Beauty and Wellness

What you need to know

1. 1
   Beauticians, hair stylists, makeup artists, nail technicians, spa therapists, yoga instructors and gym trainers are needed in towns, cities and abroad. Many start their own salon later.
2. 2
   You can learn through a 1-year ITI Cosmetology course after Class 10, a free short course under Skill India, or a diploma or B.Voc at a university.
3. 3
   India has no national licence to work as a beautician. What counts is real skill, practice and a genuine certificate (NCVT, B&WSSC or the Yoga Certification Board).
4. 4
   Never pay for a "guaranteed job", and be careful with cheap creams and products: some can harm your clients and you.

Official sources

• skillindiadigital.gov.inSkill India Digital: find free courses and centres↗
• bwssc.inBeauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC)↗

Inside this branch

• Jobs in this field2 more
• ITI courses2 more
• Short courses: Skill India3 more
• School, diploma and degree2 more
• Yoga and fitness trainer3 more
• Your own salon2 more
• Working abroad and on cruise ships2 more
• Honest pay1 more
• For girls1 more
• Avoid scams and harmful products2 more

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 2

• Official
  B&WSSC: job roles and their levelsEvery recognised beauty, spa, yoga and fitness job role.
  Free
• Official
  Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill CouncilSub-sectors from hair and makeup to spa and fitness.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Beauty, hair and makeup
• Spa, yoga, fitness and business

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Beautician or beauty therapist: facials, threading, waxing, manicure and pedicure. Hair stylist: cutting, colouring, styling; barbers too.
2. 2
   Makeup artist: party, bridal, fashion, photo shoots, film and TV. Nail technician: nail care and nail art.

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What you need to know

1. 1
   Spa therapist (massage and body treatments), yoga instructor, gym or personal trainer.
2. 2
   With experience: salon or spa manager, your own salon, product sales, or teaching at an ITI or academy.

Official sources

• Vaidaani roadmapSkilled trades→

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Learn from these 4

• Official
  DGT: ITI Cosmetology syllabus (PDF)Eligibility, hours and what you learn.
  Free
• Official
  DGT: Hair and Skin Care for visually impaired (PDF)1-year ITI trade for students with low vision.
  Free
• Official
  DGT: Cosmetology Craft Instructor course (PDF)How to become an ITI instructor.
  Free
• Official
  Check an ITI certificate (NCVT MIS)Verify before you trust a certificate.
  Free

Inside this branch

• ITI Cosmetology
• For students with low vision

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Cosmetology is a 1-year ITI trade (NSQF level 3.5) after Class 10, minimum age 14. It teaches skin care, hair cutting and styling, makeup and nail care, with 150 hours of on-the-job training.
2. 2
   Prefer a government ITI (fees are very low). Women's ITIs and National Skill Training Institutes for women also teach it.
3. 3
   Later, the 1-year Craft Instructor course in Cosmetology (after Class 10 + ITI) lets you teach in ITIs.

Official sources

• dgt.gov.inDGT: ITI Cosmetology syllabus (PDF)↗
• nstiwnoida.dgt.gov.inNSTI (Women) Noida: Basic Cosmetology↗
• dgt.gov.inDGT: Cosmetology instructor course (PDF)↗
• Vaidaani roadmapITI, Polytechnic and Skills→

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   ITIs also run Hair and Skin Care (for visually impaired): 1 year after Class 10, in small batches of 12.

Official sources

• dgt.gov.inDGT: ITI Hair and Skin Care for visually impaired students (PDF)↗
• Vaidaani roadmapStudents with disabilities→

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 4

• Official
  Skill India DigitalFind free courses and centres near you.
  Free
• Official
  National Qualification RegisterCheck a course's NSQF level.
  Free
• Official
  B&WSSC: PMKVYThe skill council's page on free government training.
  Free
• Article
  IANS: free RSETI beautician course35-day course with food and stay (reported).
  Free

Inside this branch

• How it works
• Course levels (NSQF)
• Free village training (RSETI)

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   The Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC), under the skill ministry, sets the courses and certificates for beauty, hair, makeup, nails, spa, yoga and fitness.
2. 2
   Under PMKVY, training and assessment are paid by the government: free for you at approved centres. Find centres on Skill India Digital.
3. 3
   Already working in a parlour? Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) tests your skill and gives a certificate.

Official sources

• skillindiadigital.gov.inSkill India Digital: find free courses and centres↗
• vikaspedia.inVikaspedia: PMKVY explained↗
• bwssc.inB&WSSC: PMKVY in beauty and wellness↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Every recognised course has an NSQF level: a higher number means more advanced. Junior Beauty Therapist is level 3 (Class 10, or Class 8 with 3 years' work).
2. 2
   Level 4 roles include Beauty Therapist, Hair Dresser and Stylist, Bridal, Fashion and Portfolio Makeup Artist, Nail Technician and Spa Therapist. A salon and wellness Center Manager is level 5.5.

Official sources

• bwssc.inB&WSSC: job roles and their levels↗
• nqr.gov.inNational Qualification Register: check any course↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Bank-run RSETIs in many districts train unemployed rural youth aged about 18–45 for free. Beauty parlour courses of about 35 days, some with free food and stay, have been reported. Ask your district's lead bank.

Official sources

• ianslive.inIANS: free RSETI beautician course with food and stay↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 3

• Official
  CBSE: skill subjectsBeauty & Wellness books and syllabus.
  Free
• Official
  B&WSSC: universitiesUniversities running diploma and B.Voc courses.
  Free
• Official
  UGC: fake universitiesCheck before paying.
  Free

Inside this branch

• In school
• After Class 12

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   CBSE offers Beauty & Wellness as a skill subject: code 407 in Classes 9–10 and 807 in Classes 11–12. Ask if your school runs it.

Official sources

• cbseacademic.nic.inCBSE: skill subjects, including Beauty & Wellness↗
• Vaidaani roadmapClass 9 and 10→

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What you need to know

1. 1
   Some universities linked with B&WSSC run certificate, diploma, advanced diploma and B.Voc courses in Beauty and Wellness. A degree or diploma helps if you want to teach or manage.
2. 2
   Check that the university is UGC-recognised and not on UGC's fake list before paying.

Official sources

• bwssc.inB&WSSC: universities running beauty and wellness courses↗
• ugc.gov.inUGC: fake universities↗
• Vaidaani roadmapAfter Class 12: all choices→

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 3

• Official
  Yoga Certification Board: questions and answersLevels, validity, who can apply.
  Free
• Official
  Yoga Certification Board: approved exam bodiesOnly these can hold the exam.
  Free
• Official
  MDNIY: yoga coursesDegrees, diploma and certificate courses.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Yoga certificate levels
• Exams and renewal
• Courses and gym training

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   The Yoga Certification Board (Ministry of Ayush) certifies yoga professionals. Main levels: Level 1 Yoga Protocol Instructor, Level 2 Yoga Wellness Instructor, Level 3 Yoga Teacher and Evaluator.
2. 2
   It is voluntary. There is no minimum education or age for the exam, and you can apply for any level directly. The Board runs no courses and gives no jobs.

Official sources

• yogacertificationboard.nic.inYoga Certification Board (Ministry of Ayush)↗
• yogacertificationboard.nic.inYoga Certification Board: questions and answers↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Exams are held by approved exam bodies listed on the Board's website; any body not listed is not authorised.
2. 2
   Level 1 is valid for 5 years, Levels 2 and 3 for 3 years; renew by attending the Board's continuing education programme.

Official sources

• yogacertificationboard.nic.inYoga Certification Board: approved exam bodies↗
• yogacertificationboard.nic.inYoga Certification Board: certified yoga professionals↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (Ministry of Ayush) runs B.Sc and M.Sc Yoga, a diploma for graduates and certificate courses for protocol and wellness instructors.
2. 2
   For gyms, B&WSSC courses include Gym Assistant (level 3) and Personal Trainer (level 4). To teach sports or PE in schools, see B.P.Ed.

Official sources

• yogamdniy.nic.inMDNIY: yoga courses (Ministry of Ayush)↗
• bwssc.inB&WSSC: job roles and their levels↗
• Vaidaani roadmapSports careers→
• Vaidaani roadmapTeaching careers→

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 3

• Official
  Udyam registrationFree MSME registration with Aadhaar.
  Free
• Official
  PIB: PM Mudra Yojana (PDF)Loan types up to ₹20 lakh.
  Free
• Official
  PIB: PM Vishwakarma (PDF)Training, toolkit and loans for barbers and other trades.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Start right
• PM Vishwakarma for barbers

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Work in a good salon first to learn skills and handling customers. Register free on Udyam; your town may also need a shop or trade registration.
2. 2
   MUDRA loans need no collateral: Shishu up to ₹50,000, Kishor up to ₹5 lakh, Tarun up to ₹10 lakh, Tarun Plus up to ₹20 lakh (for those who repaid a Tarun loan). Apply at a bank; MUDRA has no agents.

Official sources

• udyamregistration.gov.inUdyam registration (free, official)↗
• static.pib.gov.inPIB: PM Mudra Yojana loan types (PDF)↗
• Vaidaani roadmapStart Your Own Business→

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Barbers (naai) are one of the 18 trades. Age 18+, one person per family, no government job in the family, and no similar government business loan in the last 5 years. Register at a Common Service Centre with Aadhaar.
2. 2
   You get training with ₹500 a day, a ₹15,000 toolkit e-voucher, and loans of ₹1 lakh (18 months), then ₹2 lakh (30 months), at 5%.

Official sources

• static.pib.gov.inPIB: PM Vishwakarma explained (PDF)↗
• pmvishwakarma.gov.inPM Vishwakarma portal↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 3

• Official
  eMigrateCheck a recruiting agent before you pay or sign.
  Free
• Official
  DG Shipping: RPSL agency listCheck any ship recruitment agency.
  Free
• Article
  Safety4Sea: cruise job scamsHow fake cruise offers work.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Salons abroad
• Cruise ships

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   If your passport says ECR, you need emigration clearance on eMigrate for 19 countries, including the Gulf. Use only registered recruiting agents listed on eMigrate.
2. 2
   Get the job offer, salary and contract in writing before you go, and keep your own passport.

Official sources

• emigrate.gov.ineMigrate: check agents, get clearance↗
• mea.gov.inMEA: working abroad safely (PDF)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Cruise ships have spas, salons and gyms. Every job at sea needs basic safety training and seafarer papers: ask the employer exactly which, in writing.
2. 2
   Never pay for a job on a ship: licensed ship recruitment agencies (RPSL) are not allowed to charge recruitment fees. Check the agency on DG Shipping's list; fake cruise job offers are common.

Official sources

• dgma.gov.inDG Shipping: valid and suspended ship recruitment agencies (RPSL)↗
• dgshipping.gov.inDG Shipping advisory to seafarers (PDF)↗
• safety4sea.comSafety4Sea: ITF warns about cruise job scams↗
• Vaidaani roadmapMerchant Navy→
• Vaidaani roadmapHotel Management→

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 2

• Article
  WageIndicator: beautician payMonthly pay ranges (reported).
  Free
• Article
  Dazzlerr: makeup artist ratesBridal and party makeup prices (reported).
  Free

Inside this branch

• The real picture

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Beauticians often earn about ₹16,500–44,000 a month at the start (reported); more with skill, loyal customers or your own salon.
2. 2
   Booking sites list bridal makeup from about ₹6,000 to ₹30,000 or more per bride, and party makeup from about ₹2,500 (reported). Work is busy in the wedding season and slow at other times.
3. 3
   A certificate is not a job: B&WSSC's own website counts over 20 lakh people certified but about 4 lakh placed. Practice, a photo portfolio and good manners get you work.

Official sources

• wageindicator.orgWageIndicator: beautician pay in India↗
• dazzlerr.comDazzlerr: makeup artist rates in India↗
• bwssc.inBeauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 2

• Article
  SCC Online: women can be film make-up artistsThe 2014 Supreme Court ruling.
  Free
• Official
  SHe-BoxComplain about workplace harassment online.
  Free

Inside this branch

• What to know

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   In 2014 the Supreme Court struck down a film union rule that stopped women from working as film make-up artists: women can do this work.
2. 2
   Salons and spas with 10 or more staff must have an Internal Committee for harassment complaints (POSH Act); you can also complain on SHe-Box.
3. 3
   For home visits, use known platforms or clients, share your location with family, and leave if anything feels wrong. Emergency 112, women helpline 181.

Official sources

• scconline.comSCC Online: Supreme Court opens film make-up work to women (2014)↗
• shebox.wcd.gov.inSHe-Box: workplace harassment complaints↗
• Vaidaani roadmapFor girls: every scheme→

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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Learn from these 3

• Official
  CDSCO: cosmetics rules guide (PDF)What a cosmetic label must show.
  Free
• Official
  National Consumer HelplineComplain about bad products: 1915.
  Free
• Official
  Cyber crime portal (helpline 1930)Report online fraud.
  Free

Inside this branch

• Red flags
• Safe products

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   "Guaranteed job" or "international certificate" for a big fee: there is no national licence for beauticians, so compare with free ITI and PMKVY courses first, and ask the course's NSQF level.
2. 2
   Fake certificates: check ITI certificates on NCVT MIS, skill courses on the National Qualification Register, and yoga certificates on the Yoga Certification Board's list.
3. 3
   A centre charging fees for a free PMKVY course is breaking the rules. Lost money online? Call 1930.

Official sources

• ncvtmis.gov.inCheck an ITI certificate (NCVT MIS)↗
• nqr.gov.inNational Qualification Register: check any course↗
• yogacertificationboard.nic.inYoga Certification Board: certified yoga professionals↗
• cybercrime.gov.inCyber crime portal (helpline 1930)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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What you need to know

1. 1
   Use only products whose label shows the maker's name and address, a batch number, an expiry date and, if made in India, a manufacturing licence number ("M.L. No."). Follow the label warnings.
2. 2
   Indian rules limit mercury in cosmetics to a trace (1 part per million). Some illegal skin-whitening creams contain mercury, which can damage the kidneys and skin. Complain to the National Consumer Helpline, 1915.

Official sources

• cdsco.gov.inCDSCO: cosmetics label and safety rules (PDF)↗
• paho.orgPAHO/WHO: mercury in skin-lightening creams↗
• consumerhelpline.gov.inNational Consumer Helpline (1915)↗

Rules change every year: check the official website before you apply.
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