How to become a Chef? Eligibility, Courses, Career Path

Anupama
Anupama Mehra
Assistant Manager – Content
3 mins readUpdated on Jan 23, 2024 15:07 IST

By Rohit Jain

Do you want to be the next Master Chef.? Would like to gain skillful education? Are you dedicated enough? Read here all about how to become a chef in India.

With a mushroom of career opportunities in Food Production, this has been the question every 12th-pass student is asking their mentors. These days, a degree in Hotel Management culinary specialization or a certificate course in food production has become one of the most opted for programme amongst the youth. A chef is the one who is considered to be highly skilled and innovative cook who can turn a delicious meal into an artistic presentation. To become a chef, it takes years to gain knowledge and attain expertise. As it is said “Practice makes a man perfect.” More practice can earn more fruitful results in this field.

If you are pulling your socks for this career move, then it is worth striving and investing your time. But before that one should learn its ingredients to become a successful chef. You need to know its P’s and Q’s in depth. Cooking succulent and tasty food requires not only magic in your hand but also a thorough knowledge of food, spices and cooking techniques.

To know and judge yourself, you should first ask few questions to yourself for becoming a renowned chef:

  • Do you have creativity?
  • Have you prepared yourself to study art of culinary preparation?
  • Are you able to please people?
  • Can you handle criticism gracefully?

If you can answer these questions with a yes then it means you can shape up your dreams into reality. With more and more interest in international cuisines, creativity to create fusion food by mixing different cuisines has been welcomed by all.

Q:   Do I require any certain score in 12th to take part in Oberoi STEP exam?

A:
Hi, STEP is more hands-on with heaps of practical training, in addition to practical training in a hotel of The Oberoi Group, you are enrolled for a Bachelor's Degree in Tourism Studies (BTS) from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). But with STEP, you're restricted to working only with The Oberoi Group. Qualities they are looking for: 1. A positive attitude with a desire for excellence 2. Good communication skills in English 3. Strong interpersonal skills 4. Initiative, drive and an eye for detail 5. Team orientation Just be confident while answering them.

Q:   Is it compulsory to take the GNIHM JET to get into hotel management?

A:

No,   it is not compulsory to take the GNIHM JET to get into hotel management. You can appear in any other entrance exam to get into hotel management colleges. You can also pursue Diploma- and degree-level hotel management courses without taking an entrance exam. The following are some of the colleges available to you: 1. Jindal School of Hotel Management 2. Ashok Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management 3. Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management 4. Amrapali Institute of Hotel Management You can explore these colleges in detail at this link: https://www.shiksha.com/hospitality-travel/hotel-hospitality-management/colleges/colleges-india.

Q:   Who is eligible for IIHM eCHAT?

A:

IIHM eCHAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: Students must have passed in Class 10+2 examination or its equivalent with English as one of the Subjects. Those appearing in Class 10+2 or equivalent examination can also appear in E-CHAT 2023. Upper age limit: 22 years as of 1st June 2024.

To learn more and gain education, aspiring students can join cooking or culinary school and can pursue a degree or diploma course in Food Preparation followed by training as an apprentice under an expert chef.  Joining such training programme not only help the students in gaining knowledge about various international cuisines but also prepare them in real life situations through Out Door Caterings and Internships. Most of the colleges have now started to focus on personality development of the students as well, which has become the need of hour to grab a job in any top 5 star hotel.

There are numerable government and private Hotel management colleges all over the world. Aspiring students can sit for National Council of Hotel Management JEE or similar hospitality entrance exams.

Home Science has always been part of syllabus at various schools which has now shaped into more vocational courses like Hotel Management. Schooling can be a big help for you to fetch you perfection in the field of cooking and to become meticulous in cooking. Still if you have not opted for Home Science, or are from any other stream even, you can pursue further education in Hospitality Industry.

One can start job as Commis and with experience & education can attain the position of Executive Chef within a span of 7-10 years. After the completion of programme the students are embedded with skills which also enable them to start their own business in Hospitality Industry.

Q:   Is there any age limit criteria for IIHM eCHAT?

A:

The upper age limit is 22 years on June 1 for 2024 examinations.The IIHM eCHAT is a unique online proctored Management Aptitude Test. It is a common admission test held for admission to various hotel management courses offered by IIHM campuses present in Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, New Delhi, Pune, Goa, Samarkand, Bangkok. ECHAT is an objective type of test with multiple-choice answers. It comprises Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, Awareness of Indian & Global Economy. There are 50 questions to be answered in 60 minutes. You can also refer the link I am providing below for the latest update on IIHM eCHAT. Exam. https://www.shiksha.com/hospitality-travel/hotel-hospitality-management/iihm-echat-exam Feel free to ask doubts in the Comment Section. I hope this information helps you. Good Luck!

Q:   What are the eligibility criteria for the GNIHM JET Exam?

A:

The eligibility criteria are different for UG and PG level courses offered at Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management. To secure admission in UG-level hospitality courses candidates should have completed their 10+2 or higher secondary examination. The eligibility criteria for PG courses are such that aspirants should hold a graduation degree from any stream. GNIHM offers a Diploma in Hotel and Hospitality Operation at both the UG and PG level. Thus, the eligibility criteria for this course state that candidates should have cleared their Class 10 or Class 12 or graduated in any stream.

Q:   Which stream students can apply for the NCHMCT JEE exam?

A:

To attain education in the hotel and hospitality sector, students who have passed 12th and equivalent examinations are eligible to apply for the NCHM JEE. NCHM JEE is the most common and sought-after exam for education and a career in the hotel and hospitality industry. A candidate should be passed 10+2 system of Senior Secondary Examination or its equivalent with English as one of the subjects, from a recognized Educational Board. Candidate must have passed English as a subject of study (Core/elective/functional) in the qualifying examination.

Q:   Which institute accept NCHMCT JEE score?

A:

The National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination (NCHMCT JEE) scores are accepted by numerous institutes and colleges across India that offer programs in hospitality and hotel management. Some of the prominent institutions that accept NCHMCT JEE scores include:

1. Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs): IHMs are a network of prestigious institutions located in various cities across India. They are known for offering high-quality hospitality and hotel management programs. Some well-known IHMs include IHM Delhi, IHM Mumbai, IHM Bangalore, and IHM Kolkata.

2. State Government Institutes: Several state governments in India have their own hotel management institutes that accept NCHMCT JEE scores. These institutes offer B.Sc. programs in Hospitality and Hotel Administration and are affiliated with NCHMCT.

3. Private Hotel Management Colleges: Many private colleges and institutes also accept NCHMCT JEE scores for admission to their hospitality and hotel management programs. These institutions can be found in various parts of the country.

4. Central Institutes: Apart from IHMs, there are some central institutes and colleges that accept NCHMCT JEE scores for admission. These institutes may offer specialised courses in the field of hotel management and catering technology.

It's important to note that the specific list of institutions that accept NCHMCT JEE scores may change from year to year, and some institutes may have their own admission criteria in addition to the NCHMCT JEE scores. Therefore, candidates are advised to carefully review the admission brochures and websites of the institutes they are interested in to verify the eligibility criteria and admission process.

Q:   Is there any age limit criteria for IIHM eCHAT?

A:

Students must have passed in Class 10+2 examination or its equivalent with English as one of the Subjects. Those appearing in Class 10+2 or equivalent examination can also appear in E-CHAT 2024. Upper age limit: 22 years as of 1st June 2024.IIHM eCHAT application fee is INR 600. The application fee for the exam can be paid online or by means of a Demand Draft.

To conclude, career as chef has good career opportunities, not only in India but abroad as well.

About the Author:

Rohit has completed his Master in Business Administration, Bachelors of Business Economics from Delhi University. He has over 10 years of experience in the Education Industry with respect to Strategy Planning, Marketing, Brand Management, Celebrity Endorsement and Media planning. Over time he has acquired skillful knowledge and experience in Digital Marketing.

Currently, heading the marketing and sales operations in UEI Global- Leading Hotel Management Institute of India with largest chain of Hotel Management Institutes across the country.

He has played a vital role as Advisor- Media Planning and Strategic Alliances for various Universities and Management Colleges. Renowned as a marketing professional, he has addressed more than 50,000 students for their career & life skills needs at various workshops and seminars.

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Anupama Mehra
Assistant Manager – Content

"The pen is mightier than the sword". Anupama totally believes in this and respects what she conveys through it. She is a vivid writer, who loves to write about education, lifestyle, and governance. She is a hardcor... Read Full Bio

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