A Diploma in performing arts is a vocational course offered across various universities and colleges, focused on combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills in performing arts like music, dance, and theatre. The course typically ranges from one to three years and is offered as a full-time course.
Students eligible to pursue a Diploma in performing arts must have passed his/her 10+2 from a recognized board in any stream with a minimum percentage of 50%. Admission to this course is based on both merit and entrance exam. However, majority of the university offer admission based on the merit of the candidate.
A Diploma in Performing Arts course is offered across different colleges and universities, which include Parul University, National School of Drama, Sage University, AKS University, and Raja Man Singh Tomar University, where the total course fee ranges from INR 5730 – 80,000.
A Diploma in Performing Arts is also associated with numerous well-paying jobs and careers. Some highly preferred and top job profiles include Actor / Performer, Theatre Artist / Director, Dance Teacher / Choreographer, Lyricist, Community Arts Worker, and Director/ Producer. The annual salary package after doing a Diploma in Performing arts ranges from INR 4 – 6 LPA.
Table of Contents
- Diploma In Performing Arts Key Highlights
- What is a Diploma In Performing Arts?
- Why Study a Diploma In Performing Arts?
- Who should study for the Diploma in Performing Arts course?
- Diploma In Performing Arts Eligibility Criteria
- Diploma In Performing Arts Colleges in India
- Diploma In Performing Arts Admission Process 2025
- Diploma In Performing Arts Syllabus
- Diploma In Performing Arts Job Opportunities in India
- Diploma In Performing Arts FAQs
Diploma In Performing Arts Key Highlights
Given below are some of the Diploma in Performing Arts key highlights:
What is a Diploma In Performing Arts?
A Diploma in performing arts is a vocational full-time course offered across various universities and colleges. The course is focused on combining theoretical conceptual knowledge, understanding, and developing practical skills in various disciplines of performing arts like arts, music, dance, and theatre. The course usually combines various aspects like knowledge, practical training, workshops, and performances, which are tailored to the needs of the student.
The course equips the students with performance skills to audition, teach, and choreograph to help them work in theatre, film, and television. The course also acts as a strong foundation for pursuing a bachelor's in performing arts or a related field.
After completing a Diploma in Performing Arts, students can also pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) if they wish to continue their higher studies in the field.
Why Study a Diploma In Performing Arts?
The Diploma in Performing Arts is a highly demanded program among students interested in art, dance, and music, and hence, it is offered in different colleges and universities in India. The reasons to opt for a Diploma in Performing Arts are given below:
- Artistic development- The course nurtures the creativity and expression of students interested in acting, music, art, dance, and theatre. This builds a strong foundation for those interested in building a career in the artistic industry.
- Practical exposure- The course offers real-world experience with the help of performances, workshops, internships, and collaborations with professionals who are highly reputed in the field.
- Creative career- The course opens up multiple creative career opportunities in the film, television, music, and theatre industries. The course is suitable for those wanting to build a creative career that they enjoy pursuing.
- Builds necessary interpersonal skills- The course not only provides a strong foundation but also builds and trains confidence and communication skills in the students.
Who should study for the Diploma in Performing Arts course?
Reasons, which include individuals who might be a good choice for pursuing a Diploma in Performing Arts in different colleges in India, are mentioned below:
- Students who want to become artists- Those passionate about acting, dancing, and singing who want to build careers out of their creative and artistic talents should opt for a diploma in performing arts.
- Students with a creative mind- Individuals with a creative mind from any stream who wish to explore performing arts as a career option should choose to study a diploma in Performing Arts.
- People who want a career shift- Working professionals who feel much drawn to performance and creative arts, and want specific formal training and education in the same field to enter the creative fields, should opt for a diploma in performing arts.
- Students wanting to become freelancers- Individuals and students who want structured formal education in creative arts to boost their credibility to practice freelancing should opt for a diploma in performing arts.
Diploma In Performing Arts Eligibility Criteria
To secure a seat in the top colleges and institutes in India for a Diploma in Performing Arts course, a student must meet the following eligibility criteria to be selected for further application and the admission process. The detailed eligibility criteria are mentioned below:
- The student must have passed his/her 10+2 from a recognized board in any stream with a minimum percentage of 50%.
- Some prestigious universities might consider entrance exam scores like NSD & CUET. In the majority cases, the admission is given based on merit.
Diploma In Performing Arts Colleges in India
A Diploma in Performing Arts is a course opted for by students interested in various disciplines like art, dance, and music. Hence, it is offered by several colleges and universities across India. Colleges offering this course are listed in the table below:
Diploma In Performing Arts Admission Process 2025
To secure a seat in the top colleges for the Diploma in Performing Arts in India, the student must follow a few steps first. Initially, the student must meet the eligibility criteria of the course and then have to appear for the entrance examinations. The detailed procedure for securing a seat at Parul University is given below:
Step 1- The students must appear for the required entrance exam for the Diploma in Performing Arts course, which includes an NSD entrance exam, CUET UG, or any exam conducted by Parul University.
Step 2- Interested students have to apply online on the official website, and then proceed with the filling of their personal and academic details.
Step 3- The students then need to upload all the relevant documents and proceed with the payment of the application fee.
Step 4- The students have to check the dates of the entrance exam and appear for the exam on the specified date.
Step 5- The students have to take an entrance examination in Theory (English) and Practical. And once they have appeared for their exams, they must check the website again for their results. Once the results are announced, they have to keep the scorecard and save it for future reference.
Step 6- The selected students will be informed by the college through mail.
Step 7- The final selected students will be required to submit their original documents and get them verified by the college.
Step 8- The selected students will be required to confirm their admission by paying the admission fee.
Documents Required:
- Class 10th and 12th marksheet
- Identity proof such as an Aadhar card, PAN Card
- An entrance exam scorecard
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Category certificate, if applicable
- Bank details
- Migration certificate
- Domicile certificate
Diploma In Performing Arts Syllabus
A Diploma in Performing Arts is a full-time course offered across different colleges and universities in India. The papers taught during the entire course at Raja Man Singh Tomar University are mentioned below:
Diploma In Performing Arts Job Opportunities in India
Multiple job opportunities and careers are associated with a Diploma in Performing Arts in India, which are mentioned below in the table:
Diploma In Performing Arts FAQs
Is it possible to obtain specialization in one form of art, dance, and acting while pursuing a diploma in performing arts?
Yes. Many institutes and colleges offer multiple specialisations in various fields like art, dance, music, and theatre, which allows students to choose their preferred discipline while also understanding and gaining basic exposure to other fields.
Is the course of a diploma in performing arts recognized for pursuing further higher education?
Yes. A diploma usually serves as a foundation for higher studies, especially in institutions that give importance and recognition to vocational courses. After completing a diploma in performing arts, the students can even opt for a bachelor's degree in performing arts to further strengthen their knowledge and skills.
Does a student need to know about acting and music before applying for a diploma in performing arts?
No. It is not necessary to have proper formal training in any specific discipline of the performing arts. The student just needs to have some passion and interest, because the course itself is used to build a strong foundation for students interested in building a career in this field.
What soft skills will the students learn while pursuing a diploma in performing arts?
The course helps build technical, practical, and performance skills in the students. Besides this, the students gain confidence, collaboration skills, communication, discipline, and public speaking skills essential for building a career in performing arts.