Est. London, United Kingdom · Since 2001

AIMDUK

Empowering Excellence in South Asian Music & Dance

Empowering Classical Arts
Education Worldwide

The Academy of Indian Music & Dance is dedicated to advancing global performing arts through high-quality learning, internationally accredited examinations, and structured educational pathways from beginner through to advanced mastery.

OQFAL Accredited
UCAS Recognised
40+ Countries
UK & India Bodies
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Countries Worldwide
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Registered Students
0+
Certified Teachers
0
Examination Grades
OQFAL UCAS Points Exam Board International
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Countries
0+
Students
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Teachers
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Years Experience
Latest Updates

Announcements & Highlights

Achievement

AIMDUK Receives International Accreditation 2025

We are proud to announce that AIMDUK has been awarded international recognition from the Global Arts Education Council, validating our qualifications across 40+ countries worldwide.

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News

June 2025 Examination Registrations Now Open

Applications for the June 2025 examination cycle are now open for all grade levels across Carnatic Music, Hindustani Music, and Bharatanatyam disciplines.

Apply Now
Milestone

New Syllabus 2025 — Updated Grade Standards

Our refreshed syllabuses for Grades 1–8 now include enhanced theory components and updated performance repertoire, aligned with internationally benchmarked standards.

Download Syllabus
Award

AIMDUK Teachers Honoured

Outstanding AIMDUK-authorised teachers were recognised at the Arts Excellence Summit for their contributions to Indian classical arts education globally.

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Resources

Digital Study Materials Now Available

Access an expanded library of notation guides, video lessons, and grade-specific practice materials for all registered students and teachers.

View Library
Expansion

AIMDUK Expands to 5 New Countries

Australia, Canada, Singapore, UAE and South Africa have joined our growing network of approved examination centres and authorised teachers.

Learn More
How We Help

Everything You Need

One platform for examinations, accreditation, study materials, and global community.

Book an Exam

Register for graded examinations in Carnatic Music, Hindustani Music, or Bharatanatyam at your preferred centre or online.

Book Now

Register as a Teacher

Join AIMDUK’s global network of authorised teachers, gain recognised status, access exclusive resources, and grow your teaching practice

Register Now

Shop Materials

Purchase official grade syllabus books, study guides, and access comprehensive digital resources for all levels from Grade 1 to Diploma.

Browse Shop

Find a Teacher

The AIMDUK Teacher Directory helps students find Authorised Teachers for Indian music, dance, and examination training.

Find a Teacher
Examinations

Graded Examination Pathways

Three structured pathways — Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced — each culminating in a Diploma.

Foundation

Grades 1 – 3

Beginner to Elementary

Core scales, notation & basic repertoire
Introduction to rhythm & theory
Online examination
Certificate on pass
Book This Exam
Most Popular
Intermediate

Grades 4 – 6

Developing to Advanced Study

Extended repertoire & improvisation
Raga / Taal / Adavu depth work
Online examination
UCAS points from Grade 6
Book This Exam
Advanced

Grades 7–8 & Diploma

Mastery & Concert Standard

Manodharma, Margam & Drut repertoire
Research & scholarly performance
Online examination
30 UCAS points at Grade 8 Distinction
Book This Exam
Our Disciplines

Classical Arts Subjects

Three sacred disciplines of Indian classical tradition, taught and assessed at the highest level of academic rigour.

Carnatic Music
South Indian Classical Tradition

Carnatic Music

One of the oldest living musical traditions in the world, Carnatic Music is a rich system rooted in devotion, mathematical precision, and intricate melodic patterns known as ragas. AIMDUK offers comprehensive graded examinations covering vocal and instrumental pathways.

Grades 1–3: Foundation — Basic exercises, Alankara, Devotional songs
Grades 4–6: Intermediate — Varnam, Kritis, Bajans
Grades 7–8: Advanced — Manodharma, Concert Repertoire
Diploma: Sangeetha Vidwan / Vidushi — Research & Performance
Apply Now
North Indian Classical Tradition

Hindustani Music

Hindustani classical music, the northern variant of Indian classical music, is characterised by improvisation, meditative exploration of ragas, and a profound connection between performer and audience. Our examinations encompass vocal and instrumental streams.

Grades 1–3: Foundation — Swar Gyan, Taal, Simple Bandish
Grades 4–6: Intermediate — Khayal, Alaap, Bandish elaboration
Grades 7–8: Advanced — Vilambit, Drut, Thumri, Dadra
Diploma: Visharad / Prabhakar — Scholarly performance
Apply Now
Hindustani Music
Bharatanatyam
Classical Dance — Tamil Nadu

Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is one of the oldest and most revered classical dance forms of India, originating in Tamil Nadu. Known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, and intricate footwork, it combines Nritta (pure dance), Nritya, and Natya into a unified art form.

Grades 1–3: Foundation — Adavus, Alarippu, Jatiswaram
Grades 4–6: Intermediate — Sabdam, Varnam, Abhinaya
Grades 7–8: Advanced — Padam, Tillana, Margam
Diploma: Arangetram — Solo public performance
Apply Now
Academic Authority

Accreditation & Recognition

OQFAL Accreditation

Fully accredited by the Office of Qualifications and Assessment for Learning, ensuring our qualifications meet the highest academic standards and are recognised by government educational bodies.

UCAS Points Recognition

Grades 6, 7 & 8 carry UCAS tariff points, enabling students to accumulate points from their Indian classical arts qualifications towards UK university entry requirements.

40+ Countries Worldwide

Our internationally recognised certificates are accepted and respected across more than 40 countries, making AIMDUK the leading examination board for Indian classical arts globally.

UK & India Bodies

Endorsed by authoritative bodies in both the United Kingdom and India, bridging centuries of Eastern classical tradition with the rigour of Western academic certification frameworks.

Community

Join Our Community

Whether you are a student, teacher, examiner, or institution — there is a place for you in the AIMDUK community.

Student Registration

Join thousands of students worldwide pursuing internationally recognised qualifications in Indian classical arts.

Access to all grade levels — Grades 1 through Diploma
OQFAL-accredited certificates issued on passing
UCAS tariff points from Grade 6 onwards
Online examination
Digital certificate downloads
Register as Student

Authorised Teacher

Become an AIMDUK-authorised teacher and gain international credibility for your practice.

Official AIMDUK Teacher Certificate
International credibility for your practice
800+ teacher network across 40+ countries
Exclusive teaching materials & resources
Dedicated examination support & liaison
Pathway to AIMDUK examiner qualification
Apply as Teacher

Examiner Panel

AIMDUK examiners are senior practitioners and academics, rigorously trained to deliver fair, consistent, and expert assessment.

Expert-level qualification required
Standardisation training provided
Online examination
Professional remuneration
Apply to Examine

Institutional Membership

Schools, academies, and cultural organisations can partner with AIMDUK to become approved examination centres.

Approved examination centre status
Co-branded certificates available
Dedicated institutional support
International network access
Partner With Us
Academic Value

UCAS Points — Open University Pathways

Graded Examination in Music
Grade Pass Merit Distinction
Grade 6 6 10 12
Grade 7 12 14 16
Grade 8 18 24 30
Graded Examination in Dance
Grade Pass Merit Distinction
Grade 6 8 10 12
Grade 7 12 14 18
Grade 8 16 18 20

What are UCAS Tariff Points?

UCAS assigns tariff points to qualifications based on grade level and performance. These can be combined to meet a university's entry requirements.

Visit Official UCAS Website
Resource Centre

Shop & Materials

Official study materials, grade books, and certificate services for all registered candidates.

Carnatic

Carnatic Grade Syllabus Books (1–8)

Complete theory and practical syllabus with notation, swaras, and full examination requirements for each grade level.

£8.99per grade
Order Now
Hindustani

Hindustani Grade Syllabus Books (1–8)

Comprehensive guide with raga descriptions, taal structures, bandish texts, and composition guidance for all grades.

£8.99per grade
Order Now
Dance

Bharatanatyam Syllabus & Guide

Illustrated adavu sequences, abhinaya guidance, and performance assessment rubrics for all Bharatanatyam grade levels.

£9.99per grade
Order Now
Certificate

Certificate Replacement / Reprint

Request a replacement or reprint of your examination certificate. Fill in the order form and we will process within 3–5 business days.

£15.00per certificate
Request Certificate
Manual Payment Instructions: All payments are processed manually via bank transfer or postal order. Upon completing your order form, you will receive payment details by email. Please allow 3–5 business days for processing. Include your AIMDUK candidate number as the payment reference.
Voices

What Our Community Says

★★★★★

The structured grading gave my Bharatanatyam journey a clear academic framework. My Grade 7 certificate opened doors — I'm now applying to university with UCAS points from my dance qualification.

★★★★★

As a Carnatic vocal teacher, AIMDUK gives my students an internationally recognised pathway. The syllabuses are rigorous yet authentic — preserving tradition while meeting modern academic standards.

★★★★★

Our school registered as an AIMDUK centre and it transformed our music programme. Students now hold internationally recognised certificates in Hindustani music. Truly exceptional organisation.

Help Centre

Support & Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

AIMDUK examinations are open to all learners regardless of age, nationality, or location. Candidates must be registered students studying under an AIMDUK-affiliated teacher or independently through an approved centre.

Examinations are available online only (video submission or live session).

Yes. AIMDUK is accredited by OQFAL and our qualifications are recognised across 40+ countries. Grades 6–8 carry UCAS tariff points, providing formal academic recognition in the United Kingdom.

Applications for Recorded Digital Examinations are accepted throughout the year, allowing you to record and submit your performance at your convenience. Live-Streamed Digital Examinations are held quarterly. Please check our Announcements & Updates page for upcoming examination dates, application deadlines, and important registration information.

Digital certificates are issued within 6–8 weeks of the examination date.

Contact Us

info@aimduk.org
+44 (0) 20 XXXX XXXX
London, United Kingdom
Mon–Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM GMT

Exam Preparation Tips

Begin preparing at least 6 months before your examination date to allow sufficient time to build confidence and refine your performance.
Practise daily—even a short, focused practice session is more effective than occasional long sessions.
Work with one of our approved network teachers, who will prepare you for all required repertoire and technical work in accordance with the examination syllabus.
Perform your pieces regularly for your teacher and record your practice sessions to identify areas for improvement.
Get In Touch

Contact AIMDUK

Have a question about examinations, registration, or partnerships? We'd love to hear from you.

Send Us a Message

Contact Information

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