Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur - Admission 2024, Fees, Courses, Placement, Ranking

Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur is Deemed to be University, recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It was founded in 1930 under the patronage of Kakkad Karanavappad by renowned poet Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon and his close associate Manakkulam Mukundaraja. The Ministry of HRD, Government of Kerala, designated Kerala Kalamandalam as a Deemed to be University for Art and Culture. On 14 March 2006, the Government of India approved its Memorandum of Association and Rules on the advice of the University Grants Commission, and on 15 May 2007, the Government of Kerala approved its Memorandum of Association and Rules. 

As a Deemed to be University, Kerala Kalamandalam courses currently includes graduate, postgraduate and PhD research programmes, as well as secondary and higher secondary courses, all under one roof.  It was established as a training institute for Kathakali, which later became a residential institution imparting training in various performance disciplines Thullal, Mohiniyattam, Panchavadyam, Kutiyattam (Male and female), Mridangam, Carnatic Music, etc. The Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur fees range from Rs 2,010 to Rs 8,700 per year.

Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur course admissions are based on the candidate's academic merit from their last qualifying examination. A personal interview session will be conducted as well for the final selection. Candidates will be ranked on the basis of marks obtained by them in the practical examination conducted by the university and admission will be done on the basis of seniority in the rank list.

There is a very active and dedicated placement cell at the campus. The Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur placements are arranged by the cell. It also organised workshops, talk sessions, seminars, internships, etc. to accustom students to the industry. Students are placed in a variety of artistic fields, ranging from choreography to music awards, and so on. The Kerala Kalamandalam placements packages offered to the student range from Rs 5 LPA to Rs 7.5 LPA.

There are a total of 14 Kerala Kalamandalam faculty in performing arts. The training system is based on the ancient Gurukula Sampradaya, a traditional mode of education that emphasises a bond between the teacher and the student. Veteran teachers, talented students and art enthusiasts comprise the university.

Aside from academics, the Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur campus also has a library with over 50,000 books on music, theatre, Indian history, dance, epics, aesthetics and puranas. Boarding in hostels is mandatory for all students until they complete their courses. The food provided here is only vegetarian.

The Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed to be University’s main goal is the protection and preservation of a sustainable model of Gurukula Sampradayam, the traditional system of learning and pedagogy in Indian performing arts, accustomed to contemporary socio-cultural systems, achievement standards, and performance requirements. The highlights of the university such as details like the placement packages, recruiters, approvals, recognitions, admission requirements, courses offered, etc. are given here:

Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur Highlights

The Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur courses are offered at UG, PG and doctoral levels in various fields of performing arts. The university also provides secondary and higher secondary courses and other short-term programmes s well. The university courses impart training in disciplines such as Thullal, Mohiniyattam, Carnatic Music, Panchavadyam, Kathakali, Kutiyattam (Male and female), Mridangam, etc. The annual Kerala Kalamandalam fees structure ranges from Rs 2,010 to Rs 8,700. The fees are calculated by including the hostel and other charges, as the hostel accommodation is compulsory for all students pursuing education at this university.

The Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur course admissions are based on the academic performance from the candidate’s most recent qualifying examination and the entrance exam and personal interview conducted by the university.

Kerala Kalamandalam Fee Structure and Courses List

Kerala Kalamandalam Course Specialisations

The university currently offers UG, PG and M.Phil/ PhD programmes all under one roof. It began as a training institute and later evolved into a residential campus that provides training in a variety of performance subject areas. The Kerala Kalamandalam admissions are determined by the candidate's academic merit from the last qualifying examination and valid scores obtained in the university-conducted entrance examination. The university has launched a variety of efforts to strengthen the academic culture and student experience.

The Kerala Kalamandalam admission process will also include a personal interview session as part of the final selection process. Candidates will be ranked on the basis of marks obtained by them in the practical examination conducted by the university. All Indian citizens are eligible for admission. Foreign students, on the other hand, will be admitted on a case-by-case basis. It is compulsory for all candidates to meet the Kerala Kalamandalam admission criteria to proceed further with the process. The eligibility requirements for the courses offered here are given below:

Kerala Kalamandalam Eligibility Criteria

For the Kerala Kalamandalam MA admission process if there is an absence of eligible candidates, then those with practice in the concerned subject through the traditional method and can produce their efficiency on the basis of certificates from institution/ accredited agencies, competition at national/ state/ district level and performance in the test and interview and recommendation by the admission committee consisting of Head of Department (HoD), are eligible.

For the Kerala Kalamandalam PhD admission process, SC/ST candidates must have a minimum of 50% or a B grade in their Masters's Degree. Candidates who are awaiting the results of their qualifying examinations may apply as well but must bring their PG Marklists and Provisional Certificates to the interview. The maximum age of applicants for admission to the Integrated MPhil/ PhD programme shall be 35 (thirty-five) as of the date of notification, with Direct PhD applicants exempt.

Kerala Kalamandalam Application Process

The admission test and interview process will be used to process applications for all courses offered here. To apply for the desired course, applicants must complete a series of steps. The Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur admission procedure is as follows:

• Visit the University's official website (kalamandalam.org).
• The candidate must download and complete a separate Kerala Kalamandalam application form for each course.
• Make an online payment for application form fees on behalf of the Registrar (Details will be available on the application form).
• Send the application form, along with a counterfoil pay-in slip, to the Registrar Kerala Kalamandalam, Thrissur, by the deadline.
• Make a photocopy of the completed application form for future reference.
• The candidate must attend the interview on the scheduled date and time.
• Selected candidates must take admission by paying the required fees by the deadline.

Kerala Kalamandalam Application Fees

The Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur application fees are provided below for the UG, PG and PhD courses:

• B.A Programme: Rs 300 (Rs 100 for SC/ ST category candidates).
• M.A Programme: Rs 500 (Rs 200 for SC/ ST category candidates).
• M.Phil/ PhD Programme: Rs 200 (Rs 50 for SC/ ST category candidates). Postal Charges, Extra - Rs 30.

Documents Required

• 10+2 certificate and mark sheet.
• Graduation certificate and mark sheet.
• Postgraduation certificate and mark sheet.
• Copies of the application form and fee receipt.
• Caste Certificate
• Transfer Certificate
• Conduct Certificate
• No Objection Certificate (for working professionals)
• Migration Certificate (for candidates from another state).

For the Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur admission process candidates after matching the basic eligibility criteria have to then take the personal interview session or the practical exam. This is the requirement for the selection of the students. Their performance in the exams will determine their selection to the university. The details for the B.A, M.A and M.Phil/ PhD courses selection process are given here:

Kerala Kalamandalam BA Admission

To assess the artistic aptitude of applicants seeking admission to the B.A degree course, the Vice Chancellor appoints an examination board, consisting of the registrar as chairman, the head of the relevant department, and one external expert. The board will then evaluate the applicant's practical knowledge and artistic inclination and will be provided with an opportunity to reflect on their performance during the interview after the examination. Applicants will be ranked based on the marks assigned to them.

Kerala Kalamandalam MA Admission

An Interview Board will be formed by the Vice Chancellor. The head of the relevant department and one external expert will assess the artistic aptitude of applicants seeking admission to the M.A degree course. The Board will evaluate the candidate's artistry and practical knowledge and will provide them with an opportunity to showcase their performance during the interview. Applicants will be ranked based on the marks assigned to them.

Kerala Kalamandalam PhD Admission

The entrance examination will be worth 75 points, with 50 for the written test and the remaining 25 for the interview. The written test questions will be prepared by an expert appointed by the Vice-Chancellor. The written exam will be the same for both disciplines. It is designed to assess the candidate's research ability as well as a general familiarity with the subject areas specified for study and research at Kerala Kalamandalam. 

Candidates who achieve a minimum of 50% in the written test alone will be invited to the interview. Candidates from the SC/ST categories only need to score 45% on the written exam. In the absence of a sufficient number of candidates from the SC/ST categories, the vacancies will be filled in accordance with the rules. The reservation policy adopted by the State Government/ UGC for the admission of students belonging to SC/ST, OEC, and OBC shall be followed.

In terms of placement, the college offers numerous opportunities in various areas of performing arts. On campus, there is a very active and dedicated placement cell. The cell arranges the Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur placements. Students are placed in a variety of artistic fields, such as choreography and music awards, among others. In the placement session of several companies and institutes participate to hire students.

The university is made up of experienced teachers, skilled students, and artists. There are 14 performing arts faculty at the campus of Kerala Kalamandalam. The training regimen is based on the ancient Gurukula Sampradaya, a traditional mode of education to increase the teacher-student bond. The learning process which is majorly practical based ensures that students get to know how the industry operates. The Kerala Kalamandalam placements salary offered to students ranges from Rs 5 LPA to Rs 7.5 LPA.

Kerala Kalamandalam Placement Statistics

On-campus placements were offered to approximately 85% of students. On the first day of the Kerala Kalamandalam placement drive of 2020-21, more than 100 people were placed. Many prestigious institutes and companies participated in the on-campus placement drive. Many government organisations hire students as well. The institute also holds internship programmes and its students have gone on to become major literary and art critics. The following are some reputable institutes and companies that frequently participate in the Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur placement drive:

Kerala Kalamandalam Top Recruiters

The Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur scholarships are given to students who excel in their performing arts courses, and the majority of the awards are monetary. The scholarship awards are provided to deserving students who have proven their overall performance and achievement, both academically and holistically. Endowment awards are also given out at the university in honour of outstanding students and well-known figures in the field of performing arts. Kerala Kalamandalam decides on the cash reward to be given in a specific endowment on a regular basis.

Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur provides several scholarships to deserving students. Some examples are as follows:

Vazenkada Kunchu Nair Award: The Vazenkada Kunchu Nair Award is provided by the Vazenkada Kunchu Nair Samarak Trust and aims to provide financial stipends to meritorious Kathakali dance students who come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and have excellent academic records.

Samunnathi Scholarships: The Nair Service Society offers a Samunnathi Scholarship to deserving students who require financial assistance to study.

Some of the other scholarship opportunities and well-known awards are listed below:

• Moothaman Venkichan Award 
• Balakrishna Kurup Award
• Achutta Warrier Award 
• Vallathol Endowment
• Kuminni Award
• Mrs Vallathol Centenary Award
• Barbara Endowment
• Kunjunni Thampuran Endowment
• Prof. Gangadharan Award
• Thankamani - Guru Gopinath Award.

The Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur is widely regarded as the world's most prestigious Kathakali training centre. It is the only centre of learning in Kathakali that can claim universal recognition and prestige. The university also offers an endowment award for outstanding students and well-known figures in the performing arts to encourage students and acknowledge dedicated and hardworking artists. According to University Web Ranking, the  Kerala Kalamandalam is ranked in the 18th position. It is ranked 637th in India.

The Kerala Kalamandalam infrastructure is well-maintained and the campus is located in a serene environment, surrounded by greenery. The calming atmosphere provides a suitable environment for more focused learning and training. The Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur facilities and structures are designed keeping the student's daily needs in mind. The university allows students from a variety of backgrounds to enjoy vibrant campus life. To achieve its full potential, the university has worked hard to improve the educational experience.

Kerala Kalamandalam Facilities

The details on the facilities offered at the Kerala Kalamandalam Thrissur campus are provided below:

Library

Over 50,000 books on theatre, music, dance, Indian history, aesthetics, epics, and puranas are accessible to learners at the campus library.

Classrooms

The Kerala Kalamandalam university classrooms are outfitted with the necessary teaching and learning resources. Classes begin at 3 pm. in the late afternoon.

Temple of Koothambalam

Koothambalam is an exquisite and beautiful structure that provides an ideal setting for nangiarkoothu and kutiyattam performances. It was built in the second century A.D. in accordance with the inscriptions in Sage Bharata's natyasastra. It's an ideal location for maintaining the connection between viewers and performers.

The Gallery of Art

In 2001, the art gallery welcomed visitors with a variety of Kathakali characters as well as other performing arts.

Training Classes (Kalaries)

Students here are trained in hand gestures, eye movements, facial expressions, leg exercises, torso movements, character enactment, and so on can be seen being practised in kalaries where acting and dancing are taught as well. Training in the various art disciplines begins in the early hours of the morning, with a brief intermission at 6.30 am. The kalaries resume at 9 am. The training continues until noon. 

Music Training (Vocal-Music Kalari)

The teacher will initially train the student in the fundamentals of classical Karnatic music in the vocal-music kalari. Later on, Kathakali vocal students must learn the text of invocatory items before moving on to the text of the plays.

Percussion-Music Lessons and Final Training

The percussion lessons begin with vaytharis (syllables) and progress to ‘strokes and fingerings' in various rhythmic scales and tempos. The final stage of training includes a well-coordinated performance of Kathakali or Kutiyattam (without make-up and costumes), which is technically known as "Cholliyaattam." This segment combines dance, drama, and music (vocal and instrumental) from the art form in question into a single kalari.

Hostel Accommodation

The Kerala Kalamandalam hostel facility is offered to both male and female students. The university has high-quality hostel accommodation. Furthermore, this cafeteria/ canteen only serves vegetarian food. The hostels are compulsory for all the students who are pursuing any course from the university. Students accepted into the course must stay in the campus hostel. They are only permitted to leave the campus with the permission of the guardian/local guardian. Guardians should give an undertaking at the time of admission that their wards will follow the University's rules and regulations as they change. The hostel fees are given below:

Kerala Kalamandalam Hostel Fees

The Kerala Kalamandalam university has received several awards and accolades due to its prominence in the performance arts fields. Some of the awards are as follows: 

• Mukunda Raja Smriti Puraskaram.
• Yuva Prathibha Award.
• Kerala Kalamandalam MKK Nair Award.
• Painkulam Ramachakyar Award.
• Vadakkan Kannan Nair Smriti Puraskaram.
• KS Divakaran Nair Smaraka Sougandhika Puraskaram. 
• Pallavoor Appu Marar Puraskaram.
• Keraleeya Nrithya Natya Puraskaram.
• Kerala State Art Awards/ Kathakali Awards.
• Kalagrandham Award.