UGC NET Performing Arts Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern PDF Download

UGC NET Performing Arts Syllabus 2026

The UGC NET Performing Arts syllabus encompasses a comprehensive study of India’s rich cultural history, classical and folk theatre traditions, and advanced dance theory, including the foundational Natyashastra. It emphasizes the aesthetics and social impact of performance art in contemporary society while exploring the intricate connections between regional, tribal, and classical artistic practices.

UGC NET Performing Arts Exam Pattern

The UGC NET Performing Arts syllabus and exam pattern provide a rigorous framework to evaluate a candidate’s theoretical knowledge and analytical capabilities. The UGC NET examination for Performing Arts is structured into two distinct sections: Paper I and Paper II, both essential for qualifying.

• Paper I: Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, Comprehension, Communication, Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Information, and Communication Technology (ICT), People, Development and Environment, Higher Education System
• Paper II: Subject-specific test focusing on the chosen discipline (Performing Arts).

UGC NET Performing Arts Important Topics

Key subject areas and critical topics for the UGC NET Syllabus in Performing Arts are outlined below to help you streamline your study plan.

• Cultural History of India
• Folk and Traditional Theatre Forms of India
• The Natyasastra
• Art and Aesthetics
• Dance and Theatre Forms of East and South Asian Countries

DANCE

• Dance in Sanskrit Literature and Treatises
• Indian Classical Dance
• Indian Classical Dance in Independent India
• Dance Education, Pedagogy and Research
• International dance and interactions

DRAMA/THEATRE

• Drama and its theories: Indian and Western
• Modern Indian Theatre
• Acting and Direction
• Theatre Design and Techniques
• Theatre Education, Pedagogy and Research

UGC NET Performing Arts Syllabus Detailed

The UGC NET Performing Arts syllabus is divided into ten units. Units 1 through 5 cover topics common to all Performing Arts disciplines, while Units 6 through 10 are specialized based on the candidate's chosen stream: Dance or Drama/Theatre.

Unit 1. Cultural History of India

• Cultures of India from prehistoric to CE 1200
• Evolution of Art in prehistoric and historic periods, as evidenced in cave paintings, sculptures, and other visual representations
• Evolution of dance and drama (Natya), (a) the divine origin theory according to Natyasastra, and (b) art as a product of society, its rituals and belief systems
• The Vedas, major epics and Puranas (Ramayana, Mahabharata, Cilappadikaram and Bhagavatapurana) in terms of their content, character and relevance to dance and theatre
• Bhakti and various religious movements and their influence on different representative aspects of culture with a focus on dance and theatre

Unit 2. Folk and Traditional Theatre Forms of India

• Understanding and defining the terms Tribal, Folk, Traditional, and Classical in the context of Indian dance and drama, and their interrelation
• Introduction to the different tribal, folk and traditional dance and theatre forms spread over various regions of India
• Introduction to regional theatrical practices of Kudiattam, Yakshagana, Bhagavatamela, Tamasha, Ramalila, Rasalila, Bhavai, Nautanki, Jatra, Chhau, Laiharaoba, Therukoothu, Theyyam, Ankia-nat, Pandvani, Chindu Bhagavata, Bhand Jashan and others
• Awareness of various musical instruments, costumes, and make-up used in these forms

Unit 3. The Natyasastra

• Knowledge of the Natyasastra and the concepts of Natya and Nritta
• Study of chapters relating to the eleven aspects (Ekadashi sangraha) such as Abhinayas, Dharma, Vrittis, Pravritti,s and Aatodyas. Samanya and Chitrabhinayas and their classification
• Dasarupakas
• Natyagruha (Playhouse) and Ranga – Construction, types and different elements
• Poorvarangavidhi and Stage conventions viz. Kakshya vibhag, etc.

Unit 4. Art and Aesthetics

• ‘Rasasutra’ of Bharata
• Elaboration of the theory of Rasa by commentators like Bhattalollata, Sri Sankuka, Bhattanayaka, and Abhinavagupta.
• Rasa and its constituent elements, viz., Sthayi, Sanchari, and Sattvika bhavas, and their corresponding Vibhavas and Anubhavas
• Definition, purpose, and elements of Art
• A brief introduction to Performance studies and significant Western theories on Art: ‘Art as Imitation/Catharsis’, ‘as Imagination’, ‘as Beauty’, ‘as Communication,’ and ‘as Utility’ put forth by various Philosophers

Unit 5. Dance and Theatre Forms of East and South Asian Countries

• An overview of dance and theatre forms of East Asian (China, Japan, and Korea), South Asian (Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka,) and South-East Asian (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, and Laos) countries
• History and presentation techniques of various popular theatre and dance forms of the above countries.

Download UGC NET Performing Arts Syllabus PDF

Candidates can download the official UGC NET Performing Arts syllabus directly via the links provided below, available in both English and Hindi PDF formats.

UGC NET Performing Arts Qualifying Marks

Below, you will find the category-wise qualifying marks required to successfully clear the UGC NET Performing Arts examination.

• General Category: 40% aggregate marks in both papers combined.
• OBC (Non-creamy layer)/PwD/SC/ST Categories: 35% aggregate marks in both papers combined.