From High School to Culinary School: Degree Choices After 10th & 12th

Culinary arts is the art and practice of preparing, cooking, and presenting food. It involves the creative and skilful use of ingredients, cooking techniques, and food presentation to create delicious and visually appealing dishes. Culinary professionals, known as chefs or culinarians, possess a deep understanding of flavours, ingredients, and kitchen management. They work in various settings such as restaurants, hotels, and catering companies, showcasing their culinary expertise. Culinary arts offers diverse career opportunities and requires a passion for food, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.

Career path after Grade 10th:
After completing grade 10, you can pursue various courses depending on your interests and career goals. Here are some options:

● Higher Secondary Education (10+2): The most common path after grade 10 is to enrol in a higher secondary education program, which is typically two years in duration (grades 11 and 12). The subjects you choose during this period can vary based on your desired field of study in the future. Some common subject combinations include Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics), Commerce (Accountancy, Economics, Business Studies), and Arts/Humanities (English, History, Political Science, Psychology).
● Diploma Programs: There are several diploma courses available in various fields such as engineering, design, animation, hospitality, computer science, healthcare, and more. These programs typically range from one to three years in duration and provide specialized knowledge and skills in a specific area.
● Vocational Courses: Vocational courses are skill-based programs that focus on specific trades or professions. Examples include automotive technology, culinary arts, cosmetology, fashion design, web development, and graphic design. These courses often combine classroom instruction with hands-on training and can lead to immediate employment opportunities.
● ITI (Industrial Training Institutes) Courses: ITIs offer vocational training in trades such as electrician, plumber, mechanic, welder, and more. These courses provide practical skills and knowledge for specific occupations and are typically shorter in duration.

Which degrees can be pursued after Grade 12th?

1. Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM): This is a four-year undergraduate degree program that covers various aspects of the hospitality industry, including culinary arts. It provides a comprehensive foundation in areas such as food production, food and beverage management, kitchen operations, and hospitality management.
2. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Culinary Arts: This is a specialized degree program focusing specifically on culinary arts. It typically covers subjects like culinary techniques, food science, menu planning, international cuisines, kitchen operations, and food safety.
3. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Culinary Arts: This degree program combines culinary training with a broader liberal arts education. It includes coursework in culinary techniques, food culture and history, nutrition, menu planning, and business management.
4. Diploma in Culinary Arts: If you are looking for a shorter-term program, you can consider pursuing a diploma in culinary arts. These programs typically last for one to two years and provide focused training in culinary skills, kitchen operations, and food preparation.

Certified courses after Grade 12th:
These courses provide specialized training and can enhance your skills and knowledge in the culinary field. Here are a few examples:

1. Diploma in Culinary Arts: Many culinary schools offer diploma programs in culinary arts that focus on practical training, culinary techniques, and kitchen operations. These programs typically range from 6 months to 2 years in duration.
2. Certificate in Patisserie and Baking: This specialized certificate program focuses on the art of pastry making and baking. It covers topics such as bread-making, cake decoration, desserts, and confectionery.
3. Certificate in Culinary Skills: This program provides a comprehensive foundation in culinary techniques, cooking methods, food preparation, and kitchen operations. It is designed to equip you with the fundamental skills needed for a career in the culinary industry.
4. Certificate in Food and Beverage Service: If you are interested in the service side of the culinary industry, this program focuses on food and beverage service techniques, customer service skills, and hospitality management.
5. Certificate in Food Styling and Photography: This program combines culinary arts with the creative aspects of food styling and food photography. It teaches you how to present food in an appealing way and capture it effectively through photography.

If you’re interested in pursuing culinary arts, here are some steps you can take to get started and build your profile simultaneously.

● Research culinary schools or programs: Look for reputable culinary schools or programs in your area or consider online options. Read reviews, check their accreditation, and compare the curriculum and costs to find the one that suits your needs and goals.
● Meet educational requirements: Culinary schools may have different requirements, so check their admission criteria. Some programs may require a high school diploma or equivalent, while others may accept students who have completed grade 10. Ensure you meet the necessary academic prerequisites.
● Gain practical experience: Start building your culinary skills and knowledge by gaining hands-on experience. Look for entry-level positions or internships at local restaurants, cafes, or catering companies. Even volunteering in community events or helping out in school events can provide you with exposure to the culinary field.
● Develop your cooking skills: Practise cooking at home and experiment with different recipes. Try to learn various cooking techniques, such as knife skills, sautéing, baking, and pastry making. You can find tutorials and cooking resources online, watch cooking shows, or even take a cooking class or workshop in your community.
● Network with professionals: Attend culinary events, food festivals, and workshops to meet professionals in the industry. Networking can help you gain insights, learn about opportunities, and make connections that could benefit you in the future.
● Consider certification programs: While not always necessary, obtaining certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your commitment to the culinary arts. Look for industry-recognized certifications like ServSafe or culinary apprenticeships, which provide a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
● Explore scholarship opportunities: Culinary education can be expensive, so research scholarships, grants, or financial aid options can help support your studies. Check with culinary schools, local organizations, or culinary associations for available scholarships or funding opportunities.
● Prepare a portfolio: As you progress, document your culinary journey by creating a portfolio. Include pictures of your dishes, any certificates or awards you’ve received, and any special culinary projects you’ve worked on. A portfolio can showcase your skills and passion when applying to culinary schools or seeking job opportunities.
● Apply to culinary programs: Once you have gathered enough experience and feel ready to pursue formal culinary education, complete the application process for the culinary school or program of your choice. Follow the instructions provided and submit any required documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and your portfolio.
● Continue learning and gaining experience: Culinary arts is a continuous learning process. Embrace opportunities to work with experienced chefs, take advanced culinary courses, and explore different cuisines. Stay updated on industry trends, new techniques, and culinary innovations to stay competitive and expand your knowledge.

Which entrance exams are required to pursue Culinary Arts?

The entrance exams required for culinary arts programs can vary depending on the specific institution or culinary school you are applying to in Mumbai, India. Here are a few commonly required entrance exams:

1. National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Examination (NCHM JEE): This is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to hotel management and culinary arts programs in various institutions across India, including Mumbai. Many culinary schools and hotel management institutes accept NCHM JEE scores for admissions.
2. All India Hotel Management Entrance Examination (AIHMT): Some culinary schools or institutions in Mumbai may conduct their own entrance exams, such as AIHMT. This exam is specifically designed for admission to their culinary arts or hotel management programs.
3. Institute-Specific Entrance Exams: Certain culinary schools or institutions in Mumbai may have their own institution-specific entrance exams. These exams are designed to assess your aptitude and knowledge in culinary arts and may include practical tests, written exams, and interviews.

Colleges in Mumbai that offer courses in Culinary Arts:

1. Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology, and Applied Nutrition (IHM Mumbai)
2. ITM Institute of Hotel Management
3. Rizvi College of Hotel Management and Catering Technology
4. Sophia Shree B.K. Somani Polytechnic
5. Oriental School of Hotel ManagementSheilaRaheja Institute of Hotel Management (SRIHM)
6. MET Institute of Hotel Management
7. Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), Mumbai
8. MCT’s College of Hotel Management and Catering Technology
9. Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology
10. VITS Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology
11. Subhash Bose Institute of Hotel Management (SBIHM)
12. BharatiyaVidyaBhavan’s S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR)

Colleges across the country:
1. Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Pusa, Delhi
2. Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Mumbai
3. Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), Manipal
4. Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad
5. Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Bangalore
6. Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development, Delhi
7. International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), New Delhi
8. Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Chennai
9. WGSHA School of Culinary Arts, Manipal
10. Le Cordon Bleu, India (partnership with Manipal Academy of Higher Education)

Courses in Culinary Arts are diversified. Let us take a sneak peek at some of them:
The specific courses available may vary depending on the culinary school or program you choose. Here are some common courses you might encounter:

1. Culinary Fundamentals: This course provides a solid foundation in culinary skills and techniques. You’ll learn about food safety and sanitation, knife skills, cooking methods, and basic culinary terminology.
2. Baking and Pastry: If you have a particular interest in baking and pastry, there are dedicated courses that focus on this aspect of culinary arts. You’ll learn techniques for bread making, cake decorating, pastry production, and dessert preparation.
3. Culinary Nutrition: This course explores the connection between food, nutrition, and health. You’ll learn about balanced meal planning, dietary restrictions, special diets, and how to create nutritious and flavorful dishes.
4. International Cuisine: In this course, you’ll study the culinary traditions and techniques of various regions and countries around the world. You’ll learn about different flavour profiles, ingredients, and cultural influences on cooking styles.
5. Menu Planning and Food Cost Control: This course covers the principles of menu development, including recipe costing, portion control, and menu design. You’ll learn how to create menus that are both appealing to customers and financially viable for a food service operation.
6. Food and Beverage Management: This course focuses on the business side of the culinary industry. You’ll learn about restaurant operations, hospitality management, customer service, and food service marketing.
7. Culinary Arts Practicum: Many culinary programs include a practicum or internship component where you’ll gain hands-on experience working in a professional kitchen or food service establishment. This allows you to apply your skills in a real-world setting and learn from experienced chefs.
8. Food Styling and Photography: This course teaches you how to present food in an aesthetically pleasing way for photography or visual media. You’ll learn about plating techniques, food styling principles, and how to create compelling food images.
9. Culinary Entrepreneurship: If you’re interested in starting your own culinary business, this course can provide valuable insights. You’ll learn about business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and legal considerations specific to the culinary industry.

Internships

Internships provide valuable hands-on experience and can further develop your skills in culinary arts. Companies in Mumbai that are known to offer culinary internships include Taj Hotels, Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Hotels, ITC Hotels, and various catering companies such as Neelam Foodland, Foodlink Services, and Kitchen Kraft. These internships allow you to work alongside professional chefs, gain industry exposure, and apply your culinary skills in a real-world setting.

When seeking internships, reach out to specific establishments directly, network with industry professionals, and regularly check job search websites and online platforms that list internship opportunities. Internships can be an excellent way to gain practical experience, build your network, and strengthen your resume in the culinary arts field.

Conclusion

The world of culinary arts offers boundless opportunities for passionate food enthusiasts who have completed their 10th and 12th grades. Armed with a comprehensive understanding of the various degree choices available, you can confidently embark on a journey toward a successful and fulfilling career in the culinary industry. Remember, your love for cooking can pave the way for a lifelong and rewarding vocation!

For expert guidance and personalized career counseling tailored to your culinary aspirations, we invite you to get in touch with RMCC today.
Our dedicated Career Counseling Centre is here to support you on your path to achieving your culinary dreams. Let us help you turn your passion into a flourishing profession.
Contact us now and let the culinary adventure begin!