Curious about what to study to become a chef? If you’ve completed your 12th grade and dream of a career in the culinary world, the right education is your first step toward success in 5-star hotels, fine-dining restaurants, or cruise lines. The Ishtha Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts (IIHCA) offers industry-leading programs to guide beginners, accredited by City & Guilds, London, with over 8,000 alumni—including 5,000+ in 5-star hotels and 3,000+ in cruise lines.
Why Studying the Right Course is Essential?
Choosing the right subjects and programs to become a chef lays a strong foundation for your future. Here’s why it matters:
Core Skill Development: Learn cooking techniques, food safety, and kitchen management.
Practical Experience: Gain hands-on training to meet industry demands.
Global Opportunities: Prepare for jobs in UAE, France, Maldives, and beyond.
Career Growth: Progress from entry-level to leadership roles with the right education.
Competitive Advantage: Stand out with accredited qualifications.
IIHCA’s courses are crafted to meet these needs effectively.
What to Study to Become a Chef?
To become a chef, focus on these educational paths and subjects, with IIHCA offering tailored options:
1. 1 Year Assured Diploma in Culinary Arts
Duration: 12 months, with an optional 12-month internship.
Best For: Beginners after 12th with no experience.
Subjects to Study:
Basic Cooking Techniques (grilling, sautéing, roasting).
Baking and Pastry Fundamentals.
Food Safety and Hygiene (HACCP basics).
Introduction to Kitchen Operations.
Benefits: Quick entry into the workforce as a commis chef, with practical training in modern kitchens.
2. 2 Year Assured Diploma (International) in Culinary Arts & Science
Duration: 24 months, including a mandatory internship.
Best For: Aspiring chefs aiming for advanced or international roles.
Subjects to Study:
Advanced Cooking Methods (sous-vide, molecular gastronomy).
Global and Regional Cuisines (French, Indian, Middle Eastern).
Food Science and Innovation.
Kitchen Management and Leadership.
Benefits: Prepares you for sous chef or executive chef roles with in-depth expertise.
Key Subjects to Focus On
When deciding what to study to become a chef, prioritize these areas:
Culinary Techniques: Master knife skills, cooking methods, and recipe development.
Food Safety and Hygiene: Learn HACCP standards to ensure kitchen safety.
Global Cuisines: Study diverse culinary traditions to broaden your expertise.
Baking and Pastry: Develop skills in desserts and breads for versatility.
Kitchen Management: Understand cost control, menu planning, and team leadership.
IIHCA integrates these subjects into its hands-on curriculum.
Steps to Study and Become a Chef
Follow these steps to start your culinary education with IIHCA:
1. Assess Your Starting Point and Goals
New to cooking? Begin with the 1 Year Assured Diploma in Culinary Arts.
Aiming for leadership? Opt for the 2 Year Assured Diploma (International) or Advanced Diploma in Culinary Arts.
2. Check Eligibility
Open to 12th-pass students from any stream, aged 16+ (17+ for Advanced Diploma).
No prior experience needed—passion is sufficient.
3. Gain Practical Experience Through Internships
IIHCA’s internship program offers real-world training:
Indian 5-Star Hotels & Resorts: Intern at Taj, Hyatt, or Oberoi in Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, or Jaipur.
UAE: Gain experience in Dubai or Abu Dhabi’s luxury kitchens.
Bahrain: Work in Manama’s top dining venues.
Maldives: Train at Soneva Fushi or Four Seasons resorts.
Mauritius: Intern at One&Only Le Saint Géran.
Malaysia: Learn in Kuala Lumpur’s 5-star establishments.
New Zealand: Practice in Auckland or Wellington’s dining scene.
Spain: Master techniques in Barcelona or Madrid’s restaurants.
France: Develop expertise in Paris or Lyon’s culinary hubs.
These internships align with your chosen course.
4. Learn from Industry Experts
IIHCA’s faculty is led by Chef Dev Chand, with 36 years of experience, including 28 years with Carnival Cruise Line, training under Michelin Star Chef Georges Blanc, and HACCP seminars. His mentorship enhances your learning.
5. Secure a Job with Placement Support
IIHCA’s global placement network connects you to roles in 5-star hotels, restaurants, and cruise lines after completing your studies.
Career Opportunities After Studying to Become a Chef
The right education unlocks these roles:
Commis Chef: Start with 5-8 lakh per annum in India, 10-15 lakh in UAE.
Sous Chef: Earn 10-15 lakh per annum in India, 15-25 lakh abroad.
Executive Chef: Lead kitchens, earning 20-30 lakh per annum in France or Spain.
Pastry Chef: Specialize, earning 8-12 lakh per annum.
Cruise Line Chef: Earn $35,000-$55,000 (approx. 30-45 lakh INR).
Placements are available in Indian 5-star hotels, UAE, Bahrain, Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain, and France.
Why Choose IIHCA to Study to Become a Chef?
IIHCA is the best place to learn what to study to become a chef:
Global Accreditation: City & Guilds, London certification.
Proven Success: 8,000+ alumni in top culinary roles.
Modern Facilities: Kitchens with industry-standard equipment.
Internship Network: Opportunities in UAE, India, Bahrain, Maldives, and more.
Scholarships: Merit-based and financial aid options.
Expert Faculty: Led by Chef Dev Chand with extensive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you’re a beginner after 12th with no experience, start with IIHCA’s 1 Year Assured Diploma in Culinary Arts. This 12-month program covers basic cooking techniques, baking, food safety, and kitchen operations, with an optional internship to gain practical skills. It’s designed for novices and provides a solid foundation for entry-level roles like commis chef.
To become a professional chef, consider IIHCA’s 1 Year Assured Diploma in Culinary Arts for a quick start, the 2 Year Assured Diploma (International) in Culinary Arts & Science for advanced skills, or the Advanced Diploma in Culinary Arts for specialized training. Each includes internships and is accredited by City & Guilds, London, preparing you for roles from sous chef to executive chef.
The duration depends on the course: the 1 Year Assured Diploma in Culinary Arts takes 12 months (up to 24 with internship), the 2 Year Assured Diploma (International) and Advanced Diploma in Culinary Arts each take 24 months with mandatory internships. With dedication, you can be job-ready in 1-2 years, with additional experience accelerating your career.
IIHCA offers internships in Indian 5-star hotels like Taj and Hyatt in Mumbai and Delhi, UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Bahrain (Manama), Maldives (Soneva Fushi), Mauritius (One&Only Le Saint Géran), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), New Zealand (Auckland), Spain (Barcelona), and France (Paris). These placements provide diverse culinary exposure to enhance your studies.
Start Studying to Become a Chef
Learn what to study to become a chef with IIHCA’s 1 Year Assured Diploma in Culinary Arts, 2 Year Assured Diploma (International) in Culinary Arts & Science, or Advanced Diploma in Culinary Arts. With expert training, internships in Indian 5-star hotels, UAE, Bahrain, Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, New Zealand, Spain, and France, and global placements, your chef career begins. Enroll now!
Apply here or call 95282 71717 or email info@iihca.in for admission details. Your chef journey starts with IIHCA in 2025!