About Kerala Kalamandalam
Kerala Kalamandalam, formally Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University for Art and Culture, was established as a residential gurukula in 1930 by the great Malayalam poet Vallathol Narayana Menon at Cheruthuruthy in Thrissur district. It was elevated to a Deemed-to-be University under Section 3 of the UGC Act in 2006. Kalamandalam is the premier institution in India for the study, practice and propagation of Kerala's classical arts including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Thullal, Kuchipudi and Carnatic music.
The university offers BFA, BPA, BA (Music/Dance/Theatre), MFA, MPA, MA, MPhil and PhD programmes in performing arts, visual arts and theatre arts. The gurukula tradition combines daily practice (sadhana), classroom study and stage performance. The campus includes the Vallathol Museum, an open-air theatre (Koothambalam) and accommodation for residential students. The institution is the cultural ambassador for Kerala arts worldwide.
UG admissions through Kalamandalam-conducted aptitude test (audition/performance test) + Plus Two marks. PG admissions through aptitude test + interview + qualifying degree. PhD through entrance + interview. UGC norms for reservation; supernumerary seats for foreign students.
Application fee: ₹500 (General) / ₹250 (Reserved) · Official site ↗