Indian Make-Up Artists Federation (IMAF) is India’s national platform dedicated to uplifting Make-Up Artists, Beauticians, Mehandi Artists, and Hair Stylists through recognition, accreditation, training, and career support. Founded by Dr. Aravind Lakshminarayanan (Yoga Aravind) on 2022, IMAF works to formalize the beauty sector with ethical standards, industry-relevant certifications, and a nationwide network of state and district councils.
We are a women-focused, inclusion-driven federation that advances Gender Equality (UN SDG-5) while promoting Quality Education (SDG-4) and Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG-8). Our programs create pathways from talent to livelihood—helping artists build credible portfolios, access recognized credentials, and showcase excellence on national and international stages.
Objectives
Unite beauty professionals under a common national banner
Provide certification and accreditation for individuals and institutions
Organize events, workshops, and record-setting initiatives
Promote artistic excellence and celebrate innovation in the beauty industry
What We do
Accreditation of Institutions
Audits and accredits make-up academies, beauty schools, mehandi & hair institutes through our partner IQSC (a NABCB-accredited conformity body) with requirements aligned to ISO/IEC 17024, 17021, 17025, 17065 and Skill India frameworks.
Certification of Individuals
Issue industry-recognized certificates through IMAF programs and Skill India/NSDC–aligned pathways delivered with our partner Aravind Foundation (affiliated with Skill India/NSDC/MSDE). These certificates are valid for employment registration and portfolio credibility.
Education & Courses
Structured certification courses and syllabus (CMA, CBEA, CFMA, CMTE, CMAH, CHS) with unit-wise theory & practicals, marks split, and credit hours—ready for study materials and visual guides.
Events & Recognition
National Make-Up Artists Conference, workshops, showcases, and record-setting initiatives with Oscars Book of Records & Nobel World Records as world-record partner.
State & District Councils
A growing national network enabling local representation, mobilization, grievance support, and member services.
Ethics & Consumer Protection
Awareness drives and action against unauthorized use of government logos and fraudulent “certified” claims; grievance redressal and whistle-blower channels.
Alliances & Recognitions
IMAF works with reputed national and international bodies to ensure relevance, credibility, and reach:
- International Make-Up Artists Committee (IMAC) – USA (Affiliation)
- Indian Fashion Designers Federation (IFDF)
- Indian Art & Culture Federation (IACF) – recognized under the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India (association)
- International Culture Council (ICC) – UN SDG developer (collaboration)
- Aravind Foundation – affiliated with Skill India / NSDC / Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) for delivery of Skill India–backed training & certificates
- International Quality & Standard Certification Private Limited (IQSC) – NABCB (QCI) accredited partner for institutional accreditation and audit
Note: IMAF is an independent federation. We collaborate with the organizations above for accreditation, certification pathways, and programs. We do not claim to be a Government department.
Legal Status & Compliance
No unauthorized Government insignia
We do not use the State Emblem of India or Government ministry logos on our certificates, banners, or websites. Misuse is illegal under the State Emblem of India Act, 2005 and the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.
Trademark & Copyright
All federation names, logos, and materials are protected under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 and applicable copyright law. Unauthorized use, imitation, or sale of look-alike certificates is prohibited.
Consumer Protection
Misleading advertisements and fraudulent certification claims violate the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. IMAF supports affected learners in initiating complaints to the CCPA/Consumer Commissions and relevant authorities.
Digital & Identity Fraud
Online impersonation or forged certificates may attract penalties under the Information Technology Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and forgery.
Accreditation Integrity
Institutional accreditation is conducted via IQSC (NABCB-accredited) auditors against IMAF’s published Accreditation Guidelines (eligibility, infrastructure, staffing, training & assessment, grievance redressal, audits, transparency, safety).
Grievance Redressal
A dedicated committee resolves complaints— acknowledgement within 72 hours, resolution within 30 days —with escalation to external bodies when required.
Privacy
Candidate and member data are handled under our Privacy Policy; results and credentials are verifiable via official channels only.
Objectives
- Unite beauty professionals under a national, ethical, and inclusive banner.
- Provide Skill India–aligned training and industry-recognized certificates that enhance employability.
- Accredit genuine institutions through NABCB-aligned audits and surveillance.
- Establish transparent standards for curriculum, trainer qualification, assessment, and safety.
- Organize conferences, workshops, and record-setting showcases to elevate visibility.
- Build district/state councils for local leadership, outreach, and member support.
- Create opportunities for women’s leadership and entrepreneurship across the value chain.
- Protect artists from fraudulent certifications and misleading advertising.
- Facilitate research, publications, and portfolio development for members.
- Promote national/international collaborations that open markets and careers.
Our Courses (Framework Finalized)
| Certified Make-Up Assistant (CMA) | 150 hours, 10 credits |
| Certified Bridal & Event Make-Up Artist (CBEA) | 300 hours, 18 credits |
| Certified Fashion & Media Make-Up Artist (CFMA) | 400 hours, 24 credits |
| Certified Make-Up Trainer & Evaluator (CMTE) | 500 hours, 30 credits |
| Certified Mehandi Artist (CMAH) | 200 hours, 12 credits |
| Certified Hair Stylist (CHS) | 250 hours, 15 credits |
Each course includes eligibility, role description, marks distribution (theory + practical), and unit-wise syllabus aligned to safety, hygiene, product science, client care, and industry practice.
Accreditation of Institutions
- Legal registration and governance
- Qualified trainers & staffing
- Infrastructure, hygiene & safety
- Curriculum & assessment quality
- Records, transparency & website disclosures
- Grievance redressal & student support
- Internal audits, data retention & financial stability
Fees
Governance & Ethics
- National Executive & Advisory Boards oversee strategy, standards, and compliance.
- Code of Conduct: professionalism, equal opportunity, anti-harassment, hygiene & safety, non-discrimination.
- Whistle-blower Policy: confidential reporting of malpractice or misuse of titles/logos.
- Conflict of Interest: mandatory disclosures for office-bearers, evaluators, and auditors.
Flagship Initiatives
- National Make-Up Artists Conference – 2025 (Tamil Nadu) with learning tracks, showcases, and world-record partner Oscars Book of Records.
- IMAF State Councils across India with District Secretary networks.
- Artist Recognition Programs: verified badges, titles, and media features for top performers and trainers.
Verification & Official Channels
All accreditation, certificates, and appointments are verifiable only through:
Website: makeupunion.in (and official state council pages)
Email: makeupartistscouncil@gmail.com
We discourage reliance on screenshots or third-party forwards; always verify through the official portal.
A Note to Students & Parents
Before joining any academy, verify its IMAF accreditation status and trainer credentials on our website. Report suspicious use of Government logos or false “recognized by GoI” claims—IMAF will guide you on corrective action.
Founder’s Message
“Every artist deserves dignity, standards, and a fair chance to grow. IMAF is building the bridge between talent and trusted recognition—powered by ethics, skill, and opportunity.”
— Dr. Aravind Lakshminarayanan (Yoga Aravind), Founder
Quick Contact
General, Membership & Accreditation: makeupartistscouncil@gmail.com
Media & Partnerships: secretariat@makeupunion.in