SCHOOL OF PERFORMING OF ARTS

The School of Performing Arts (SOPA), a premier department of Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore, continues to be the cultural heartbeat of Madhya Pradesh in 2026. Located in the historic city of Indore, known for its rich musical heritage (Indore Gharana), the school offers a perfect blend of traditional Gurukul values and modern academic rigor.

• Location: Takshshila Campus, Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
• Affiliation: Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (A+ Grade University).
• Key Disciplines: Vocal Music, Instrumental (Sitar/Violin), Kathak Dance, and Dramatics.
• Campus Life: Proximity to the cultural hubs of Ujjain and Bhopal provides students with immense exposure to regional festivals like Tansen Samaroh and Kalidas Samaroh.
• USP: Deeply rooted in the Indore Gharana traditions while integrating digital recording technology into the curriculum.

In 2026, the School of Performing Arts offers several undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs tailored to the evolving needs of the global entertainment and arts industry.

• Bachelor of Performing Arts (B.P.A.): A 4-year intensive program specializing in Hindustani Classical Music (Vocal/Instrumental) or Kathak.
• Master of Performing Arts (M.P.A.): A 2-year advanced degree focusing on performance theory and research.
• Diploma in Dramatics: A 1-year professional course focused on stagecraft, acting, and direction, highly popular among local theater enthusiasts in Indore.
• Ph.D. in Music & Dance: For scholars looking to contribute to the academic discourse of Indian classical arts.

Admissions for the 2026 academic session are primarily merit-based, followed by a mandatory practical audition to assess the candidate's aptitude and skill level.

Applicants must apply through the DAVV official portal. For B.P.A., candidates are expected to have a basic foundation in their chosen art form.

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

The cutoff for 2026 is determined by a combination of the CUET (Common University Entrance Test) score and the Practical Proficiency Test (PPT) conducted by the department. The weightage is typically 40% for the entrance exam and 60% for the practical audition.

• B.P.A. (General): 75% aggregate in PPT + Competitive CUET score.
• M.P.A. (Vocal/Dance): High merit in previous graduation and a minimum of 65% in the audition.
• OBC/SC/ST: Relaxation as per Madhya Pradesh state government norms.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

Placements in performing arts differ from corporate sectors, focusing on institutional roles, media, and performance contracts. The 2025 placement cycle saw significant success for graduates.

• Education Sector: 40% of graduates were placed as music and dance instructors in prestigious schools across Indore, Bhopal, and Mumbai.
• Media & Entertainment: Students secured roles in All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan, and private production houses in Mumbai.
• Freelance & Performance: Several M.P.A. students received ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) empanelment for international performances.
• Average Package (Teaching/Institutional): INR 3.5 LPA to 5.5 LPA.

SOPA offers various financial aid options to support talented artists from diverse backgrounds in 2026.

• MP State Post-Matric Scholarship: For SC/ST/OBC students residing in Madhya Pradesh.
• Gaon Ki Beti Yojna: Financial assistance for girl students from rural areas.
• Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: Awarded by DAVV to students with exceptional academic and performance records.
• Cultural Talent Search Scholarship Scheme: Assistance for students empanelled under national cultural schemes.

The most sought-after courses at the School of Performing Arts in 2026 are those that bridge the gap between traditional performance and modern pedagogy.

• B.P.A. in Kathak: Known for its rigorous training and alignment with the Lucknow and Jaipur Gharanas.
• B.P.A. in Hindustani Vocal: Focuses on the core nuances of Khayal Gayaki.
• M.P.A. in Instrumental Music: Specializations in Sitar and Violin are highly popular.
• Short-term Certificate in Folk Music: Attracts international students interested in the tribal music of Madhya Pradesh.

The fee structure for 2026 remains highly subsidized to encourage the preservation of classical arts.

Note: Fees are subject to university revisions and include library and laboratory charges.

The application process for 2026 is entirely digital, ensuring ease of access for students across India.

1. Visit the official DAVV Indore website (dauniv.ac.in).
2. Navigate to the 'Admissions 2026' section and select 'School of Performing Arts'.
3. Register with a valid email and phone number.
4. Fill out the application form and upload necessary documents (Mark sheets, Category certificates, and a brief video of a performance if required).
5. Pay the application fee via the online gateway.
6. Download the admit card for the CUET and the departmental practical test.

The infrastructure at SOPA is designed to cater to the acoustic and spatial needs of performers.

• Performance Hall: A well-equipped auditorium for internal concerts and public performances.
• Riyaz Rooms: Sound-treated rooms for individual and group practice sessions.
• Instrument Bank: A collection of high-quality Sitars, Tanpuras, and Tablas available for student use.
• Digital Archives: A library containing rare recordings of legendary masters of the Indore Gharana.
• Hostel: On-campus housing facilities for outstation students within the Takshshila Campus.

The school is organized into specialized departments to ensure focused training in each vertical.

• Department of Vocal Music: Specializing in Hindustani Classical and Semi-Classical forms.
• Department of Instrumental Music: Focus on string and percussion instruments.
• Department of Dance: Dedicated primarily to the Kathak form with explorations in contemporary movements.
• Department of Dramatics: Focusing on Indian folk theater and modern stage plays.