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

Updated on Mar 21, 2025 11:01 IST
Akansha Bisht

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
  • UG-3 Years
  • PG-2 Years
  • PG Diploma-1 Year
  • Certificate-Upto 6 months
  • PhD-3 Years
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.

Q:   How can I make my career in the acting field? Which is the best institute to learn acting?
A:

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

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Q:   Which are the short term courses for acting and dance?
A:

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.
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Q:   What is a Diploma in film acting?
A:

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.

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Q:   Will I get practical acting experience during the course?
A:

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.

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Q:   What is Acting all about?
A:

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. 

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Table of content
  • 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
View More

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:

  1. Conduct personal-level research and know the eligibility for the Acting courses in your chosen college.
  2. Look out for whether the admission requires appearing in any entrance; if yes, then choose the exam accordingly.
  3. Register, prepare, and appear for the exams accepted/ conducted by the colleges and wait for the results.
  4. Apply to the universities/ colleges by filling out the application/ registration form.
  5. Check out the official websites for your score.
  6. Attend counselling sessions if shortlisted.
  7. Pay the fees and get your documents verified before you start with your classes.
Q:   What qualification is required to do an acting course?
A:

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.

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Q:   What is the eligibility criteria to get admission for acting courses in Delhi NCR?
A:

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.

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Q:   What is the course duration of the acting course?
A:

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.

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Q:   Can I take admission in acting schools after class 10th?
A:

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.

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Q:   How can I get admission in NSD for acting course?
A:

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.

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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

  • Diploma in Dramatic Arts
  • Diploma in Acting
  • Diploma in Acting for Television
  • PG Diploma in Acting
  • Advanced Diploma in Acting
  • Diploma in Screen Acting
  • Diploma in Theatre, Acting & Film Production

Acting Degree Courses

  • Bachelor of Acting Film & Television
  • MFA in Drama
  • BVoc in Acting
  • BA in Acting

Acting Integrated Courses

  • BSc in Cinema + Diploma in Cinematography
  • BSc in Cinema + Diploma in Direction
  • BSc in Cinema + Diploma in Acting
  • MSc in Cinema + PG Diploma in Acting

Acting Certifications

  • Certificate Course in Acting
  • Acting for Cinema
  • Acting and Presentation
  • Theatre, Acting and Film Production

Source: Multiple external sites, hence the info may vary.

 

Q:   What are the different types of Acting courses available in India?
A:

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.
Q:   What are some good courses to learn acting online?
A:

There are many courses to learn acting online. A list of the courses are listed below:

  1. Communication Degree
  2. Drama Degree
  3. Film Degree
  4. Musical Theater Degree
  5. Costume Design Degree
  6. Stage Management
  7. Screenwriting Degree
  8. Directing/Theater Production
  9. Art Of Storytelling
  10. Expressive Voice & Speech
  11. Art Of Auditioning
  12. Mastering Monologues
  13. Breaking Open Characters
  14. Expressive Body
  15. 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.

Q:   What subjects are covered in an acting course curriculum?
A:

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.

4.5
4.5
1 Course
96.63 K
1 Course
5.73 K
5 Courses
2.25 L - 8.12 L
3.5
1 Course
5 L
3.5

Acting Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
Q:   Which is the best acting school in India?
A:

No doubt National School of Drama New Delhi remains the best. FTII-Pune is also known for acting towards films.

Q:   Which are the popular colleges offering Acting courses in India?
Q:   Which are the top 5 acting schools in India?
A:

Top 5 acting schools are:

  1. FTII, Pune Film and Television Institute of India
  2. The Barry John Acting studio,Mumbai
  3. National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi
  4. Anupan Kher’s, Actor Prepares
  5. Subhash Ghai’s, Whistling Woods International

Popular Private Acting Colleges in India

2.15 L
2.5 LPA
2 L - 3 L
4.5
4.5
1 Course
96.63 K
1 Course
5.73 K

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.

Q:   Is it mandatory to have an acting degree to get a job as an actor?
A:

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.

Q:   What are the popular job profiles after Acting courses?
A:

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.

Q:   Is there a Bachelor's course in acting?
A:

A list of the best Bachelors courses in acting is listed below:

  1. Bachelor of Arts in Communication Degree
  2. Bachelor of Arts in Drama Degree
  3. Bachelor of Arts in Film Degree
  4. Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theater Degree
  5. Bachelor of Arts in Costume Design Degree
  6. Bachelor of Arts in Stage Management
  7. Bachelor of Arts in Screenwriting Degree
  8. Bachelor of Arts in Directing/Theater Production
  9. Bachelor of Arts in Theater History Degree
  10. Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies Degree

I hope this will help you.

Q:   Am I eligible to directly pursue Advance Acting Course as I am a fresher? Or will I have to do basic acting course first?
A:
Hi, Yes, you are eligible. There is no minimum eligibility criteria as such.
Q:   Are there opportunities for specialisation within acting courses?
A:

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.

Q:   Do I need prior experience to take an Acting course?
A:

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.

Q:   For the Acting course, will have to give an audition?
A:

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.

Q:   Who can pursue an Acting course?
A:

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.

Popular Acting UG Courses

Following are the most popular Acting UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Acting PG Courses

Following are the most popular Acting PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Acting. Students interested in pursuing a career on Acting, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

31 Oct ' 25

Last Date for submitting Qualifying Exam result (...

14 Jul ' 25 - 15 Oct ' 25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025 Counselling

Oct '25

SAT Registration Deadline for November Test

TENTATIVE

10 Nov ' 25

Last Date to Pay Seat Acceptance Fee (Extended)

Nov '25

FTII JET 2025 Commencement of Classes

TENTATIVE

14 Nov ' 24 - 30 Oct ' 25

CGCUET 2025 Registration

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