Ustad Ilmas Hussain Khan received training from his father, Ustad Afaque Hussain Khan, and grandfather, Ustad Wajid Hussain Khan, at the age of 7. He pursued Sangeet Prabhakar & Sangeet Praveen from Prayag Sangeet Samiti. He received honours Taal-Mani in 1982, Rashtriya Yuva in 1986 and is a top-grade artist on All India Radio.

He is a versatile musician who is equally at ease with giving solo performances and providing accompaniment for vocal, instrumental music, and kathak dance. Ilmas Khan has performed at many venues.