,300 (Year 1) and Rs. 13,900 (Year 2), and merit-based admission, the programme is one of the most affordable and well-structured postgraduate Kathak programmes in Uttar Pradesh. CSJMU's Department of Music has been running successfully for over 17 years and has MOUs with prestigious institutions including Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (Lucknow), Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Academy, and Rhythm Academy.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are upcoming. Based on the 2025-26 pattern, applications typically open in April-May and close in June, with the batch commencing in July-August. The 2026-27 admission portal is live at csjmu.ac.in/admissions2627/ and the Music department's admission page is at csjmu.ac.in/admissions2627/music/. Students are advised to regularly check the official CSJMU website for updates.

Key Points

• The MPA (Kathak) programme covers both practical performance skills and theoretical knowledge of Indian classical dance, preparing students for careers as performers, choreographers, teachers, and researchers.
• The department has MOUs with Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (Lucknow), Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Academy, Lok Evam Janjati Kala Evam Sanskriti Sansthan (UP), Ayodhya Research Institute, and Rhythm Academy for academic and cultural collaborations.
• Students of the department have become All India Radio artistes, teachers, and PhD scholars in music and performing arts.
• The programme is offered under the School of Creative and Performing Arts at CSJMU, a NAAC A++ accredited, UGC Category-I university.
• The department also offers a BPA (Kathak) programme (3 years), providing a natural progression pathway from undergraduate to postgraduate level within the same institution.

CSJMU MPA Fees

Course Fees

Hostel Fees (Optional, not mandatory)

• Hostel fees include room rent, health insurance (Rs. 1,500), and management fee (Rs. 3,000) per year.
• Hostel accommodation is optional and subject to availability.
• Mess/food charges are separate and not included in the above hostel fee.
• Fees are paid annually as per the university schedule.

• The total fee for the complete 2-year MPA (Kathak) programme is Rs. 27,200 (inclusive of library fee of Rs. 200 per year as mentioned on the official department page).

CSJMU MPA Admission 2026

CSJMU MPA (Kathak) Admission Dates (2026-27)

• Admission to MPA (Kathak) at CSJMU is on merit basis.
• There is no national-level entrance exam for this programme.
• Candidates apply through the CSJMU admission portal and are selected based on their academic merit.
• For queries, contact: Prof. Sangeeta Srivastava (8960885533) or Dr. Shubham Varma (8795845530).

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Bachelor of Performing Arts (Kathak) or Bachelor's degree in Music/Performing Arts (Kathak) from a recognized university.
• OR Graduate degree in any subject from a recognized university, along with Sangeet Visharad/Prabhakar/Vid/Bhaskar in the concerned field (Kathak).
• Candidates with a one-year diploma course from CSJMU, Kanpur in Kathak are also eligible to apply.

Admission Process

• Register on the CSJMU Admission Portal at admission.csjmu.ac.in.
• Fill in the application form and select MPA (Kathak) under the Department of Music.
• Submit the application along with required documents (marksheets, certificates, Sangeet Visharad/equivalent certificate if applicable).
• Merit list is prepared based on academic performance in the qualifying examination.
• Selected candidates must report for document verification and fee payment on the notified date.
• For queries, contact the Department of Music, CSJMU at 0512-2246609 or check csjmu.ac.in/admissions2627/music/.

CSJMU MPA Scholarships 2026

Scholarships

• UP government scholarships (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) are the most widely availed by students at CSJMU.
• Scholarship application deadlines are typically between July and October each year.
• Students must have a valid bank account linked to Aadhaar for scholarship disbursement.
• Income certificate from a competent authority is mandatory for most need-based scholarships.

CSJMU MPA FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between MPA (Kathak) and MA (Music) in Kathak? Which is better?

Ans. MPA (Master of Performing Arts) in Kathak is specifically designed for students who have completed a BPA (Bachelor of Performing Arts) in Kathak or an equivalent performing arts degree. It focuses heavily on advanced practical performance, choreography, and stage presentation, along with theoretical study of Kathak aesthetics. MA (Music) in Kathak, offered at some universities, tends to have a broader music theory component. At CSJMU, the MPA (Kathak) is the dedicated postgraduate programme for Kathak dancers, making it the more appropriate choice for students who wish to specialize in Kathak performance, teaching, or research.

Ques. Is the MPA (Kathak) degree from CSJMU recognized for government teaching jobs?

Ans. Yes, the MPA (Kathak) degree from CSJMU, a UGC-recognized university, is valid for applying to government teaching positions in schools and colleges. For teaching at the college/university level, candidates typically need to clear UGC NET in the relevant subject (Music/Dance). For school-level teaching positions in UP, the degree qualifies you to apply for relevant posts in government and private schools. CSJMU alumni from the Department of Music are serving as teachers in various government and private institutions across the country.

Ques. What is the syllabus and practical component of MPA (Kathak) at CSJMU?

Ans. The MPA (Kathak) programme at CSJMU covers advanced Kathak repertoire including Thaat, Aamad, Tukde, Paran, and Gat compositions, along with Laya-Taal theory, Abhinaya (expressive dance), and the history and aesthetics of Indian classical dance. The programme is spread over 4 semesters with a strong emphasis on practical training, stage performances, and choreography. Students also appear for viva-voce examinations. The syllabus effective from 2024-25 is available at csjmu.ac.in. Regular practical sessions with visiting faculty including Prof. Sangeeta Srivastava ensure high-quality training.

Ques. Can I pursue PhD in Kathak/Performing Arts after completing MPA from CSJMU?

Ans. Yes, MPA (Kathak) graduates are eligible to pursue PhD in Music/Performing Arts at CSJMU or other recognized universities. CSJMU offers PhD programmes in Music and Performing Arts. For PhD admission at CSJMU, candidates typically need to clear UGC NET/JRF or appear for the university's PhD entrance test. The Department of Music at CSJMU has a strong research culture, with many alumni having completed PhDs in music and performing arts. The department's MOUs with institutions like Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya and UP Sangeet Natak Academy also provide research collaboration opportunities.

Ques. What are the career opportunities after MPA (Kathak) from CSJMU?

Ans. MPA (Kathak) graduates from CSJMU can pursue careers as professional Kathak performers and stage artists, dance teachers in schools, colleges, and private academies, choreographers for stage productions, films, and television, researchers and academics in Indian classical dance, and cultural officers in government cultural organizations. The department's MOU with the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Academy and Lok Evam Janjati Kala Evam Sanskriti Sansthan (UP) provides networking and performance opportunities. Many CSJMU alumni from the performing arts department have become All India Radio artistes and are teaching at reputed institutions.

Ques. Is there any practical audition or performance test for MPA (Kathak) admission at CSJMU?

Ans. The official admission process for MPA (Kathak) at CSJMU is merit-based, meaning selection is primarily based on academic performance in the qualifying examination (BPA Kathak or equivalent). However, students with a Sangeet Visharad/Prabhakar/Vid/Bhaskar certificate in Kathak from a recognized institution are also eligible, and their performance credentials are considered. While the official brochure does not mention a separate audition, students are advised to contact the department directly (Prof. Sangeeta Srivastava at 8960885533) to confirm if any practical demonstration is required during the admission process, as this may vary from year to year.