Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, has invited applications for 16 posts. They include Principal, Registrar, Professor and Assistant Professor (Bharatanatyam), 4 Contract Faculty (Bharatanatyam), Administrative Assistant, Librarian, Library Attendant, 2 Semi-Skilled Workers, Tutors and a Consultant. All applications go offline by post to the Director, Kalakshetra Foundation. Most posts close on 23 November 2026 (5:30 PM); the Contract Faculty notice closes on 3 November 2026 and the Consultant notice on 6 November 2026.
Kalakshetra Foundation is an Institution of National Importance and an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, located at Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. It runs the Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts (RDCFA), the Craft Education and Research Centre (CERC) and Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School (BASS). These vacancies cover all three units and the Central Office.
Kalakshetra Foundation Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai (Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India) |
| Total Posts | 16 |
| Post Names | Principal, Registrar, Professor, Assistant Professor, Contract Faculty, Administrative Assistant, Librarian, Library Attendant, Semi-Skilled Worker, Tutor (Bharatanatyam), Tutor (Music), Consultant |
| Mode of Recruitment | Direct Recruitment, Deputation / Short-Term Contract, and Contract |
| Mode of Application | Offline (by post) |
| Application Fee | Not mentioned in any notification |
| Last Date | 23 November 2026, 5:30 PM (most posts) |
| Job Location | Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Official Website | kalakshetra.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notifications released (main batch) | 24 October 2026 |
| Contract Faculty & Consultant notices released | 26 October 2026 |
| Last date – Contract Faculty (Bharatanatyam) | 3 November 2026 |
| Last date – Consultant (Outreach and Museum) | 6 November 2026 |
| Last date – all other posts | 23 November 2026 (applications must reach by 5:30 PM) |
| Written test / skill test / interview | Will be informed to shortlisted candidates |
Kalakshetra Foundation Vacancy Details 2026
| Post | Unit | Group | Posts | Nature of Appointment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principal | RDCFA | A | 1 | Deputation / Short-Term Contract |
| Professor (Bharatanatyam) | RDCFA | A | 1 | Deputation / Short-Term Contract |
| Registrar | RDCFA | B | 1 | Deputation / Short-Term Contract |
| Assistant Professor (Bharatanatyam) | RDCFA | B | 1 | Deputation / Short-Term Contract |
| Contract Faculty – Bharatanatyam | RDCFA | – | 4 | Contract (2 months, extendable) |
| Administrative Assistant | Central Office | B | 1 (UR) | Direct Recruitment |
| Librarian | BASS School | B | 1 (UR) | Direct Recruitment |
| Library Attendant | BASS School | C | 1 (UR) | Direct Recruitment |
| Semi-Skilled Worker | CERC | C | 2 (UR-1, SC-1) | Direct Recruitment |
| Tutor (Bharatanatyam) | RDCFA | C | 1 (UR) | Direct Recruitment |
| Tutor (Music) | RDCFA | C | 1 (UR) | Direct Recruitment |
| Consultant (Outreach and Museum) | Central Office | – | 1 | Contract (1 year, extendable) |
| Total | 16 |
RDCFA = Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts; CERC = Craft Education and Research Centre; BASS = Besant Arundale Senior Secondary School. The Foundation may change the number of vacancies at the time of selection.
Salary and Age Limit
| Post | Pay Scale | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Principal | Pay Level 25, TN State Pay Matrix (₹59,300 – ₹1,87,700) | 45 to 50 years |
| Professor (Bharatanatyam) | Pay Level 22, TN State Pay Matrix (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) | 50 years |
| Registrar | Pay Level 7, 7th CPC (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400) | 40 years |
| Assistant Professor (Bharatanatyam) | Pay Level 16, TN State Pay Matrix (₹36,400 – ₹1,15,700) | 40 years |
| Contract Faculty – Bharatanatyam | Consolidated ₹20,000 – ₹36,000 per month | 60 years (on interview date) |
| Administrative Assistant | Pay Level 6, 7th CPC (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) | 28 years |
| Librarian | Pay Level 6, 7th CPC (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) | 27 years |
| Library Attendant | Pay Level 1, 7th CPC (₹18,000 – ₹56,900) | 25 years |
| Semi-Skilled Worker | Pay Level 1, 7th CPC (₹18,000 – ₹56,900) | 25 years (SC: 5 years relaxation) |
| Tutor (Bharatanatyam) | Pay Level 11, TN State Pay Matrix (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) | 30 years |
| Tutor (Music) | Pay Level 11, TN State Pay Matrix (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) | 30 years |
| Consultant (Outreach and Museum) | Consolidated, as per experience | 45 years |
For the 23 November posts, age is counted as on 23 November 2026, using the date of birth in the Class 10 certificate.
Educational Qualification
Principal, RDCFA
- Diploma or Degree in the field of specialisation, with proficiency in music or dance
- About 10 years of supervisory service in a reputed institution
- Knowledge of the local language and English (Hindi is an added advantage)
- Open to eminent artists/private persons, officers holding analogous posts, or Professors (Bharatanatyam/Carnatic Music) with 7 years’ regular service in Pay Level 22
Registrar, RDCFA
- Class 10 pass plus Diploma or Post Diploma in Bharatanatyam or Carnatic Music
- Minimum 8 years’ experience in the field
- Open to eminent artists, officers in analogous posts, or Lecturers in Bharatanatyam/Carnatic Music with 8 years’ experience
Professor and Assistant Professor (Bharatanatyam)
- Class 10 pass plus specialised training in Bharatanatyam, with the teaching and performance experience set out in each notice
- Open to eminent artists/private persons as well as officers on deputation
Contract Faculty – Bharatanatyam (4 Posts)
- Essential: Post Diploma in Bharatanatyam from Kalakshetra Foundation
- Desirable: At least 5 years of teaching experience with regular art practice
- Working hours: 14 to 40 hours per week, depending on classes
Administrative Assistant
- Graduate from a recognised university
- At least 5 years of experience in Administration / Government Accounts with knowledge of Central Government rules
- Desirable: DOEACC ‘O’ Level computer course
Librarian (BASS School)
- MA plus Bachelor of Library Science
- 5 years of experience in a library of a Central/State Government institution or a similar special library
Library Attendant (BASS School)
- Class 10 pass with 3 years of experience working in a library
Semi-Skilled Worker (CERC – 2 Posts)
- Class 10 pass
- Experience in block printing and use of vegetable dyes, with knowledge of boiling, dyeing and tailoring
- Desirable: Tailoring and drawing skills
Tutor (Bharatanatyam)
- Class 10 pass plus Diploma or Post Diploma in Bharatanatyam
- Able to give a solo performance of about two hours, perform Nattuvangam and take classes in English
Tutor (Music)
- Class 10 pass plus Diploma or Degree in Carnatic Music
- Able to accompany dance performances, read/write music notation and take classes
- Desirable: B-High grade artiste of All India Radio
Consultant (Outreach and Museum)
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, or Diploma/Post Diploma from Kalakshetra Foundation
- Experience in outreach and museum work; knowledge of Bharatanatyam and Carnatic Music is useful
Application Fee
None of the Kalakshetra Foundation notifications mentions an application fee. Candidates of all categories can apply without paying any fee.
Selection Process
| Post | Selection Method |
|---|---|
| Principal, Registrar, Professor, Assistant Professor | Scrutiny of applications, shortlisting, then interaction with the Selection Committee |
| Contract Faculty – Bharatanatyam | Shortlisting and interview |
| Administrative Assistant | Written test of 200 marks (Part I: 50, Part II: 150) and skill test; 50% in each part required |
| Librarian | Shortlisting, then written test / skill test (scheme to be published later) |
| Library Attendant | Objective written test of 100 marks, 2 hours; qualifying marks 50 |
| Semi-Skilled Worker | Practical skill test (100 marks) followed by written test (100 marks); qualifying marks UR 50, SC 30 |
| Tutor (Bharatanatyam) / Tutor (Music) | Written test (200 marks, qualifying 100) and practical skill test (100 marks, qualifying 50); final merit = 40% written + 60% skill test |
| Consultant (Outreach and Museum) | Interview |
Shortlisted candidates must produce original certificates at document verification. No TA/DA is paid for attending any test or interview.
How to Apply for Kalakshetra Foundation Recruitment 2026
The application is offline only. Applications sent by email or received after the last date will be rejected. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of Kalakshetra Foundation – kalakshetra.in.
- On the home page, go to Links → Others → Vacancies.
- Open the notification for the post you want and read the eligibility, age limit and selection details carefully.
- Download and print the application form given as Annexure-I in that notification. Use a separate form for each post.
- Fill in all details neatly – name in block letters, date of birth, contact details, qualifications and experience in chronological order. Deputation posts also ask you to tick “On Deputation” or “On Short-Term Contract”.
- Paste a recent passport-size colour photograph on the form and keep one extra photograph in a separate cover.
- Attach self-attested copies of Class 10 certificate (age proof), educational certificates, experience certificates, Aadhaar, and caste/disability certificate if applicable. Serving officials must send cadre clearance, vigilance clearance and APARs of the last 5 years through proper channel.
- Sign the declaration and write the post name on the envelope, for example: “Application for the post of Semi Skilled Worker” or “Application for the post of Principal, Rukmini Devi College of Fine Arts, Kalakshetra Foundation”.
- Send the envelope by post to: The Director, Kalakshetra Foundation, Anna Street, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai – 600041, Tamil Nadu.
- Make sure it reaches the Foundation by 5:30 PM on 23 November 2026 (3 November for Contract Faculty, 6 November for Consultant). Keep a photocopy of the full application.
Official Website
| Purpose | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Official Website of Kalakshetra Foundation | kalakshetra.in |
| Notifications and Application Forms | kalakshetra.in → Links → Others → Vacancies |
| Postal Address for Applications | The Director, Kalakshetra Foundation, Anna Street, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai – 600041 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many posts has Kalakshetra Foundation announced? A total of 16 posts, including Principal, Registrar, Professor, Assistant Professor, 4 Contract Faculty, 2 Semi-Skilled Workers and other posts.
Q2. What is the last date to apply? Applications for most posts must reach by 5:30 PM on 23 November 2026. The Contract Faculty last date is 3 November 2026 and the Consultant last date is 6 November 2026.
Q3. Can I apply online? No. All applications must be sent by post on the Annexure-I form. Email applications are rejected.
Q4. Is there any application fee? No fee is mentioned in any of the notifications.
Q5. Which posts are open to 10th pass candidates? Semi-Skilled Worker (with block printing/dyeing experience) and Library Attendant (with 3 years’ library experience) need only Class 10 as the education qualification.
Q6. What is the salary of a Semi-Skilled Worker? Pay Level 1 of the 7th CPC, i.e. ₹18,000 – ₹56,900 per month.
Q7. Are the Principal and Professor posts permanent? No. They are on deputation or short-term contract, extendable year to year based on performance.
Q8. Where should the application be sent? To The Director, Kalakshetra Foundation, Anna Street, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai – 600041.
Conclusion
Kalakshetra Foundation Recruitment 2026 offers 16 posts for artists, teachers, administrators and skilled craft workers at one of India’s leading arts institutions. Regular posts such as Administrative Assistant, Librarian, Tutor and Semi-Skilled Worker carry central or state pay levels, while senior posts are on deputation or contract. Check your eligibility, fill the correct Annexure-I form, and post it early so it reaches Chennai before the deadline.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the official notifications of Kalakshetra Foundation. Candidates should verify all details from the official notification on kalakshetra.in before applying.