How to Become an Actor – Course, Eligibility & Salary

Acting remains one of India’s most aspirational yet competitive careers, spanning film, television, OTT platforms, and theatre. Students exploring how to become an actor in India can choose formal training at institutes such as FTII, NSD, or Whistling Woods International, or a route built on auditions, workshops and networking with industry professionals.

There is no single, fixed academic path into the profession, which is why understanding actor eligibility, the range of actor course options, and realistic actor salary in India expectations matters before committing to a route. Government-run institutes such as FTII and NSD set their own eligibility bars, typically a bachelor’s degree, while many private schools and undergraduate acting courses accept candidates straight after Class 12 in any stream.

Who is an Actor?

An actor performs roles in films, television shows, web series, or theatre by interpreting scripts and portraying characters convincingly. The role involves rehearsing, memorising lines, and working closely with directors and co-actors, and typically calls for creativity, emotional depth, adaptability, and the stamina to handle frequent auditions and varied working hours. The profession welcomes men, women, and others, and suits people from any educational background, including those with special needs, provided they have the required artistic ability.

Acting offers multiple entry points into the profession. Some performers begin through school and college theatre, others through modelling or television commercials, and many enter after completing a dedicated acting course at a recognised institute. What ties these routes together is consistent practice, exposure to auditions, and a willingness to keep training even after landing initial roles.

Top Universities for Acting Courses and Eligibility Criteria

Institute	Courses Offered	Eligibility Criteria
Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune	MFA in Screen Acting (2 years)	Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline
National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi	Diploma in Dramatic Arts, Acting specialisation (3 years)	Graduation in any discipline, documented theatre experience, age 18–30 (relaxable for SC/ST)
Whistling Woods International, Mumbai	BFA in Acting	Entrance test and interview; 10+2 in any stream
Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT), Noida	BA in Acting for Film, TV and Web Series MA in Acting for Film, TV and Web Series	10+2 in any stream
Zee Institute of Media Arts, Mumbai	6 Months Acting Certificate	10+2 in any stream
AJK Mass Communication Research Centre, New Delhi	PG Diploma in Acting	Bachelor’s degree for postgraduate-level programmes
Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares, Mumbai	Diploma in Acting	10+2 in any stream
Indian Academy of Dramatic Arts, Delhi	BA in Performing Arts Diploma in Acting	10+2 in any stream
Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar	Bachelor of Performing Arts	10+2 in any stream

How to Become an Actor: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1 – Build early exposure through school plays, drama clubs and local theatre groups.

Step 2 – Complete Class 12 in any stream, since acting courses do not require a specific subject combination.

Step 3 – Choose a training route: a diploma, undergraduate or postgraduate acting course, informal workshops and coaching, or an apprenticeship assisting established actors.

Step 4 – Prepare for and appear in institute entrance processes, such as FTII’s JET, NSD’s entrance test, or WWI’s MECAT and CAT. Note that some courses, such as FTII’s and NSD’s acting programmes, require a bachelor’s degree first.

Step 5 – Build a portfolio, including headshots and an audition or showreel video.

Step 6 – Gain practical, on-ground exposure through theatre productions, short films, or assisting on film sets.

Step 7 – Register with a talent agency or casting director to access audition calls. Choose reputable ones only, since genuine agencies never charge upfront registration fees.

Step 8 – Attend auditions consistently and build genuine industry contacts.

Step 9 – Take on smaller or supporting roles first to build visibility and experience.

Step 10 – Continue training throughout your career in voice, movement and acting technique to stay competitive.

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Key Skills Needed to Become a Successful Actor

Formal training builds a foundation, but the actors who sustain long careers usually combine technical skill with strong interpersonal and business instincts. Important skills include:

1. Screen and stage presence

2. Voice modulation and clear diction

3. Emotional range and the ability to convey different characters convincingly

4. Strong memorisation skills for scripts and dialogue

5. Physical fitness and stamina for long shooting or rehearsal schedules

6. Improvisation and adaptability under changing directions

7. Networking ability and resilience in the face of frequent rejection

Career Options for an Actor

Actor Salary in India

There is no fixed salary for actors in India, since earnings depend on experience, popularity, the medium and the scale of the project. Most actors are paid per project rather than a monthly wage, so income is irregular, especially early on. A newcomer and an established star can both be called “actors,” yet their pay sits worlds apart.

Actor Salary in India: Level-Wise

Particular	Typical Earnings
New film actor	₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh per project
TV actor	A few thousand per episode for newcomers, rising to lakhs per episode for lead actors in popular shows
Popular film star	₹5 crore to ₹50 crore per film
Top-tier star	₹100 crore+ per film (reported, often including profit-sharing)

Beyond fees, established actors earn substantially through brand endorsements, OTT rights and profit-sharing deals, which is where much of their wealth is built.

Awards and Honours for Actors in India

Award	Instituted By	Category for Actors
National Film Awards	Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India	Best Actor and Best Actress in a Leading Role; Best Actor and Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Filmfare Awards	Filmfare magazine (private, industry-run)	Best Actor and Best Actress; Best Supporting Actor and Actress
IIFA Awards	International Indian Film Academy (private, industry-run)	Best Actor and Best Actress in a Leading Role; Best Supporting Actor and Actress
Screen Awards	Film Information/Screen magazine (private, industry-run)	Best Actor and Best Actress

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How to Become an Actor – FAQs

Q1. What is the minimum qualification needed to become an actor in India?

There is no fixed minimum qualification, since talent and training matter more than a specific degree. However, formal diploma courses generally require a Class 10 or Class 12 pass, while postgraduate diploma and master’s courses typically require a graduation degree from a recognised university.

Q2. What is the average actor salary in India?

The average annual salary across the profession is around ₹2.3 lakh, with a wide range of roughly ₹0.2 lakh to ₹20 lakh depending on experience and medium. Established film actors can earn significantly more on a per-project basis, while newcomers typically start on far more modest pay.

Q3. Which are the top acting institutes in India?

The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, and the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, are the two most reputed government-backed acting institutes in India. Whistling Woods International, Mumbai, is a leading private institute offering acting-related diploma and postgraduate programmes.

Q4. Do I need a degree to become an actor?

No, a degree is not compulsory to work as an actor, and many performers enter the field through auditions, theatre and modelling instead. However, a formal acting qualification from an institute such as FTII, NSD or WWI can strengthen technique and improve access to structured industry opportunities.

Q5. How long does an acting course take to complete?

Duration depends on the course level chosen. Short diploma courses can take around a year to complete, NSD’s Diploma in Dramatic Arts runs for three years on a residential basis, and FTII’s Post Graduate Diploma in Screen Acting takes two years across four semesters.