How to become a Chef? Eligibility, Courses, Career Path
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: Which institute accept NCHMCT JEE score?
Q: Who is eligible to apply for NCHMCT JEE?
To be eligible to apply for NCHMCT JEE 2025, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Educational Qualification:
- Passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board or university with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/OBC candidates).
- English as a core, functional, or elective subject in Class 12.
Age Limit:
- General and OBC candidates: 25 years as of July 1, 2024 (born on or after July 1, 1999).
- SC, ST, and Physically Challenged candidates: 28 years as of July 1, 2024 (born on or after July 1, 1996).
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidates appearing in Class 12 or an equivalent examination are also eligible to apply on a provisional basis. However, they must produce proof of passing the qualifying examination at the time of counselling or admission.
- Candidates must be physically fit and able to perform the duties required for a career in hospitality and hotel management.
Q: Which IHMs accept NCHMCT JEE score?
The National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination (NCHMCT JEE) scores are generally accepted by all the Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) in India. These IHMs are renowned for their hospitality and hotel management programs. Here is a list of some prominent IHMs that accept NCHMCT JEE scores:
1. IHM Delhi: Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition, New Delhi, is one of the most prestigious IHMs in India. It offers various hotel management programs and is known for its quality education and training.
2. IHM Mumbai: Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology, and Applied Nutrition, Mumbai, is another highly regarded IHM. It offers a range of hospitality and culinary programs.
3. IHM Bangalore: Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Bangalore, is known for its excellent courses in hotel management, culinary arts, and hospitality.
4. IHM Kolkata: Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology, and Applied Nutrition, Kolkata, is a renowned IHM offering hospitality and hotel management programs.
5. IHM Chennai: Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Chennai, is known for its comprehensive hospitality and hotel management courses.
6. IHM Hyderabad: Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Hyderabad, offers programs in hotel management and catering.
7. IHM Lucknow: Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology, and Applied Nutrition, Lucknow, provides hotel management and culinary education.
Other IHMs that Accept NCHMCT JEE Scores:
Please note that this list includes some of the well-known IHMs, but there are several other IHMs located in various cities across India that also accept NCHMCT JEE scores. Additionally, the specific courses and specializations offered may vary among IHMs, so it's advisable to visit the official websites of individual IHMs or consult the NCHMCT JEE brochure for the most up-to-date information on programs and admission details.
1.IHM Goa
2. IHM Shimla
3. IHM Jaipur
4. IHM Dehradun
5. IHM Bhopal
6. IHM Gandhinagar
7. IHM Kovalam
8. IHM Chandigarh
9. IHM Hajipur
10. IHM Guwahati
11. IHM Gwalior
12. IHM Faridabad
13. IHM Meerut
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: I have got 60% in 10th in English and 5.2 CGPA. Am I eligible for Oberoi STEP training programme for food and beverage service?
Q: What is the age limit to appear in Oberoi STEP?
The age limit to appear for the Oberoi STEP programme is 18 to 25 years at the time of joining. This age range applies to most of the programs offered by Oberoi STEP, including Hotel Operations, Culinary Arts, and other hospitality-related training programs.
Q: Which stream students can apply for the NCHMCT JEE exam?
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: What are the eligibility criteria for the NCHMCT JEE?
Hi NCHMCT JEE Eligibility Criteria Overview Passed Intermediate examination from a recognised board or university. General and OBC applicants for the NCHMCT JEE 2025 must have been born on or after July 1, 1999. Applicants must have passed a qualifying exam with English as a core, functional, or elective subject. The National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination NCHMCT JEE is a national level entrance examination I. e. any student from any part of India can apply for this entrance examination. Basic eligibility: The upper age limit is 25 years as of 01.07.
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.
"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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The list of institutes accepting NCHMCT JEE scores keep on changing per year however some of the top institutes worth mentioning are as follows:
IHM Delhi, Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, IHM Hyderabad, IHM Chennai, IHM Lucknow, Institute of Hotel Management Gurdaspur, IHM Mumbai, IHM Bangalore.
To know the detailed list, candidates can go thru Shiksha's NCHMCT JEE section and check the detailed list of institutes accepting NCHMCT JEE scores.