CUET Syllabus: Performing Arts | CUET UG Mock Test Series 2026 PDF Download

 Page 1


 
 
For the Year 2025 
 
  
Performing Arts (Dance, 
Drama, Music) – 320 
Syllabus for CUET(UG) 
 
Page 2


 
 
For the Year 2025 
 
  
Performing Arts (Dance, 
Drama, Music) – 320 
Syllabus for CUET(UG) 
 
 
1 | P a g e 
 
Syllabus for Vocal- Instrumental Melodic 
 
Section A- Hindustani- Karnatak Music 
 
UNIT I- Definition of the following: 
 
Sangeet, Nad, Shruti, Swara- Shuddha, Komal, Teevra, Pitch-Intensity – Timbre, Gram- 
Murcchana, Varna, Alankar, Raga, Alap Tana, Gamak, Meend, Kan. 
 
UNIT II- Basic knowledge of the following concepts: 
 
Vadi, Samvadi, Anuvadi, Vivadi,Uttarang, Puravang, Aroh, Avroh, Pakad, Thata(Mela) Jati- 
Audav,Shadav, Sampurna and its varieties. 
 
UNIT III- Laya & Tala 
 
          Laya – Vilambit,Madhya, Drut 
Layakari- Dagun, Tigun, Chaugun, Chegun, Tala, Matra, Tali, Khali, Sam, Vibhag, Avartan, 
Knowledge of prominent Talas: 
Teental,Ektala, Dadra, Keharwa, Jhaptala, Rupak, Adi, Saptala, Chaputala, Rupakam. 
 
UNIT IV- Knowledge of Musical Forms 
 
Prabandh, Drupad, Khayal, Thumri, Tarana, Maseet Khani-Razakhani Gat, Kriti,Pallavi, Padam, 
Tillana 
 
UNIT V- Contribution of musicians & composers: 
V.N Bhatkhande, Omkar Nath thakur, Allaudin Khan, Mushtaq Ali Khan, Tyagraja, 
Purandardas, Ravindra Nath tagore, Kazi narrul Islam. 
 
UNIT VI- Musical Instruments & its Classification: string (Tatta)- Sitar, Tanpura, 
Saraswati Veena, Sarod, sarangi 
 
Violon percussion (Avnadha) Tabla, Pakhawaj, Mrindangam, Khatam, Khanjira, Dholak 
Wind (Sushir) – Flute, Shehnai, Nagaswaram, Harmonium  
Metallic (Ghan)- Chimta, Cymbal, Ghungaroo, Khadtala, Chipla,Morchung 
 
UNIT-VII- Knowledge of Salient features of the following ragas: - 
 
1.Yaman/Kalyani, 2. Bhairav/ Mayamalavgaula, 3. Alhaiya Bilwal/Shankra bharnam, 
 4. Malkaun/Hindolam, 5. Bageshree/Shri Ranjani, 6. Bhupali/Mohnam 
 
 
Page 3


 
 
For the Year 2025 
 
  
Performing Arts (Dance, 
Drama, Music) – 320 
Syllabus for CUET(UG) 
 
 
1 | P a g e 
 
Syllabus for Vocal- Instrumental Melodic 
 
Section A- Hindustani- Karnatak Music 
 
UNIT I- Definition of the following: 
 
Sangeet, Nad, Shruti, Swara- Shuddha, Komal, Teevra, Pitch-Intensity – Timbre, Gram- 
Murcchana, Varna, Alankar, Raga, Alap Tana, Gamak, Meend, Kan. 
 
UNIT II- Basic knowledge of the following concepts: 
 
Vadi, Samvadi, Anuvadi, Vivadi,Uttarang, Puravang, Aroh, Avroh, Pakad, Thata(Mela) Jati- 
Audav,Shadav, Sampurna and its varieties. 
 
UNIT III- Laya & Tala 
 
          Laya – Vilambit,Madhya, Drut 
Layakari- Dagun, Tigun, Chaugun, Chegun, Tala, Matra, Tali, Khali, Sam, Vibhag, Avartan, 
Knowledge of prominent Talas: 
Teental,Ektala, Dadra, Keharwa, Jhaptala, Rupak, Adi, Saptala, Chaputala, Rupakam. 
 
UNIT IV- Knowledge of Musical Forms 
 
Prabandh, Drupad, Khayal, Thumri, Tarana, Maseet Khani-Razakhani Gat, Kriti,Pallavi, Padam, 
Tillana 
 
UNIT V- Contribution of musicians & composers: 
V.N Bhatkhande, Omkar Nath thakur, Allaudin Khan, Mushtaq Ali Khan, Tyagraja, 
Purandardas, Ravindra Nath tagore, Kazi narrul Islam. 
 
UNIT VI- Musical Instruments & its Classification: string (Tatta)- Sitar, Tanpura, 
Saraswati Veena, Sarod, sarangi 
 
Violon percussion (Avnadha) Tabla, Pakhawaj, Mrindangam, Khatam, Khanjira, Dholak 
Wind (Sushir) – Flute, Shehnai, Nagaswaram, Harmonium  
Metallic (Ghan)- Chimta, Cymbal, Ghungaroo, Khadtala, Chipla,Morchung 
 
UNIT-VII- Knowledge of Salient features of the following ragas: - 
 
1.Yaman/Kalyani, 2. Bhairav/ Mayamalavgaula, 3. Alhaiya Bilwal/Shankra bharnam, 
 4. Malkaun/Hindolam, 5. Bageshree/Shri Ranjani, 6. Bhupali/Mohnam 
 
 
 
2 | P a g e 
 
Performing Arts-320: Dance (Section B) 
 
 
UNIT I – Brief knowledge of classical dances of India. 
(Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathakali, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Sattriya) 
 
I. History 
II. Dance repertoire 
III. Music both vocal and instrumental 
IV. Costume and makeup 
 
 
UNIT II- Life sketches of chief exponents and contributors of different dance forms, 
past and present. 
 
 
UNIT III- Knowledge of the following terms: 
I. Sangeet, Natan Bheda ( Natya,Nritta, Nritya) 
II. Tandav, Lasya 
III. Lokdharmi, Natyadharmi 
 
 
UNIT IV- Basic knowledge of the following: - 
I. Texts: Abhinaya Darpan, Natya Shastra, Abhinaya Chandrika, Hasta 
Lakshana deepika. 
II. Major folk dances of India. 
 
 
UNIT V- Basic knowledge of Abhinaya and Rasa theory. 
I. Aangika, Vachika, Aaharya, Satwika 
II. Nav rasa and sthayi bhaav. 
III. Bhaav, Vibhaav, Anubhaav, Sanchari. 
 
 
UNIT VI- Survey of classical dance practice: 
I. Elementary information and knowledge of premier classical dance 
gharanas/ organisations/ institutions/ University-departments. 
II. Major dance festivals. 
 
 
Page 4


 
 
For the Year 2025 
 
  
Performing Arts (Dance, 
Drama, Music) – 320 
Syllabus for CUET(UG) 
 
 
1 | P a g e 
 
Syllabus for Vocal- Instrumental Melodic 
 
Section A- Hindustani- Karnatak Music 
 
UNIT I- Definition of the following: 
 
Sangeet, Nad, Shruti, Swara- Shuddha, Komal, Teevra, Pitch-Intensity – Timbre, Gram- 
Murcchana, Varna, Alankar, Raga, Alap Tana, Gamak, Meend, Kan. 
 
UNIT II- Basic knowledge of the following concepts: 
 
Vadi, Samvadi, Anuvadi, Vivadi,Uttarang, Puravang, Aroh, Avroh, Pakad, Thata(Mela) Jati- 
Audav,Shadav, Sampurna and its varieties. 
 
UNIT III- Laya & Tala 
 
          Laya – Vilambit,Madhya, Drut 
Layakari- Dagun, Tigun, Chaugun, Chegun, Tala, Matra, Tali, Khali, Sam, Vibhag, Avartan, 
Knowledge of prominent Talas: 
Teental,Ektala, Dadra, Keharwa, Jhaptala, Rupak, Adi, Saptala, Chaputala, Rupakam. 
 
UNIT IV- Knowledge of Musical Forms 
 
Prabandh, Drupad, Khayal, Thumri, Tarana, Maseet Khani-Razakhani Gat, Kriti,Pallavi, Padam, 
Tillana 
 
UNIT V- Contribution of musicians & composers: 
V.N Bhatkhande, Omkar Nath thakur, Allaudin Khan, Mushtaq Ali Khan, Tyagraja, 
Purandardas, Ravindra Nath tagore, Kazi narrul Islam. 
 
UNIT VI- Musical Instruments & its Classification: string (Tatta)- Sitar, Tanpura, 
Saraswati Veena, Sarod, sarangi 
 
Violon percussion (Avnadha) Tabla, Pakhawaj, Mrindangam, Khatam, Khanjira, Dholak 
Wind (Sushir) – Flute, Shehnai, Nagaswaram, Harmonium  
Metallic (Ghan)- Chimta, Cymbal, Ghungaroo, Khadtala, Chipla,Morchung 
 
UNIT-VII- Knowledge of Salient features of the following ragas: - 
 
1.Yaman/Kalyani, 2. Bhairav/ Mayamalavgaula, 3. Alhaiya Bilwal/Shankra bharnam, 
 4. Malkaun/Hindolam, 5. Bageshree/Shri Ranjani, 6. Bhupali/Mohnam 
 
 
 
2 | P a g e 
 
Performing Arts-320: Dance (Section B) 
 
 
UNIT I – Brief knowledge of classical dances of India. 
(Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathakali, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Sattriya) 
 
I. History 
II. Dance repertoire 
III. Music both vocal and instrumental 
IV. Costume and makeup 
 
 
UNIT II- Life sketches of chief exponents and contributors of different dance forms, 
past and present. 
 
 
UNIT III- Knowledge of the following terms: 
I. Sangeet, Natan Bheda ( Natya,Nritta, Nritya) 
II. Tandav, Lasya 
III. Lokdharmi, Natyadharmi 
 
 
UNIT IV- Basic knowledge of the following: - 
I. Texts: Abhinaya Darpan, Natya Shastra, Abhinaya Chandrika, Hasta 
Lakshana deepika. 
II. Major folk dances of India. 
 
 
UNIT V- Basic knowledge of Abhinaya and Rasa theory. 
I. Aangika, Vachika, Aaharya, Satwika 
II. Nav rasa and sthayi bhaav. 
III. Bhaav, Vibhaav, Anubhaav, Sanchari. 
 
 
UNIT VI- Survey of classical dance practice: 
I. Elementary information and knowledge of premier classical dance 
gharanas/ organisations/ institutions/ University-departments. 
II. Major dance festivals. 
 
 
 
3 | P a g e 
 
Syllabus for Percussion Music- Hindustani & Karnataka (Section-C) 
 
UNIT I- Basic knowledge of structure of Tabla, Pakhawaj & Mridangam 
 
 
UNIT II- Varnas of Tabla, Pakhawaj and Mridangam. 
 
UNIT III- Knowledge of following terms: 
a) Tala, Matra,Tali, Khali, Vibhag, Tihai, Sam 
b) Theka, Kayada,Rela, Tukda, Paran, Peshkar, Uthan, Chakradar & Farmaishi 
chakradar. 
c) Sarvlaghu,Gati, Koraipu,Korvai,Pharan,Mohra, Chapu, Muktayipu 
d) Study of Laya,Laykari & Jati 
  
 
UNIT IV- Elementary knowledge of Bhatkhande Tala Notation system & Karnatak 
Tala Notation System. 
 
  
UNIT V- a) Brief study of origin of Tabla,Pakhawaj and Mridangam. 
    b) Brief study of Gharana of Tabla and Pakhawaj 
 
 
 
UNIT VI- Knowledge of prescribes Talas: 
a) Teentala, Jhaptala,Ektala, Rupak, Keharwa & Dadra 
b) Chautala, Sooltala,Khemtas, Dhamar 
c) Dhurva,Mathya Rupak,Jhampa,Triput,Ata,Eka. 
 
 
 
UNIT VII Biographies: - 
a) Pt.Kishan Mharaj,Ustad Zakir Hussain. 
b) Raja Chatrapati Singh,Guru Purushotam Das. 
c) Palani Subramanya Pillai, Palghat Mani Iyer. 
 
 
 
Page 5


 
 
For the Year 2025 
 
  
Performing Arts (Dance, 
Drama, Music) – 320 
Syllabus for CUET(UG) 
 
 
1 | P a g e 
 
Syllabus for Vocal- Instrumental Melodic 
 
Section A- Hindustani- Karnatak Music 
 
UNIT I- Definition of the following: 
 
Sangeet, Nad, Shruti, Swara- Shuddha, Komal, Teevra, Pitch-Intensity – Timbre, Gram- 
Murcchana, Varna, Alankar, Raga, Alap Tana, Gamak, Meend, Kan. 
 
UNIT II- Basic knowledge of the following concepts: 
 
Vadi, Samvadi, Anuvadi, Vivadi,Uttarang, Puravang, Aroh, Avroh, Pakad, Thata(Mela) Jati- 
Audav,Shadav, Sampurna and its varieties. 
 
UNIT III- Laya & Tala 
 
          Laya – Vilambit,Madhya, Drut 
Layakari- Dagun, Tigun, Chaugun, Chegun, Tala, Matra, Tali, Khali, Sam, Vibhag, Avartan, 
Knowledge of prominent Talas: 
Teental,Ektala, Dadra, Keharwa, Jhaptala, Rupak, Adi, Saptala, Chaputala, Rupakam. 
 
UNIT IV- Knowledge of Musical Forms 
 
Prabandh, Drupad, Khayal, Thumri, Tarana, Maseet Khani-Razakhani Gat, Kriti,Pallavi, Padam, 
Tillana 
 
UNIT V- Contribution of musicians & composers: 
V.N Bhatkhande, Omkar Nath thakur, Allaudin Khan, Mushtaq Ali Khan, Tyagraja, 
Purandardas, Ravindra Nath tagore, Kazi narrul Islam. 
 
UNIT VI- Musical Instruments & its Classification: string (Tatta)- Sitar, Tanpura, 
Saraswati Veena, Sarod, sarangi 
 
Violon percussion (Avnadha) Tabla, Pakhawaj, Mrindangam, Khatam, Khanjira, Dholak 
Wind (Sushir) – Flute, Shehnai, Nagaswaram, Harmonium  
Metallic (Ghan)- Chimta, Cymbal, Ghungaroo, Khadtala, Chipla,Morchung 
 
UNIT-VII- Knowledge of Salient features of the following ragas: - 
 
1.Yaman/Kalyani, 2. Bhairav/ Mayamalavgaula, 3. Alhaiya Bilwal/Shankra bharnam, 
 4. Malkaun/Hindolam, 5. Bageshree/Shri Ranjani, 6. Bhupali/Mohnam 
 
 
 
2 | P a g e 
 
Performing Arts-320: Dance (Section B) 
 
 
UNIT I – Brief knowledge of classical dances of India. 
(Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathakali, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniattam, Sattriya) 
 
I. History 
II. Dance repertoire 
III. Music both vocal and instrumental 
IV. Costume and makeup 
 
 
UNIT II- Life sketches of chief exponents and contributors of different dance forms, 
past and present. 
 
 
UNIT III- Knowledge of the following terms: 
I. Sangeet, Natan Bheda ( Natya,Nritta, Nritya) 
II. Tandav, Lasya 
III. Lokdharmi, Natyadharmi 
 
 
UNIT IV- Basic knowledge of the following: - 
I. Texts: Abhinaya Darpan, Natya Shastra, Abhinaya Chandrika, Hasta 
Lakshana deepika. 
II. Major folk dances of India. 
 
 
UNIT V- Basic knowledge of Abhinaya and Rasa theory. 
I. Aangika, Vachika, Aaharya, Satwika 
II. Nav rasa and sthayi bhaav. 
III. Bhaav, Vibhaav, Anubhaav, Sanchari. 
 
 
UNIT VI- Survey of classical dance practice: 
I. Elementary information and knowledge of premier classical dance 
gharanas/ organisations/ institutions/ University-departments. 
II. Major dance festivals. 
 
 
 
3 | P a g e 
 
Syllabus for Percussion Music- Hindustani & Karnataka (Section-C) 
 
UNIT I- Basic knowledge of structure of Tabla, Pakhawaj & Mridangam 
 
 
UNIT II- Varnas of Tabla, Pakhawaj and Mridangam. 
 
UNIT III- Knowledge of following terms: 
a) Tala, Matra,Tali, Khali, Vibhag, Tihai, Sam 
b) Theka, Kayada,Rela, Tukda, Paran, Peshkar, Uthan, Chakradar & Farmaishi 
chakradar. 
c) Sarvlaghu,Gati, Koraipu,Korvai,Pharan,Mohra, Chapu, Muktayipu 
d) Study of Laya,Laykari & Jati 
  
 
UNIT IV- Elementary knowledge of Bhatkhande Tala Notation system & Karnatak 
Tala Notation System. 
 
  
UNIT V- a) Brief study of origin of Tabla,Pakhawaj and Mridangam. 
    b) Brief study of Gharana of Tabla and Pakhawaj 
 
 
 
UNIT VI- Knowledge of prescribes Talas: 
a) Teentala, Jhaptala,Ektala, Rupak, Keharwa & Dadra 
b) Chautala, Sooltala,Khemtas, Dhamar 
c) Dhurva,Mathya Rupak,Jhampa,Triput,Ata,Eka. 
 
 
 
UNIT VII Biographies: - 
a) Pt.Kishan Mharaj,Ustad Zakir Hussain. 
b) Raja Chatrapati Singh,Guru Purushotam Das. 
c) Palani Subramanya Pillai, Palghat Mani Iyer. 
 
 
 
 
4 | P a g e 
 
Drama- Theatre (Section D) 
 
UNIT I- Introduction to Indian Classical and Traditional Theatre 
I. Leading Sanskrit Playwrights 
II. Bhasa, Kalidasa, Sudraka, Bhavabhuti [ The student can identify and study one text (one 
play) of the above-mentioned Playwrights] 
III. Major Traditional Theatre forms 
 
UNIT II- Modern/ Contemporary Indian Theatre 
I. Survey of major modern and contemporary styles and works in Hindi/ English 
II. Rabindranath Tagore, Bhartendu Harishchandra,Vijay Tendulkar, Mohan Rakesh, 
Dharamveer Bharti, Badal sarcar, Shankar Shesh, Girish Karnad, Chandrasekhar Kambar, 
Madhu Rye. 
[The student can identify and study one text (one play) of the above-mentioned 
playwrights] 
III. Partitioners of modern Indian Theatre Shambhu Mitra, B.V.Karanth, Habib 
Tanvir,K.N.Panikkar,Ratan Thiyam, Utapal Dutt, Rajender Nath, Jabbar Patel, Vijya 
Mehta, Satyadev Dubey, E.Alkazi, Pravin Joshi. 
 
UNIT III- Introduction to western classical and Medieval Drama 
I. Leading Greek Playwrights 
II. Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedese 
[The student can identify and study one text (one play) of the above-mentioned 
playwrights] 
III. Shakesperean Dramas 
[The student can identify and study one text (one play) of the Shakespeare] 
 
UNIT IV- Modern/Contemporary Western Theatre 
I. Survey of major contemporary styles and works in English or English Translation 
II. Chekov, Ibsen, Strindberg, Shaw,O’Neil, Miller, Ionesco, Beckett, Pinter 
Stoppard,Pirandello 
[The student can identify and study one text (one play) of the playwrights above-
mentioned] 
III. Practitioners of Modern Western Drama  
a. Stanislavsky, Lee Strasberg, Bertolt Brecht, Meyerhold, Peter Brook 
b. Marlin Brando, Lawrence Olivier, John Grilgood 
UNIT V- Theatre Production/Architecture/ Design 
I. Types of Theatres: Proscenium, Arena, Theatre in Round, Thrust. 
II. Elements of play production: Set, Light, Costume, Make up, Sound- Music. 
 
UNIT VI-     
I. Review of Indian Theatre Organizations-NSD, University Theatre Deptts, Sangeet 
Natak academy, Zonal Cultural Centres. 
 
II. Developing and Documenting the Research project – Examples of research projects 
in different aspects of theatre; using media and sources for the project.