What is BCT & CA (Bachelor of Catering Technology and Culinary Arts): Full Form, Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Salary & Scope

Students who wish to pursue a profession in culinary arts frequently enroll in the Bachelor of Catering Technology and Culinary Arts, or BCT & CA, course. Aspirants are taught about cooking, food preparation, presentation, and serving etiquette in a BCT & CA course.

The BCT & CA course combines traditional culinary talents with cutting-edge catering technology. Aspirants can work as chefs at hotels, clubs, bars, restaurants, cruise ships, resorts, etc. after completing a BCT & CA course.

Also Read: Career in Catering 

Bachelor of Catering Technology and Culinary Arts, also known as BCT & CA or BCTCA, is well-liked by students who want to enter the culinary arts and train to be Chefs. The BCT & CA course lasts for three years in total, which is broken down into a total of six semesters.

Candidates receive training in all of the culinary arts and techniques during the BCT & CA course. The BCT & CA course teaches students all about food and culinary methods used in a professional setting, including food preparation, cooking, presentation, and serving. Students who enroll in this course gain proficiency in the knowledge and methods needed for food preparation as well as for assuring appropriate serving and presentation in a professional setting.

Here are some of the primary advantages of studying catering courses: 

• Detailed Training: Catering courses encompass a wide range of topics, including training in culinary arts, menu planning, food presentation, and kitchen management. In the culinary and hospitality industries, you'll pick up a variety of skills that apply to a wide range of jobs.
• Career Possibilities: Completing a catering course may open up a range of job possibilities. As a chef, caterer, event coordinator, restaurant manager, etc., you can start your own catering business.
• Creativity: The procedures used in catering for menu development and food presentation can be quite inventive. If you have a passion for creating unique and beautiful dishes, catering might be a fulfilling career choice.
• Entrepreneurship: Enrolling in one of the various courses that cover business and marketing concepts can be beneficial if you want to launch your own catering company. You'll learn how to build a budget, determine prices, and manage a profitable business.

Culinary Arts offer a unique opportunity for creating visually appealing and delicious dishes. You can experiment with flavors, textures, and presentations as a Chef. The hospitality industry is expanding and offering a variety of career options in restaurants, hotels, resorts, catering companies, cruise ships, even television shows, etc.

You may make your passion for food into a career by working in catering. Whether you work for a restaurant, hotel, or resort or you launch your own business, for instance as a personal chef or home-based caterer, there are many professions in which you can demonstrate your culinary abilities. After completing the course, the students can earn an average salary ranging between INR 4 LPA to 6 LPA. 

After Class 12, candidates can pursue Culinary Arts course at different levels at UG, PG and Diploma, etc.

You can opt from a range of courses irrespective of your stream in Class 12.

But, the minimum requirement is to pass Class 12 with minimum 50%. Some colleges may also require English subject scores.

The long term security for Bachelor of Catering Technology (BCT) and Culinary Arts (CA) graduates highly depends on their ability to adapt to evolving trends. In the culinary field, the fundamental human need for food and beverage services ensures a degree of stability. However, automation can impact certain tasks, the artistics and creative aspects of cooking remain irreplaceable. Hence, if you adapt to this evolution then there are higher chances that you can sustain for 10 or more years. 

No, if you wish to pursue a Culinary Arts course, you are just required to pass Class 12, irrespective of your stream, with a minimum of 50% aggregate score from a recognised board. Also, there are some after Class 10 diplomas and certification courses that only need Class 10. 

The Master of Culinary Arts (MCA) or Master of Fine Arts in Culinary Arts (MFA) is normally the highest degree offered in the culinary arts. Experienced chefs and culinary experts who want to further specialise in their field, develop their culinary abilities, and gain a deeper understanding of culinary theory, innovation, and administration may consider these advanced degree programs. 
Master's programs in Culinary Arts frequently require students to do a sizable culinary project in addition to their coursework. Examples of these projects include designing a one-of-a-kind menu, inventing a new culinary technique, or performing original research on the subject. These programmes might also provide chances for industry partnerships, externships, or internships to obtain real-world experience and networking possibilities at the pinnacle of the culinary business. Check Master of Fine Arts Course.

Hi, admission for BSc Culinary Arts generally depends on a merit basis. However, some colleges accept entrance exam scores like CUET, LPU NEST, IIHM eCHAT, CUCET, etc. It is advisable to visit the official site of your desired college for accurate details.

Popular specializations that you may choose in Culinary arts include:

You'll get a plenty of Culinary Arts specialisations to choose from. Here are some popular specialisations:

• Bakery & Confectionery
• Culinary Management
• Food Production Courses
• Indian Cuisine & Culture
• Global Cuisine & Gastronomy
• Bartending
• Dietetics

Hi, there are around 65 BSc in Culinary Arts colleges in India. You can find some popular options from the table below:

Note: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.

Some of the job profiles after Bachelor of Catering Technology and Culinary Arts are:

Executive Chef - An executive chef is in charge of overseeing the activities in the kitchen, assuring the quality of the food cooked, and adhering to safety regulations. Additionally, he or she is in charge of training the new hires.

Assistant Chef - An Assistant Chef's primary responsibility is to support a Senior Chef. They are in charge of cooking, experimenting with recipes, supplying ingredients, and assisting with kitchen organisation and cleanliness.

Catering Manager- The catering manager is in charge of directing the operations of the catering division. In addition to working on food menus, they must interact with customers, ensuring the best cuisine is served, and boost customer happiness.

Students of the Bachelor of Catering Technology and Culinary Arts (BCT & CA) are hired as trainee chefs and they work under experienced chefs and staff to learn the skills. Some of the top areas of employment for BCT & CA graduates include:

• Hotels
• Resorts
• Restaurants
• Catering Firms
• Cafeterias
• Cruise Liners
• Bars & Clubs etc.

Bachelor of Catering Technology and Culinary Arts (BCT & CA) has many advantages. Candidates who enrol in the programme have significant employment possibilities as well as the option of pursuing further study in the same area. 

• A BCT and CA graduate has the option of starting their own firm or working for one of the reputable organisations in the sector.
• These people have a wide range of employment options, including Executive Chef, Assistant Chef, Catering Manager, and Food Executive.
• They can earn an average salary ranging between INR 5 LPA to 8 LPA.
• The graduates can work in big hotels, including the Taj Group of Hotels, Marriott International, Inc., ITC Group of Hotels, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels, etc.

Here is the salary information for various roles after pursuing BHMCT or BCT & BA courses:

Note: This information is sourced from multiple sources on the web. Hence, is subject to vary. 

There are more than 450 Culinary Arts colleges in India, of which, around 255 are private and 77 are government institutions. These colleges offer full time, part-time, distance, and online Culinary Arts courses. Here are some popular Culinary Arts colleges in India options for you:

Note: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.