Singer
An artist or performer who sings professionally, with or without accompaniment.
Overview
A Singer is an artist or a performer who sings professionally. They may be accompanied by an instrument or an orchestra. Some singers also play a musical instrument such as piano or guitar while they sing.
Where they work
- Self-employed
- Film and Television Industry
- Radio and Broadcasting Industry
- Music companies across India
- Schools across India
Work environment
You will typically work 8 to 9 hours everyday for 6 days a week. This may vary from company to company. It is not a desk job and you will not be required to handle a team. Travelling is a part of the job. Part-time work and contractual jobs are available. Work from home option is available. Being self-employed is also an option. Shift system may be applicable.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You enjoy singing
- You enjoy performing in front of an audience
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream.
- 2Complete Bachelor's in Music
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's in Music and follow it up with a Master's in the same or related field
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a Diploma in Music and Music-related subject.
- 2For getting a licence as a music instructor or teacher, you can train under a Guru or learn from a reputed classical music school in your city.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Music. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, Gujarat
- Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
- Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJM), Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Visva Bharati University, Bolpur, West Bengal
- Mumbai University, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- The True School of Music, Jambrung, Maharashtra
- Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Vishwakarma University, Pune, Maharashtra
- KM Music Conservatory, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Shankar Mahadevan Academy, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab
- Jain University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, Rajasthan
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Singer
- 2Master Singer
Expected income
₹25,000 – ₹1,00,000 per song, depending on experience
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Musician
Plays instruments, writes lyrics and performs music.
Dubbing Artist or Voice Actor
Uses their voice to portray characters or convey information to a target audience.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Arts.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to creating.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Shreya Ghoshal — One of the most famous Indian playback singers. She has performed several songs for the Bollywood, Regional films and Indian soaps as well. Besides Hindi, she has also sung in Bengali, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu. She has done her graduation in English from SIES College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Mumbai.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 163 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3JkPn8u
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.