How to Become a Chef in India
Do you dream of wearing the chef’s coat and leading your own kitchen someday? If you’re wondering how to become a chef in India after 12th, you’re not alone. With the booming hospitality industry, cloud kitchens, and growing demand for skilled culinary professionals, a career in culinary arts is more exciting than ever. Whether you’re passionate about baking, cooking, or food styling, this guide will walk you through everything—from the qualifications needed to become a chef to what to study to become a chef, even if you have no experience or no degree. If you’ve just completed your 12th (or even 10th) and are curious about chef training in India, short-term culinary courses, or how long it really takes to become a professional, you’re in the right place. Let’s turn your passion into a rewarding profession!
Table of Contents
Why Choose a Career as a Chef in India?
India’s hospitality and food industry is booming. From 5-star hotels to cloud kitchens, the opportunities for aspiring chefs are truly endless.
Being a chef isn’t just about cooking—it’s about creativity, passion, leadership, and culture. Plus, with shows like MasterChef India and global demand for Indian cuisine, it’s a highly rewarding career both emotionally and financially.
Qualifications Needed to Become a Chef
To become a professional chef in India, you typically need:
- A 12th-Class pass certificate (in any stream)
- A culinary arts diploma or degree
- Basic communication and hygiene knowledge
- Passion for cooking and food presentation
📝 Some institutions may require an entrance exam like the NCHM JEE or interview, but many vocational academies allow direct admission.
How to Become a Chef in India After 12th
Here’s a step-by-step process:
A. Choose a Culinary Program
Enrol in one of the following:
- Diploma in Culinary Arts
- Bachelor’s in Hotel Management
- Certificate Courses in Bakery or Cuisine
B. Select a Reputed Culinary School
Look for institutions like:
- Cook and Bake Academy, Delhi
- Institute of Hotel Management (IHM)
- Culinary Academy of India
C. Learn Practical Skills
Focus on:
- Kitchen hygiene & safety (as per FSSAI guidelines)
- Knife skills
- Continental, Indian, Asian cuisines
- Bakery & pastry basics
D. Internship & Industrial Training
Most culinary courses include 6 months to 1 year of internship at hotels or restaurants—your first step into real kitchen life. Check our student gallery for inspiration.
E. Build a Portfolio
Document your dishes, participate in competitions, and keep updating your skills.
How to Become a Chef in India After 10th
You can start early too!
- Join a vocational cooking course
- Enroll in short-term diploma courses
- Many culinary schools offer direct-entry diploma programs that don’t require 12th Class
This helps you start your career early and gain hands-on experience sooner.
Check our Diploma Courses in Culinary Arts for Beginners
Check our Diploma Courses in Bakery and Confectionery for Beginners
What to Study to Become a Chef
You can choose from:
- Culinary Arts
- Bakery & Confectionery
- Hotel Management
- Food Production
- Kitchen Management
These programs teach you:
- Food science
- Cooking techniques
- International cuisines
- Cost control & kitchen operations
🔍 Pro Tip: Specialize later in pastry arts, Pan Asian cuisine, or modern plating—whatever matches your interest.
How to Become a Chef Without a Degree
Yes, it’s possible! Here’s how:
- Learn through online platforms or YouTube
- Join short-term certificate courses
- Work as a kitchen helper or commis to learn on the job
- Attend culinary workshops
👉 At Cook and Bake Academy, we offer industry-relevant certificate programs with practical training—no formal degree required.
How to Become a Chef with No Experience
Start small:
- Assist at restaurants, cafés, or bakeries
- Volunteer at food events or home kitchens
- Enroll in beginner cooking classes
- Create food content (Instagram/YouTube)
You gain confidence, improve skills, and slowly build credibility. Many celebrity chefs began with no formal experience—only a strong will and a consistent drive to learn.
How Long Will It Take to Be a Chef?
It depends on your path:
- Certificate Course: 3 to 6 months
- Diploma: 1 year
- Bachelor’s Degree: 3 to 4 years
- Experience to Become a Head Chef: 5 to 10 years
But at the end of the day, it’s not the title that makes you a chef—it’s your skill, creativity, and how consistently you bring your best to the kitchen.
Steps to Start Your Chef Journey
- Discover your passion: Cooking, baking, food styling?
- Choose the right program: Based on your goal and budget.
- Train under professionals: Join internships, work part-time, or attend workshops.
- Keep practicing daily: Your home kitchen is your first lab.
- Document your journey: Use Instagram, blogs, or reels to showcase skills.
- Never stop learning: Food trends, plating techniques, and new cuisines evolve constantly.
Final Thoughts: Is Being a Chef the Right Path for You?
Becoming a chef is not just about mastering recipes—it’s about living food every day. It takes passion, patience, and a hunger to grow.
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, making people happy with food, and turning flavors into stories, this path is for you.
Whether you’ve just finished 10th or 12th, or have no experience, Cook and Bake Academy welcomes you to turn your culinary dream into a rewarding career.
Q1: How to become a chef in India after 12th?
To become a chef in India after 12th, enroll in a culinary arts diploma or hotel management course from a reputed institute. Gain hands-on training, complete internships, and build a portfolio.
Q2: Can I become a chef without a degree?
Yes! Many chefs start their careers through short-term certificate courses, self-learning, or on-the-job training. Formal degrees help but are not mandatory.
Q3: What should I study to become a chef?
You can study culinary arts, food production, bakery and confectionery, or hotel management. These programs teach cooking techniques, food science, and kitchen operations.
Q4: How long does it take to become a chef?
It takes 6 months to 4 years depending on the course type. Becoming a head chef usually takes 5–10 years of experience.
Q5: Can I become a chef after 10th?
Yes! Many institutes offer diploma programs after 10th. This helps you start early and gain practical exposure sooner.
👉 Ready to start your chef journey?
🔥 Join one of India’s best culinary programs at Cook and Bake Academy
📍 Location: Delhi NCR
🎓 Courses: Bakery | Culinary Arts | Certificate & Diploma
📞 Call Us: 7428554429, (+91) 11-45513385
🧁 Turn your passion for food into a rewarding career today!
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