About Master of Performing Arts [MPA] (Music Instrumental)
The Master of Performing Arts (MPA) in Music Instrumental at Sikkim University is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme designed to provide advanced training in instrumental music performance, music theory, and composition. The course spans 4 semesters with a total intake of 20 seats. The programme is offered in full-time mode on campus at Gangtok, requiring regular attendance and intensive practical training in music performance. The course is popular among students seeking careers in music performance, teaching, composition, and cultural organizations. The primary entrance exam is CUET PG (Common University Entrance Test - Postgraduate). The programme emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical mastery of instrumental music.
Admission for the 2026-27 academic session is currently ongoing. The last date for online application submission was June 15, 2026 (midnight). Counselling and merit list declaration began from July 1, 2026, with spot admission/counselling continuing until August 14, 2026. Classes commenced on August 1, 2026. For the 2027-28 academic session, admissions are expected to follow a similar timeline, with applications typically opening in May 2027 and closing in mid-June 2027.
KEY POINTS
- Full-time on-campus programme with intensive instrumental music training
- Comprehensive curriculum covering music theory, composition, and performance
- Experienced faculty with expertise in classical and contemporary music
- Access to well-equipped music studios and practice facilities
- Opportunities for public performances and concert presentations
- Training in various musical instruments and ensemble performance
Sikkim University MPA Fees
The MPA Music Instrumental programme at Sikkim University follows a moderate fee structure. The total fees for the 2-year programme include tuition fees, examination fees, library fees, and other charges. Most fees are collected on a semester basis, with tuition fees payable at the commencement of each semester. The university offers fee relaxation for SC/ST students and differently-abled candidates as per government norms.
Fee Breakdown (2026-27)
| Fee Type | Per Semester | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | Rs. 1,240 | Rs. 4,960 |
| Examination Fee | Rs. 248 | Rs. 992 |
| Library Fee | Rs. 372 | Rs. 1,488 |
| Registration Fee | Rs. 2,480 (one-time) | Rs. 2,480 |
| Student Activity Fee | Rs. 620 | Rs. 2,480 |
| Sports Fee | Rs. 372 | Rs. 1,488 |
| Other Charges | Rs. 248 | Rs. 992 |
| Miscellaneous | Rs. 124 | Rs. 496 |
| Identity Card Fee | Rs. 100 (one-time) | Rs. 100 |
| Counselling Fee | Rs. 248 | Rs. 992 |
| Total Fees (without hostel) | Rs. 18,880 for 2 years | |
| Hostel Fee (Optional) | Rs. 744 per semester (varies by room type) | - |
- Tuition fees are payable at the commencement of each semester within 15 days.
- Late payment attracts a fine of Rs. 25 per day.
- Hostel fees are optional and vary based on room type.
- SC/ST students receive 100% relaxation on hostel seat rent.
- Differently-abled students receive 100% tuition fee relaxation.
- Fees are subject to a yearly non-cumulative increase of 2%.
Sikkim University MPA Admission 2026
Admission to MPA Music Instrumental is based on merit through CUET PG scores and practical viva-voce examination. The university follows a transparent merit-based selection process with multiple counselling rounds. The admission process includes document verification, practical examination, merit list declaration, and fee payment within specified timelines.
Admission Timeline (2026-27)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application | May 22 - June 15, 2026 |
| Document Scrutiny | June 19 - June 24, 2026 |
| Practical Viva-Voce | June 25 - June 26, 2026 |
| First Merit List | July 1, 2026 |
| First Fee Payment | July 2 - July 3, 2026 |
| Second Merit List | July 8, 2026 |
| Second Fee Payment | July 9 - July 10, 2026 |
| Spot Admission | July 15 - July 16, 2026 |
| Physical Reporting | July 21 - July 25, 2026 |
| Classes Begin | August 1, 2026 |
| Final Counselling | August 14, 2026 |
CUET PG 2027 Exam Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration | December 14, 2026 - January 25, 2027 |
| Admit Card | March 3, 2027 |
| Exam Date | March 6 - March 27, 2027 |
| Result Date | May 6, 2027 |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- BPA in Music or B. Music with 45% marks (aggregate)
- Honours graduate with 40% marks (aggregate) with knowledge of theory and practical music
- Valid CUET PG score is mandatory
- Practical viva-voce examination required for final selection
Admission Process
- Register online with CUET PG score
- Pay application fee (Rs. 1000 General, Rs. 750 OBC/EWS, Rs. 500 SC/ST/PWD)
- Submit scanned mark sheets, certificates, and identity proof
- Appear for practical viva-voce examination
- Await merit list declaration
- Appear for document verification
- Pay admission fee to confirm seat
- Report physically for hostel allotment and registration
Sikkim University MPA Scholarships 2026
Sikkim University offers various scholarships for eligible MPA Music Instrumental students including merit-cum-means scholarships and UGC national fellowships. Students with family income below Rs. 60,000 per annum can apply for merit-cum-means scholarships.
Scholarship Options
| Scholarship | Details |
|---|---|
| Merit-cum-Means Fellowship | Rs. 3,000 per month (Family income below Rs. 60,000 p.a.) |
| Merit-cum-Means Freeship | Full tuition and lab fee waiver |
| Merit-cum-Means Half Freeship | 50% tuition and lab fee waiver |
| National Fellowship for SC Students (NFSC) | As per UGC norms |
| National Fellowship for ST Students (NFST) | As per UGC norms |
| National Fellowship for OBC Students (NFOBC) | As per UGC norms |
| National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities (NFPD) | As per UGC norms |
| Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) | For minority community students |
- Merit-cum-Means scholarships require parent's income certificate.
- Applications are scrutinized by Award Committee.
- UGC scholarships must be applied through National Scholarship Portal.
- Foreign students are not eligible for merit-cum-means schemes.
As mentioned, Sikkim University Gangtok offers admission to M.P.A Music Instrumental program based on CUET-PG marks. Sikkim University Gangtok CUET-PG Cutoff 2024 marks is 72 for the General category. Further, CUET-PG cutoff marks is 26 for OBC , 65 for SC and 70 for ST category. Check Sikkim University Gangtok Cutoff
Sikkim University Gangtok M.P.A Music Instrumental Cutoff Year-wise Trends
The section below shows year-wise trends in Sikkim University Gangtok M.P.A Music Instrumental Cutoff. According to year-wise trends, admission to the Sikkim University Gangtok M.P.A Music Instrumental program in 2024 was closed at the 72 marks , whereas in 2023, the closing marks was 70 across all categories.
| Catgories | Cutoff marks 2024 | Cutoff marks 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| General | 65 | 65 |
| OBC | 26 | 70 |
| SC | 65 | 54 |
| ST | 70 | - |
Sikkim University MPA FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between MPA Music Instrumental at Sikkim University and other universities?
Ans. Sikkim University's MPA Music Instrumental programme offers comprehensive training in instrumental music performance with experienced faculty. The university provides well-equipped music studios and practice facilities. Students get opportunities for public performances and concert presentations, which enhance their professional skills.
Ques. Is practical viva-voce examination mandatory for admission to MPA Music Instrumental?
Ans. Yes, practical viva-voce examination is mandatory for final selection. This examination assesses the candidate's musical knowledge, instrumental proficiency, and potential for advanced training.
Ques. What instruments are covered in the MPA Music Instrumental programme?
Ans. The programme covers training in various classical and contemporary musical instruments. Students can specialize in instruments like sitar, tabla, flute, violin, and other traditional and modern instruments based on their background and interest.
Ques. What are the career prospects after completing MPA Music Instrumental?
Ans. MPA Music Instrumental graduates can pursue careers as professional musicians, music teachers, composers, music directors, work in cultural organizations, film and television production, or pursue careers in music therapy and research.
Ques. Does the programme include opportunities for public performances and concerts?
Ans. Yes, the MPA Music Instrumental programme includes regular opportunities for public performances, concert presentations, and cultural events. Students gain practical experience in stage performance and audience engagement.
Ques. Are there hostel facilities available for MPA Music Instrumental students?
Ans. Yes, Sikkim University provides hostel accommodation on a merit and availability basis. Hostel fees vary based on room type. SC/ST students receive 100% relaxation on hostel seat rent.