Craftsmanship course in Food Production and Patisserie
at Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition - [IHM]
About Craftsmanship course in Food Production and Patisserie
The Craftsmanship Course in Food Production and Patisserie at IHM Kolkata is a 1.5-year full-time, on-campus vocational programme offered under the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The course is designed for students who have completed Class 10 and wish to enter the culinary and patisserie industry quickly, covering food production techniques, Indian and continental cooking, baking, and pastry arts. The total fees for the programme are INR 1,32,800, and admission is based on merit in the qualifying examination with no entrance exam required. The course is popular as an accessible entry point into the hospitality industry, especially for students who have not completed 10+2.
Admissions for the 2026-27 session are currently ongoing. The application window is open from February 1, 2026 to March 15, 2026. Candidates must apply offline or through the official IHM Kolkata website (ihmkol.org). The batch is expected to commence in July 2026.
Key Points:
- Minimum eligibility is Class 10 (pass) - accessible to students who have not completed 10+2
- Covers both food production and patisserie, offering a broader culinary foundation
- Offered by a premier Central Government hospitality institute under the Ministry of Tourism
- Affiliated to NCHMCT and IGNOU, providing dual recognition
- Ideal for students seeking a quick, practical entry into the culinary and hospitality industry
- IHM Kolkata is ranked #6 in India (IIRF 2024) and #1 in West Bengal for Hotel Management
IHM Kolkata Craftsmanship Fees
The total academic fees for the Craftsmanship Course in Food Production and Patisserie at IHM Kolkata is INR 1,32,800 for the entire 1.5-year programme. The tuition fee is INR 1,05,000, supplemented by other charges of INR 25,300 and a refundable caution deposit of INR 2,500. Hostel facility is available separately at INR 27,050 per year and is not mandatory.
Fee Components
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | 1,05,000 |
| Other Charges | 25,300 |
| Caution Deposit | 2,500 |
| Total Academic Fees | 1,32,800 |
| Hostel Fees (Optional) | 27,050 |
| Total Fees (without Hostel) | 1,32,800 |
| Total Fees (with Hostel) | 1,59,850 |
- The caution deposit of INR 2,500 is refundable upon course completion.
- Hostel fees are charged separately and are not mandatory.
- An additional surcharge of 2.75% is levied if fees are paid via corporate credit cards.
- Fees are typically paid term-wise as per the institute's schedule.
IHM Kolkata Craftsmanship Admission 2026
Admissions to the Craftsmanship Course in Food Production and Patisserie at IHM Kolkata are based purely on merit in the qualifying examination (Class 10). No entrance exam is required. The application process is offline, and candidates must submit their applications to the institute directly. The 2026 admission window is currently open.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | February 1, 2026 |
| Application End Date | March 15, 2026 |
| Expected Batch Commencement | July 2026 (Tentative) |
Exam Dates
No entrance exam is required for this course; admission is merit-based on Class 10 marks.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidates must have passed Class 10 (Secondary School Certificate) or equivalent from a recognised board.
- English as a subject in Class 10 is preferred.
- Age limit: Candidates should not be more than 22 years of age (relaxation for reserved categories as per NCHMCT norms).
Admission Process:
- Obtain and fill the application form from IHM Kolkata (ihmkol.org) or visit the institute directly.
- Submit the completed application form along with required documents (Class 10 marksheet, identity proof, passport-size photographs) before the deadline.
- Shortlisting is done on the basis of merit in the qualifying examination.
- Selected candidates may be called for a personal interview/interaction round.
- Final admission is confirmed upon payment of fees and document verification.
IHM Kolkata Craftsmanship Scholarships 2026
IHM Kolkata students are eligible for a range of government scholarships. The institute actively facilitates scholarship applications through the National Scholarship Portal and other government schemes. Scholarships are primarily available for SC/ST, OBC, EWS, and minority category students, with limited options for general category students.
The Government of India offers several scholarship schemes for students enrolled in NCHMCT-affiliated institutes, including post-matric scholarships for SC/ST students and the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme for economically weaker sections.
Available Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount | Application Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students | SC category students | As per state government norms | scholarships.gov.in |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students | ST category students | As per state government norms | scholarships.gov.in |
| OBC Post-Matric Scholarship | OBC category students | As per state government norms | scholarships.gov.in |
| Central Sector Scholarship (EWS) | EWS students with family income below INR 4.5 LPA | Varies | scholarships.gov.in |
| PMSSS (J&K students) | Students from J&K | Up to INR 30,000 per year | scholarships.gov.in |
| eKalyan Scholarship (Jharkhand) | SC/ST students from Jharkhand | As per state norms | ekalyan.cgg.gov.in |
- General category students are generally not eligible for government scholarships.
- Applications must be submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) within the stipulated deadlines.
- Students should check the IHM Kolkata official website for updated scholarship notifications each academic year.
IHM Kolkata Craftsmanship FAQs
Ques. What is the minimum qualification required for the Craftsmanship Course in Food Production and Patisserie at IHM Kolkata?
Ans. The minimum qualification is Class 10 (pass) from a recognised board. Unlike most other diploma courses at IHM Kolkata which require 10+2, this craftsmanship course is accessible to students who have completed only their secondary education.
Ques. What is the total fee for the Craftsmanship Course in Food Production and Patisserie at IHM Kolkata?
Ans. The total academic fee is INR 1,32,800 for the entire 1.5-year course. This does not include hostel charges. Hostel accommodation is available separately at INR 27,050 per year and is optional. If you opt for the hostel, the total cost comes to approximately INR 1,59,850.
Ques. What is the difference between the Craftsmanship Course in Food Production and Patisserie and the Diploma in Food Production at IHM Kolkata?
Ans. The Craftsmanship Course requires only Class 10 as the minimum qualification and covers both food production and patisserie. The Diploma in Food Production requires 10+2 and is a higher-level qualification focused specifically on food production. The diploma generally offers better career advancement prospects, while the craftsmanship course is a faster entry route into the industry.
Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing the Craftsmanship Course in Food Production and Patisserie from IHM Kolkata?
Ans. Graduates can work as Kitchen Steward, Commis Chef, Pastry Assistant, or Baker in hotels, restaurants, catering companies, and food production units. IHM Kolkata's industry connections with top hotel chains like Taj, Oberoi, ITC, and Marriott provide placement opportunities even for craftsmanship course graduates.
Ques. Is the Craftsmanship Course in Food Production and Patisserie from IHM Kolkata recognised nationally?
Ans. Yes, the course is awarded by NCHMCT (National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology) and is affiliated with IGNOU. This recognition makes the qualification accepted across the hospitality industry in India.
Ques. Can I upgrade from the Craftsmanship Course to a higher qualification after completing it?
Ans. Yes, after completing the craftsmanship course and gaining work experience, students can appear for NCHM JEE (after completing 10+2 through open schooling or otherwise) to pursue the B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration. The practical skills gained during the craftsmanship course provide a strong foundation for higher studies.