The Master of Arts [MA] in Dance at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit [SSUS], Kalady, Ernakulam, Kerala, is a two-year full-time postgraduate programme covering classical Indian dance forms (Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam), dance technique and repertoire, Abhinaya and navarasas, Natya Shastra and classical dance aesthetics, Sanskrit and Malayalam lyric literature in dance, history of Indian classical dance, choreography, and performance practice. SSUS holds a NAAC Grade A+ accreditation with a score of 3.3, underscoring the university’s academic quality. The total programme fee is ₹9,220. Admission is through the SSUS PG Entrance Examination conducted annually in May, followed by a merit-based rank list.
Admissions to MA Dance at SSUS Kalady for 2026-27 are through the university-conducted PG entrance examination. Applications are submitted online at pgadmission.ssus.ac.in. The entrance exam carries 10 percent weightage in the final merit; remaining 90 percent is based on graduation marks.
Key Points
- NAAC Grade A+ accredited university; one of the premier Sanskrit universities in India.
- Duration: 2 years (4 semesters); full-time programme.
- Total fee: ₹9,220 for the two-year programme.
- Admission through SSUS PG Entrance Exam (May 2026) + merit in qualifying degree.
- Graduates can pursue PhD in Dance or allied disciplines, or teaching careers through SET/NET.
- MA Dance at SSUS Kalady is offered by the Department of Dance and provides advanced training in classical Indian dance traditions including Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam. The programme integrates theoretical studies in Natya Shastra and classical dance aesthetics with intensive practical training in technique, Abhinaya, and performance.
SSUS Kalady MA Dance Fees
MA Dance Fee Structure
| Component | Amount (INR) |
| Tuition Fee (Year 1) | ₹1,580 |
| Special Fee (Year 1, Dance) | ₹1,790 |
| University and Examination Charges | ₹2,700 |
| Tuition Fee (Year 2) | ₹1,050 |
| Special Fee (Year 2, Dance) | ₹1,050 |
| Caution Deposit (Refundable) | ₹1,050 |
| Total Fees (2 Years) | ₹9,220 |
- Total fee for the two-year MA Dance programme at SSUS is ₹9,220. Dance programmes attract a higher special fee (₹1,790 in Year 1, ₹1,050 in Year 2) compared to other MA programmes.
- University and examination charges include enrollment fee, matriculation fee, recognition fee, student affiliation fee, department development fund, student welfare fund, and per-semester examination fees.
- SC/ST students are eligible for tuition fee waiver; E-grantz covers fees for eligible OBC and minority students.
- Hostel accommodation is available on campus; charges are payable separately.
SSUS Kalady MA Dance Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| SSUS PG Admission Notification 2026 | April 2026 (Tentative) |
| Online Application Opens | April 2026 (Tentative) |
| Application Deadline | May 2026 (Tentative) |
| SSUS PG Entrance Examination | May 2026 (Tentative) |
| Rank List Publication | May to June 2026 (Tentative) |
| Document Verification and Fee Payment | June 2026 (Tentative) |
| Programme Commencement | July to August 2026 (Tentative) |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
| SSUS PG Entrance Examination | May 2026 (Tentative) | May 2026 (Tentative) | May to June 2026 (Tentative) |
- SSUS conducts its own PG entrance examination; CUET PG scores are not used for admission to MA programmes at SSUS.
- Admission is merit-based; the SSUS PG Entrance Examination carries 10 percent weightage and academic merit carries 90 percent weightage in the final merit list.
- Number of seats per MA specialisation is limited; candidates are advised to apply early and verify seat availability for their chosen specialisation.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 55 percent marks in aggregate (50 percent for SC/ST/OBC/differently-abled candidates).
- Candidates from any stream may apply subject to the specific subject requirements of the chosen MA specialisation.
- Final selection is based on merit in the SSUS PG Entrance Examination along with academic performance; the entrance exam carries 10 percent weightage in the final merit.
- Candidates must apply online through the official SSUS PG admission portal at pgadmission.ssus.ac.in.
- Applicants are expected to have a foundational background in a classical Indian dance form (Bharatanatyam or Mohiniyattam); a practical aptitude test or audition is part of the SSUS PG Entrance process for MA Dance.
Admission Process
- Visit the SSUS PG admission portal at pgadmission.ssus.ac.in and complete Part One online registration.
- Pay the application fee online; successful payment generates login credentials for Part Two of the application.
- Complete Part Two by uploading scanned copies of graduation marksheets, category certificates (if applicable), recent photograph, and identity proof.
- Appear for the SSUS PG Entrance Examination at the notified centre on the scheduled date.
- Check the rank list published by SSUS; shortlisted candidates must report for document verification and pay the first-semester fee to confirm admission.
SSUS Kalady MA Dance Scholarships 2026
MA Dance Scholarships Available
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
| SSUS Merit Scholarship (MA) | ₹500 per year | Top 25 percent of admitted MA students by merit |
| E-Grantz Scholarship (Kerala Govt.) | Full fee reimbursement | OBC, OEC, SC, ST and minority students with valid E-Grantz eligibility |
| NSP Central Sector Scholarship | ₹12,000 per year | Top 20 percent in graduation; family income below ₹8,00,000 |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (Kerala Govt.) | As per government norms | SC, ST, OBC and minority students domiciled in Kerala |
- SSUS awards a merit scholarship of ₹500 per year to the top 25 percent of admitted MA students; students are automatically considered on the basis of entrance merit.
- E-Grantz scholarship from the Kerala government covers tuition and other fees for eligible OBC, OEC, SC, ST, and minority students; apply through the Kerala E-Grantz portal.
- NSP Central Sector Scholarship and Kerala Post-Matric Scholarship are available through scholarships.gov.in and the Kerala government scholarship portal respectively.
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