The National School of Drama is one of the foremost theatre training institutions in the world and the only one of its kind in India. It was set up by the Sangeet Natak Akademi as one of its constituent units in 1959. In 1975, it became an independent entity and was registered as an autonomous organization under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, fully financed by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The NCPA occasionally invites and hosts NSD productions.

The FTII is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India. Its policies are determined by a Governing Council. The latter appoints the director of the institute. The FTII is a member of CILECT, an international association of film schools. The NCPA presents FTII student diploma films, along with a range of workshops in association with the Institute.

The Indian Musicological Society (IMS), founded in 1970, is dedicated to promoting the study and research of music from the South Asian subcontinent, including folk music and dance. Apart from the Journal, the Society publishes books and organises seminars, exhibitions and lectures. The NCPA in association with IMS and ITC-SRA hosts a two-day Indian Music Seminar every January. In 2011, NCPA was elected to the Board of Music Council for Asia-Oceania (MCAO).

Musicians, representing both Hindustani and Carnatic music systems, have come together under the aegis of the All India Musicians Group (AIMG) to preserve and support talented artistes and indigent musicians. The status of the group has been greatly enhanced due to the generous agreement of other music icons – legends – who act as its patrons. AIMG addresses problematic issues concerning Indian music, such as financial support from the government, music education at school and university level, and the institutional framework for its mission. The NCPA joined hands with the AIMG in July 2009, to promote the cause of Indian music. The NCPA offered to give institutional support and create an enabling framework for the AIMG to operate on a regular basis and execute its goals effectively. The objective of both groups coming together, is to enable a more holistic review of the current Indian music scenario and to be a voice in unison with great national musicians expressing their views. Additionally, the alliance aims to strengthen NCPA's ongoing efforts to promote and preserve Indian art forms, and ways in which the NCPA and AIMG could work together to champion the cause of Indian music.