Introduction about Ph.D. in Performing Arts at Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya
Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya (MSSV) stands as a beacon of cultural scholarship in the North?East of India. Its Doctoral programme in Performing Arts nurtures visionary researchers who aspire to deepen the academic discourse of dance, music, theatre and indigenous performance traditions. The curriculum blends rigorous theoretical inquiry with vibrant practice?based modules, empowering scholars to contribute original knowledge that resonates globally.
Eligibility Criteria for Ph.D. in Performing Arts at Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya
Prospective candidates must satisfy at least one of the following conditions:
- Master?s degree in Performing Arts or related discipline with a minimum of 55% aggregate (or CGPA equivalent).
- National Eligibility Test (NET) / GATE / UGC?CSIR qualification in the relevant field.
- Three years of professional experience in performance, research or teaching, recognized by the university.
- Outstanding research proposal evaluated by the Departmental Research Committee.
Entrance Exam for Ph.D. in Performing Arts at Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya
The university conducts a comprehensive entrance examination comprising:
- Written Test (120 minutes): Objective and descriptive questions covering Indian classical & folk traditions, aesthetics, cultural policies, and research methodology.
- Viva?voce (30 minutes): Evaluation of the applicant?s research proposal, critical thinking and subject?specific expertise.
- Portfolio Review (optional): For practising artists, submission of performance videos, choreography notes, or musical compositions.
Preparation resources are available on the university?s portal, including past papers, recommended reading lists, and mock tests.
Fee Structure for Ph.D. in Performing Arts at Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya
The fee schedule is designed to be transparent and supportive for research scholars. Tuition and ancillary charges are listed below:
| Component | Annual Fee (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Lecture Fees | 30,000 | Waivable for UGC?NET qualified candidates |
| Laboratory & Studio Usage | 12,000 | Includes access to music labs, dance studios, and digital archives |
| Library & Resource Centre | 5,000 | Unlimited borrowing of rare manuscripts and recordings |
| Annual Examination & Evaluation | 8,000 | Covers evaluation of coursework and progress reports |
| Miscellaneous Charges | 5,000 | Student services, counseling, and participation in conferences |
| Total Approx. | 60,000 |
Admission Process for Ph.D. in Performing Arts at Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya
The admission pathway follows a systematic, five?step protocol:
- Online Application: Submit the digital form along with scanned documents via the university admission portal.
- Document Verification: The Office of Admissions cross?checks academic transcripts, NET certificates, and work experience letters.
- Entrance Examination: Appear for the written test and viva?voce scheduled in the second week of June.
- Interview with Research Committee: Shortlisted candidates present their research proposal and receive feedback.
- Final Admission Letter: Successful candidates receive a formal offer, including enrollment instructions and fee payment details.
Ph.D. Subjects and Specializations in Performing Arts at Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya
Students may choose from a diverse set of specializations that align with regional and global performance studies:
- Classical Dance Forms (e.g., Sattriya, Bharatanatyam, Kathak)
- Traditional Musicology (e.g., Folk Songs, Indigenous Instruments)
- Theatre & Drama Studies (including mobile theatre of Assam)
- Performance Theory & Aesthetics
- Digital Media in Performing Arts (virtual performances, archival digitisation)
- Intercultural Performance and Comparative Studies
Research Areas in Performing Arts at Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya
Guided by eminent scholars, doctoral candidates explore cutting?edge themes such as:
- Preservation of intangible cultural heritage through community?based initiatives.
- Impact of globalization on indigenous performance narratives.
- Ethnomusicological analysis of oral traditions and their contemporary reinterpretations.
- Pedagogical frameworks for integrating technology in traditional dance training.
- Gender dynamics and representation in regional theatre.
- Policy studies on cultural funding and its influence on artistic production.
Documents Required for Ph.D. in Performing Arts at Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya
Ensure the following documents are submitted in PDF format, each not exceeding 2 MB:
- Completed application form (online).
- Attested copies of Master?s degree certificate & mark sheets.
- NET / GATE / UGC?CSIR qualification certificates (if applicable).
- Curriculum Vitae highlighting research experience, publications, and performances.
- Research proposal (max 3,000 words) with objectives, methodology, and bibliography.
- Two academic reference letters on official letterhead.
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport).
- Portfolio (videos, audio recordings, or choreographic notes) for practising artists.
Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya Ph.D. Syllabus for Performing Arts
The doctoral syllabus is structured into three phases:
- Coursework (Year 1): Core modules ? Research Methodologies, Aesthetic Theories, and Digital Documentation.
- Comprehensive Exams (End of Year 1): Written and oral assessment covering coursework.
- Dissertation (Years 2?4): Original research, fieldwork, data analysis, and thesis submission.
Throughout the programme, candidates are encouraged to publish in peer?reviewed journals and present at national conferences.
How To Apply for Ph.D. in Performing Arts at Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya
Follow these step?by?step instructions to submit your application:
- Visit the official MSSV Admissions Portal and create a user account.
- Choose ?Ph.D. ? Performing Arts? from the programme list.
- Fill in personal details, academic history, and upload the required documents.
- Pay the non?refundable application fee of INR 2,500 via net banking or UPI.
- Submit the application and note the generated reference number for future correspondence.
- Monitor your email for admit?card issuance and exam schedule.
Career Scope and Job Opportunities After Ph.D. in Performing Arts from Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya
Graduates of this distinguished programme enjoy a wide spectrum of professional avenues:
- Tenure?track faculty positions at leading universities and music/arts academies.
- Research fellowships with cultural ministries, NGOs, and international bodies such as UNESCO.
- Artistic director or chief choreographer for state?run theatres and cultural festivals.
- Consultant for heritage preservation projects, museum curatorship, and archival digitisation.
- Independent scholar authoring books, monographs, and policy briefs.
- Leadership roles in cultural policy formulation and arts administration.
Our alumni network showcases diverse success stories, from award?winning performers to eminent academic authors.
Scholarship for Ph.D. in Performing Arts at Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya
The university, in partnership with the State Government and private foundations, offers several financial aid schemes:
- Merit?Based Fellowship: INR 15,000 per month for candidates with a CGPA above 8.5.
- Research Grant: Up to INR 2,00,000 for fieldwork, travel, and equipment.
- Assistance from UGC: National-level fellowships for NET?qualified scholars.
- Corporate Sponsorship: Selected candidates may receive sponsorship from cultural corporations for project?based research.
Applications for scholarships are evaluated simultaneously with the admission process. Detailed guidelines are available on the Scholarships Page.
FAQs Regarding Ph.D. in Performing Arts at Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya
- Q1: Can I pursue a Ph.D. while working as a performing artist?
- Yes. The university offers a part?time mode with flexible coursework schedules and extended research timelines.
- Q2: Is there a provision for publishing my dissertation as a book?
- Absolutely. MSSV has collaborations with reputed academic publishers and assists scholars in manuscript preparation.
- Q3: What support is available for data analysis?
- Students can avail Research Data Analysis Services provided by the university?s research centre at a subsidised rate.
- Q4: Do I need a separate supervisor for my thesis?
- Each candidate is assigned a primary supervisor from the Department of Performing Arts, complemented by a co?supervisor from a related discipline if required.
- Q5: How are dissertations evaluated?
- After submission, the thesis undergoes internal review, followed by an external examination by two eminent scholars. A viva?voce finalises