NSD Admission 2026: The National School of Drama opens applications for its prestigious three-year diploma and one-year certificate courses across five centres, with a joint entrance exam scheduled for May and June 2026.
Candidates must be graduates and have theatre experience six productions for the three year course, four for one-year courses. Monthly scholarships range from ₹6,000 to ₹9,500 for selected students, with applications closing on April 17, 2026.
The National School of Drama (NSD), one of India’s premier theatre training institutions, has officially opened the online application process for admissions 2026. Aspiring theatre professionals can now apply for the three-year Diploma in Dramatics at the New Delhi campus, as well as one-year certificate courses at its regional centres in Gangtok, Bengaluru, Varanasi, and Agartala. The joint entrance examination will be conducted in two phases across 18 cities.
NSD Admission 2026: Courses and Seat Details
NSD offers a range of full-time, residential, and non-residential programmes designed to train students in various aspects of theatre. The flagship three-year diploma is fully residential, while the one-year courses focus on specialised skills.
| Course | Centre | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Three-Year Diploma in Dramatics | New Delhi | 32 |
| One-Year Certificate in Dramatic Arts | Gangtok, Sikkim | 20 |
| One-Year Certificate in Acting | Bengaluru, Karnataka | 20 |
| One-Year Certificate in Indian Classical Theatre | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | 20 |
| One-Year Certificate in Theatre-in-Education (T.I.E.) | Agartala, Tripura | 20 |
Eligibility Criteria and Theatre Experience Requirements
The selection process for NSD is rigorous, requiring both academic qualifications and proven experience in theatre.
- Educational Qualification: A graduation degree in any stream from a recognised university.
- Age Limit: Minimum 18 years and maximum 30 years as of July 1, 2026. Age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates.
Theatre Experience:
- For Three-Year Diploma (Delhi): Candidates must have participated in at least six different theatre productions.
- For All One-Year Certificate Courses: Candidates must have participated in at least four plays.
Applicants must attach documentary proof of their theatre experience, such as certificates of participation, brochures, leaflets, or newspaper clippings.
Language Proficiency:
- Delhi, Varanasi, Tripura: Working knowledge of Hindi or English.
- Bengaluru: Working knowledge of Kannada, English, or Hindi.
- Gangtok: Proficiency in mother tongue and working knowledge of Hindi or English.
Check Official Admission Details Here
Stipend, Specialisation and Programme Structure
Selected students receive financial assistance to support their training and related expenses during the course.
- Three-Year Diploma Students: Receive a monthly scholarship of ₹9,500.
- One-Year Certificate Students: Receive a monthly scholarship of ₹6,000.
Specialisation at Delhi Centre:
The three-year course consists of six semesters. The first three semesters form an integrated course. For the final three semesters, students specialise in either:
- Acting, or
- Design & Direction (available to only 5 students per batch).
Selection Process: Joint Entrance Exam and Workshop
Candidates are selected through a two-tier process that begins with preliminary auditions across the country.
Step 1: Preliminary Examination/Audition
Auditions will be held in May and June 2026 at 18 centres:
- May 16: Guwahati, Agartala, Gangtok, Itanagar, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad
- May 19-20: Kolkata, Patna, Bhubaneswar
- May 23-25: Pune, Bhopal, Ahmedabad
- May 28-29: Chandigarh, Jaipur, Varanasi, Srinagar
- May 31 – June 2: Delhi
Study material and guidelines for the audition will be available on the NSD website from April 17, 2026.
Step 2: Final Workshop
Candidates who qualify in the preliminary test will be invited to a 5-day final workshop in New Delhi from June 15 to 19, 2026. NSD will provide sleeper class train/bus fare and modest shared accommodation for the workshop. An expert committee constituted by NSD will make the final selection, which will be binding on all candidates.
How to Apply for NSD Admission 2026
Interested and eligible candidates must submit their applications online through the official NSD portal.
- Visit the official NSD website: www.nsd.gov.in or the direct admission portal.
- Click on the admission link for the 2026-27 session.
- Register with the required details and fill out the online application form.
- Upload necessary documents, including educational certificates and proof of theatre experience.
- Pay the application fee of ₹50/- online via UPI, Net Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card.
- Submit the application form before the deadline.
Direct Link: Apply for NSD Admission 2026 Here
Important Dates and Documents
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | March 17, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | April 17, 2026 |
| Study Material Available Online | April 17, 2026 |
| Preliminary Auditions | May 16 – June 2, 2026 |
| Final Workshop in Delhi | June 15 – 19, 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 15, 2026 |
Documents Required:
- Graduation degree and mark sheets
- Proof of theatre experience (certificates, brochures, clippings)
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar card or other ID proof
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official NSD website for any updates, corrigenda, or changes to the admission schedule. All shortlisted candidates must present their original testimonials for verification upon request.
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