NSD Diploma Admission 2026

The Diploma in Dramatic Arts runs for 3 years. Its national intake of 32 students includes Indian applicants and 3 places reserved for foreign nationals. Students begin their specialisation from Semester 4, with 5 seats each for Design and Direction and the remaining seats for Acting.

Who Can Apply for the Diploma?

A recognised bachelor's degree alone is not enough for admission. Applicants also need documented theatre experience, a recommendation and the required language skills. The age rules are listed below.

Students in the final year of their degree may apply, provided their results are declared before they join NSD.

Diploma Auditions and Final Selection

Applicants first appear for a preliminary audition in one of 18 cities. Those shortlisted move to the NSD New Delhi campus for a 5-day workshop, audition and interview.

Phase 1: Preliminary audition

• A written examination on literature, general knowledge, English, art and culture
• Tests of practical skills and analytical ability
• An assessment of theatre knowledge

Phase 2: Final workshop in New Delhi

• Participation in campus workshop activities for 5 days
• A performance audition assessed by an expert committee
• A concluding interview
• Assessment of performance aptitude and conduct throughout the process

Steps to Submit a Diploma Application

The entire application process takes place online. Prepare evidence of your 6 stage productions and the recommendation letter before completing the form.

• Create an account through onlineadmission.nsd.gov.in.
• Enter the requested details in the application form, then upload your photograph and signature.
• Attach certificates, brochures or newspaper cuttings showing participation in at least 6 stage productions.
• Add the recommendation written by a theatre expert or professional.
• Make the INR 50 application payment using UPI, net banking, or a debit or credit card.
• When the admit card becomes available, download it for the Phase 1 audition.
• Applicants selected after the preliminary stage must attend the 5-day Phase 2 workshop at NSD New Delhi.

Accepting a Diploma seat involves a financial commitment. The INR 1,08,000 surety bond must be submitted before classes begin. Leaving before completion requires repayment of the full stipend received; the estimated stipend total over 3 years is INR 3.42 lakh.

NSD Certificate Admission 2026

Bengaluru, Gangtok, Varanasi and Agartala host NSD's regional Certificate programmes. Each course lasts 1 year, and each centre can admit up to 20 students in a year.

Admission schedules differ between centres and intake cycles. Ask your chosen regional centre for its 2026-27 schedule and current application status. Applications are submitted through the NSD online portal.

Requirements for Certificate Applicants

Regional Auditions and Selection

Each regional centre holds its own preliminary audition. A workshop and interview at that centre's campus determine the final selection.

Submitting a Certificate Application

Use onlineadmission.nsd.gov.in to complete the online application and select the regional centre you wish to attend. The Certificate application fee is INR 50, matching the Diploma application fee.

NSD Stipend, Scholarship and Costs

Financial support is built into NSD's programmes through a monthly stipend rather than a separate scholarship. All admitted students receive the stipend applicable to their programme throughout its duration. For most Diploma students, this support makes training effectively self-funding.

The Diploma surety deposit must be attested by a District Magistrate. It is fully refundable after completion of the 3-year programme. Anyone leaving early must return the entire stipend received.

Diploma Tuition and Hostel Charges

Disclaimer: Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

The Diploma stipend covers most hostel and living costs. After setting stipend receipts against fees, most Diploma students effectively study at zero cost.