Graded Examinations
AIMD Awards · Recognised Qualifications

Graded
Music
Exams

ACMD's graded music exams motivate and encourage students of all ages and abilities through a structured system of progressive learning and achievement — from introductory grades through to Grade 8.

8 Grade Levels
40+ Countries
2 Exam Formats
AIMD Awards OQFAL · UCAS

Carnatic Music
Examinations

Introductory through Grade 8 — internationally recognised milestones for every learner.

Intro G1–G3 G4–G6 G7–G8
Examination Pathway

Your Learning Journey

Our graded examination pathway supports both personal growth and musical excellence, providing students with clear goals and internationally recognised milestones throughout their learning journey.

Intro
Introductory
G1
Grade 1
G2
Grade 2
G3
Grade 3
G4
Grade 4
G5
Grade 5
G6
Grade 6
G7
Grade 7
G8
Grade 8
Progressive Structure

Each grade builds systematically on the last, ensuring steady development of musical skills, knowledge, and understanding.

Internationally Recognised

AIMD Awards qualifications are recognised by OQFAL and UCAS, providing globally valid credentials for students worldwide.

All Ages & Abilities

Designed to motivate and encourage students at every stage — from young beginners to experienced adult learners.

Assessment Pathways

Choose Your Format

Two flexible digital assessment pathways — both maintaining the same rigorous standards and full examination validity as our face-to-face examinations.

01

Recorded
Digital Exam

Pre-record your exam and upload it to our innovative submissions portal for it to be marked by our expert examining panel — at a time and place that suits you.

  • Record at your own pace in a comfortable setting
  • Submit within the designated exam window
  • No fixed appointment slot required
  • Assessed by official AIMD Awards examiners
  • Personalised video examiner feedback included
  • Minimal environmental impact — no travel needed
Live
02

Live Stream
Digital Exam

Bring the full AIMD Awards graded exam experience to your front room. We'll beam an examiner to you, digitally, in real time — from anywhere in the world.

  • Real-time examiner interaction via live stream
  • Same trusted face-to-face examination format
  • Scheduled appointment slot
  • Performance from your own home or venue
  • Available for all Carnatic vocal & instrumental programmes
  • Supports accessibility and inclusive participation
In Detail

About Each Format

Recorded Digital Exams
Pre-record, upload & receive expert feedback

At AIMD Awards, we pride ourselves on the trust and confidence that our dedicated community has placed in us to deliver outstanding examination experiences. Welcome to AIMD's Recorded Digital Exams — environmentally friendly, with no waiting times, reduced stress, and available worldwide. This digital solution demonstrates our commitment to providing the most accessible exam experience possible.

Complete Control
Candidates choose when and where they record, creating a relaxed and confident performance environment.
Examiner Video Feedback
Receive a personalised video message from an official AIMD Awards examiner with performance strengths and improvement guidance.
Environmentally Friendly
No travel required. By removing geographical barriers, we're helping to build a sustainable future for the next generation of musicians.
Available Worldwide
Students in the UK, India, USA, Canada, Singapore and beyond can submit examinations from anywhere in the world.
Live Stream Digital Exams
Real-time examiner interaction from your own space

AIMD's Live Stream Digital Exams allow an examiner to be beamed from a remote location directly to the candidate via a live stream, giving every candidate the opportunity to demonstrate their musical learning irrespective of their geographical location. We're building on our ethos of delivering accessible and outstanding examination experiences by enabling candidates to enjoy the exam from their own home or venue.

Accessibility
Supports students who experience performance anxiety, live in remote locations, or have mobility or travel limitations.
Recognisable Format
Follows the same trusted structure as face-to-face examinations, with the examiner interacting in real time through your device.
All Programmes
Available for all Carnatic vocal and instrumental examination programmes, across all grades.
Environmentally Friendly
Accessible worldwide with an almost negligible environmental footprint — we're doing our part for future generations of musicians.
Get Started

Ready to Take an Exam?

Join thousands of students worldwide who have earned internationally recognised qualifications through AIMDUK. Apply today and take the next step in your musical journey.

OQFAL Accredited  ·  UCAS Recognised  ·  UK & India Bodies  ·  40+ Countries