Last Updated: May 2026
CUET Performing Arts 2027 (subject code 322) is a domain subject offered by 8 central universities for BPA, B.A. (Hons) Music/Dance/Theatre and integrated arts programmes. Unlike most CUET domain subjects, Performing Arts has both a 50-MCQ theory paper (CUET UG) AND a separate practical/audition round at admitting universities. This guide breaks down the chapter-wise CUET Performing Arts 2027 syllabus, theory paper structure, university-level practical formats, and 25 practice MCQs.
1. CUET Performing Arts Theory Paper Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject code | 322 |
| Total questions | 50 (45 to attempt) |
| Time | 45 minutes |
| Marking | +5 correct / -1 wrong |
| Source NCERT | Class 12 ‘An Introduction to Indian Art’ + university-supplied module |
| Mode | CBT |
2. Chapter-Wise Theory Syllabus
Unit 1 — Indian Music Traditions
- Hindustani Classical: Gharanas (Gwalior, Agra, Jaipur, Kirana, Patiala, Maihar)
- Carnatic Classical: Trinity (Tyagaraja, Muttuswami Dikshitar, Syama Sastri)
- Time theory of ragas; Tala system (taals — Teentaal, Ektaal, Adi)
Unit 2 — Indian Dance Forms
- 8 Classical: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Sattriya
- Folk: Bhangra, Garba, Bihu, Lavani, Ghoomar
- Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra — Rasa theory (8 rasas + 9th Shanta)
Unit 3 — Indian Theatre
- Sanskrit drama: Bhasa, Kalidasa, Sudraka, Bhavabhuti
- Folk theatre: Yakshagana, Bhavai, Tamasha, Jatra, Nautanki, Ramlila
- Modern Indian theatre: Habib Tanvir, Girish Karnad, Vijay Tendulkar, Mahesh Elkunchwar
Unit 4 — Theory of Performance
- Stagecraft, blocking, lighting basics
- Voice modulation, breath control
- Audience and spectatorship
Unit 5 — World Performing Arts (Brief)
- Greek tragedy (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides)
- Western theatre evolution (Shakespeare, Stanislavski, Brecht)
- Asian theatre: Noh, Kabuki, Peking Opera
3. Practical / Audition Round (University-Specific)
| University | Practical Format | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| BHU (Faculty of Performing Arts) | Audition: instrument/voice/dance OR theatre piece (5 min) | 50% of admission |
| Visva-Bharati | Sangit Bhavana audition + interview | 40% |
| University of Hyderabad | Audition + GD | 50% |
| Allahabad University (Music) | Audition only | 50% |
| JMI | Practical performance + viva | 50% |
| Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidyalaya | Detailed audition (10 min) + theory test | 60% |
4. Recommended Books
- NCERT ‘An Introduction to Indian Art’ Class 11 Part 1 & 2
- Bharata Muni — Natya Shastra (selected English translations)
- Kapila Vatsyayan — Indian Classical Dance
- ‘Hindustani Music’ — Bimal Mukherjee (Sangeet Natak Akademi)
5. 25 Practice MCQs (Sample 8)
- Trinity of Carnatic music includes Tyagaraja, Muttuswami Dikshitar and: (a) Purandara Dasa (b) Syama Sastri (c) Annamacharya (d) Bhadrachala Ramadas — (b)
- Bharatanatyam originated in: (a) Kerala (b) Andhra Pradesh (c) Tamil Nadu (d) Karnataka — (c)
- Number of rasas in Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra (original): (a) 8 (b) 9 (c) 10 (d) 12 — (a)
- Sattriya dance is from which state: (a) Manipur (b) Assam (c) West Bengal (d) Odisha — (b)
- Mridangam is a percussion instrument associated with: (a) Hindustani (b) Carnatic (c) Folk (d) Sufi — (b)
- Kalidasa wrote ‘Abhijnanashakuntalam’ in which language: (a) Pali (b) Sanskrit (c) Prakrit (d) Tamil — (b)
- ‘Tughlaq’ play was written by: (a) Vijay Tendulkar (b) Girish Karnad (c) Mohan Rakesh (d) Habib Tanvir — (b)
- Yakshagana folk theatre is from: (a) Maharashtra (b) Karnataka (c) Tamil Nadu (d) Kerala — (b)
6. Career Pathways
BPA / B.A. Performing Arts → MPA → Ph.D. (research) OR professional performer / choreographer / theatre director / arts administrator / cultural journalist. Top employers include Sangeet Natak Akademi, Doordarshan, NSD, ICCR, and private dance/theatre companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is CUET Performing Arts mandatory for BPA admission?
Yes for the 8 universities that accept it. BHU, Hyderabad, Visva-Bharati, JMI, Allahabad require both CUET theory and an audition round.
Q2. What if I have no formal training?
You can attempt theory but auditions filter applicants. Most universities expect 3–5 years of training in chosen discipline.
Q3. Can I attempt without Class 12 Performing Arts?
Yes. Class 12 Performing Arts subject is not compulsory for CUET 322.
Q4. How tough is the theory paper?
Moderate. NCERT-based with cultural awareness questions. 5–10 questions are pure recall (raga-instrument-dance form mapping).
Internal Resources
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