Actor
Performs in films, television, theatre and other performing arts, bringing a character to life.
Overview
The term actor is used to refer to most performers who work in films, television, theater, and other performing arts. An actor's job is to fully represent the character they are playing and to convince their audience that character is real by engaging them and drawing them into the story.
Where they work
- Production houses
- TV serials
- Films
- OTT serials
Work environment
It is not a desk job. You may need to work with others. Travelling is a part of this job role. Part-time work and contractual jobs are available. Working hours can be flexible. Shift system maybe available.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like acting in plays
- You are a creative person
- You like to give speeches
- You can comfortably talk with all kinds of people
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream.
- 2Complete Bachelor's in Acting/Performing Arts/Cinema etc.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's and then follow it up with a Master's in the same or allied field.
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a Diploma in Acting/Performing Arts/Theatre, Acting and Film Production/Cinema etc.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Arts. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Andhra University College of Arts and Commerce, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Pandit Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts, Rohtak, Haryana
- Utkal University of Culture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, Maharashtra
- Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra
- National School of Drama, New Delhi
- Film and Television Institute of Andhra Pradesh, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Anupam Kher's Actor Prepares, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Asian Academy of Film and Television, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Barry John Acting Studio, New Delhi
- ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
- Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Singhania University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Junior Actor
- 2Actor and Actress
- 3Senior Actor and Actress
Expected income
₹15,000 – ₹1,00,000 per day, depending on experience
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Theatre Artist
Enacts, rehearses, writes, directs or stages plays performed live before an audience.
Film Director
Is in charge of making a film — directs the actors and has the final say on every creative matter.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Arts.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to creating.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Naseeruddin Shah — A veteran film and theatre actor and director. He began his acting career with Shyam Benegal's drama film Nishant and went on to star in path-breaking films like Umrao Jaan (1981), Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983) and Ardh Satya (1983) among others. He graduated in Arts from Aligarh Muslim University, after which he joined the National School of Drama in Delhi. Shah later joined Film and Television Institute of India, Pune.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 51 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3Zfquj0
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.