The National School of Drama in Delhi is one of the most respected and well-known drama schools in India. Established in 1959, it functions as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and is affiliated with the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the national academy for music, dance, and drama. NSD offers a 3-year full-time Diploma in Dramatic Arts, where students are trained in various aspects of theatre including acting, direction, stage design, voice, and movement. Every year, only 20 talented students are selected through a highly competitive process that includes auditions, a written test, and interviews.
The school is located at Bahawalpur House on Bhagwandas Road, New Delhi, and offers excellent facilities to its students. It has separate hostels for boys and girls, a canteen, and temporary housing for faculty and guests. The NSD library is a rich resource with over 26,000 books and 4,000 volumes of theatre-related periodicals. The campus also includes three auditoriums – Abhimanch (350 seats), Sammukh (96 seats), and Bahumukh (75–100 seats) – where students perform and participate in theatre productions and workshops.
NSD helps students build a strong foundation in Indian and world theatre traditions and prepares them for professional careers in the performing arts. Many famous Indian actors and directors, like Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Irrfan Khan, are proud alumni of NSD. With expert training, modern facilities, and a rich theatre culture, NSD is the perfect place for anyone passionate about acting and theatre.
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NSD Delhi Highlights 2025
| Particular | Highlights |
| Location | New Delhi |
| Type of Institute | Public/ Government, Autonomous |
| Year of Establishment | 1959 |
| Affiliation | Sangeet Natak Akademi |
| Courses Offered | Diploma Course in Dramatics Arts |
| Official Website | https://nsd.gov.in/delhi/ |
| Admission Mode | Online, Offline both |
| How to reach | By Air: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), located approximately 16 km from NSD.
By Metro: The closest metro station is Mandi House on the Blue Line, which is around a 10-minute walk from NSD.
By Taxi/Auto: Visitors can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw and provide the address: Bahawalpur House, Bhagwandas Road, New Delhi. |
NSD Delhi Courses Offered 2025
NSD Delhi provides a 3-year Diploma Course in Dramatic Arts in 2025, which is a full-time course. Graduates who enjoy theatre are allowed to pursue this course, participating in a minimum of 6 theatre productions. Both Hindi and English are taught as the mode of instruction.
| Course Name | Duration | Total Seats | Eligibility | Medium of Instruction |
| Diploma Course in Dramatic Arts | 3 Years (Full-time) | 26 | Graduation in any discipline with participation in at least 6 theatre productions | Hindi/ English |
NSD Delhi Admission 2025
The National School of Drama (NSD) offers a Diploma Course in Dramatic Arts for candidates passionate about theatre. NSD Delhi admission requires applicants to hold a Bachelor's degree and have participated in at least six theatre productions. The admission process begins in May, featuring an entrance exam followed by a 5-day workshop in New Delhi. Candidates must also submit recommendations from theatre experts and documentary proof of their theatre experience.
How to apply
- Visit the official NSD website: https://nsd.gov.in/delhi/.
- Click on the ‘New Admission’ button and fill in personal details.
- Submit required documents like a scanned photograph, signature, and marksheets.
- Pay the application fee (INR 100 for general, INR 50 for reserved categories).
- Download and print the application form for future reference.
- Appear for the entrance exam as per the schedule.
NSD Delhi Placements 2025
The National School of Drama (NSD) Delhi offers excellent campus placement opportunities for its students. With a strong reputation for its placement records, the school attracts offers from top companies and organizations in the entertainment industry. Students receive placements in well-known companies like Red Chilli Entertainments, AA Films, and many others. The Placement Cell at NSD plays a vital role in preparing students for their careers by providing training and development programs, including mock interview sessions. These initiatives help students perform confidently and secure promising job opportunities in the field of drama and theatre.
NSD Delhi Facilities
National School of Drama provides a range of facilities to make the learning environment comfortable and enriching for students. These are well-furnished auditoriums, classrooms, hostels, library, sports facilities, gym, cafeteria, medical center, transport, and others.
NSD Delhi Alumni
The National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi, has produced numerous distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to Indian theatre and cinema. These actors and performers are celebrated for their talent and impactful work in stage, film, and television.
NSD Delhi FAQs 2025
When was the National School of Drama founded?
NSD, established in 1959, is one of India’s premier drama schools, offering a rigorous 3-year Diploma in Dramatic Arts. It is affiliated with the Sangeet Natak Akademi and trains students in acting, direction, stagecraft, voice, and movement, preparing them for professional careers in theatre and performing arts.
Where is NSD situated?
NSD is located at Bahawalpur House on Bhagwandas Road in New Delhi, providing a central campus equipped with modern facilities for theatre training.
What are the courses taught at NSD?
NSD offers a 3-year full-time Diploma in Dramatic Arts, specializing in theatre, acting, direction, stage design, voice, and movement.
How many seats are there for the Diploma Course in NSD?
NSD offers only 26 seats annually for its 3-year Diploma in Dramatic Arts, ensuring personalized training and focused mentorship for each student. This limited intake maintains high standards and a competitive selection process.
What is the procedure for admission in NSD?
The admission process entails an entrance examination, which is followed by a 5 day workshop. Recommendations from theater experts are also required from applicants.
What are the eligibility criteria for admission to NSD?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree and have participated in at least six theatre productions, demonstrating both academic qualification and practical stage experience.
Is there a scholarship offered at NSD?
Yes, NSD provides a monthly scholarship of INR 3,000 to selected students, subject to eligibility criteria, conditions for discontinuation, and risk cover insurance.
What facilities are provided by NSD?
NSD offers a variety of facilities, including auditoriums, classrooms, hostels, a library, gym, sports areas, cafeteria, medical center, and additional student amenities.
Who are some of the prominent alumni of NSD?
Some well-known alumni are Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Irrfan Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Anupam Kher, and Ratna Pathak Shah.
