Indian Cuisine and Culture: Courses, Admission 2025, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, Top Colleges, Syllabus and Job Profiles

Updated on Feb 26, 2025 05:32 IST
Pragati Singh

Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content

Indian Cuisine and Culture is a field in which aspirants are educated about the food history, different cuisines, and cultural details of the Indian subcontinent. It offers a window into one of the most varied and significant culinary cultures on the planet, allowing people to explore different types of tastes, spices, and preparation methods that make Indian food distinctive. In addition, the training fosters respect for India's history, customs, and social norms, which advances cultural competency and awareness.

This course is a part of the Hospitality and Travel stream. Most colleges only offer short-duration courses in this field. An Indian Cuisine and Culture degree also gives students useful information and abilities for professions in the culinary and hospitality industries, from becoming chefs and culinary instructors to cultural event planners, as Indian food continues to gain popularity worldwide.

Candidates can pursue Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma, and Certificate courses. Indian Cuisine and Culture course duration can vary from 3 years to 4 years, depending on the level of the program. Certificate Indian Cuisine and Culture courses may range from a few hours to 12 weeks. Some popular Indian Cuisine and Culture courses are Craftsmanship Course in Cookery, Certificate in Indian Cuisine, Certificate course Multi Cuisine Cook, Certificate in Intensive Culinary Arts, Certificate in Multi-Cuisine Chef, etc.

As part of this course, candidates are educated about maintaining inventory, cooking food items, developing communication and personality skills, performing quality checks, etc. These courses can be completed for a fee ranging between INR 10000 and INR 4 lakh.

Indian Cuisine and Culture Course Details: Highlights

Check out the table below to have a quick review of the Indian Cuisine and Culture course which entails everything about Indian food culture:

Particulars

Details

Indian Cuisine and Culture Course Level

UG, PG, and Diploma

Indian Cuisine and Culture Eligibility 

Diploma- Class 10

UG- Class 12 

PG- Graduation

Indian Cuisine and Culture Course Duration

2 - 3 years

Indian Cuisine and Culture Course Fees

INR 10000 - INR 8.2 lakh

Indian Cuisine and Culture Entrance Exams

URATPG 

Indian Cuisine and Culture Average Salary Up to INR 7.4 lakh 
Indian Cuisine and Culture Job Profiles Indian Chef, Culinary Instructor, Food Blogger, Restaurant Manager, etc.

Indian Cuisine and Culture Popular Colleges

IHM Mumbai, Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management, IHM Bangalore, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, PRSU, etc. 

Quick Links Related to Indian Cooking Classes:

List of IHMs in India: Rankings, Admissions and Courses 

Difference between Hotel Management & Hospitality Management

 
Q:   What is the Indian Cuisine and Culture Course?
A:

Indian cuisine and culture are all about India's food and traditions. Here, you explore different kinds of foods, ingredients, dishes, and different kinds and ways of cooking methods and cooking your meals. You also learn about the cultural importance people share with food.

Q:   Who should pursue this course?
A:

This course is typically for someone who is interested in cooking Indian food and exploring different cultures. If you want to pursue your passion as a profession, you can surely pursue the course, which will allow you to learn about different ingredients, cuisines, food, etc.

It is also great for those looking to advance their career in culinary arts and hospitality.

 

Q:   Is Indian cuisine and culture course tough?
A:

In my opinion, it depends on your interest choice and background. If you are new to cooking you might face some challenges while pursuing this course but if you are eager to learn everything you will grasp everything very easily.

Generally, when you admit to a course, instructors guide you and teach you everything so initially you will learn everything if you are dedicated towards your course.

Q:   Do courses on Indian Cuisine and Culture actually exist in India?
A:

Yes, there are courses on Indian cuisine and culture in India that can be offered at various levels like UG, PG and Certificate. Renowned university like Manipal University offeres MA in Indian cuisine and culture. 

While popular certificate courses include Certificate in Indian Cuisine, Certificate in Multi Cuisine Cook, and Certificate in Intensive Culinary Arts. 

 
Table of content
  • Indian Cuisine and Culture Eligibility Criteria
  • Indian Cuisine and Culture Admission Process
  • Indian Cuisine and Culture Entrance Exams
  • Indian Cuisine and Culture Syllabus
  • Popular Colleges for Indian Cuisine & Culture
  • Popular Private Indian Cuisine & Culture Colleges in India
  • Indian Cuisine and Culture Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
  • Indian Cuisine and Culture FAQs
  • Popular Indian Cuisine & Culture UG Courses
  • Popular Indian Cuisine & Culture PG Courses
View More

Indian Cuisine and Culture Eligibility Criteria

Candidates are eligible to pursue a course in Indian Cuisine and Culture if they have cleared their Class 10 from a recognised board. Some colleges also specify additional eligibility criteria for Indian Cuisine and Culture courses wherein it is required that aspirants should have studied English at the school level. 

Students can have a look at the table below to know the eligibility of different courses for Indian Food Cooking classes:

Course

Fees Eligibility
BA Rs.3 Lakhs (1st Year Fees) 10+2
BHM Rs. 3.68 Lakhs (1st Year Fees) 10+2
MHM Rs.2.6 Lakhs (1st Year Fees) Graduation with 50%
M.Sc Rs.1.7 Lakhs (1st Year Fees) Graduation with 50%
M.A Rs.3 Lakhs (1st Year Fees) Graduation with 50%

India Food Culture and Traditions Related Information:

Hospitality Diploma Courses After 12th: Courses, Duration, Career Opportunities

Q:   What are the eligibility criteria to pursue Indian Cuisine and culture Course?
A:

The eligibility criteria to pursue Indian cuisine and culture courses can vary depending on the institution offering the course, however, some common criteria may include:

Students can have a look at the table below to know the eligibility of different courses:

Course

FeesEligibility
BARs.3 Lakhs (1st Year Fees)10+2
BHMRs. 3.68 Lakhs (1st Year Fees)10+2
MHMRs.2.6 Lakhs (1st Year Fees)Graduation with 50%
M.ScRs.1.7 Lakhs (1st Year Fees)Graduation with 50%
M.ARs.3 Lakhs (1st Year Fees)Graduation with 50%
Q:   Is it necessary to have prior culinary experience for a background in the cooking profession?
A:

No prior colour experience is not necessarily required in Indian cuisine and culture or you can say in a cooking profession, especially for a beginner course,   

Some colleges and courses are designed with no experience required and also there are many institutions that require no experience for admissions, however, having some basic skills might be good for your own good and can help you to grow faster in your course.

Q:   What is the minimum age requirement for enrolling in Indian Cuisine and Culture course?
A:

The minimum age requirement for enrolling in an Indian cuisine and culture course typically varies by institution. Most institutions and different courses require students to be at least 16 or 18 years old. However, some programs may accept younger students if they have parental consent.

I suggest you check with the specific institution offering the course for their exact age requirements. For more information, you can check the respective website for the instructions.

Q:   How do I become a Chef after 12th?
A:

If you want to become a Chef after 12th, then you should think of pursuing Culinary Arts course, like Diploma in Hotel Management or BHM with culinary arts specialisation, or BSc in Hospitality Management. These courses will build your foundation and provide you with necessary skills and knowledge required for this field. 

Indian Cuisine and Culture Admission Process

The Indian Cuisine & Culture course degree eligibility criteria can vary slightly depending on the country and the specific university. However, here is a general outline of common eligibility criteria for Indian Cuisine & Culture degree, particularly in India:

Here are the simplified steps for the Indian Cuisine & Culture admission process in India:

Find Institutions: Look for colleges that teach Indian Cuisine and Culture or Indian chef courses.

Check Requirements: See what you need to apply, like grades or cooking experience.

Fill Out Application: Complete the application form.

Submit Documents: Send in your school records, ID, personal statement, and any recommendation letters if needed.

Entrance Exam/Interview: Some schools might want you to take a test or have a chat.

Pay Application Fee: There’s usually a small fee for Indian cuisine cooking classes.

Wait for Results: Wait for the school to tell you if you got in.

Enrol: If accepted, follow the steps to enroll and pay tuition.

Indian Food and Culture-Related Information:

 

 

 

Q:   Can international students enrol in Indian Cuisine and Culture courses in India?
A:

Yes, international students can enrol in Indian cuisine and culture courses in India. Different institutions welcome students from abroad and offer programs that are specifically designed for them. However, international students need to check the specific admission requirements, visa regulations, and all the stuff that can be required for them to apply for a particular course. Some courses may have language requirements, so proficiency in English or Hindi might be a necessary topic or challenge depending on the program.

Q:   What educational background is required to enrol in the Indian Cuisine and Culture course?
A:

The educational background required to enrol in an Indian cuisine and culture course can vary by institution. Generally, many programs do not have strict educational requirements, but also some institutions require verification and admissions

So before applying for any Institution, you must check with the specific website for their requirements.

Q:   Which course is best to become a Chef?
A:

To become a chef courses, following courses are the best fit to make a career in this field:

 

Indian Cuisine and Culture Entrance Exams

To make a career in the field of Indian Cuisine and Culture, candidates need to have a customer-oriented approach and also possess a passion for cooking. Students need to clear the entrance exams to get admission to Indian Food courses:

Exam Name Registration Dates Exam Schedule
NCHMCT JEE 2025 27 Apr ' 25 NCHMCT JEE Exam 2025
CUET 2025 May ' 25 - Jun ' 25 (Tentative) CUET Exam Date 2025
UGAT 2025 14 Jun ' 25 UGAT Exam Date 2025
MAH HM CET 2025 28-Mar-2025 MAH HM CET Exam Date 2025
Christ University Entrance Test 2025 January'25 (Tentative) Christ University Entrance Test Exam Date 2025

Note: The information is sourced from official sites and may vary.

Relevant Links for South Indian Food Culture Course:

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
Q:   What are the eligibility criteria for admission to Indian cuisine and cultural studies programs?
A:

The eligibility for Indian cuisine and culture programs usually includes:

1. Age: 16 or 18+.

2. Education: High school Diploma preferred.

3. Interest: Genuine interest in the subject.

4. Language: English or Hindi proficiency may be needed.

5. Application: Apply, possibly with an interview.

Check specific institutions for more details.

Q:   What are some top colleges in India for studying Indian cuisine and culinary arts?
A:

Some top colleges in India for studying Indian cuisine and culinary arts include:

HM Mumbai,  Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration,  Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management,  IHM Bangalore,  Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute,  PRSU etc. 

Indian Cuisine and Culture Syllabus

The curriculum of an Indian Cuisine and Culture course may vary from one college to the other. This syllabus serves as a broad reference; academic institutions are free to modify it to their unique goals, available resources, and industrial relationships like there is a different curriculum for south Indian cooking courses.

Students enrolled in these programmes usually graduate with a theoretical understanding of Indian food as well as practical cooking and cultural appreciation skills for Indian food cooking lessons.

Some of the common topics that are taught in a Certificate course in Indian Food class are listed below:

Certificate Course in Multi Cuisine Cook (Indian Food Cooking Course)

Arranging For Food Resource & Main. Inventory Control

Ensuring Efficient Use of Resources Directing Kitchen Helper for Initial Preparation
Cooking Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Food Items Expediting and Ensuring Quality Control Interacting with Superiors and Colleagues
Customising Food Items as Per Customer Req.

Achieving Customer Satisfaction

Services and Facilities Specific
IPR and Copyright & Hygiene and Cleanliness

Indian Cuisine

Continental/ International Cuisine/ Oriental

East Indian Food Culture-Related Information:

Top 5 Hospitality Management Courses Offered by Five Star Hotels in India

 
Q:   What topics does the course typically cover?
A:

Different Courses in Indian cuisine and culinary arts cover different topics and portions, they are as follows:

1. Indian cooking techniques

2. Regional cuisines

3. Food safety and hygiene

4. Menu planning

5. Nutrition

6. Baking and pastry

7. Culinary management

These topics give a well-rounded foundation in cooking and kitchen management.

Q:   What is the relationship between Culture and Food in India?
A:

The Indian culinary or Indian food culture reflects the cultural diversity of the country, whether it's south indian food culture or east indian food culture. The term “Indian food” denotes variety of flavours from different parts of the country and showcases centuries of cultural exchange with the far various corners of the world.

Popular Colleges for Indian Cuisine & Culture

There are almost 27 Indian Cuisine & Culture colleges in India, out of which the division of colleges by ownership is privately owned are 15 and public/government owned are 6. Check out the table below for more details on Private and Government colleges for Indian Cuisine & Culture courses:

Popular Indian Cuisine & Culture Government Colleges

Some of the top government colleges for Indian Cuisine & Culture are:

College

Tuition Fees

Gujarat University

NA

IHM Shillong - Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition

NA

PRSU - Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University

INR 3.52 K

UNIRAJ - University of Rajasthan

INR 2.41 K

University of Jammu

NA 

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Online Indian Cooking Classes

Indian Culinary Academy Online Courses 2025

Top 10 Government Hotel Management Colleges in India 2025

Popular Indian Cuisine & Culture Private Colleges

Here are the popular Indian Cuisine and Culture private colleges in India that offer Indian cuisine courses:

College

Tuition Fees

Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal Academy of Higher Education

INR 3.8 L

School of Hospitality and Tourism Studies, Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Navi Mumbai

NA

UEI Global, Jaipur

NA

Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute

3 L

Pankaj Bhadouria Culinary Academy

NA 

National Finishing and Cookery Institute

NA

DRIEMS University

NA

Shri Krishna University

NA

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

 

3.8 L
11.75 LPA

#2 Outlook

Indian Cuisine & Culture Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
3 L
7 LPA
Q:   Are there scholarships available for students in these fields?
A:

Yes, there are scholarships available for students studying Indian cuisine and culinary arts. Different institutions offer their scholarships based on merit or financial need. And also Additionally, there are some external organizations and government programs/organisations that provide scholarships specifically for culinary students.

As per my suggestion, you must check with the specific college or university for more details.

Q:   What is the best country to study culinary?
A:

According to culinary experts, France is widely known for its culinary traditions and influence on cuisine worldwide. Plus, the country is also known for its culinary studies, which makes it a prime destination for aspiring chefs to know about the fundamentals of fine dining, and french cooking techniques. 

Popular Private Indian Cuisine & Culture Colleges in India

3.8 L
11.75 LPA

#2 Outlook

Indian Cuisine & Culture Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course

Indian Cuisine and Culture Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

With a variety of opportunities in the culinary and hospitality sectors, the career opportunities for those with experience in Indian cuisine and culture are broad and constantly growing. Graduates can work as culinary educators, food bloggers, Indian cuisine-focused chefs, or cultural event coordinators. Due to the widespread appeal of Indian cuisine, there are chances to work in Indian restaurants across the globe or launch culinary businesses that highlight the depth of Indian cuisine. 

Job Profiles After Indian Cuisine and Culture 

After completing an Indian Cuisine & Culture course aspirants can join hotels, restaurants, cruise liners, clubs, etc. Some popular Hotel management job profiles that aspirants can pursue after completing a course in Indian Cuisine & Culture are listed below: 

Job Profile

Description

Average Salary

Chef

In such a job profile, one is responsible for preparing meals, training kitchen staff, ordering supplies, planning menus, managing the kitchen budget, enforcing health and safety regulations and preserving food quality.

INR 5 LPA to 8 LPA

Food Stylist

In such a job profile one is responsible for preparing and presenting food in such a manner that it looks appealing to customers.

INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA

Catering Officer

In such a job profile, one is responsible for cutting, serving and presenting food as well as drinks at an event.

INR 5 LPA to 7 LPA

Note: The salary has been taken from external sources.

Indian Chef Career-Related Information:

Hotel Management Salary in India: Monthly, Fresher's Salary, India vs Abroad Salary

NCHMCT JEE 2025 Marks Vs Rank: Check Expected Cutoffs, Qualifying score, Tie-breaking Criteria

Recruiters for Indian Cuisine and Culture

The Indian Cuisine industry in India offers various job opportunities with a wide range of employers, including restaurants, hotels, catering companies, food production companies, and more. Here are some top recruiters for Indian cuisine and culture professionals in India:

Top Recruiters

The Taj Group of Hotels

Marriott International, Inc.

Hyatt Hotels

ITC Group of Hotels

The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts

Accor Hotels

Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts Group

Hilton Worldwide

Q:   What career opportunities are available after graduating from these colleges?
A:

You can pursue different career options after graduating from Indian Cuisine and Culture course, Here are some of the names through which you can get a idea of career scope:

1. Chef

2. Culinary Instructor

3. Food Stylist

4. Food Critic or Writer

5. Restaurant Manager

6. Catering Manager

7. Food Entrepreneur

These options vary based on your interests in the culinary field.

Q:   Does Indian Food Culture courses have scope in India?
A:

The demand for delicious Indian food is growing in India as well as abroad which is why it is initiating a scope of growth in the careers like Chefs and other food making related professions. Also the salary of a Chef is higher in Australia and USA than India.

Q:   What is the salary of a Chef in India?
A:

Below are the profiles for chefs in India with their salaries:

  • Junior chef: INR 17,338 per month
  • Entry-level chef: INR 22,797 per month
  • Assistant chef: INR 16,045 per month
  • Head chef: INR 24,157 per month
  • Sous chef: INR 33,772 per month
  • Personal chef: INR 37,00,000 per year

Indian Cuisine and Culture FAQs

Candidates can check below for Indian Cuisine and Culture course FAQs.

Q:   How long does it take to complete the Indian Cuisine and Culture course?
A:

The duration to complete an Indian Cuisine and Culture course can vary depending on the program. Generally, Diploma or certificate courses may take about 6 months to 1 year, while degree programs can range from 2 to 4 years. It's best to check the specific institution for its course length and structure.

Q:   Can Indian cuisine and culture courses lead to opportunities abroad?
A:

Yes, a course in Indian Cuisine and Culture can lead you to job opportunities. Many restaurants and hotels look for chefs skilled in Indian cooking, who can cook well, use the best ingredients and add the authentic taste of Indian food there, and also you could start your own business.

Popular Indian Cuisine & Culture UG Courses

Following are the most popular Indian Cuisine & Culture UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Indian Cuisine & Culture PG Courses

Following are the most popular Indian Cuisine & Culture PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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