Accepted entrance exams
About Bachelor of Arts [BA] {Hons.} (Music)
Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS), Kalady, Ernakulam, Kerala, offers the Bachelor of Arts in Music with Honours as a four-year full-time undergraduate programme (FYUGP) under its Department of Music. The programme provides training in Carnatic vocal and instrumental music, encompassing Hindustani classical traditions, music theory, raga and tala systems, composition, folk music of Kerala, and music history. SSUS is a state public university established in 1993, recognised by the UGC and accredited by NAAC. Admission is through a university-conducted aptitude test and practical examination; candidates must have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 50 per cent marks. The total programme fee is ₹34,000 for the four-year duration. Graduates pursue careers as performing artists, music educators, researchers, cultural officers, and music composers.
SSUS Kalady has announced admissions for 2026-27. The university conducts its own aptitude test and practical examination for UG admissions; applications are invited from April 2026.
Key Points
- SSUS Kalady offers BA Music as a four-year full-time FYUGP (eight semesters) through the Department of Music, Kalady campus, Ernakulam, Kerala.
- SSUS is a state public university established in 1993, recognised by UGC and accredited by NAAC; one of India’s premier universities dedicated to Sanskrit and classical studies.
- Total programme fee is ₹34,000 for the four-year duration, including a refundable caution deposit of ₹1,050.
- Eligibility: 10+2 from a recognised board with minimum 50 per cent marks; admission via SSUS aptitude test plus practical examination (Ata tala Varnam and raga alapana).
- Graduates pursue careers as performing artists, music teachers in schools and colleges, music researchers, cultural programmers, and music directors.
SSUS Kalady BA Music (Hons.) Fees
BA Music (Hons.) Fee Structure
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (₹3,150 per semester × 8 semesters) | ₹25,200 |
| Special Fee (₹1,580 per year × 4 years) | ₹6,320 |
| Enrollment, Matriculation, Recognition and Affiliation Fees (one-time) | ₹690 |
| Development Fees (one-time) | ₹740 |
| Caution Deposit (refundable) | ₹1,050 |
| Total Fees (4-Year Programme) | ₹34,000 |
- Total Fees of ₹34,000 covers the complete four-year BA Music (FYUGP) programme, including tuition of ₹3,150 per semester for eight semesters, annual special fees, one-time registration charges, and a refundable caution deposit of ₹1,050.
- Examination fees are charged separately each semester and are not included in the Total Fees above.
- Students are advised to verify the latest fee structure directly with SSUS Kalady before confirming admission, as fees may be revised by the university.
SSUS Kalady BA Music (Hons.) Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| SSUS UG Application Window | April to May 2026 |
| Aptitude Test and Practical Test | May to June 2026 |
| Merit List Publication | June 2026 |
| Admission and Fee Payment | June to July 2026 |
| Classes Commence | July 2026 |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSUS Aptitude and Practical Test | May 2026 | May to June 2026 | June 2026 |
- Admission to BA Music at SSUS is through a university-conducted aptitude test and practical examination; there is no CUET or Kerala state entrance exam requirement.
- The practical test requires candidates to perform one Ata tala Varnam in two-degree speed and a short raga alapana in the prescribed raga; candidates must prepare thoroughly.
- Applications are submitted through the SSUS online UG admission portal (ugadmission.ssus.ac.in); eligibility is 10+2 with minimum 50 per cent marks from any recognised board.
- Reservation norms of the Government of Kerala apply; SC/ST/OBC candidates are advised to check the official SSUS admission notification for category-wise details.
- The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) from a recognised board with a minimum of 50 per cent marks.
- No specific stream restriction; candidates from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) are eligible if they meet the minimum percentage requirement.
- Admission is based on performance in the SSUS aptitude test and practical examination; no CUET or state entrance exam is required.
- Reservation norms of the Government of Kerala apply; SC/ST/OBC candidates receive concessions as per government rules.
Admission Process
- Visit the SSUS UG admission portal (ugadmission.ssus.ac.in) and submit the online application form; application window is typically April to May.
- Pay the application fee online and upload attested copies of 10+2 mark sheet, transfer certificate, community certificate (if applicable), and a passport-size photograph.
- Appear for the SSUS aptitude test and practical examination conducted at the Kalady campus; the practical test involves performing an Ata tala Varnam and raga alapana.
- SSUS publishes a merit list based on aptitude and practical test scores; shortlisted candidates report for document verification.
- Complete document verification with original certificates and pay the admission fee to confirm enrolment; classes typically commence in July.
SSUS Kalady BA Music (Hons.) Scholarships 2026
BA Music (Hons.) Scholarships Available
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC) | As per Kerala government norms | Kerala domicile SC/ST/OBC students; apply via National Scholarship Portal |
| Central Sector Scholarship (CSSS) | As per central norms | Merit-based; family income below ₹8,00,000; apply via NSP |
| EBC/Minority Scholarship (State) | As per Kerala government norms | Economically backward and minority community students; apply via Kerala Scholarship Portal |
| Ilanji Scholarship (SSUS) | As per university norms | Meritorious students with financial need; apply to the SSUS Scholarship Committee |
- Government scholarships are applied through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in); eligible candidates must apply between August and November annually.
- Kerala domicile students from SC/ST and OBC categories should also check state-specific schemes through the Kerala Social Welfare Department.
- Students are advised to apply for scholarships early in the academic year to avoid missing deadlines.
SSUS Kalady BA Music (Hons.) FAQs
Ques. What is the total fee for BA Music at SSUS Kalady?
Ans. The total fee for the four-year BA Music (FYUGP) at SSUS Kalady is ₹34,000, which includes tuition of ₹3,150 per semester for eight semesters, annual special fees of ₹1,580 per year, one-time registration charges of ₹1,430, and a refundable caution deposit of ₹1,050. Examination fees are charged separately each semester.
Ques. Is BA Music at SSUS Kalady a 3-year or 4-year programme?
Ans. From the 2024 admission batch onwards, BA Music at SSUS follows the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) under the National Education Policy (NEP), offering eight semesters over four years.
Ques. What is the eligibility for BA Music at SSUS Kalady?
Ans. Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognised board with a minimum of 50 per cent marks. No specific stream is required. Admission is based on performance in the SSUS aptitude test and practical examination.
Ques. Is there a practical test for BA Music admission at SSUS?
Ans. Yes, SSUS conducts an aptitude test and a practical examination for BA Music admission. The practical test requires candidates to perform one Ata tala Varnam in two-degree speed and a short raga alapana in the prescribed raga at the Kalady campus.
Ques. What career options are available after BA Music from SSUS Kalady?
Ans. Graduates of BA Music from SSUS Kalady can pursue careers as performing artists (vocalist or instrumentalist), music teachers in schools and colleges, music researchers, cultural programmers, and music directors. They may also pursue MA Music or other postgraduate programmes.
Ques. Is SSUS Kalady a government university?
Ans. Yes, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit (SSUS) is a state government university established in 1993 by the Government of Kerala. It is recognised by the UGC and accredited by NAAC.