Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Source: Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University, Mysuru
The Karnataka State Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University (KSGHMPAU) has announced its Special Music, Dance, and Thalavadya Examinations for the 2025–26 academic year.
These exams cover Junior, Senior, Vidwat Purva, and Vidwat Anthima levels across disciplines including Karnatak Classical Music (vocal and instrumental), Hindustani Music, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Thalavadya (percussion).
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Exam Schedule
| Exam Type | Date | Subjects | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theory – Junior (all subjects) | 10 May 2026 (Sunday) | Dance, Vocal, Instrumental, Thalavadya | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Theory Paper 1 – Senior / Vidwat Purva / Vidwat Anthima | 10 May 2026 (Sunday) | Dance, Vocal, Instrumental, Thalavadya | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
| Theory Paper 2 – Senior / Vidwat Purva / Vidwat Anthima | 10 May 2026 (Sunday) | Dance, Vocal, Instrumental, Thalavadya | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Practical Exams (all levels) | 11 May 2026 onwards | Centre-wise schedule | As per centre allotment |
Movement Theory – Gati, Chari, and Mandala in the Natyashastra
₹2,499₹599
Practical Exam Centres
Practical exams are spread across 17 centres in Karnataka. Below is the full list:
| # | Centre | Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bengaluru (North/South/East/ West) | Saroja Memorial School; Amrita Vidyalayam (Ullalu); Rashtrothana Vidyakendra, Banashankari | 11–25 May 2026 (varies by level) |
| 2 | Bengaluru Grameena | Tagore Cultural Academy, Yelahanka New Town | 11 & 13 May 2026 |
| 3 | Shivamogga | Sahyadri Commerce College | 11 & 14 May 2026 |
| 4 | Chikkamagaluru | Kuvempu Vidyaniketana, Chikkamagaluru | 14 & 15 May 2026 |
| 5 | Davanagere | Maganur Basappa Public School | 11 & 14 May 2026 |
| 6 | Mangaluru | St. Aloysius (Deemed University) | 11–19 May 2026 |
| 7 | Hassan | Government Science College | 16 & 17 May 2026 |
| 8 | Bagalkote | Basaveshwara Kala Mahavidyalaya | 11 & 12 May 2026 |
| 9 | Honnavar | SDM Manjunatheshwara College | 11 & 13 May 2026 |
| 10 | Sirsi | MM College of Arts & Science | 15–17 May 2026 |
| 11 | Belagavi | Sangoli Rayanna First Grade College | 16 & 17 May 2026 |
| 12 | Tumakuru | Sri Basaveshwara Higher Primary School | 11 & 13 May 2026 |
| 13 | Kalaburagi | Nutan Mahavidyalaya | 16 & 17 May 2026 |
| 14 | Ballari | Sri Medha College | 12 & 13 May 2026 |
| 15 | Puttur | Vivekananda Kannada Medium School | 11–15 May 2026 |
| 16 | Udupi | Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College | 11–15 May 2026 |
| 17 | Gadag | MGGRP&PU Gramgangothri Campus | 11–13 May 2026 |
Note: Vidwat Purva and Vidwat Anthima practical exams are held only at five centres – Mysuru, Bengaluru, Dharwad, Shivamogga, and Mangaluru.
Thattu Manai Set
Thattu Mane
- Bharatanatyam and kuchipudi dance instruments
- Wood (One Stick and Base)
- Colour: brown
Metal Brass and Iron Nattuvangam
- Bharatanatyam & Kuchipudi Dance Instruments Brass Nattuvangam Natuuvanga Thalam Jathi Chyme Bells.
- Instruments Used In Classical Dances Like Bharatanatyam And Kuchipudi.
- Material: Metal
- Brass & Metal Two Pcs Set, Nathu & Thalam
Wooden Chapala Kattai Pair
| Width | Height | Depth | Material | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
11 in | 1 in | 3 in | Sheesham Wood | 0.475 kg |
| Width | Height | Depth | Material | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
8.5 in | 0.5 in | 0.75 in | Wood | 0.225 kg |
Exam Structure and Marks
Junior (Prathamika) level:
| Paper | Max Marks | Pass Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theory – Paper 1 | 100 | 35 | 3 hours |
| Practical – Paper 1 | 150 | 50 | 30 min |
| Practical – Paper 2 | 150 | 50 | 30 min |
| Total | 400 | — | — |
Senior (Madhyamika) level:
| Paper | Max Marks | Pass Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theory – Paper 1 | 100 | 35 | 3 hours |
| Theory – Paper 2 | 100 | 35 | 3 hours |
| Practical – Papers 1, 2, 3 | 100 each | 35 each | 30 min each |
| Total | 500 | — | — |
Vidwat Purva (Pre-Proficiency):
| Paper | Max Marks | Pass Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theory – Paper 1 | 100 | 35 | 3 hours |
| Theory – Paper 2 | 100 | 35 | 3 hours |
| Practical – Paper 1 | 200 | 70 | 1 hour |
| Practical – Paper 2 | 200 | 70 | 1 hour |
| Total | 600 | — | — |
Vidwat Anthima (Proficiency Final):
| Paper | Max Marks | Pass Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Theory – Papers 1 & 2 | 100 each | 35 each | 3 hours |
| Practical – Paper 1 | 200 | 70 | 1 hour |
| Practical – Paper 2 | 100 | 35 | 30 min |
| Practical – Paper 3 | 100 | 35 | 30 min |
| Total | 600 | — | — |
Passing requires a minimum of 35% in each paper and at least 40% in the aggregate. For practical exams, only those scoring 75% or above qualify for a distinction grade.
Age and Eligibility
Students must be at least 10 years old as of 31 May 2025 to appear for the Junior level, and must have studied music/dance/thalavadya for at least two years under a recognised teacher.
There must be a gap of at least two years between each successive level (Junior → Senior → Vidwat Purva → Vidwat Anthima).
Students who are 17 years or older and have passed a Junior-level exam can directly appear for the Senior level.
Important Rules for Candidates
- Each student may appear in only one subject per year, and only one candidate per Vidwat level practical session is examined at a time.
- All practical exams are conducted strictly as per the published schedule – no changes in date or venue are permitted.
- Vocal candidates may use a shruti box or tambura for pitch reference but are not permitted mobile phones. Thalavadya candidates in the Hindustani section similarly cannot use mobile devices.
- Dance candidates must bring their own accompanists (nattuvanam and singing). Pre-recorded music is not allowed, nor are stage costumes and ornaments – only practice attire is permitted. Mridangam is not compulsory for Prathamika dance exams.
How to Access Hall Tickets
Hall tickets can be downloaded from the official university portal at musicuniversityportal.com. For queries, contact the helpline at +91 86453 22665 or email musicuniversitymys@gmail.com.
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