The Common University Entrance Test (CUET), organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA), serves as a gateway for admission to various undergraduate courses offered by central, state, private, and deemed universities across India. The CUET UG 2025 exam is scheduled to take place in May 2025. If you’re aspiring to pursue a course in Performing Arts, you’ll need to select “Performing Arts” as a domain subject while filling out the CUET application form 2025. To perform well in the exam, it’s crucial to review the CUET Performing Arts syllabus thoroughly and prepare by covering all the topics included.
Table of Contents
CUET Performing Arts Syllabus 2025: Important Topics
| Section | Unit | Topic |
| Section A | Unit I | Definitions: Sangeet, Nad, Shruti, Swara (Shuddha, Komal, Teevra), Pitch, Gram, Murcchana, Varna, Alankar, Raga, Alap, Tana, Gamak, Meend, Kan |
| Unit II | Concepts: Vadi, Samvadi, Anuvadi, Vivadi, Uttarang, Purvang, Aroh, Avroh, Pakad, Thata (Mela), Jati (Audav, Shadav, Sampurna) | |
| Unit III | Laya & Tala: Vilambit, Madhya, Drut; Prominent Talas (Teental, Ektala, Dadra, Keharwa, Jhaptala, Rupak, Adi, etc.) | |
| Unit IV | Musical Forms: Prabandh, Drupad, Khayal, Thumri, Tarana, Maseet Khani-Razakhani Gat, Kriti, Pallavi, Padam, Tillana | |
| Unit V | Contribution of Musicians & Composers: V.N. Bhatkhande, Tyagraja, Purandardas, Rabindranath Tagore, etc. | |
| Unit VI | Musical Instruments & Classification: String (e.g., Sitar, Tanpura), Percussion (e.g., Tabla, Pakhawaj), Wind (e.g., Flute, Shehnai) | |
| Unit VII | Salient Features of Ragas: Yaman, Bhairav, Alhaiya Bilawal, Malkauns, Bageshree, Bhupali | |
| Section B | Unit I | Classical Dances of India: Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathakali, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Sattriya |
| Unit II | Life Sketches of Exponents & Contributors to Dance Forms (Past & Present) | |
| Unit III | Terms: Sangeet, Natan Bheda (Natya, Nritya, Nritta), Tandav, Lasya, Lokdharmi, Natyadharmi | |
| Unit IV | Texts & Folk Dances: Abhinaya Darpana, Natya Shastra, Major Folk Dances of India | |
| Unit V | Abhinaya & Rasa Theory: Aangika, Vachika, Aharya, Satwika; Navarasa, Sthayi Bhaav | |
| Unit VI | Classical Dance Practices: Knowledge of Premier Gharanas, Institutions, and Major Dance Festivals | |
| Section C | Unit I | Structure of Percussion Instruments: Tabla, Pakhawaj, Mridangam |
| Unit II | Varnas of Tabla, Pakhawaj, Mridangam | |
| Unit III | Terms: Tala, Matra, Theka, Kayada, Rela, Tihai, Chakradar, etc. | |
| Unit IV | Bhatkhande & Karnatak Tala Notation Systems | |
| Unit V | Origin & Gharanas of Percussion Instruments | |
| Unit VI | Prescribed Talas: Teentala, Jhaptala, Ektala, Keharwa, Chautala, Sooltala, etc. | |
| Unit VII | Biographies of Percussionists: Pt. Kishan Maharaj, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Palghat Mani Iyer | |
| Section D | Unit I | Indian Classical & Traditional Theatre: Leading Playwrights (Bhasa, Kalidasa, Sudraka, Bhavabhuti) |
| Unit II | Modern Indian Theatre: Works of Tagore, Harishchandra, Vijay Tendulkar, Girish Karnad, etc. | |
| Unit III | Western Classical & Medieval Drama: Greek Playwrights (Aeschylus, Sophocles), Shakespearean Dramas | |
| Unit IV | Modern Western Theatre: Styles & Practitioners (Stanislavsky, Brecht, Ibsen, Chekhov, etc.) | |
| Unit V | Theatre Production: Types of Theatres, Elements of Play Production (Set, Light, Sound, Costume) | |
| Unit VI | Indian Theatre Organizations: NSD, Sangeet Natak Academy, Zonal Cultural Centres |
CUET Performing Arts Exam Pattern 2025
| Section | Number of Questions |
| Section IA (Language) | 40 questions to be attempted out of 50 |
| Section IB | |
| Section II (Domain Subject) | 35/40 Questions to be attempted out of 45/50 |
| Section III (General Test) | 50 Questions to be attempted out of 60 |
| CUET Performing Arts Mapping for Courses | Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor in Performing Arts in Music Production (B.P.A.) |
CUET Performing Arts Preparation Tips 2025
If you’re preparing for the CUET UG 2025 exam to secure admission to Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) courses, here are some effective tips to help you excel:
- Practice Consistently: Dedicate time daily to practice your core skills, whether it’s dancing, singing, or acting. Regular practice sharpens your abilities and boosts your confidence.
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the CUET Performing Arts syllabus to know exactly what areas and skills will be tested. Focus your preparation on these topics to stay exam-ready.
- Warm-Up Sessions: Always begin your practice with proper warm-up exercises to avoid injuries and prepare your body for intense performance sessions.
- Prioritize Your Health: Maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and ensure adequate sleep. A healthy body and mind are essential for delivering your best performance.
- Record Your Practice: Record your practice sessions and review them. This will help you identify areas of improvement and refine your technique.
- Seek Constructive Feedback: Perform in front of friends, family, or mentors and ask for honest feedback. Constructive criticism is invaluable for personal and artistic growth.
- Build Confidence: Believe in yourself and stay positive throughout your preparation. Confidence is a key element that can elevate your performance to the next level.
- Stay Organized: Keep all your materials, such as scripts, music sheets, or choreography notes, neatly organized. This reduces last-minute stress and helps you stay focused on your preparation.
CUET Performing Arts Syllabus 2025 FAQs
What is the Performing Arts subject in CUET 2025?
The Performing Arts subject in CUET includes music, dance, and theatre, focusing on creative expression through live performance. Unlike visual arts, which involve creating tangible or static works using various materials, performing arts emphasize dynamic and interactive art forms. Candidates preparing for the CUET 2025 exam are advised to review the detailed exam pattern and syllabus to understand the format and structure of the test thoroughly.
What is the CUET 2025 exam syllabus for Arts students?
The CUET 2025 syllabus for Arts students focuses on assessing their analytical skills, logical reasoning, humanities understanding, and aptitude in the Arts and Humanities stream. Key subjects covered include History, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Geography, and Psychology. Candidates should thoroughly review the syllabus and exam pattern to prepare effectively and excel in the CUET 2025 exam.
What are the topics in the CUET Performing Arts Syllabus 2025?
The CUET Performing Arts Syllabus 2025 covers a diverse range of topics, including classical dance forms like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, and Kathakali, as well as modern and contemporary Indian theatre. It also includes a survey of acting theories and practices, Hindustani and Carnatic music, Rabindra Sangeet, and percussion instruments. Candidates preparing for the CUET 2025 exam are advised to thoroughly study these topics to excel in the Performing Arts domain.
How many questions will be asked from the CUET Performing Arts 2025 syllabus?
The CUET Performing Arts syllabus includes 50 questions, out of which candidates are required to attempt only 45. It’s important to focus on the syllabus topics and exam pattern to prepare effectively and maximize your score in the CUET 2025 exam.
What courses are offered through CUET Performing Arts 2025?
Through CUET Performing Arts, candidates can gain admission to programs such as the Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) and specialized courses like the Bachelor of Performing Arts in Music Production (BPA). These programs are designed to enhance skills in music, dance, theatre, and other performing arts disciplines.
