Written By: Bandana Gupta

India in 2026 finds itself at the cusp of a remarkable transformation. With the government championing vocational training and industries seeking refined, skilled talent, the nation is experiencing an extraordinary surge in skill development. At the centre of this evolution stand Aptech’s distinguished brands, MAAC, Lakmé Academy powered by Aptech, and Arena Animation. Each brings its own expertise, yet together they elevate the creative and grooming sectors with world-class training. Through these franchise institutions, Aptech provides thoughtfully designed, job-ready skill programs that empower individuals to pursue meaningful careers and thrive in a rapidly advancing landscape.

MAAC Franchise: A Leading Training Institute for Animation and VFX By Aptech

MAAC (Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity) is one of India’s leading institutes for training in high-end 3D Animation and Visual Effects (VFX). As a major education brand of Aptech Ltd., it helps students turn their interest in media and entertainment into strong, professional careers through practical and industry-focused programs.

What MAAC Offers

• Practical Training: MAAC provides hands-on learning with industry-standard tools and setups that feel like real studios.
• Variety of Courses: Students can choose from courses in 2D and 3D animation, VFX, gaming, filmmaking, and digital content creation.
• Industry-Focused Curriculum: The programs cover everything from storyboarding and modelling to lighting, rigging, compositing, and editing, skills that match what the industry needs today.
• Training on Leading Software: Students learn important tools such as Autodesk Maya, Nuke, Blender, and Adobe Photoshop.
• Industry Exposure: The institute conducts workshops, masterclasses, and prominent national events such as the 24FPS International Animation Awards and the 100 Hours Creative Marathon, providing students with meaningful industry exposure and valuable networking opportunities.
• Degree Programs: MAAC also offers UGC-recognised B.Voc. degree programs in 3D Animation and VFX through partner universities for students who want formal academic qualifications.

Lakmé Academy Franchise: A Premier Institution for Beauty and Wellness Training

Lakmé Academy, powered by Aptech, offers comprehensive training across the beauty and wellness sector, including hair, skin, makeup, and nail care. The academy places strong emphasis on practical learning, personality development, and placement support, enabling students to pursue careers in salons, fashion, film, and media. Through industry-recognized certifications and skill-focused programs, it prepares learners for roles such as makeup artists, hairstylists, and beauty therapists, in alignment with the rapidly expanding beauty market in India.

Why Choose Lakmé Academy?

• Comprehensive Curriculum:The academy provides training that ranges from fundamental grooming to advanced techniques in makeup, hair, skin, and nail care.
• Strong Career Support: Placement assistance is offered for opportunities in premium salons, fashion events, and media, including backstage exposure at prestigious platforms such as Lakmé Fashion Week.
• Industry-Recognized Certifications: All programs are aligned with B&WSSC standards and include certifications recognized both nationally and internationally.
• Holistic Skill Development: Training also focuses on communication skills, confidence building, and overall personality enhancement.
• Expert-Led Training: Students benefit from guidance provided by experienced faculty and masterclasses conducted by renowned industry professionals.

Career Paths

• Makeup Artist: Bridal, fashion, media, and portfolio assignments
• Hair Stylist: Cutting, coloring, and styling services
• Nail Technician: Manicures, pedicures, and nail artistry

Industry Outlook

India’s beauty and wellness industry is expanding rapidly, driving significant demand for qualified professionals. Rising disposable income and the emergence of new brands continue to create strong employment opportunities in this sector.

In essence,Lakmé Academy combines Aptech’s training expertise with Lakmé’s brand leadership to deliver skill-based, career-oriented programs that prepare students for long-term success in the dynamic beauty and wellness industry.

Arena Animation Franchise: Training for Careers in Digital Media

Arena Animation offers practical, industry-focused training in 2D/3D Animation, VFX, Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, and Game Development. The institute helps students build careers in India’s fast-growing digital media industry by teaching skills like character animation, storytelling, and real-time production. With hands-on projects, portfolio building, and modern software training, Arena turns creative talent into job-ready professionals for OTT, gaming, advertising, and digital studios.

Core Focus Areas

• Broadcast & Motion Graphics: Designing channel branding, title sequences, promos, and digital content.
• Graphic & Web Design: Digital art, web design, interactive media, and basic programming.
• Real-Time 3D & Game Development: Creating game worlds, assets, and gameplay using advanced tools and technology.

Key Strengths

• Practical training focused on portfolios and real studio workflows
• Use of modern, industry-standard software
• Placement support and industry connections

Who It’s For

• Creative individuals wanting to upskill or switch careers
• Anyone interested in roles at production houses, newsrooms, or digital studios

Key Growth Drivers for the Aptech Education Franchise in India in 2026

Aptech identifies 2026 as an important year for the expansion of skill-based education franchises, driven by the following factors:

• Rapid Growth of the AVGC Industry: India’s Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector is expected to grow substantially, generating millions of jobs by 2030. Aptech’s brands,MAAC and Arena Animation,play a central role in meeting this demand through specialized programs in 3D Animation, VFX, Game Design, and Digital Content Creation.
• Expanding Beauty & Wellness Market: The beauty and wellness industry is experiencing strong growth, leading to increased demand for trained professionals. Lakmé Academy powered by Aptech, in collaboration with Lakmé Lever Pvt. Ltd., is the primary franchise addressing this segment.
• Technology-Enabled Learning: Aptech incorporates advanced, future-ready curricula, including AI and generative AI tools, to equip students with globally relevant skills.
• Established Franchise Model: With decades of experience, Aptech offers a proven franchise system that supports rapid expansion and operational scalability. The organization was awarded “Franchisor of the Year” in the Vocational & Skill Development Training category at the 21st Franchise Awards 2025.
• Strong Focus on Industry Needs: Aptech provides job-oriented courses, placement assistance, and industry exposure to help bridge the gap between academic training and employer expectations.

Top Brands Driving Market Growth in India in 2026

Aptech’s Contribution to India’s Skill Development Landscape

Aptech plays a significant role in strengthening India’s skill ecosystem through a broad portfolio of education and training brands. Its well-established franchise model enables rapid expansion both within India and internationally.

• Media & Entertainment (MAAC and Arena): Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity (MAAC India) and Arena Animation are leading institutions in animation, VFX, gaming, and multimedia training. Their focus supports India’s ambition to become a global content creation hub,an industry expected to reach $26 billion by 2030.
• Beauty & Wellness (Lakmé Academy): Through Lakmé Academy powered by Aptech, the company actively contributes to the growing beauty and wellness sector, offering specialized, job-oriented training programs.
• IT, Aviation, and Allied Sectors: Aptech’s additional brands cover essential areas such as IT skills, data engineering, aviation, hospitality, and finance. These programs address diverse industry requirements and help bridge critical skill gaps.

Aptech’s Modern Franchise Approach for the 2026 Skill Economy

In 2026, the education landscape is increasingly shaped by skill-focused and technology-enabled franchise models that blend innovation with hands-on learning. Aptech’s model stands out through:

• Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Programs are regularly updated to keep pace with emerging fields such as AI/ML, Generative AI, and cybersecurity. Therefore, ensuring alignment between industry requirements and talent readiness.
• Strong Scalability: The franchise structure enables swift expansion and allows Aptech to extend its reach across diverse regions of the country.
• Training Focused on Outcomes: Aptech emphasizes practical skill development supported by placement assistance, workshops, and real-world project experience to enhance employability.

Aptech’s excellence in this domain was acknowledged at the 2025 Franchise Awards. Further, where it received the title ‘Franchisor of the Year’in the Vocational & Skill Development Training category, reaffirming the robustness of its franchise model.

Overview of Aptech’s Social Impact and Key Challenges

Aptech’s franchise model has made a meaningful social contribution. This is by improving skill development, employability, and digital literacy across India and other emerging markets. Its wide network delivers accessible, industry-focused training in IT, animation, multimedia, and related fields, including in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. However, its examination services division has also faced scrutiny.

Positive Social Contributions • Bridging the Skills Gap: Aptech helps meet the demand for skilled IT professionals. In short, by offering vocational training in high-growth areas such as IT, multimedia, and animation.

• Enhancing Employability:Curriculums are updated regularly to include AI, cloud computing, data analytics, and other modern skills. Industry-recognized certifications and placement support further strengthen job readiness.
• Wider Access to Education:With over 810 centers worldwide, Aptech makes quality training accessible to diverse learners, including underserved communities through scholarships.
• Supporting Economic Growth: By developing a digitally skilled workforce, Aptech contributes to national digital-transformation goals.
• Promoting Entrepreneurship: The franchise model empowers local entrepreneurs and creates employment at the community level.

Challenges and Concerns • Examination Irregularities: Between 2022 and 2025, Aptech faced legal challenges and public criticism related to alleged irregularities in its exam-conducting services, impacting its reputation.

• Commercial Focus: As a for-profit enterprise, many social initiatives also serve business objectives, such as beginner courses that lead to higher-value programs.

Conclusion:

Aptech’s brands are set to integrate AI-enabled learning, immersive AR/VR classrooms, and expanded global partnerships. This emerging skill boom is not only about employment, but it is also about preparing a future-ready workforce.

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.