How To Become A Chef In India: A Step-By-Step Career Guide – News18

Last Updated:March 13, 2025, 10:37 IST

While a formal degree is not strictly mandatory, taking specialized culinary training will give you the skills needed to become a professional chef.

If you are gourmet and have an appetite for cooking then a career as a chef could be both creatively fulfilling and financially rewarding. The culinary industry in India is rapidly growing, with a high demand for skilled chefs capable of blending rich regional traditions and modern fusion trends. If you are looking to pursue your passion for food and cooking as a profession then this career guide can help you to navigate the various paths to becoming a chef in India.

Whether you’re drawn to the art of creating exquisite dishes, managing a kitchen, or exploring innovative food trends, this guide will provide you with the essential steps, qualifications, and skills you need to succeed.

Who Is A Chef And What Skills Are Required?

A chef is responsible for cooking, preparing food, and overseeing the kitchen staff. It’s a profession that requires more than just cooking skills; it demands leadership, organization, creativity, and technical knowledge. To be successful, a chef needs a combination of formal training and on-the-job experience to master the art of cooking and kitchen management.

Eligibility Criteria To Become A Chef

While a formal degree is not strictly mandatory, taking specialized culinary training will give you the skills needed to become a professional chef. Generally, candidates need to have completed their 10+2 education before applying for culinary or hotel management courses. Some institutes also offer certification or diploma courses to candidates who have completed their 10th standard education.

Entrance Exams You Can Take To Become Chef

For certain chef training programs, candidates may need to clear entrance exams. Popular exams like the NCHM JEE (National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Examination) provide entry into various hotel management and culinary courses. By qualifying for these exams, you can gain admission to top institutions offering specialized training in culinary arts.

Courses To Become A Chef

To start a career as a chef, you need to pursue relevant educational qualifications. There are various courses that provide foundational knowledge and practical experience to make you a skilled culinary professional:

Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) in Culinary Arts: This undergraduate course offers in-depth knowledge of food preparation, kitchen management, and hospitality services. It typically lasts for three years.

BSc in Hospitality and Hotel Management: This program covers various aspects of the hospitality industry, including food and beverage services, human resources, and nutrition. It’s a three-year full-time course.

BSc in Catering Science and Hotel Management: This three-year undergraduate course focuses on catering operations, food management, and hotel administration, which can be ideal for aspiring chefs.

Certification in Food Production and Patisserie: A shorter, specialized course in food production and baking, this certification helps build practical culinary skills in food preparation and dessert making.

PG Diploma in Culinary Arts: For individuals with prior experience in the culinary field, this postgraduate diploma provides specialized training in advanced cooking techniques.

BA in Culinary Arts: This three-year degree program delves deeper into the culinary world, equipping students with skills to meet contemporary food trends and operational demands.

Chef Certifications: Chef certifications can enhance your credibility and skills, making you more competitive in the job market. Certifications vary by specialization and skill level and can be a valuable asset as you progress in your culinary career.

How To Become A Chef In India?

Becoming a chef in India involves a series of steps, each contributing to the development of skills required for a successful culinary career. Here’s an overview of the process:

Complete 10+2 Education: A 10+2 pass is typically the minimum requirement for most chef training programs. After finishing school, you can pursue specialized culinary courses or hotel management degrees.

Choose a Relevant Course: Whether it’s a diploma in culinary arts, a degree in hotel management, or a more specialized course, selecting the right program is essential to build your foundation in the culinary industry.

Gain Hands-on Experience: Experience is key in this field. Many aspiring chefs start by working as apprentices or kitchen assistants, learning directly under experienced chefs. Practical exposure helps you sharpen your cooking skills and learn kitchen management techniques.

Start Your Career in the Food Sector: Once you’ve completed your training, you can start your career in various settings, such as hotels, restaurants, catering businesses, or even food-related startups.

Top Culinary Colleges In India

Institute Of Hotel Management (IHM) Delhi

IHM Delhi was established in the year 1962. The institute has been awarded as the best hotel management institute in the country consecutively for six times in a row by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The institute also has been the recipient of many such prestigious laurels over the years.

IHM Hyderabad

The Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition in Hyderabad was established in 1972 as the “Food Craft Institute (Hyderabad) Society” under the Andhra Pradesh Public Societies Act. The institute offers various degree and diploma courses including a 3-year Bachelor of Science Programme in Hospitality & Hotel Administration (B.Sc. – H&HA) and a 3-Year Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology.

Dr Ambedkar Institute Of Hotel Management, Catering And Nutrition, Chandigarh

AIHM was set up in the year 1990. It is one of the 21 Central IHMs set up by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India and affiliated to the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) to train young men and women to provide manpower for the hospitality industry.

IHM, Mumbai

Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition was founded in 1954. It offers various courses in hospitality and food production including BSc/ MSc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration and a Diploma in Bakery & Confectionery.

IHM, Kolkata

Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata is one of the premier hospitality institutions in Eastern India, under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Founded in 1962. The institute provides various short-term and long-term courses including Da iploma in Food And Beverage Service and Front Office Operations.