Bachelor of Performing Arts [BPA] (Theatre Arts)

The Bachelor of Performing Arts (Honours) in Theatre and Production Management at St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Ahmedabad is a 4-year full-time undergraduate programme offered under the Self-Financed category, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Offered by the Department of Communication, the programme provides a comprehensive and transformative education in theatre, filmmaking, and production management, covering acting, direction, script writing, lights design, sound design, branding, and marketing of theatre plays. With a total intake of 30 seats, the programme is one of the few dedicated performing arts degrees available in Gujarat. The per-semester fee is Rs. 34,950, making the total programme cost Rs. 2,79,600 over 8 semesters. Admission is merit-based with no entrance exam, open to students from any stream who have passed HSC (Class 12). The programme is popular among students passionate about theatre, films, OTT, radio, and television, and is backed by the strong legacy and infrastructure of SXCA.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are expected to open in May 2026, with registration beginning on the official portal (admissions.sxca.edu.in). Based on the 2025-26 pattern, registration opened on May 6, 2025, with classes commencing in late June/early July 2025. The 2026-27 cycle is expected to follow the same timeline, with merit lists published in May-June 2026 and the batch commencing in late June/July 2026.

Key Points

• The BPA (Theatre and Production Management) is a Self-Financed, 4-year Honours programme with only 30 seats, making it a highly selective and intimate learning environment.
• The curriculum is NEP 2020 compliant and covers acting, direction, script writing, filmmaking, lights and sound design, branding, and marketing of theatre productions.
• The programme is designed to develop theatre artists for professional theatre, films, OTT platforms, radio, and television.
• Being a Jesuit minority institution, 50% of seats are reserved for Catholic-Christian students; remaining seats are open to all communities.
• The programme is taught in the afternoon/noon shift (1:00 PM to 6:00 PM), allowing students flexibility in the morning hours.
• The Department of Communication at SXCA has experienced faculty including Dr. Vikram Panchal (Consulting Director) and Mr. Shaunak Vyas (Assistant Professor), bringing professional theatre expertise to the classroom.

SXCA BPA Fees

The BPA (Theatre and Production Management) programme at SXCA is a self-financed course with a per-semester fee of Rs. 34,950. The fee structure is uniform across all 8 semesters, with minor additions in Semester I (Registration and Alumni fees), Semester VII (Placement fee), and Semester VIII (Convocation and Graduation Day fees). The total programme cost works out to Rs. 2,79,600 for the full 4-year duration. Given the specialised nature of the performing arts degree and the infrastructure and faculty expertise involved, the fees are competitive for a programme of this kind in Gujarat.

Fee Structure

• Registration Fee (Rs. 150) and Alumni Fees (Rs. 500) are charged only in Semester I.
• A Placement fee is added in Semester VII (amount to be confirmed at the time of admission).
• Convocation fee of Rs. 260 (payable directly to Gujarat University online) and Graduation Day ceremony/Consolidated Marksheet fee of Rs. 750 are added in Semester VIII.
• Fees may be revised upwards in forthcoming years after due approval from the competent authority.
• Cancellation of admission before the specified deadline incurs a fee of Rs. 1,000. After the deadline, a deduction of Rs. 5,000 applies.
• Hostel fees are optional and not included in the above total.

Hostel Fees (Optional):

Men's Hostel (on-campus):

• Boarding and Lodging: Rs. 10,000 per semester
• Deposit: Rs. 3,000 per semester
• Admission Form: Rs. 200 per semester
• Laptop usage charge: Rs. 1,500 per semester (if applicable)
• Mess Fees: Rs. 2,600 per month (paid separately to mess in-charge)

Ladies' Hostel (approx. 1 km from campus):

• Hostel Fee: Rs. 4,000 per month
• Mess Fees: Rs. 2,600 per month (two meals per day)
• Maintenance and other charges: Rs. 1,800

Hostel accommodation is not mandatory and is subject to availability. Seats are limited (168 for men, 144 for women) and priority is given to students from rural areas and economically backward classes.

SXCA BPA Admission 2026

Admissions to the BPA (Theatre and Production Management) programme at SXCA are merit-based, with no entrance examination required. Students are shortlisted based on their Class 12 (HSC) percentage, and merit lists are published on the college admission portal. The 2026-27 admission cycle is expected to follow the same schedule as 2025-26, with registration opening in May 2026 after the Gujarat Board HSC results are declared. Students from boards other than Gujarat Board must obtain a Provisional Eligibility Certificate (PEC) from Gujarat University before applying.

Admission Schedule

Table 2: No mandatory entrance exam is required for this programme. Admission is purely merit-based on Class 12 marks.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have passed HSC (Class 12) or equivalent examination from any recognised board (any stream - Arts, Science, or Commerce).
• Students from boards other than Gujarat Board (e.g., CBSE, ICSE, IB) must obtain a Provisional Eligibility Certificate (PEC) from Gujarat University.
• Candidates must have passed the qualifying examination in a single attempt; a deduction of 15 marks per year (up to 30 marks maximum) is applied for multiple attempts.
• There is no minimum percentage requirement specified; admission is purely on merit based on HSC marks.

Admission Process

• Step 1: Register online at admissions.sxca.edu.in and pay the application fee of Rs. 500 (non-refundable) per course.
• Step 2: Fill in the complete admission form (Part 2) after HSC results are declared, including uploading required documents.
• Step 3: Check the merit list on the admission portal; shortlisted candidates are notified via email/SMS/WhatsApp.
• Step 4: Pay the semester fees online within the stipulated time to confirm the seat.
• Step 5: Attend the Orientation/Inaugural Assembly at the start of the academic year.

Documents required: HSC marksheet, First Attempt Certificate, School Leaving Certificate, Caste Certificate (if applicable), Baptism Certificate/Church letter (for Christians), Income Certificate (if applicable), and two passport-size photographs.

• Special consideration is given to Catholic-Christians, SC, ST, OBC students, sports quota, cultural activities quota, and differently-abled students.

SXCA BPA Scholarships 2026

SXCA actively facilitates access to government scholarships and also provides Management-funded financial aid to deserving students. The college disbursed over Rs. 4 lakh in financial aid to approximately 29 students in the last academic year. Students enrolled in the Self-Financed BPA Theatre programme can avail of several state and central government scholarship schemes, which are credited directly to their bank accounts. The MYSY scholarship is particularly relevant for Gujarat students with strong academic records, while SC/ST/OBC students can benefit from Post-Matric Scholarship schemes.

Scholarship Schemes

• MYSY scholarship applications are typically open from July to September each year on the Digital Gujarat portal (digitalgujarat.gov.in).
• Post-Matric Scholarship applications are processed through the Gujarat State Scholarship Portal (gssp.gujarat.gov.in).
• Students must apply for government scholarships within the stipulated deadlines; late applications are generally not accepted.
• For SXCA Management financial aid, students enrolled in Self-Financed programmes should approach the SF Office on the Ground Floor of the XICA Building.
• Scholarship amounts are subject to revision by the respective government authorities.

According to an external review site Ranking 2026, St Xavier's Ahmedabad ranks 47 out of 300 colleges in India and 1st in state Gujarat for its BPA Theatre Arts program.

• 33 out of 203 under India Today Arts Ranking 2026.
• 28 out of 99 under The Week Arts Ranking 2026.
• 26 out of 114 under Outlook Arts Ranking 2024.

Read more on St Xavier's Ahmedabad Rankings here

SXCA BPA FAQs

Ques. Is the BPA Theatre programme at SXCA Ahmedabad a full-time on-campus course?

Ans. Yes, the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Honours) in Theatre and Production Management is a full-time, on-campus programme offered in the noon shift (1:00 PM to 6:00 PM). It is a 4-year Honours degree under the NEP 2020 framework, affiliated to Gujarat University.

Ques. What is the difference between BPA Theatre at SXCA and a regular BA programme?

Ans. The BPA is a specialised performing arts degree that focuses exclusively on theatre, filmmaking, acting, direction, script writing, production management, lights and sound design. Unlike a general BA, it is a practice-oriented programme with regular performances, stage productions, and hands-on learning. It is distinct from a BA in any humanities subject.

Ques. Does SXCA have a stage or theatre facility for BPA students?

Ans. Yes, SXCA has an air-conditioned auditorium and open-air theatre on campus. BPA students regularly perform on stage as part of their curriculum, and the college hosts various cultural events and theatre productions throughout the year.

Ques. What career options are available after completing BPA Theatre from SXCA?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as actors, directors, script writers, production managers, lights and sound designers, and marketing professionals in professional theatre, films, OTT platforms (like Netflix, Amazon Prime), radio, and television. The programme also prepares students for postgraduate studies in performing arts, film direction, and media management.

Ques. Is there any audition or talent test for admission to BPA Theatre at SXCA?

Ans. As per the official admission process, admission is merit-based on Class 12 marks with no formal entrance exam or audition mentioned. However, given the specialised nature of the programme and limited seats (30), students with prior theatre or performing arts experience may be given special consideration under the cultural activities quota. It is advisable to check the latest admission notification on admissions.sxca.edu.in.

Ques. Can students from Science or Commerce background apply for BPA Theatre at SXCA?

Ans. Yes, the eligibility for BPA Theatre at SXCA is HSC (Class 12) from any stream - Arts, Science, or Commerce. There is no stream restriction, making it accessible to students from all backgrounds who have a passion for theatre and performing arts.