Chefs are responsible for planning, preparing and creating culinary dishes while overseeing kitchen operations and ensuring the food quality and taste. To become a chef, candidates are required to clear class 12 from a recognised board and then pursue a bachelor’s degree in hotel management, culinary science or a related field. Admissions to these course are done on the basis of entrance exams such as NCHMCT JEE, CUET and NPAT. The average Salary of a Chef in India is INR 4.20 LPA with the highest salary being INR 17.10 LPA. The average monthly salary of a chef is between INR 24,889 to INR 36,447. There are also short-term diploma and certificate courses for students who do not wish to enrol in full-time courses.
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Table of Contents
- How to Become a Chef: Quick Facts
- Eligibility to Become a Chef
- Qualifications to Become a Chef
- Steps to Become a Chef
- Chef Courses
5.1 Entrance Exams
How to Become a Chef: Quick Facts
| Eligibility | Class 12 |
| Qualifications | Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management |
| Starting Salary (INR) | INR 0.2 LPA |
| Average Salary (INR) | INR 2.2 LPA |
| Highest Salary (INR) | INR 9.1 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Alshaya Group, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise, Compass Group |
Eligibility to Become a Chef
The standard eligibility criteria required to become a chef in India are as follows.
- While not necessary, many chefs undergo formal education to learn about different techniques and develop knowledge.
- Candidates should have strong culinary skills and hands-on experience extensively required in the field.
- Candidates should possess various skills and aptitudes to excel in the field.
Qualifications to Become a Chef
There are certain educational qualifications required to become a chef in India which are as follows.
- To get admission into a good culinary school, candidates are required to have a diploma after class 12. Candidates are required to learn some basic skills and techniques before they can apply for entry-level roles and some full-time courses
- After completing the diploma, candidates have to earn a bachelor’s degree in hotel management or culinary science from a recognised institute. Candidates can also opt for master’s degrees for better career prospects
- Candidates targeting top colleges for education may have to qualify for entrance exams
- While not mandatory, candidates can pursue some certifications to demonstrate their proficiency in a specialised culinary field or technique.
Steps to Become a Chef
Becoming a chef requires a combination of education, training and practical experience. The general steps that can be followed to become a chef are as follows.
- After completing class 12, candidates should look to complete a diploma in culinary arts or a related discipline to develop basic skills and knowledge.
- After the diploma, candidates should pursue a bachelor’s degree in hotel management, culinary science or a related discipline. Candidates can also opt for master’s courses for better employability.
- Candidates should enrol in internships to gain industry experience and develop culinary skills
- Candidates can also seek specialisation in a particular culinary style or technique. This can open doors for niche culinary opportunities.
- After completing their education, candidates can start working as entry-level commis chefs and develop expertise. With time they can gradually advance to higher positions like the head chef.
Courses to Become a Chef
There are many courses that can be pursued by students to become a Chef in India. The details for the most popular courses are mentioned in the following table.
| Parameters | BA Culinary Arts | BBA Hotel Management | Master’s Hotel Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Class 12 | Class 12 | Bachelor’s in related discipline |
| Entrance Exams | Entrance exams of respective colleges | CUET, IPU CAT, NPAT, SET | NCHMCT JEE, CUCET |
| Top Colleges | Manipal University, LPU, IHM, Bharati Vidyapeeth | IIHM Bangalore, IHM Bhubaneswar, Manipal University, LNCT University | IHM - Pusa, Bangalore, Chennai, Lucknow, Kolkata, WGSHA Manipal |
| Course Fees | INR 5,000 - 8 L | INR 90,000 - 3 L | INR 30,000 - 1.5 L |
| Average Salary (INR) | INR 2 LPA - 8 LPA | INR 4 LPA - 7 LPA | INR 3 LPA - 8 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Atlantis, Earth Group of Hotels, Dolphin Hotels, Jumeirah Hotels, ITC, The Leela, Marriott hotels | Shangri-La, The Park, Jumeirah, Hyatt regency, JW Marriott,The Lalit, Radisson,Taj | The Leela, Trident, Hyatt, Marriott, Jet Airways, Vivanta by Taj, Emirates, Qatar Airways |
Entrance Exams
There are many entrance examinations that candidates can appear in for admission in top hotel management institutes. Some of the most famous entrance exams for include NCHMCT JEE, CUCET, IPU CAT, NPAT and SET. The details for some of the top exams are mentioned in the following table.
| Entrance Exams | Application Deadlines | Exam Dates | Result Declaration |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCHMCT JEE | March 2024 | April 2024 | June 2024 |
| CUET | March, 2023 | May 15 - May 31, 2024 | To be notified |
| IPU CET | May 2024 | May - June, 2024 | June 2024 |
| NPAT | May 20, 2024 | January 1, 2024 - May 25, 2024 | June 2024 |
Top Hotel Management Colleges
There are many colleges in India that offer various courses in hotel management or culinary science for students looking for a career as a chef. IHM Pusa, IHM Bangalore, IIHMCA, IHM Mumbai and GNIHM are some of the best colleges for hotel management education. The details for top colleges are mentioned in the table below.
| Name of the Colleges | Location | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| IHM Pusa | New Delhi | 81,600 |
| IHM | Bangalore | 96,613 |
| IIHMCA | Hyderabad | 1.25 L |
| IHM | Mumbai | 1.32 L |
| GNIHM | Kolkata | 1.90 L |
| WGSHA | Manipal | 3.68 L |
| Parul University | Vadodara | 1.39 L |
| IHMH | Hyderabad | 1.30 L |
| AIHM | New Delhi | 4 L |
| IHM | Chennai | 53,515 |
Skills Required to Become a Chef
Becoming a chef requires a combination of skills. Some of the top skills that a chef should have are tabulated below.
| Culinary skills | Knowledge of Ingredients | Menu Planning and Recipe Development |
| Creativity and Innovation | Time Management | Attention to Detail |
| Taste and Palate Development | Adaptability | Hygiene and Food Safety |
Benefits of Becoming a Chef
There are numerous benefits to pursuing a career as a Chef. Some of the key benefits include
- Creative Expression - Chefs have the opportunity to express their creativity through culinary creations and experimenting with ingredients.
- Career Opportunities - Chefs have the option to work in various settings or can even start their own culinary businesses.
- Global Reach - Culinary skills are accepted globally, allowing chefs with opportunities to experience different cultures and cuisines.
- Job Security - The food industry is a fundamental part of human existence and skilled chefs will always be in demand, ensuring job security.
- Transferable Skills - Culinary skills are transferable across various sectors of the food industry giving chefs the chance to explore other career options too.
Salary of a Chef
The average annual salary of a chef in India is INR 2.2 LPA. The starting salary is INR 0.2 LPA with the highest salary being INR 9.1 LPA. The monthly salary of a chef ranges between INR 14,889 to INR 16,447. The salaries for different chef designations are mentioned in the following table.
| Designations | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Executive Chef | 20 L |
| Sous Chef | 14.5 L |
| Patisserie Chef | 5 L |
| Grill Chef | 2.6 L |
| Banquet Chef | 9.3 L |
| Personal Chef | 3.5 L |
| Catering Chef | 2 L |
| Celebrity Chef | 15 L |
How to Become a Chef: FAQs
Ques. What qualifications do I need to become a chef in India?
Ans. There are no specific qualifications, but it is beneficial to pursue a hotel management or culinary arts degree to build a strong foundation.
Ques. Do I need to attend a culinary school to become a chef?
Ans. Attending culinary school is not mandatory, but it can significantly enhance your skills and improve your chances of getting hired.
Ques. What are the essential skills required to become a chef?
Ans. Culinary skills, ingredient knowledge, menu planning, creativity, time management and hygiene practices are some of the top skills that every chef should have.
Ques. Is work experience necessary to become a chef in India?
Ans. Yes, gaining practical work experience in a professional kitchen is crucial. Candidates can seek internships or entry-level jobs to gain hands-on experience.
Ques. How can I specialise in a particular cuisine?
Ans. Candidates can take specialised training programs or gain experience by working in settings that focus on that particular cuisine.
Ques. How to build a professional network in the culinary industry?
Ans. Candidates should attend culinary events, workshops, and seminars, seek advice and build relationships that can lead to future job opportunities and collaborations.
Ques. What are the career advancement opportunities for chefs in India?
Ans. With experience and expertise, candidates can aim for higher chef roles like head chef or can open their own restaurant. Showcasing creativity and continuous learning can pave the way for career growth.
Ques. Which cities are paying the most to chefs in India?
Ans. Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, New Delhi and Bangalore are the top-paying cities for chefs in India.
Ques. Which industries are paying the most to chefs in India?
Ans. Retail, Food Processing, Internet, FMGC and Hospitality are the top-paying industries for chefs in India.
Ques. Name the top recruiters of chefs in India.
Ans. Alshaya Group, Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise and Compass Group are some of the top recruiters of chefs in India.
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