What is NSD?
The National School of Drama, Delhi (NSD Delhi) is one of the most prestigious institutes for theatre training and dramatic studies in the country. It was founded in 1959 as one of the constituent units of the Sangeet Natak Akademi. It became an autonomous organisation under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 in 1975, and it became an independent entity in 1975. The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, fully funds NSD Delhi.
Understudies are taken through the useful excursion of development of shows and are shown Sanskrit dramatization, current Indian show, customary Indian performance center structures, Asian show and western dramatic conventions. NSD Delhi has two performing wings: the Repertory Company (founded in 1965) and the Theatre-in-Education Company (1989). In addition, NSD Delhi likewise has a functioning Extension Program, which conducts workshops and programmes across the nation, some in Nepal and Bhutan for grown-ups and youngsters across India. NSD Delhi offers a three-year full-time diploma in theatre-related subjects. Every year, the new academic session begins in July.
Diploma Admission in NSD 2022
The admission process to the National School of Drama is divided into two stages. The first is the NSD entrance exam, which is the preliminary exam. If the aspirant is chosen, they must attend the second phase of the test, which includes a five-day final examination workshop on campus.
In the Diploma Course in Dramatics Art, the NSD offers three specializations:
- Acting
- Theatre Techniques and Design
- Dramatic Arts
History

A seminar in 1954 sparked the idea for a Central Institution theatre, and a draught scheme for the same institution was prepared in 1955. The Sangeet Natak Akademi in Delhi, whose president was Jawaharlal Nehru (November 14, 1889 – May 27, 1964), drafted it.
On January 20, 1958, the Bhraratiya Natya Sangh established the Asian Theatre Institute with the assistance of UNESCO. In July 1958, it was taken over by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
In the same year, the Government of India decided to merge the institutes to create the National School of Drama, which opened in April 1959. It was originally known as the National School of Drama and Asian Theatre, and its first class graduated in 1961. Initially, the school was located in Nizamuddin West.
During Ebrahi Alkazi’s tenure, the entire NSD syllabus was overhauled; he also designed two theatres for the NSD, including a 200-seat studio theatre and an open-air Meghdoot theatre under a banyan tree.
The National School of Drama and Asian Theatre became an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture in 1975, renamed to ‘National School of Drama.’ In May of that year, the NSD relocated to Bahawalpur House, where it still stands today.
Paresh Rawal has been appointed Chairman of the National School of Drama, effective September 10, 2020. Suresh Sharma has been the director of the NSD since September 2018.
Famous Celebs in NSD
Irrfan Khan
Irrfan Khan was a late bloomer from the 1987 batch, but ever since he appeared on the big screen, Irrfan has taken acting to a whole new level. NSD alumni have appeared in a variety of Bollywood films and have also made a name for themselves in Hollywood. Irrfan Khan’s career spanned over 30 years and he was regarded as one of the “finest” actors in Indian cinema.
Ratna Pathak Shah
Ratna Pathak Shah, a member of the 1981 batch, is a well-known and renowned actor in the Bollywood industry, having shared the screen with a variety of actors and winning numerous awards. Ratna Pathak, known for her films and television shows, married Naseeruddin Shah, a National School Drama alumnus. Ratna Pathak is a member of the ‘Motley Theatre Group,’ and she has appeared in several Russian plays. Ratna Pathak, on the other hand, will be remembered for her role in the TV show Sarabhai vs Sarabhai.
Naseeruddin Shah
Naseeruddin Shah, a member of the 1973 batch, is one of the finest actors in Bollywood, and his acting abilities have piqued the interest of all. Naseeruddin Shah has appeared in a variety of films of varying genres, and his screen presence has always stood out. The Bollywood veteran has received numerous awards in the field of cinema, including the Padma Shri (1983) and the Padma Bhushan (2003) awards from the government for his contribution to Indian cinema.
Om Puri
Om Puri, a National School of Drama alumnus from the same batch as Nassiruddin Shah (1973), was a well-known actor in the Bollywood industry. Acting that is flawless and of the highest caliber. Om Puri began his acting career in 1976 with the Marathi film Ghashiram Kotwal, where he made his debut. Om Puri has received numerous awards and has appeared in numerous blockbuster films during his 41-year career.
Shah Rukh Khan
During his time at Delhi University, Shah Rukh Khan was a member of the NSD. He was a member of Barry John’s Theatre Action Group, a Delhi-based theatre company. He then worked in television before making his Bollywood debut in 1992 with Raj Kanwar’s Deewana.
How to crack NSD?
You can crack the entrance of the National School of Drama by the following these steps-
- Passion for acting:
This is the most important thing you should have if you want to pursue it as a career. It is important that whatever you want to convey to the audience should be brimming with your enthusiasm and involvement. So be enthusiastic about your acting.
- Experience in plays:
Obviously, this is a great theatre school, so their requirements are also high. They are looking for experienced students who have performed in plays under the supervision of good directors. NSD specifies that you must have performed in at least six theatre plays in order to be eligible to apply for the course. You must have prior knowledge and experience with theatre and acting.
- Other abilities:
Other abilities, such as the ability to play a musical instrument and understand the various types and functions of the same, give you a significant benefit over others ( a cherry on cake).
- Confidence:
Now, this is what we need in every situation, because many rounds of workshops will be conducted during the selection procedure, and they will analyze you during workshops on how you handle everything and interact with your peers. As a result, you must be self-assured.
- Self awareness:
I think this one is truly significant to be remembered while planning since it won’t just assist you with breaking the test however will assist with giving a superior and legitimate viewpoint about your own self which will help you later during studios. Confidence will possibly come on the off chance that you know about first yourself and second your encompassing and this must be achieved through self disclosure. That will improve your experience in some ways.
Conclusion
If you have the will and passion to be a part of it, you can succeed in NSD. As a qualifying test, they hold an audition. A written exam is also given, and you must be familiar with the history of theatre. You can get this information from the market as well as from Google. Read as much as you possibly can.
Aside from the overall information, you want to foster some imaginative reasoning as well. Since they cause you to do a ton of extemporizations and you should be inventive and creative for the equivalent.

