What is Acting?: Course Fees 2025, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

Akansha BishtSenior Executive
Acting courses are intended to teach students about the art and technique of acting in various fields like films, theatre, commercials, etc. Acting is a performing art wherein an actor utilizes movement, gesture, expressions, and intonation to create a fictional character for stage, film, or television.
Interested candidates can continue reading the article for the Acting course details.
Acting Course Details: Highlights
Check out the course highlights from this table:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Course | Acting |
| Acting Course Level | UG, PG, PG Diploma, Certificate & Diploma |
| Acting Course Duration |
|
| Acting Course Eligibility | Admissions are done on a merit or entrance exam basis |
| Acting Course Entrance Exams | SAT, FTII JET, IIMC, CT SET, JNU EE |
| Acting Course Average Fees | INR 10 K - 4 Lakhs |
| Acting Course Salary | INR 3 - 8 LPA |
| Acting Course Job Profiles | Actor, Producer, Writer, Theatre Artist, Teacher, Lecturer etc. |
| Acting Course Top Recruiters | Theatre, Radio, Social Media, TV, OTT, etc. |
Source: Multiple external sites, hence the info may vary.
Hi,
The course you can go for are
- Advance Diploma in acting,
- Diploma in dramatic arts,
- Diploma in performing arts (drama),
- PG Diploma in theatre arts, &
- PG Diploma in dramatics.
The Diploma in acting course is a three-year full-time course in drama, acting, and dance. This course gives a disciplined approach, incorporating a broad array of classes that train the actor in key aspects such as speech and diction, creativity, imagination, emotions, voice, body, characterization, auditioning techniques, and method acting.
The average fee charged for pursuing this course ranges from INR 2,00,00 to INR 4,00,000 for 13 years. Along with this course, students can also pursue a dual degree course like a Diploma in Videography, a Diploma in Film Direction, or a Diploma in Cinematography. Completion of 10+2 or the 12th final year examination is required to pursue a Diploma in Acting course. The prospects of this course are very bright, and the candidates are able to get various opportunities to work in the film and television industries.
Candidates can become proficient in acting and dancing. The available job roles for a student are theatre writer, actor consultant, assistant event manager, producer, teacher, etc.
The top recruiting companies are the film industry, drama and dance schools, educational institutes, event management companies, etc. Job positions include acting consultant, producer, teacher, assistant event manager, theatre writer, etc. The average starting salary for a graduate with a Diploma in acting is INR 4,00,000 to INR 7,00,000. In the job profile of the producer, the salary is based on the projects.
I hope this will help you.
Yes, most acting courses in India emphasize practical training and hands-on experience. Students often participate in acting workshops, rehearsals, performances, and film projects to apply the techniques and theories they learn in class. Practical experience is essential for honing acting skills and preparing students for real-world acting opportunities.
Acting is a talent generally agreed to involve less mimicry, exhibitionism, or imitation than the ability to react to imaginary stimuli. Now, many actors prefer to undergo special training in acting in renowned film colleges to hone their skills before trying their luck in the film industry. This not only helps them understand the requirements of this profession but also provides the right guidance, which helps them to establish their foothold in the beginning and understand the working style of the industry.
People must develop a few skills and be aware of their strengths if they want to become actors. To become an actor, the aspirants can pursue several types of acting courses and acting classes. To be an actor, a person must possess a certain set of traits. Acting as a career in India has grown in popularity over time. Many young hopefuls aspire to begin their road towards becoming Indian actors.
- Acting Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process 2025
- Acting Courses Syllabus
- Best Acting Colleges in India
- Popular Private Acting Colleges in India
- Acting Career Scope: Jobs, Salary, and Top Recruiters
- Acting Course FAQs
- Most Popular Courses
- Popular Acting UG Courses
- Popular Acting PG Courses
- Popular Exams
Acting Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process 2025
The eligibility criteria for Acting courses are similar to that of any mass communication and media course. Selection for certificate Acting courses is done based on merit. The admissions process is not as demanding and rigid as it is for programmes at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Candidates who have completed their class 10 or 12 are eligible for the certificate programmes. A brief overview of the same is given below:
-
For BA programme: Passed 10+2 or 12th final year examination. In some colleges, a student must get a minimum of 45% of the aggregate of marks from any recognised board criteria is applicable.
-
For PG Diploma: Graduation in any field
-
For Certificate programme: Passed 10+2, other than that there is no minimum eligibility applicable for this level
Note: Few institutes such as NSD have an age limit of a minimum of 18 years to a maximum of 30 years.
Acting Course Admission Process 2025
Check out the generic admission process for Acting courses:
- Conduct personal-level research and know the eligibility for the Acting courses in your chosen college.
- Look out for whether the admission requires appearing in any entrance; if yes, then choose the exam accordingly.
- Register, prepare, and appear for the exams accepted/ conducted by the colleges and wait for the results.
- Apply to the universities/ colleges by filling out the application/ registration form.
- Check out the official websites for your score.
- Attend counselling sessions if shortlisted.
- Pay the fees and get your documents verified before you start with your classes.
Eligibility criteria vary depending on the institution and the level of the course. Generally, most acting courses in India accept students who have completed their high school education (10+2) or equivalent. Some institutions may also require applicants to undergo an audition or interview process to assess their aptitude for acting.
Hi Rohan,
It doesn't require any educational qualification to become a good actor. The online eligibility for acting course are: Passion Patience Dedication Character Analysis Script Analysis Listing out the differences and similarities between you and the character You becoming the character through method acting (or other methods ,I follow method acting) Awareness of the stage. Awareness of the crowd and your fourth wall. Getting back yourself after the show is over. All the best.
The duration of Acting courses depends on the type of programme you pursue. While Acting certificate courses are usually of three-six months, the duration of diploma programmes typically ranges from one-two year. On the other hand, the Acting degree course duration can go up to three years.
Yes, you can take admission in acting schools after class 10th but I would prefer you to also do basic courses like film making, editing and thus build contacts. Also, try giving auditions. Even if you take arts stream and then pursue a career in Film making or Mass Media, you will have more contacts and detailed information about the industry. Also, focus on skills like communication, public speaking, etc.
This will help you a lot.
Hi Rohan,
IT IS VERY DIFFICULT. Every year around start of May, the application process starts, and the interviews are in June end. (Approximately, because the dates change as per the administration's convenience, please keep a check on the website for this)
Let me tell you the selection process, Every year 26 students are selected out of which 13 seats are reserved for different castes. The 26 that are selected are from various states, say every year only 2 students or a max of 3 can be selected from one particular state(this is not stated in the rules and regulations but this is a fact that you will come to know once you go through all the selection process).
Age- 20-30 ( For SC ST up to 35) Minimum 6 full length plays performed. Some knowledge of Direction , Stage architecture and lighting is required.
If you have a training in Singing and Dancing that will add wonders to your application. When you go for the interview, you will have to give a written test first which is a very interesting test (If you have love for theatre). After that, you will be called one by one for personal interview where they will ask you everything you know about theatre. You will have to perform an act and probably they will ask you to Sing and Dance as well.
So prepare one act, one song to sing and also some dance steps.
TIP- Make sure you take your performance CD's and writings when you go for the interview.
I have been through all this process( I was not selected though), if you need any help feel free to ask I will be happy to help you regarding any aspect of theatre. All the best.
Acting Courses Syllabus
The syllabus for Acting courses varies from one college/university to another, given below are some of the common subjects that are taught in the programme related to Acting:
| Acting Course Syllabus Semester - I | |
|---|---|
| Dramatic Literature – Classical Indian | Classical Indian Theatre |
| Theatre Architecture | Traditional Acting |
| Acting Course Syllabus Semester - II | |
| Theories Of Western Theatre and Dramatic Literature |
Theories of Acting |
| Theatre Exercises | Lighting Design |
| Acting Course Syllabus Semester - III | |
| Dramatic Literature – Modern Indian | Make-Up Design |
| Direction Theories | Acting Methods |
| Acting Course Syllabus Semester - IV | |
| Theatre In Education | Students’ Play Production |
| Students’ Play Production | ---- |
Source: Multiple external sites, hence the info may vary.
Types of Acting Courses
Candidates interested in having a career in the field of acting can pursue the programme at certification, diploma, and degree levels. The time duration for the courses can be as short as 3 months and as long as 3 years. Popular courses under the Acting field are given below:
| Level of Acting Courses | Name of Acting Courses |
|---|---|
|
Acting Diploma Courses |
|
|
Acting Degree Courses |
|
|
Acting Integrated Courses |
|
|
Acting Certifications |
|
Source: Multiple external sites, hence the info may vary.
India offers a diverse range of acting courses catering to various interests and career goals. Here are some popular options:
- Diploma and certificate courses: Offered by various institutes and academies, these courses provide a foundational understanding of acting techniques, voice and speech training, and character development. They typically last from a few months to a year.
- Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees: Universities and colleges offer full-fledged acting programs, often affiliated with recognised performing arts institutions. These programs delve deeper into various acting styles, theatre history, and performance theory, taking 3-4 years for completion.
- Specialized workshops and masterclasses: These intensive programs focus on specific aspects of acting, such as on-camera acting, improvisation, audition techniques, or working with dialects. They can last from a few days to weeks.
- Online acting courses: Several platforms offer online acting courses with flexible schedules and learning formats. These courses provide an alternative for those seeking remote learning options.
There are many courses to learn acting online. A list of the courses are listed below:
- Communication Degree
- Drama Degree
- Film Degree
- Musical Theater Degree
- Costume Design Degree
- Stage Management
- Screenwriting Degree
- Directing/Theater Production
- Art Of Storytelling
- Expressive Voice & Speech
- Art Of Auditioning
- Mastering Monologues
- Breaking Open Characters
- Expressive Body
- Art Of Script Analysis
For more details, you may visit the Shiksha Acting page. (https://www.shiksha.com/mass-communication-media/acting-courses-chp). I hope this will help you.
Acting course curriculums typically cover a broad range of subjects aimed at developing students' acting skills and knowledge of the performing arts. These may include acting techniques, voice modulation, movement and gesture, improvisation, character analysis, script interpretation, theatre history, and stagecraft.
Best Acting Colleges in India
There are more than 100 Acting colleges in India offering Acting courses in various types and levels. Candidates can see the tables below offering some of the top government and private Acting schools in India.
Best Government Colleges for Acting
Here are some top government colleges in India offering Acting courses.
| Best Government Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| A.J.K. Mass Communication Research Centre | INR 60,820 |
| Mumbai University | INR 20,000 |
| Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University | INR 2,000 |
| YCMOU Nashik | INR 10,330 |
| National School of Drama, Delhi | INR 5,730 |
| Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya | INR 8,950 |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Links relevant to Acting courses:
Top Acting Schools in India 2025: Offered Courses, Duration, Fees, Seats Intake & Famous Alumni
Best Private Colleges for Acting
Here are some top private colleges in India offering Acting courses.
| Best Private Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| AAFT | INR 94,000 - INR 6.12 Lakh |
| Amity School of Film and Drama | INR 1.7 - 4.7 Lakh |
| Annapurna College of Film and Media | INR 43,000 - INR 1.36 Lakh |
| Atharva Institute of Film and Television | INR 3.75 Lakh |
| Bennett University | INR 10.11 Lakh |
| Film And Television Institute of Hyderabad | INR 20,000 - INR 2 Lakh |
| Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) | INR 48,310 |
| SGT University | INR 4.5 Lakh |
| SRM Ramapuram | INR 1 Lakh |
| Whistling Woods International | INR 5 Lakh |
Note: The information is sourced from the official/counselling body of the institute/exam.
Acting Applications open. Apply Now
No doubt National School of Drama New Delhi remains the best. FTII-Pune is also known for acting towards films.
In India, there are various colleges and institutes offering Acting courses, a few of them are:
Top 5 acting schools are:
- FTII, Pune Film and Television Institute of India
- The Barry John Acting studio,Mumbai
- National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi
- Anupan Kher’s, Actor Prepares
- Subhash Ghai’s, Whistling Woods International
Popular Private Acting Colleges in India
Acting Career Scope: Jobs, Salary, and Top Recruiters
One can also go for their masters in the same field or move abroad to learn more about acting nuances from internationally recognized institutes. Some of the popular Job Profiles in Acting Career include:
| Job Profiles | Job Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Film Actor/Actress | Work in movies and screens. | INR 9.5 LPA |
| Television Actor/Actress | Performs in TV series, and daily soaps. | INR 3 LPA |
| Theatre Actor/Actress | Perform in live theatre productions (plays, musicals). | INR 2 LPA |
| Voice Actor/Voiceover Artist | Provide voices for animation, commercials, and more. | INR 4.1 LPA |
| Commercial Actor | Acts in advertisements for products and services. | INR 5 LPA |
| Voice Acting Coach | Trains artists on voice and acting skills. | INR 5.6 LPA |
| Casting Director | Choose actors for specific roles in productions. | INR 3.5 LPA |
Note: The above salary has been taken from Ambitionbox.com.
Links relevant to Acting Career:
Voice Over Artist - Course Details, Jobs, Skills
Acting Top Recruiters
Some of the top recruiters in the industry for Acting Course graduates are:
| Recruiters in Film Industry | ||
|---|---|---|
| Balaji Networks | United Talent Agency | Paramount Pictures |
| Warner Bros. | Universal Pictures | ------ |
| Recruiters in Theatres | ||
| Nrityagram Dance Ensemble |
Sangeet Natak Akademi |
National Centre for the Performing Arts |
|
Ninasam Theatre Institute |
Natya Tarangini |
Kalakshetra Foundation |
| Recruiters in Web Series | ||
| Netflix | Disney Hotstar | Zee |
| You Tube | Hotstar | --- |
| Recruiters in Production Companies | ||
|
Yash Raj Films Pvt Ltd |
Dharma Productions Pvt Ltd |
Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment |
|
Balaji Telefilms Ltd |
Reliance Entertainment |
---- |
Note: This information is sourced from different sources and may vary.
No, one can always get a job without a degree as well. It is always suggested to gain experience working with local production houses, or take up acting classes or workshops from non-degree educational institutes.
Some of the popular job positions after Acting courses are:
- Assistant Event Manager
- Theatre Writer
- Acting Consultant
- Producer
- Professor
Acting Course FAQs
Here are some Acting Course FAQs.
A list of the best Bachelors courses in acting is listed below:
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Degree
- Bachelor of Arts in Drama Degree
- Bachelor of Arts in Film Degree
- Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theater Degree
- Bachelor of Arts in Costume Design Degree
- Bachelor of Arts in Stage Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Screenwriting Degree
- Bachelor of Arts in Directing/Theater Production
- Bachelor of Arts in Theater History Degree
- Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies Degree
I hope this will help you.
Yes, some acting courses in India offer opportunities for specialisation in specific areas of acting or related disciplines. For example, students may choose to focus on method acting, classical theatre, musical theatre, film acting, or voice acting, depending on the available options within the curriculum.
While prior experience can be beneficial, it's not always mandatory. Many courses cater to beginners, providing a foundation in the fundamentals of acting. However, some advanced programs might require previous acting experience or completion of specific foundation courses.
Yes, after qualifying in the exam as per the FTII JET result. Ccandidate's will be called for a Personal Interview and there they will also have to give an audition. Students final selection into the FTII JET acting course will be based on their performance in the entrance exam marks, interview and audition. Hence audition plays an important role in their selection.
Candidates who want to learn acting techniques and skills can enrol in Acting classes at various educational levels. These courses will be helpful to anyone who wants to pursue a profession in teaching, educational institutions, theatre, or film.
The purpose of acting classes is to equip students with the abilities and crucial insider knowledge necessary to work in the entertainment business.
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Drama School Mumbai courses are offered to students at the Certificate level. The college is mainly concerned with the Theatre and Acting streams. Some of the popular programmes offered at Drama School Maharashtra are PG Certificate Course in Acting & Devising (Residential), PG Certificate in Acting
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Drama School Mumbai is one of the renowned drama colleges to offer quality education to students. The college has been certified by the Media and Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) and has a strong alumni presence nationally & internationally. In addition to this, the college also has an online mod
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Drama School Mumbai courses are offered to students at the Certificate level. The college is mainly concerned with the Theatre and Acting streams. The flagship programmes offered at Drama School Mumbai are PG Certificate Course in Acting & Devising (Residential) and PG Certificate in Acting & Theatr
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Drama School Mumbai admission 2025 is completely based on merit. The institute offers Certificate and Online Acting courses. Candidates looking for course admission must appear for an audition. For the PG Certificate Course in Acting and Devising (Residential) course, candidates must submit a Video
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Drama School Mumbai admission 2025 is completely based on merit. The institute offers Certificate and Online Acting courses. To get admission at the Drama School Mumbai, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by the college. Further, candidates seeking admission to the certificate courses
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Drama School Mumbai application process 2025 is conducted offline. The application mode is offline. Candidates need to purchase the application form, complete and submit it. A step-by-step process for filling out the online admission enquiry form is mentioned below:
Step 1: Visit the official DSM web
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Drama School Mumbai is a private college and is a part of the Drama Schools Foundation Mumbai. The college has been certified by the Media and Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) and has a strong alumni presence nationally & internationally. Drama School Mumbai has renowned faculty members and exter
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A good way to introduce yourself into the world of acting is by reading books written by actors or acting teachers. You can learn so much from watching classic films. Each film can teach you a different acting skill such as instinct, character development, stage directing, blocking, and physicality.
Acting is very time consuming, and if you seriously want to start your career in acting, you will need to dedicate more time to it than just the weekends. Be financially prepared. Refer to below link for the best institutes: https://www.shiksha.com/mass-communication-media/film-tv/articles/top-10-acting-schools-in-india-blogId-8822