Diploma in Food & Beverage Service: Course, Admission 2025, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Career Scope

Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content
Diploma in Food & Beverage (F&B) Service course is a specialised vocational course designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills for the bustling hospitality and food service industry. Diploma in F&B service courses typically last 6 months to 1.5 years, focusing on the operational aspects of serving food and beverages, covering everything from customer service, table setting, and menu knowledge to bar operations and hygiene standards.
The curriculum covers various topics, including an introduction to the hospitality industry, various food and beverage service operations, guest handling, basic mixology, wine knowledge, banquet operations, and fundamental cost control.
To be eligible, candidates generally need to have passed their 10+2 (Class 12th) examination with a minimum of 40 to 50 percent marks, though some specialised certificate courses might accept Class 10th. English proficiency is highly in demand, given the customer-facing nature of the role.
While many diploma courses rely on merit-based admission (10+2 marks), some premier institutions, particularly the Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs), may consider scores from national-level entrance exams like NCHMCT JEE, IIHM eCHAT, AIMA UGAT, or CUET.
Top colleges offering this diploma include prominent IHMs such as IHM Pusa, Chennai, and Mumbai, MSU, SVSU, and AIMS Institutes.
Diploma F&B service career opportunities in hotels, resorts, restaurants, cruise lines, airlines, catering companies, and event management firms. Common job roles include Food and Beverage Steward, Restaurant Captain, Bartender, Banquet Server, and F&B Supervisor. The average starting salary in India typically ranges from INR 1.5 LPA to INR 3.5 LPA, with significant potential for growth to INR 4 LPA to INR 8 LPA or more with experience and advancement into supervisory or managerial positions.
Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Course Details: Highlights
The F&B service sector in India is experiencing rapid growth, constantly generating new employment opportunities. This skill-based education provides hands-on training, making graduates job-ready for a dynamic and diverse work environment that encourages interaction with people from various cultures.
Below are the course highlights to have a quick review:
Particulars |
Details |
---|---|
Course Name |
Diploma in Food and Beverage Service |
Course Level |
Diploma / Certificate Level |
Duration |
1 – 1.5 Years (varies by institute) |
Eligibility |
Class 10th or 12th Pass (depending on institute requirements) |
Admission Process |
Merit-based / Entrance Test / Interview |
Top Institutes |
IHMs (India), NCHMCT-affiliated colleges, private hotel management schools |
Course Mode |
Full-Time / Offline (some institutes may offer blended learning) |
Main Subjects Covered |
F&B Service Operations, Hygiene, Beverage Studies, Customer Service |
Skills Developed |
Communication, Service Etiquette, Bartending, Menu Knowledge, Teamwork |
Career Options |
Steward, F&B Associate, Bartender, Captain, Barista, Cruise Staff |
Starting Salary |
INR 1.5 – INR 3.5 LPA |
Further Study Options |
Advanced Diploma / BHM / Specialisation in Bar Management or Culinary Arts |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Diploma in Food and Beverages Services courses are benificial for students who interested in a career in hospitality industry, specially in areas such as hotels, restaurants, and bars. The course provide helps in developing crucial customer service skills like food and beverage trends and standards. It also offers career growth in various sectors of the hospitality industry.
Read out the below points to know more about why pursue Diploma in Food and Beverages Service course:
- The course focus on practical experiences, allowing students to gain industrial skills in areas such as food serving, preparations, and beverage services. Major focus in on skills like relationship management, communication skills.
- You learn about food and beverage trends, service standards, operational protocols, and industry best practices.
- You can work at various roles in the hospitality sector, from front-of-house staff to management positions in hotels, restaurants, and other establishments.
- Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Eligibility and Admissions
- Top Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Entrance Exams
- Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Syllabus
- Popular Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Colleges
- Popular Private Diploma in Food & Beverage Service Colleges in India
- Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Recruiters
- Diploma in Food and Beverage Service FAQs
- Most Popular Courses
- Popular Diploma in Food & Beverage Service UG Courses
- Popular Diploma in Food & Beverage Service PG Courses
Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Eligibility and Admissions
Here is an explanation of the requirements for admission into Diploma Food and Beverages courses:
Particulars |
Details |
---|---|
Eligibility Check |
- Must have passed Class 10 or Class 12 (depending on institute criteria) - Minimum age: Usually 16–25 years |
Choose Institute |
- Select from government institutes (like IHMs) or private hospitality schools |
Application Form |
- Fill out the application form online/offline through the institute's portal or admission desk |
Admission Criteria |
Admission can be based on: • Merit (Class 10/12 marks) • Entrance Exam (some IHMs or top private colleges) • Interview/Screening (to assess communication, grooming, motivation) |
Document Verification |
Submit required documents: • Mark sheets • ID Proof • Passport-size photos • Birth certificate or age proof |
Admission Confirmation |
- Pay admission fees - Receive admission letter / confirmation email |
Orientation & Course Start |
- Attend induction/orientation session - Begin academic & practical training |
The primary eligibility criteria for Diploma in Food and Beverage Service course is the completed 10+2 from a recognised board with minimum 50 to 60 percent aggregate marks. Moreover, many institutions can also prefer students with a good proficiency in English.
While some colleges can ask for specific subjects such as English or a science-related subject (for courses such as Dietetics & Nutrition)
Yes, there are internships available after completing a Diploma in F&B courses. In fact, many Diploma courses in this filed include an internship as a mandatory or highly recommended part of the curriculum to practical experineces.
Top Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Entrance Exams
There are no such entrance exam requirements for admission into diploma courses in Food and Beverage Service. However, some institutes may ask for the scores gained in these exams. Some of the common exams for Diploma in Food and Beverage courses are:
Exam Name |
Exam Dates |
Exam Schedule |
---|---|---|
NCHMCT JEE 2026 |
Apr '26 (Tentative) |
|
CUET 2025 |
13 May ' 25 - 03 Jun ' 25 |
|
MAH HM CET 2026 |
28 Mar '25 (Tentative) |
|
Christ University Entrance Test 2026 |
Jan '26 (Tentative) |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.
Important Exam Dates
Dates | Past Exam Dates |
---|---|
To Be Notified | Oberoi STEP 2025 Counselling |
To Be Notified | Oberoi STEP 2025 Exam |
To Be Notified | Last Day to fill Oberoi STEP 2025 Application Form |
23 Jun ' 25 | NCHMCT JEE 2025 Final Merit List |
17 Jun ' 25 | Declaration of vacancy after 2nd round |
8 Mar ' 25 | SAT Test March 2025 Date |
25 Feb ' 25 | SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a... |
May '25 | MAH HMCT CET 2025 Result TENTATIVE |
7 May ' 25 | MAH BHMCT CET 2025 Final Answer Key |
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Counselling Start TENTATIVE |
Jun '24 | CT SET 2024 Result TENTATIVE |
As Diploma in Food and Beverage Service courses are available in top institutes like IHM Delhi and Mumbai and other reputable institutes, hence you can sit for entrance exams like NCHMCT JEE, CUET and IIHM eCHAT. However, admissions in Diploma courses are commonly accepted on the basis of merit scores also.
Here are some common exams for Diploma in Food and Beverages courses:
Exam Name | Exam Schedule |
---|---|
NCHMCT JEE 2026 | |
CUET 2025 | |
MAH HM CET 2026 | |
Christ University Entrance Test 2026 |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.
Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Syllabus
The Diploma in Food and Beverage Service course is divided into three semesters, each focusing on core areas such as restaurant operations, beverage knowledge, service techniques, and guest management. With a balanced combination of theory and hands-on training, the curriculum prepares students to meet industry standards and excel in diverse food and beverage service roles across hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, and event venues.
Semester 1 |
|
---|---|
Food & Beverage Terminology |
Types of Services |
Basics of Restaurant Operations |
Hygiene & Sanitation Practices |
Semester 2 |
|
Beverage Studies |
Food & Beverage Control |
Menu Planning & Designing |
Guest Handling Techniques |
Semester 3 |
|
Advanced Service Techniques |
Bar Operations & Mixology |
Customer Relationship Management |
Sales Promotion in F&B |
The main subjects in Diploma courses of Food and Beverage Service are:
- Food Preparation
- Beverage Service
- Restaurant Management
- Customer Service
- Hygiene and food safety practices
- Basic accounting principles
- Business communication and computer applications
Diploma in Food and Beverage service duration is 1 to 1.6 years and its syllabus is divided into 2 or 3 semester. The syllabus covers important topics such as Food & Beverage Operations, Customer Service, Bar Operations, and Restaurant Management.
Popular Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Colleges
There are more than 150 colleges in India that are offering Diploma courses for Food and Beverages specialisations, with private colleges being around 67 and government-owned colleges being 36 in number. The following section covers these colleges separately:
Best Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Government Colleges
When considering a Diploma in Food and Beverages course in India, students often evaluate various factors, with tuition fees being a significant one. The Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs), renowned for their hospitality education, offer such diploma programs with varying fee structures across different locations.
Here are some of the popular government colleges for these courses:
College |
Tuition Fees |
---|---|
IHM Delhi - Institute of Hotel Management, Catering & Nutrition |
INR 50,000 |
Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Mumbai |
INR 50,000 |
Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Lucknow |
INR 19,000 |
IHM Chennai - Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition |
INR 27,360 |
INR 36,650 |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Best Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Private Colleges
Below is the listt of tuition fees at some notable institutions offering hotel management programs in India, including Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management, IMS Institutes, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, and IIMT University.
College |
Tuition Fees |
---|---|
INR 1.33 L |
|
NA |
|
INR 46,000 |
|
INR 1.05 L |
|
INR 75,000 - 1.48 L |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Here are some popular Diploma in Food and Beverage service government colleges:
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Below are the popular private colleges offering Diploma in Food and Beverages service colleges in India:
College | Tuition Fees |
---|---|
INR 1.33 L | |
NA | |
INR 46,000 | |
INR 1.05 L | |
INR 75,000 - 1.48 L |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Popular Private Diploma in Food & Beverage Service Colleges in India
Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Recruiters
Graduates can pursue roles that range from entry-level service positions to supervisory and specialised roles in restaurants, hotels, resorts, and cruise lines. These roles not only offer practical, customer-facing experience but also make the way for career growth in the food and beverage management industry. Below is a list of popular job profiles, their core responsibilities, and average salary packages:
Job Profile |
Job Description |
Average Salary |
---|---|---|
Steward / Waiter |
Serves food and beverages in restaurants or hotels; manages table settings and orders. |
INR 1.5 – INR 2.5 LPA |
F&B Service Associate |
Handles guest service in F&B outlets; takes orders, serves, and ensures customer satisfaction. |
INR 2 – INR 3.5 LPA |
Captain / Head Waiter |
Supervises junior wait staff; manages table allocations and guest requests. |
INR 2.5 – INR 4 LPA |
Bartender |
Prepares and serves alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages; manages the bar counter. |
INR 2.5 – INR 4.5 LPA |
Room Service Attendant |
Delivers food and beverages to guest rooms; ensures accuracy and hygiene. |
INR 1.8 – INR 3 LPA |
Banquet Server |
Works at large events/weddings; sets up banquet halls and serves guests. |
INR 2 – INR 3 LPA |
Barista |
Prepares coffee and related beverages; maintains cleanliness and customer interaction. |
INR 1.8 – INR 3 LPA |
F&B Supervisor |
Oversees F&B operations; manages staff, inventory, and guest experience. |
INR 3.5 – INR 5 LPA |
Restaurant Host/Hostess |
Greets guests, manages reservations and table assignments, ensures smooth flow. |
INR 2 – INR 3.5 LPA |
Cruise Line Staff (F&B) |
Provides F&B services onboard cruise ships; international exposure & service standards. |
INR 4 – INR 7 LPA (tips included) |
Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.
Diploma in Food and Beverage Service Top Recruiters
Renowned companies in both the hospitality and corporate sectors actively recruit F&B professionals for roles in service operations, supply chain, customer experience, and product management. Here are the top recruiters where candidates of Diploma in Food and Beverage Service are required:
Top Recruiters for Food and Beverages Graduates |
||
---|---|---|
Pearl Drinks Ltd. |
Coca-Cola India | Pepsico India Holdings |
Amazon | Flipkart | HCL |
Myntra | TCS | IBM |
Hector Beverages |
Bacardi India Private Limited | Red Bull India Pvt. Ltd |
Below are the some common jobs that graduates can pursue after completing Diploma in Food and Beverage service courses:
Job Profile | Average Salary |
---|---|
Steward / Waiter | INR 1.5 – INR 2.5 LPA |
F&B Service Associate | INR 2 – INR 3.5 LPA |
Captain / Head Waiter | INR 2.5 – INR 4 LPA |
Bartender | INR 2.5 – INR 4.5 LPA |
Room Service Attendant | INR 1.8 – INR 3 LPA |
Banquet Server | INR 2 – INR 3 LPA |
Barista | INR 1.8 – INR 3 LPA |
F&B Supervisor | INR 3.5 – INR 5 LPA |
Restaurant Host/Hostess | INR 2 – INR 3.5 LPA |
Cruise Line Staff (F&B) | INR 4 – INR 7 LPA (tips included) |
Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.
Below are the top recruiters for Diploma in Food and Beverage candidates:
- Hotel Chains and Resorts: Luxury Hotels like Taj, Hyatt, and Shangri-La
- Major Hotel Groups: Brands like Radisson, Ramada, and Park Plaza
- Independent Hotels: Small boutique hotels and resorts
- Cruise Lines: Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line
- International Food Companies: Companies like Unilever, Nestle, and Cadbury
- Government Organisations like National Agriculture Food Analysis Research Centre
Food and beverage service, which is also known as F&B service, refers to offering dining or drinks to customers. If you seek to work in hospitality, then you might be considering a management career in F&B service, or you might be looking at roles where you would need a good understanding of the F&B industry.
Diploma in Food and Beverage Service FAQs
Here are the commonly asked FAQs for Diploma in Food and Beverage service courses:
Diploma in Food and Beverage service candidates are highly in demand in the hospitality and tourism sectors including, hotels, restaurants, cruise lines, and airlines. Specific job roles with high demand include chefs, bartenders, restaurant managers, and food and beverage managers.
Some certificate and Diploma courses that candidates can pursue as part of the Food and Beverage Service field are:
- Certificate in Food and Beverage Service
- Certificate in Bar Management
- Diploma in Hotel Management
- Diploma in Food and Beverage Management
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Diploma in Food & Beverage (F&B) Service is basically a specialised course that focuses on knowledge and skills required for functioning in food and beverage industry. It trains students with practical skills to prepare, present, and serve food and beverages in various hospitality setting such as restaurants, hotels, and cruise ships.