National School of Drama

National School of Drama (NSD) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. National School of Drama was set up in 1959. It is one of the foremost theatre training institutions in the world and the only one of its kind in India. NSD has two performing wings: (1) The NSD Repertory Company, which does professional and experimental theatre in the country and abroad, ii) Theatre-in-Education Company, which is purely devoted to educate children and perform children plays in the country and abroad.

National School of Drama offers a three year course leading to post graduate diploma in Dramatic Arts. The course offers specialization in direction, acting and stagecraft. The Diploma in Dramatics from National School of Drama is equivalent to any Post-Graduate Degree and is eligible for appointment as teachers in colleges and universities and is also eligible for the registration to Ph.D. programs.

Every year 20 candidates are admitted to National School of Drama. Out of 20 seats, 4 seats are reserved for SC/ST candidates. Essential qualifications for admission are as follows: (1) Graduate in any subject from a recognized University, (2) Proficiency in Hindi and English, (3) Active participation in at least 6 plays or in any other theatre related activity, (4) The applicants age should be between 18 to 30 years. The upper age limit is relaxed by five years for candidates belonging to SC/ST categories.

The selection of students is done on the basis of screening on an all India basis. The screening process comprises of two stages. Stage I: An audition or practical test of the candidates at the institute's four centers in Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Mumbai is held. Stage II: Candidates, who clear the first stage successfully, go through a 3-5 day workshop on the campus of NSD, New Delhi. The final selection is made on the basis of the potential shown by the candidates in the workshop.

Contact Address:
National School of Drama
Bahawalpur House, 1 Bhagwandas Road
New Delhi-110 001
Phone: +9111 - 23382821
Email: nsdr@rediffmail.com , info@nsd.gov.in