Hindustani Classical Music Certificate Programme (Prarambhik to Alankar)
by Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Pune
Govt.-Recognized Certificate
Structured Hindustani classical music certification from Prarambhik to Alankar, with practical and theory exams recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Mode
Hybrid
Fee
₹7,500
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Each level requires roughly 90 hours of instruction over 1 to 2 years at the advanced Madhyama Poorna stage; foundational levels can be completed in about 6 months of regular classes.
Time needed
Part-time classes; at least 1 year per level from Praveshika Poorna
Eligibility
Ages 7 and above (no upper limit); no prior musical knowledge needed for the Prarambhik entry level. Nine graded levels from Prarambhik to Alankar. Available nationwide and internationally via online classes and exams; offline exam centres are limited to Maharashtra.
- Age range
- 7 years and above
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Govt.-Recognized Certificate
The institution states its certification is recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Government of Maharashtra, with the Visharad level considered equivalent to a bachelor's degree in Indian classical music.
Recognized by
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Enrollment
- Open all year
Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Pune, Pune, Maharashtra
How to apply
- 1Contact the office or submit an online enquiry to begin admission for the desired subject and level
- 2Enroll in classes and complete the minimum study period for the chosen level before appearing for its examination
- 3Submit the examination form for the offline session (July or December) or schedule an online exam, along with age proof, a recent photograph, and the previous level's passing certificate where applicable
Rules and guidelines
- Minimum one year gap required between examinations from Praveshika Poorna onward
- Students may study multiple subjects simultaneously but can appear for simultaneous exams only up to the Praveshika Pratham level
- Age proof and a recent photograph are mandatory for every examination registration
- The previous level's passing certificate is required to enter the next level, except for Prarambhik
- Vocal candidates from Madhyama Poorna onward must bring a tabla player for accompaniment and may not use the harmonium as accompaniment
Technology requirements
- Video conferencing platform such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype for online classes and exams
- Stable internet connection with a working webcam and microphone
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Training fees are not specified on the website. Offline exam fees range from about 700 rupees (Prarambhik) to 2,500 rupees (Alankar); online exam fees range from about 2,000 to 7,500 rupees depending on level, with online exams for students abroad payable in US dollars, about 60 to 120 dollars. Fees are due at the time of exam registration and vary by level and format.
About this opportunity
Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Pune's Hindustani Classical Music Certificate Programme is a structured, examination based pathway for building proficiency in Indian classical vocal and instrumental music, progressing from the beginner Prarambhik level to the advanced Alankar level.
Open to students aged seven and above, with no prior musical knowledge required to begin at the Prarambhik level. Learners choose Hindustani vocal music or instruments including tabla, harmonium, flute, and synthesizer, and progress through nine graded levels, Prarambhik, Praveshika, Madhyama, Visharad, and Alankar, each split into Pratham and Poorna stages.
Each level combines practical performance training in ragas and taals with music theory and notation, assessed through a dedicated examination held offline at centres across Maharashtra or online by video conferencing from anywhere. The certification is recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Government of Maharashtra, and the Visharad level is considered equivalent to a bachelor's degree in Indian classical music.
The programme is administered by Bharatiya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal, the trust registered in 1942 that has governed Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Pune since, continuing a tradition of classical music education founded in 1932 by Pt. Vinayakrao Patwardhan.
What your child will do
- Weekly vocal or instrumental music classes
- Practical performance training in ragas and taals
- Music theory and notation instruction
- Progressive examinations from Prarambhik through Alankar
Mentors and faculty
Classes are conducted under the guidance of BSPM faculty, led by Principal Pramod Marathe and Vice Principal Praneeta Marathe.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
Progressive levels from Prarambhik through Alankar combine practical performance training in ragas and taals with music theory and notation, covering Hindustani vocal music and instruments including tabla, harmonium, flute, and synthesizer.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it typically take to complete each level of the certificate programme?
A minimum study period of about six months is generally required to complete foundational levels through regular classes, while advanced levels such as Madhyama Poorna call for roughly 90 hours of instruction spread over 1 to 2 years.
Can students study more than one subject at the same time?
Students may study multiple subjects, such as vocal music and an instrument, simultaneously, but they can only appear for simultaneous examinations up to the Praveshika Pratham level.
Is prior musical training required to begin the programme?
No prior musical knowledge is required to begin at the Prarambhik level; the curriculum builds practical and theoretical foundations from the start.
How is the Visharad level recognized outside the institution?
The institution states that its Visharad level certification is considered equivalent to a bachelor's degree in Indian classical music and is recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi and the Government of Maharashtra.
What is the gap requirement between higher level examinations?
From the Praveshika Poorna level onward, candidates must maintain a minimum gap of one year between consecutive examinations.
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