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Introduction
The National School of Drama (NSD), which was established in 1959, is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, in the Government of India, was one of the best theatre training institutions in Asia. NSD provides a three-year, full-time Postgraduate Diploma course in Dramatic Arts and trains students in all aspects of theatre arts, including acting, direction, stagecraft, and scriptwriting.
NSD provides a monthly scholarship for students who are enrolled as a financial assistance initiative so that students can focus on their training without the pressure of affordability. The scholarship is significant motivation to help students continue their academic trajectory.
- NSD provides a monthly scholarship of ₹7,500 to each student who has been admitted to the three-year diploma course at NSD.
What is the NSD Scholarship?
The NSD Scholarship is a monthly stipend provided to students enrolled in the three-year, full-time Diploma in Dramatic Arts at the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi. The scholarship is intended to help aspiring theatre practitioners meet their financial obligations during an intense course of study in theatre.
Definition and Aim
The NSD Scholarship is a merit-cum-support stipend aimed at providing opportunities to talented students, coming from all walks of life, to engage in higher education in theatre, undisturbed by a financial commitment. The second aim of the scholarship is to:
- Promote financial stability during this intensive period of study.
- Promote inclusion and increase participation by engaging students from marginalized or economically weaker communities.
- Allow students to focus on their creative and academic endeavours without being distracted by the need to work or worrying about money.
Eligible Applicants
To apply for the NSD Scholarship an applicant must:
- Have accepted an offer to study the National School of Drama’s three-year full-time diploma course in Dramatic Arts.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress and attend full-time, as per the institution's course guidelines.
Note: The scholarship is awarded to all students enrolled in either course automatically and the student does not need to apply separately.
Scholarship Amount and Coverage
- Amount - ₹8,000 (previously ₹7,500) per month.
The NSD scholarship eligibility criteria
In order to be eligible for NSD Scholarships, the applicant must satisfy the following criteria:
1. Admission to NSD Diploma in Dramatic Arts
The applicant must gain admission to the three-year fulltime Diploma in Dramatic arts at the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi.
2. Age
- The candidate shall be between 18 to 30 years of age on July 1 of the year of admission.
- An age relaxation is available for candidates who are SC/ST/OBC, as per government norms.
3. Education
- The applicant shall have a degree (graduation) in any discipline from a recognized university.
- In addition to a degree the applicant shall have been involved in a minimum of six different theatre productions.
4. Recommendations
- The readied candidate shall provide (to the Admission Committee) three recommendations from either theatre experts or theatre professionals attesting to the candidates skills, experience and commitment to theatre.
5. Physical Fitness
- All shortlisted candidates will also be required to complete a medical examination at NSD Delhi to determine if they are physically fit for the program's rigours.
Application Process for NSD Scholarship
Stepwise Process for Application for NSD Diploma Course
Online Application:
- Go to the NSD admission official site, nsd.gov.in or onlineadmission.nsd.gov.in.
- Click ‘New Admission’ to begin your application.
- Fill personal, education, and experience information as required in the application.
- Upload all documents necessary (see below).
- Pay the application fee of ₹50 through Net Banking/ Credit Card/Debit Card.
- Submit the application online.
Offline Application:
- Download the application form from the NSD link or collect it from NSD campus.
- Manually fill the form and attach all necessary documents.
- Submit the form and application fee in demand draft to the office of NSD.
Documents required to consider for Scholarship
- Graduation mark sheet and graduation degree
- Marks sheets of 10th & 12th
- Proof of involvement in minimum six theatre productions (certificates, experience letters, etc.)
- Three recommendations from theatre experts
- Income certificate
- Community certificate SC/ST/OBC/EWS (where applicable)
- Medical certificate
- Recent passport size photographs
- Government id proof (Aadhaar/PAN card)
- Admission letter (once selected)
- Surety and bond documents as indicated in NSD requirements.
- Details for Entrance Test and Selection Workshop
NSD Scholarship Terms and Conditions 2025
The National School of Drama (NSD) Scholarship is available to exceptional students undertaking the three-year Diploma in Dramatic Arts. The scholarship is subject to certain terms and conditions with which each recipient must abide throughout the period of their training. Below is a breakdown of the scholarship’s terms:
1.Surety Amount and Legal Bond
Surety Amount:
- All candidates offered a scholarship must provide a surety amount of INR 1,08,000 at the time of acceptance of the scholarship. This is a financial guarantee to reassure the institution of the investment in the student’s training.
Legal Bond:
- Each student will also need to sign a legal bond to confirm their intention to complete the full 3 year programme. The signed legal document will act as a binding agreement emphasising the student’s commitment to the training and accompanying scholarship conditions.
Purpose:
- The purpose of the surety and accompanying bond is to encourage accountability and give a promise that the student will not withdraw prematurely whilst allowing the institution to attempt and limit wasted expenditure or potential for misuse of scholarship resources.
2. Policy for Early Discontinuation
Refund Clause:
- Should a student discontinue the Course before having successfully completed three years, they will be required to repay the entire scholarship received, up to the point of discontinuation, in line with the terms of the bond.
Legal Obligations:
- The bond signed and the surety deposited will be the institution's legal recourse for ensuring repayment in the event of early discontinuation.
Note: Any students considering leaving the program should make every effort to be aware of the financial and legal ramifications prior to choosing to do so.
3. Risk Insurance Policy Whilst Completing Course
Insurance Contribution:
- Every scholarship recipient must contribute an annual insurance premium of between INR 150 to 200 towards a risk insurance policy.
Benefits:
- The risk insurance policy guarantees life insurance for the student both while training and during the course. This is a protective measure for the student’s family, which will give them financial security in the event of any unforeseen circumstances while training.
Mandatory:
- The insurance policy will be mandatory for all students and should the student fail to meet this condition, disciplinary action or scholarship suspension may occur.
NSD Scholarship 2025 – Fee Structure & Detailed Financial Aid
The National School of Drama (NDS) in New Delhi is well-known for its academic excellence in the area of performing arts, but also for its fee structure and financial support in terms of a scholarship program. The goal is to give students from all socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity of professional theatre training.
Fee Structure
NSD has maintained a low, minimal fee structure that will not create more stress for students in their three-year training, as compared to the student debt they will face entering this industry.
Total Estimated Fee (Excluding Living Expenses): ₹43,480 (approx.)
- This minimal cost makes NSD one of the most affordable premier drama institutes in the country.
Monthly NSD Scholarship – Supporting Students Among Other Contributions
Every student admitted to NSD's Diploma in Dramatic Arts course is granted a monthly scholarship of ₹8,000, which assists in covering living and academic expenses each day
The scholarship provides cover for:
- Tuition fee and hostel accommodation.
- Mess charges and study materials.
- Personal expenses and other miscellaneous expenses.
- Medical and transport requirements during training, if applicable.
Additional institutional support:
Free academic services: NSD provides free study materials and full access to a great library of theatre.
- Subsidised accommodation: Cheap hostel accommodation for students throughout the course.
- Performance exposure: Students have participated in national and international workshops, plays, and festivals. All are provided at no charge.
NSD vs Other Performing Arts Institutions – An Economic Comparison
World-Class training for a fraction of the price: While a private acting institution in India will usually charge lakhs of rupees for a one-year program, NSD's three-year program has a price tag of around ₹50,000.
- Scholarship-based education: The monthly stipend of ₹8,000 covers nearly all student requirements.
- Government-funded and highly selective: The admission process to NSD is based on merit, with aid guaranteed for all successful candidates.
Conclusion for NSD Scholarship: NSD Scholarship 2025
NSD Scholarship 2025 is a meaningful financial and academic support for future theatre makers in India. The scholarship provides ₹8,000 per month as stipend and a highly supported fee schedule that attracts talent from all walks of life. Together with free textbooks and a subsidized basis hostel accommodation, and exposure on the national level, the scholarship does not only unburden the economic hardship but allows students to develop total concentration for their experience at NSD.
