IIHM hosts 12th edition of YCO 2026
March 2, 2026: The 12th edition of the International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) 2026, held in several Indian cities with its conclusion in Kolkata, hosted by IIHM, accommodated student chefs from 40 different countries. YCO is positioned as a “learning laboratory on a global scale.”
For students at IIHM, this is not an external event that they observe from the sidelines. It is a learning-by-doing experience that impacts their confidence, competence, and career orientation. Secondly, YCO 2026 was not organized merely as a competition to earn medals but was structured as “An education system that happens to compete”, according to IIHM Founder-Chairman Dr. Suborno Bose.
Every aspect of the Olympiad—from kitchen challenges to AI-driven culinary research, global MOUs to masterclasses—was designed around one question: How does this add to student learning? The Olympiad opened in Bengaluru and journeyed through Delhi, Pune, Goa, Hyderabad, and Kolkata—making India a global campus for culinary education.
The Top 10 finalists came
IIHM hosts 12th edition of YCO 2026
March 2, 2026: The 12th edition of the International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) 2026, held in several Indian cities with its conclusion in Kolkata, hosted by IIHM, accommodated student chefs from 40 different countries. YCO is positioned as a “learning laboratory on a global scale.”
For students at IIHM, this is not an external event that they observe from the sidelines. It is a learning-by-doing experience that impacts their confidence, competence, and career orientation. Secondly, YCO 2026 was not organized merely as a competition to earn medals but was structured as “An education system that happens to compete”, according to IIHM Founder-Chairman Dr. Suborno Bose.
Every aspect of the Olympiad—from kitchen challenges to AI-driven culinary research, global MOUs to masterclasses—was designed around one question: How does this add to student learning? The Olympiad opened in Bengaluru and journeyed through Delhi, Pune, Goa, Hyderabad, and Kolkata—making India a global campus for culinary education.
The Top 10 finalists came from Albania, England, Sri Lanka, India, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Nepal, Malaysia, and the Philippines, demonstrating the breadth and depth of participation.
IIHM integrated Artificial Intelligence in hospitality education through:
• AI-driven Culinary Heritage Dossiers
• Country-specific Culinary Heritage GPTs
• AI-driven recipe optimisation tools
• The AI-LEAP (AI Literacy Education Acceleration Program) framework
Rather than replace traditional skills, AI was positioned to augment creativity, preserve heritage, and enhance efficiency. IIHM students are thus exposed to a great professional advantage due to the mentors that they come across at a tender age.
During YCO week, Global MOUs were signed by IIHM with institutions in 34 countries under the Global Culinary Knowledge Declaration.
The Olympiad may be over, but for the IIHM students, their path to becoming global leaders starts now.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 9 months ago
IIHM Siliguri emphasizes hands-on training and practical experience through its curriculum, events, and internships. IIHM has connections with international hotels and hospitality brands, facilitating placements in various locations. While IIHM is known for international placements, some reviews sug
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 9 months ago
International Institute of Hotel Management, Siliguri has top-notch infrastructure, which is equipped with all the necessary amenities. The institute includes labs, a library, a medical facility, digital classrooms, a cafeteria, an auditorium, a conference hall, and others. The institute has a spect
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 9 months ago
The fee range for the BSc programme at International Institute of Hotel Management, Siliguri is INR 5.2 lakh. This information is sourced from official website/ sanctioning body and is subject to change. The fee cover various academic expenses like tuition fees, laboratory charges, examination fees,
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 9 months ago
Yes, BSc course is available at International Institute of Hotel Management. The institute offers BSc courses at the UG level. Candidate must meet the eligibility criteria to enrol for BSc course admission set by the college. Aspirants must pass Class 12 or equivalent examination with English as one
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 12 months ago
The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) appears to be a well-regarded institution, particularly in the field of hospitality management because:
Training & placement department works very well & proactive
IIHM strictly follows anti ragging forum which is very much needed for every studen
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Contributor-Level 7
What are the pros and cons of International Institute of Hotel Management, Siliguri?