Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 31, 2026

SASTRA University offers a 3-year full-time Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Bharatanatyam at its Thanjavur campus, under the School of Fine Arts. The programme provides comprehensive training in Bharatanatyam, one of India's oldest and most revered classical dance forms, covering technique (adavus, jathis), abhinaya (expressive dance), nritta, nritya, natya, music theory for dance, and the history and aesthetics of Indian classical dance. Thanjavur, the birthplace of the Thanjavur Quartet who codified the modern form of Bharatanatyam, is the most historically significant location in India to study this art form. The total course fee is approximately Rs. 1,25,000 for the entire 3-year duration, making it one of the most affordable classical dance degree programmes at a deemed university in South India. The programme is offered in full-time on-campus mode and is ideal for students with a strong foundation in Bharatanatyam who wish to pursue a formal degree in the performing arts.

Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently open. Applications are accepted through the SASTRA online portal. Admission is based on merit in Class 12 and a practical audition/performance test conducted by the university. Students are encouraged to apply early as seats are limited.

Key Points

The programme is offered in Thanjavur, the birthplace of modern Bharatanatyam, providing an unparalleled cultural and historical environment for learning.
Admission involves both academic merit and a practical audition/performance test, ensuring students with genuine dance aptitude are selected.
The curriculum covers Bharatanatyam technique, abhinaya, music theory for dance, dance history, and choreography.
Graduates can pursue careers as performing artists, dance teachers, choreographers, and researchers in Indian classical dance.
The BFA degree from a NAAC A++ accredited deemed university adds formal academic credibility to a dance career.

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01 Apr, 2026 Sastra University Phase 1 Registration 2026 begins @sastra.edu. The last date to apply ranges between Apr 19 & Jun 5, 2026. Learn more.

SASTRA BFA Bharatanatyam Fees

The BFA Bharatanatyam programme at SASTRA University is one of the most affordable classical dance degree programmes at a deemed university in South India, with a total fee of approximately Rs. 1,25,000 for the complete 3-year duration. The tuition fee is Rs. 40,000 per year, totalling Rs. 1,20,000 over three years. Additional one-time and annual charges amount to approximately Rs. 4,750. The low fee structure reflects SASTRA's commitment to making quality fine arts education accessible.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Rs.)
Tuition Fee (Rs. 40,000 x 3 years)	1,20,000
Other Charges (Sports, Registration, Medical, etc.)	4,750
Total Fees	1,24,750

Hostel is optional and not mandatory.
Hostel lodging fees range from Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 90,000 per year depending on room type.
Food charges are approximately Rs. 5,000 per month (charged at actuals).
The refund/cancellation policy is as per statutory body guidelines and the SASTRA academic calendar.
No capitation fee or donation is charged.
Admissions are strictly merit-based.
Government scholarships (state/central) may be applicable based on category.

SASTRA BFA Bharatanatyam Admission 2026

BFA Bharatanatyam admissions at SASTRA University are based on merit in Class 12 combined with a practical audition test. The programme has limited seats, and students with a strong background in Bharatanatyam are preferred. Applications are accepted through the SASTRA online portal. The 2026 admissions are currently open.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Application Portal Opens	March 27, 2026 (Tentative)
Practical / Audition Test	To be announced after application review
Admission Confirmation	On a rolling basis
Batch Commencement (Tentative)	July 2026

Note: BFA Bharatanatyam does not require any national entrance exam (CUET, JEE, etc.). Admission is based on Class 12 marks and a practical audition conducted by SASTRA.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Pass in Class 12 (H.Sc.) from a recognised Board of Secondary Examinations.
Students with prior training in Bharatanatyam (typically Arangetram level or equivalent) are preferred.
No minimum percentage is explicitly stated, but merit-based selection applies.

Admission Process

Submit the online application form at webstream.sastra.edu/sastraonline.
Shortlisted candidates are called for a practical audition/performance test.
Final selection is based on Class 12 marks and audition performance.
Pay the admission fee online to confirm the seat.

SASTRA BFA Bharatanatyam Scholarships 2026

SASTRA University provides financial support to deserving students across programmes. BFA Bharatanatyam students may benefit from the Dean's Merit List scholarship and government scholarship schemes. The low fee structure of the BFA Bharatanatyam programme itself makes it financially accessible to most students.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Benefit	Amount / Benefit	Eligibility
Dean's Merit List Scholarship	1/5th or 2/5th concession in semester tuition fee	Top 3%-10% of class: 1/5th waiver; Top 3%: 2/5th waiver
Hostel Scholarship	Rs. 16,000 (reimbursement of mess fees)	Min. 90% attendance, CGPA 7.5+, no arrears, no disciplinary record
Tamil Nadu State Government Scholarship	Varies by scheme	SC/ST/OBC/Minority students; apply through Tamil Nadu e-Scholarship portal
Central Government Scholarships (NSP)	Varies by scheme	Based on category and family income; apply through National Scholarship Portal

Dean's Merit List scholarship is awarded based on academic performance at the end of each semester.
Government scholarships require separate applications through the respective portals.
Students are advised to check with the SASTRA admissions office for the latest scholarship information.

SASTRA BFA Bharatanatyam FAQs

Ques. What level of Bharatanatyam training is required before applying for BFA Bharatanatyam at SASTRA?

Ans. Students are expected to have a strong foundation in Bharatanatyam, typically equivalent to having completed their Arangetram (the formal debut performance that marks the completion of basic training). Students who have trained under a recognised guru for several years and have performance experience are well-suited for this programme. The practical audition at the time of admission assesses the candidate's technical proficiency and expressive ability.

Ques. What is the eligibility for BFA Bharatanatyam at SASTRA? Is Class 12 with a specific subject required?

Ans. The primary eligibility requirement is passing Class 12 (H.Sc.) from a recognised board. Unlike BFA Music, there is no specific requirement for Bharatanatyam as a Class 12 subject, as it is not commonly offered as a school subject. The practical audition is the primary selection criterion for dance aptitude. Students from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) who have completed Class 12 and have strong Bharatanatyam training can apply.

Ques. What career options are available after BFA Bharatanatyam from SASTRA?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers as Bharatanatyam performers, dance teachers at schools and dance academies, choreographers for stage productions and films, cultural programme coordinators, and dance researchers. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate studies (M.A. in Dance or M.F.A.) at universities like Kalakshetra Foundation, Madras University, or abroad. The BFA degree from a NAAC A++ accredited deemed university adds formal academic credibility to a dance career and is required for teaching positions at the college level.

Ques. Does SASTRA have dedicated dance studios and performance facilities for BFA Bharatanatyam students?

Ans. Yes, SASTRA has dedicated dance studios and performance spaces for BFA Bharatanatyam students. The university's campus hosts regular cultural events and performances, and students have opportunities to perform at university functions and cultural festivals. Being located in Thanjavur, students also have access to the rich cultural ecosystem of the city, including performances at the Brihadeeswarar Temple complex and other cultural venues.

Ques. Is the BFA Bharatanatyam degree from SASTRA recognised for government teaching positions?

Ans. Yes, BFA Bharatanatyam from SASTRA, a UGC-recognised deemed university with NAAC A++ accreditation, is a valid qualification for dance teacher positions in schools and colleges. For government school teaching positions, candidates typically also need a B.Ed. degree. For college-level teaching, a postgraduate degree (M.A./M.F.A. in Dance) and NET/SET qualification are required. The BFA serves as the foundational degree for these career paths.

Ques. Why is Thanjavur considered the ideal place to study Bharatanatyam? How does the location benefit BFA students at SASTRA?

Ans. Thanjavur holds a unique place in the history of Bharatanatyam. The Thanjavur Quartet (Chinnaiah, Ponnaiah, Vadivelu, and Sivanandam) codified the modern repertoire of Bharatanatyam in the 19th century at the Thanjavur court. The city is home to the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient devadasi dance traditions, and the Saraswathi Mahal Library, which houses rare manuscripts on dance and music. SASTRA students benefit from this living cultural heritage, with access to performances, festivals, and masters of the art form who are based in and around Thanjavur.