The National School of Drama (NSD) is an esteemed institution dedicated to nurturing and honing the talents of aspiring actors and theater professionals. Established with the vision of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of dramatic arts, NSD has been at the forefront of theatrical excellence for several decades. 

Situated in Bahawalpur, New Delhi, NSD stands as a beacon of artistic ingenuity, where creativity flourishes and dreams take flight. With a firm commitment to imparting comprehensive training in various aspects of theater, NSD offers a rigorous and immersive curriculum designed to develop both the artistic and technical skills of its students. 

The institute’s distinguished faculty comprises renowned theater practitioners, directors, playwrights, and experts who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the classroom. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical training, students are empowered to explore diverse genres, techniques, and traditions of theater, enabling them to become versatile performers and versatile theater-makers.

NSD believes in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community that encourages collaboration, experimentation, and self-discovery. Its state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped studios, rehearsal spaces, and a dedicated theater complex, provide an ideal environment for students to explore their creative potential. And, it can be seen through the on-screen acting skills of the renowned Bollywood celebrities like Neena Gupta, Shahrukh Khan, Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Om Puri, Raj Babbar and several other famous personalities.  

Whether you aspire to be a performer, director, designer, or scholar, the National School of Drama is the perfect platform to embark on a transformative journey in the world of theater. Join NSD and become a part of its illustrious legacy as that of Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Irrfan Khan, Rajpal Yadav, Pankaj Tripathi, Rohini Hattangadi, etc. where passion meets professionalism, and imagination takes center stage.

3-year Full-time Diploma in Dramatic Arts

National School of Drama (NSD) is accepting applications for its three-year diploma course in Dramatics, starting in September 2023. The course aims to train students in acting, design, direction, and other theatre disciplines. The medium of instruction is Hindi/English.

Course Duration: The course comprises six semesters, with the opportunity for specialization in either Acting or Design and Direction.

Eligibility: Eligibility criteria include graduation from a recognized university, participation in at least six theatre productions, and working knowledge of Hindi/English. A recommendation letter from a theatre expert is required. Foreign nationals should apply through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.  

Age Limit: The age limit is 18-30 years, with relaxation for reserved categories.

Selection Process

Preliminary Examination: The selection process consists of a preliminary examination/audition followed by a final examination workshop. The preliminary examination will be held at 15 centers across India in July 2023. 

Workshop: Shortlisted candidates will attend a 5-day workshop in New Delhi in August 2023, with travel and accommodation provided. The final selection will be based on the assessment by an expert committee.

Physical Fitness Test: Physical fitness tests are mandatory before joining on-campus classes. 

Scholarship: Selected students will receive a monthly scholarship of Rs. 9,500/- to cover academic and related expenses. 

Fee: Applications must be submitted online through the NSD website by July 10, 2023, with a fee of Rs. 50/-. 

For detailed information and updates, applicants are advised to regularly visit the NSD website.

The National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi has garnered numerous accolades and awards, both institutionally and through the achievements of its talented alumni. Notably, several alumni have been honored with the prestigious B.V. Karanth & Manohar Singh Smriti Puraskar, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the field of drama and theater.

NSD itself has earned recognition for its commitment to excellence in theatrical education and performance. It has received accolades for its groundbreaking productions, innovative pedagogy, and significant contributions to the cultural landscape of India.

Beyond the B.V. Karanth & Manohar Singh Smriti Puraskar, NSD alumni have achieved remarkable milestones in their careers. They have been recipients of prestigious awards, such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, Padma Shri, and National Film Awards, showcasing their extraordinary talent and artistic accomplishments.

Furthermore, NSD alumni have made significant contributions to various domains of theater, including acting, directing, playwriting, set design, and more. Their work has garnered critical acclaim and has been showcased on renowned national and international stages, enriching the global theatrical landscape.

The achievements of NSD and its illustrious alumni bear testimony to the institution's dedication to nurturing exceptional talent and fostering a vibrant theater ecosystem in India and beyond.

At the National School of Drama, the focus is on honing your acting and direction skills to perfection. While the institute does not offer traditional placement opportunities, the professional training provided here opens doors to a world of possibilities in the field of theatre. 

Upon showcasing your praiseworthy performances and skills, you have the opportunity to be part of various theatrical productions. The esteemed faculty members recommend talented individuals to renowned directors, offering avenues for further growth and exposure in the industry.

The emphasis is on nurturing your artistic talents and connecting you with influential figures in the theatrical world, paving the way for a successful career in acting and direction.

The National School of Drama is nestled in a vibrant and sprawling campus, providing a conducive environment for creative exploration and artistic development. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure that cater to the diverse needs of students and faculty. 

From well-equipped classrooms and dedicated rehearsal spaces to a resourceful library and modern technical facilities, the campus offers a comprehensive range of resources to support the learning and creative endeavors of aspiring theatre professionals. 

The campus also houses separate hostels for male and female students, ensuring a comfortable and immersive residential experience. Here are the details of some of the top facilities offered by NSD:

• Audio-Video Library: The National School of Drama boasts a distinctive library, housing a diverse collection of 3000+ videos, 700 CDs, 26,665 books, 4000 periodical volumes, 1064 gramophone records, and approximately 200 journals. Its comprehensive resources encompass a wide range of subjects, including play direction, theatre architecture, stage design, and the history and criticism of theatre in India.

• Hostels: To ensure a complete immersive experience, the school offers separate hostel facilities for male and female students. Hostel accommodation is mandatory for all students, as the course is fully residential. The monthly hostel rent is INR 110 per seat, with an additional INR 40 per month covering electricity and water charges.

• Performing Spaces: Within the campus, four dedicated performing spaces are available for staging productions. These spaces provide a platform for students to showcase their artistic talents and bring theatrical works to life. 

These performing spaces are named as Abhimanch Auditorium (with seating arrangement of 350 persons), Sammukh Auditorium (with seating depending upon the set i.e. from 75 to 100 persons), Bahumukh Auditorium; and Repertory Company and TIE Company as performing wings.

• Study Material: As part of their academic journey, students receive complimentary study material, including mount boards, drawing paper, and wood for classroom use. Each student is assigned a personal locker to store their materials and personal belongings securely.

At the National School of Drama, these facilities and provisions aim to create an enriching environment for students, fostering their artistic growth and facilitating their educational pursuits.