Delhi High Court Stays 30-Year Age Cap for National School of Drama Admissions

The Delhi High Court has stayed the National School of Drama’s (NSD) admission criteria that barred applicants over the age of 30 from its three-year diploma course.

Justice Jasmeet Singh observed that acting is an art that can be refined at any stage of life, ruling that an upper age limit lacks a reasonable nexus with the objective of the course.

The order came after theatre practitioners aged 34 and 42 challenged the cap as arbitrary and violative of Articles 14, 19(1)(g), and 21 of the Constitution.

The Court noted that talent-driven disciplines should prioritize merit over age-based restrictions.

[Mayank & Anr. v. National School of Drama & Anr.]