By EFTeam We know natural talent is certainly a thing, but not everyone is born with acting talent, you know? Even if you do, you must enhance your skills and sharpen up your craft, just like any other artist would do. That is precisely why there are acting academies, schools, and institutions out there, and thankfully, we don’t have a shortage of those right here in India. If you really want to get down deep in this acting scene, then you’d just need to put a little effort into finding the best acting school, and you’ll be good for the most part. Though, we’re here with a list of top 10 famous acting schools in India as of 2025. Just to make it a whole lot easier for everyone reading this post today.
1. National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi
- Address: Bahawalpur House, 1, Bhagwan Das Rd, opposite PNB Bank, Bhagwan Das Lane, Mandi House, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
It shouldn’t be a surprise at this point that NSD down there in Delhi is ranked among the best acting schools in India. Starting in 1959, this acting school actually is known for its three-year course for acting, which is the most preferred option. Like, the course has every type of acting which includes old Indian drama to newer plays and even mime. Though, it’s not easy to get in; you must audition and interview to qualify. Just to give you an idea of how great this school is, well, many famous actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Irrfan Khan took formal acting lessons from here.
2. Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune
- Address: 11, Law College Rd, Shanti Sheela Society, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune, Maharashtra 411004
Next on the list, tell us, which other acting school would it be other than FTII in Pune on the 2nd spot of this list? Well, if you don’t know anything about it yet, well, this acting school started in 1960 and provides a two-year acting course. They teach you everything from how to express with your voice to how to use your body and act in front of a camera. Though, just keep in mind that getting into the school is tough as there is an entrance exam.
3. Barry John Acting Studio, Mumbai & Delhi
- Address: 32, Ring Rd, Block L, Lajpat Nagar IV, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110024
Barry John Acting Studios is another super famous one in the country, which actually has branches in Mumbai and Delhi. And just so you know, they started up in 1997 and offer different types of courses here such as short workshops and a six-month diploma in acting. Though, keep in mind that the teaching here is very practical, focusing on things like improv, characterization, etc. Just know that Bollywood actors like King Khan and Varun Dhawan trained here.
4. Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares, Mumbai
- Address: 1st Floor, Film Industry Welfare Trust House Near S.N.D.T College, Next to Ajivasan Hall, Juhu Road, Santacruz (West), Mumbai – 400 049
As you can already tell by the name itself, well yes, Anupam Kher, one of the best Bollywood actors, started this acting school back in the year 2005. It is situated in Mumbai and offers a three-month acting course. The lessons includes important things like how to deliver dialogues, read the script, and perform in front of the camera. What’s more, is the learning from Anupam Kher himself and other experienced actors, what else do you want as a student? Though, yes, Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan are famous graduates from here.
5. Whistling Woods International, Mumbai
- Address: Aarey Milk Colony, Film City Complex, Aarey Colony, Goregaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400065
For those who don’t know yet, well, the popular filmmaker Subhash Ghai started Whistling Woods back in 2006. And if you’re wondering like what you get here, well, it offers a three-year Bachelor’s degree in Acting and also a two-year diploma course. All in all, in our opinion, you get an all-round learning experience at our institute with great infrastructure and workshops by Bollywood experts. This school is one of the best-known film schools in the world, yes, it once was among the top 10 picks from the world.
6. Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT), Noida
- Address: FC 14/15, Film City, Sector 16A, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
Next on the list is the AAFT, which is a famous acting school located in Noida. Just so you know though, it was established in the year 1993. They offer a number of acting courses including diploma programs and degree programs. Here, you see, the training is highly practical, involving stage performances, acting for the screen, and improving various skills relating to voice, which is the best bit about it all. All in all, yes, it is a good option in North India.
7. Roshan Taneja School of Acting, Mumbai
- Address: Bunglow, No. 196, SV Patel Nagar, Mhada Rd, near Versova Telephone Exchange, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
To begin with, just know at this point that this is a 1963 school and one of the oldest acting schools in the country. Bollywood celebrities Emraan Hashmi, Aamir Khan, etc. have studied here. Get trained in script reading, improvisation, method acting, and more by taking up diploma courses. The charges are around INR 2,50,000, as well as personal coaching and practical learning.
8. Zee Institute of Media Arts (ZIMA), Mumbai
- Address: ZIMA, 202, Pearl Residency Commercial Arcade, JP Rd, opp. Wadia School, Azad Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400058
Are you aware of the fact that back in 2004, ZIMA was introduced by Zee Entertainment? Yes, that’s how it is. So no wonder why they have expert training in acting and filming, you know? Their curriculum revolves around auditioning, interfacing with the camera, and additional experiential workshops. Because of all this, we see many ZIMA students are placed in the TV and film industry quite often.
9. Center for Research in Art of Film and Television (CRAFT), Delhi
- Address: Marketing Tower, B-11, Qutab Institutional Area Block B Rd, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi, Delhi 110016
Alright, here’s a unique one, you see, CRAFT is a non-profit acting school in Delhi that was started in 2006. Nothing special? Well, first of all, a one-year diploma course to learn about acting, developing characteristics, etc., and working with cameras and other things like that. This Mumbai school is not as famous but gives good training at a price of INR 1,50,000.
10. Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts (SDIPA), Mumbai
- Address: Marathon Innova Corporate Centre, A – 903, Ganapatrao Kadam Marg, opposite Peninsula Park, Lower Parel West, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013
Alright, last on the list, this 1992-established acting school is mainly known for dance but also offers acting programs to students. The classes held here teach you the dance and acting combinations which add great value if you’re looking to work in Bollywood musicals. Just so you know though, this place had many Bollywood celebs like Shahid Kapoor and Sushant Singh Rajput.
Conclusion
That’s all. Sure, there are many more acting schools in India that could have been on this list, but by far, these are the top, best, and most famous ones. So, now it is truly your turn to find out a little more about each of these acting schools and see which one you like the most.