Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya (IKSVV), Khairagarh is a public arts and music university established in 1956 by Maharaja Birendra Bahadur Singh and Maharani Padmavati Devi of the erstwhile Khairagarh princely state, who donated their palace to create it. The university is named after their daughter Indira Devi. It is the first dedicated music and fine arts university in Asia. IKSVV is a state university under the Government of Chhattisgarh, recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited by NAAC with an A grade.
As per the Outlook ICARE Rankings 2025, IKSVV Khairagarh is ranked #4 among music institutes in India, with a score of 905. IKSVV does not participate in NIRF rankings as NIRF does not have a separate category for music and arts universities.
IKSVV occupies the historic Khairagarh palace campus in Rajnandgaon district, Chhattisgarh. The campus includes a library with over 40,000 books, audio and video archives, a mini musical instrument gallery, and an archaeological museum.
- IKSVV Khairagarh offers programmes across five academic sections:
- Music — BPA and MPA in Hindustani Vocal, Tabla, Sitar, Violin, Sarod; Carnatic music; folk music
- Dance — BPA and MPA in Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi Dance
- Fine Arts — BFA and MFA in Painting, Sculpture, Digital Graphics, Art History and Appreciation
- Theatre — BPA and MPA in Theatre Arts
- Arts and Humanities — BA and MA in Ancient History, Archaeology, English, Hindi, Sanskrit; D.Litt. and PhD
Total BPA fees are INR 42,820 to INR 56,550 for the full programme. BFA fees are INR 56,550. BA fees are INR 27,800 over three years. Hostel fees are INR 16,680 per year.
IKSVV graduates pursue careers in performing arts, teaching, government cultural bodies, Doordarshan, and All India Radio.
- IKSVV Khairagarh Admission Dates 2026
- IKSVV Khairagarh Courses and Fees
- IKSVV Khairagarh Admission Process
- IKSVV Khairagarh Placements and Career Outcomes
- IKSVV Khairagarh Rankings
- IKSVV Khairagarh Campus and Infrastructure
- IKSVV Khairagarh vs Rabindra Bharati University vs Bhatkhande Music Institute
- IKSVV Khairagarh FAQs
IKSVV Khairagarh Admission Dates 2026
IKSVV Khairagarh admissions for the 2026-27 session were conducted through a university entrance exam comprising practical performance, written test, and viva. Applications for BPA and BFA programmes opened in May 2026, with examinations conducted at the Khairagarh campus. The 2026-27 cycle has now concluded.
| Event | 2026-27 (Concluded) |
|---|---|
| BPA and BFA Application Window | May 20 to June/July 2026 |
| BA and MA Application Window | May to July 2026 |
| Entrance Examination (Practical and Written) | July 2026 (at Khairagarh campus) |
| PhD and D.Litt. Admissions | Separate notification on iksv.ac.in |
| Session Start | August 2026 |
The next admission cycle (2027-28) is expected to open in May 2027. The table below shows the admission route and eligibility for each programme family at IKSVV.
| Programme | Admission Route | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| BPA (Music and Dance) | Entrance exam (Practical and Written) + Viva | 10+2 from any recognised board |
| BFA (Fine Arts) | Entrance exam (Practical and Written) + Viva | 10+2 from any recognised board |
| BA (Humanities) | Merit-based on 10+2 marks | 10+2 with relevant subjects |
| MPA and MFA | Entrance exam + Merit | Relevant BPA / BFA / Bachelor degree |
| MA (Humanities) | Merit-based | Relevant BA degree |
| Diploma and Certificate | Merit-based or direct | Varies by programme |
| PhD and D.Litt. | Entrance test + Interview | Relevant Master degree |
IKSVV Khairagarh Courses and Fees
IKSVV Khairagarh offers programmes spanning performing arts, fine arts, humanities, and vocational studies at the certificate, diploma, UG, PG, and research levels. The university is one of the few institutions in India offering dedicated degree programmes in Carnatic music, Odissi dance, Sarod, and Theatre Arts at the UG and PG level. All fees are under government-regulated structures, making IKSVV among the most affordable arts universities in India.
| Course | Duration | Total Fees (General) |
|---|---|---|
| BPA (Music specialisations: Sitar, Tabla, Violin, Sarod, Vocal) | 3 years | INR 42,820 |
| BPA (Theatre Arts) | 3 years | INR 56,550 |
| BPA (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi Dance) | 3 years | INR 42,820 |
| BFA (Painting, Sculpture, Digital Graphics) | 4 years | INR 56,550 |
| BA (Ancient History, English, Hindi, Sanskrit) | 3 years | INR 27,800 |
| B.Voc (Apparel Design, Design and Build) | 3 years | INR 56,550 |
| MPA (Music and Dance specialisations) | 2 years | INR 28,700 |
| MFA (Painting, Sculpture, Graphics, Art History) | 2 years | INR 40,520 to INR 44,350 |
| MA (Humanities: Ancient History, Archaeology, English, Hindi, Sanskrit) | 2 years | INR 22,760 |
| Diploma (Painting, Theatre, Hindi, Sanskrit, Yoga, Madhyama) | 1 to 2 years | INR 3,860 to INR 30,310 |
| Certificate Courses (Music, Yoga, Photography, Painting, etc.) | 6 months to 1 year | INR 3,450 to INR 7,560 |
| D.Litt. | Varies | INR 39,000 |
| PhD (Music, Dance, Fine Arts, Hindi, Sanskrit, Folk Music, Theatre) | 3 years | INR 25,500 |
Hostel charges at IKSVV are INR 16,680 per year for both male and female students. The university operates separate hostels for boys and girls on campus. These regulated fees apply to Indian nationals. Foreign students and NRI candidates should contact the university directly for applicable fee structures.
IKSVV Khairagarh Admission Process
IKSVV Khairagarh conducts its own entrance examination for admission to performing arts and fine arts programmes. The university prioritises practical performance ability over board examination marks for arts programmes.
BPA and BFA Admission
- Eligibility: 10+2 from any recognised board. There is no minimum marks requirement for arts admission at IKSVV — practical ability is the primary criterion.
- Admission involves three components: Practical performance test, Written theory test, and Viva voce.
- Candidates appear at the Khairagarh campus for the entrance examination. IKSVV does not conduct remote/online entrance examinations.
- Final selection is based on cumulative entrance performance across practical, written, and viva components.
BA Admission
BA admissions to Ancient History, English, Hindi, and Sanskrit programmes are merit-based on 10+2 marks. Candidates apply directly to the university. There is no separate entrance exam for BA humanities programmes.
MPA and MFA Admission
- Eligibility: BPA for MPA admission; BFA for MFA admission in the same discipline.
- Admission involves a practical examination and merit assessment of the qualifying degree.
- Students with relevant bachelor degrees from other recognised universities are eligible to apply.
PhD and D.Litt. Admission
PhD admissions at IKSVV are conducted through a university-level entrance test followed by an interview. Eligible specialisations include Music, Dance, Painting, Hindi, Sanskrit, Folk Music, Indian Theatre, and Ancient Indian History. The D.Litt. (Doctorate of Literature) is a higher research doctorate awarded based on published original contribution to the field.
IKSVV Khairagarh Placements and Career Outcomes
IKSVV Khairagarh does not have a conventional campus placement process. Graduates pursue careers in performing arts, teaching, and cultural administration. The university’s historic reputation and NAAC A grade accreditation give its graduates recognition in arts institutions and government cultural bodies nationally.
Core career pathways for IKSVV graduates include positions as music and dance teachers at school and college level, employment with Doordarshan (national TV) and All India Radio (AIR) as performing artists and anchors, roles in government cultural bodies including Sangeet Natak Akademi and Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, state government art and culture departments, and private music academies and performing arts companies. MFA graduates find roles in art galleries, museums, advertising, and digital media. PhD graduates pursue academic careers as faculty in music, dance, and fine arts departments.
| Career Pathway | Entry Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| School and College Teacher (Music/Dance/Art) | Teaching eligibility (B.Ed, SET, NET) | Largest employer of performing arts graduates |
| Doordarshan and All India Radio Artist | AIR / DD Audition | Graded artist system offers regular income |
| Government Cultural Bodies | Direct recruitment / fellowship | Sangeet Natak Akademi, IGNCA, state academies |
| Independent Performing Artist | Concerts, residencies, festivals | Requires performance reputation and network |
| Academic Faculty (Post-PhD) | NET/SET + interview | Universities and arts colleges across India |
IKSVV Khairagarh Rankings
IKSVV Khairagarh holds the #4 rank among music institutes in India as per the Outlook ICARE Rankings 2025, with a score of 905. IKSVV does not participate in NIRF rankings as NIRF does not publish a dedicated category for music and arts universities.
| Ranking Body | Category | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Outlook ICARE | Music Institutes (India) | #4 (2025) |
| NAAC | University Accreditation | A Grade |
IKSVV Khairagarh Campus and Infrastructure
IKSVV Khairagarh occupies the historic Khairagarh palace donated by the royal family in 1956. The campus is located in Khairagarh, Rajnandgaon district, Chhattisgarh. The central library holds over 40,000 books along with audio recordings and video archives of classical music and dance performances.
The campus includes a mini musical instrument gallery showcasing rare and traditional Indian instruments, and an archaeological museum with regional cultural artefacts. The university operates across 21 departments spanning five academic sections: Music, Dance, Visual Arts, Folk Music, and Humanities. Teaching is conducted in Hindi for Indian students and in English for international students. Separate hostel facilities for boys and girls are available at INR 16,680 per year.
IKSVV Khairagarh vs Rabindra Bharati University vs Bhatkhande Music Institute
Students choosing a dedicated performing arts and music university in India often compare IKSVV with Rabindra Bharati University (RBU), Kolkata, and Bhatkhande Music Institute Deemed University, Lucknow. All three focus primarily on music, dance, and arts education, and attract students from across India.
| Parameter | IKSVV Khairagarh | Rabindra Bharati University | Bhatkhande Music Institute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 1956 | 1962 | 1926 (Deemed 2000) |
| Type | State Public University | State Public University | Private Deemed University |
| Location | Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh | Kolkata, West Bengal | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh |
| Focus | Music, Dance, Fine Arts, Humanities | Music, Dance, Fine Arts, Drama | Hindustani Music (primary focus) |
| BPA Fees (General) | INR 42,820 | Contact university | Contact institute |
| NAAC Grade | A | A | Not available |
| International Students | Yes (English medium available) | Yes | Limited |
| Hostel | Available (INR 16,680/year) | Available | Available |
IKSVV Khairagarh is Asia’s oldest dedicated music and arts university with the widest programme range covering dance, fine arts, folk music, theatre, and humanities alongside music. Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata has a Rabindranath Tagore music heritage and is stronger in Bengali cultural traditions. Bhatkhande Music Institute in Lucknow focuses intensively on Hindustani classical music and has a legacy dating back to 1926. All three are government or UGC-recognised institutions with highly subsidised fee structures.
IKSVV Khairagarh FAQs
Ques. What is IKSVV Khairagarh known for?
Ans. IKSVV Khairagarh is Asia’s first dedicated music and fine arts university, established in 1956. It is recognised by UGC and accredited by NAAC with an A grade. It offers programmes in music, classical dance, fine arts, theatre, and humanities. Outlook ICARE 2025 ranked it #4 among music institutes in India.
Ques. What is the BPA fee at IKSVV Khairagarh?
Ans. The total BPA (Bachelor of Performing Arts) fee at IKSVV Khairagarh is INR 42,820 for music and dance specialisations (Sitar, Tabla, Violin, Sarod, Vocal, Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi) and INR 56,550 for Theatre Arts, over a 3-year programme. Hostel charges are INR 16,680 per year, billed separately.
Ques. How do I apply to IKSVV Khairagarh?
Ans. IKSVV Khairagarh BPA and BFA admissions are through an entrance exam held on campus, comprising a practical performance test, written test, and viva. BA admissions are merit-based on 10+2 marks. Applications typically open in May to June for the next academic session. Check iksv.ac.in for official notifications.
Ques. Is IKSVV Khairagarh a government university?
Ans. Yes. IKSVV Khairagarh is a public state university under the Government of Chhattisgarh. It was originally under Madhya Pradesh government and transferred to Chhattisgarh when the state was created in 2001. It is UGC recognised and NAAC A accredited.
Ques. What career options are available after BPA from IKSVV Khairagarh?
Ans. BPA graduates from IKSVV Khairagarh can pursue careers as music or dance teachers at school and college level, audition for Doordarshan and All India Radio as graded artists, join government cultural bodies such as Sangeet Natak Akademi, work with state art and culture departments, or pursue MPA for further specialisation and academic careers.
Ques. Does IKSVV Khairagarh have a hostel?
Ans. Yes. IKSVV Khairagarh has separate hostel facilities for boys and girls on its campus. The hostel fee is INR 16,680 per year, billed separately from the course fee.
Ques. What is the IKSVV Khairagarh ranking?
Ans. IKSVV Khairagarh is ranked #4 among music institutes in India by Outlook ICARE Rankings 2025 with a score of 905. The university holds NAAC A grade accreditation. It does not appear in NIRF rankings as NIRF does not have a separate category for music and arts universities.


![Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya - [IKSVV]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/uv25435.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)




Comments
Found 19 Comments
Yes, Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidyalaya (IKSVV), Khairagarh, offers a Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) in Dance as a full-time undergraduate course. Students who have passed 10+2 are eligible to apply. Admission is based on the university’s application process, followed by an aptitude test or audition to assess dance skills. After selection, candidates must complete document verification and pay the required fee for seat confirmation.
Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya (IKSVV) offers distance education in arts through correspondence, including BFA, BPA, MFA, MPA, and diploma programs, all semester-based. Study materials are delivered via post/online, entrance begins in July, and exams are conducted in June and December
The applications are invited in offline mode. Applicants need to follow the steps to apply:
Note: Applicants must note that they are required to produce original certificates at the time of the aptitude test for verification.
Candidates seeking admission in a 2-year MFA program must have passed B.F.A./B.V.A. (4 Years Degree Course) in Painting/ Graphics / Applied arts, securing 45% marks (aggregate of all years and all subjects) and 50% marks (aggregate in the concerned subject) from a recognized university. Admission is based on the performance in the Aptitude Test conducted by the University.
Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya (IKSVV) has not officially announced the entrance exam dates for the 2025–26 academic session. However, based on previous years' patterns, the entrance exams are conducted in August.
Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya (IKSV), located in Khairagarh, Chhattisgarh, offers a Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) program with a specialization in Vocal Music. IKSV also offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program, this course focuses on visual arts disciplines such as painting, sculpture, and applied arts, and does not include vocal music as a specialization.
The applications are invited in offline mode. Applicants need to follow the below-given steps to apply:
Unfortunately, IKSVV Khairagarh doesn’t offer interior design course to the students.
The admission process differs from course to course. Click on the below link to get the course wise admission process
Link: IKSVV Admission 2023
Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya does not contact the candidate, but you can contact the college at 07820-234232/ 2331105
You need to appear for an entrance examination conducted by the university in order to take admission to M.Music.
Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya does not offer courses based on the 10th class.
You can check out the fee structure for various courses offered by the college at IKSVV Khairagarh Courses & fees.
The fee ranges between INR 6,590 to 12,990 for the first year depending upon the choice of your course at Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya. Check here for the fee structure at IKSVV
Yes, A commerce student is eligible to apply for a BPA in Kathak at IKSVV, Khairagarh. A candidate needs to have passed Class 12th from a recognized university to be eligible to apply.
The registration process for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) has not yet started for the 2023 – 2027 academic session but as per the latest updates, registrations are expected to start in the month of June or July, 2023.
The minimum eligibility set for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) requires one to have passed the 12th standard board examination in any stream from a recognized board with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks. You can get admission on the basis of scores of tests conducted by the institute.
To get admission in any UG or PG course, you need to appear in the Aptitude Test conducted by the university. The application to the university can be made in offline mode by paying the application fee via cash or DD. To know about fees details, visit Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya - [IKSVV], Khairagarh - Course & Fees Details