AIHM Doon – How to Become a Professional Chef in India
At AIHM Doon, we help aspiring students build a successful career in culinary arts through professional training, practical skills, and real industry exposure. If your dream is to become a chef and work in top hotels, restaurants, bakeries, or cruise lines, then understanding How to Become a Professional Chef in India is the first major step toward your future.
India’s hospitality sector is expanding at a rapid pace. Culinary careers are now globally recognized, creative, and full of opportunities. With proper training, any student can enter this field—even right after 10th or 12th.
This guide explains everything you need to know about becoming a chef in India, along with why AIHM Doon, one of the leading Hotel Management Colleges in Dehradun, is the right place to start.

Why Choose a Chef Career in India?
Becoming a chef means entering a profession full of creativity, growth, and limitless opportunities.
Benefits of a Culinary Career
- Work in luxury hotels & international kitchens
- High growth and career stability
- Creative and skill-based profession
- Chance to open your own restaurant, bakery, or cloud kitchen
- Opportunity to travel internationally
- Work in airlines, cruise ships, premium restaurants, resorts, etc.
Culinary arts is a respected career that blends art, science, and passion.
How to Become a Professional Chef in India – Step-by-Step Guide
Here is the complete step-by-step roadmap to becoming a chef, crafted based on industry standards and AIHM Doon’s professional training experience.
Step 1 – Complete Your 10th or 12th
Many students ask:
How to become a professional chef in India after 12th?
Answer: After 12th, students can directly enroll in hotel management or culinary courses.
Eligibility is simple:
- Minimum 10th or 12th pass
- Passion for cooking
- Basic communication skills
Both science and commerce students can become chefs.
Step 2 – Choose the Right Culinary Course
Professional training is the foundation of becoming a chef. At AIHM Doon, we offer the most industry-relevant Professional Cooking Courses in India, designed for students who want to build a chef career.
Popular Courses at AIHM Doon
- Diploma in Food Production
- Diploma in Hotel Management
- Diploma in Bakery & Confectionery
- Certificate Courses in Culinary Arts
- Short-term professional cooking programs
What Students Learn
- Indian, Continental & Oriental cuisines
- Baking & pastry skills
- Cooking techniques & knife skills
- Food plating & presentation
- Kitchen management
- Hygiene & sanitation
- Menu planning
- Nutrition basics
These programs offer 100% hands-on training in a real kitchen environment.
Step 3 – Gain Practical Training
Practical training is the heart of a chef’s journey. At AIHM Doon, students spend maximum time inside the kitchen, learning real techniques from experienced chef faculty.
Our training includes:
- Live kitchen practicals
- Bakery lab sessions
- Food festivals & competitions
- Outdoor catering events
- Recipe development
- Culinary workshops
This experience builds confidence and prepares students for real hospitality operations.
Step 4 – Complete Industrial Internship
Internships bridge the gap between classroom learning and real hotels. AIHM Doon provides internships in:
- 5-star hotels
- Luxury restaurants
- Resorts
- Cruise lines
- Industrial kitchens
Students experience:
- Professional kitchen setup
- Working in different kitchen sections
- Real cooking operations
- Coordination with kitchen staff
Internships are essential for mastering How to Become a Professional Chef in India the right way.
Step 5 – Build Professional Skills
A successful chef needs a mix of technical and soft skills.
Skills We Focus on at AIHM Doon
- Knife handling
- Creativity in cooking
- Food plating
- Teamwork
- Multitasking
- Time management
- Cleanliness & discipline
- Leadership
- Adaptability
- Recipe innovation
These skills help students grow from basic learners to expert culinary professionals.

Chef Career Options in India
The culinary industry offers multiple career paths. Students can choose their specialization based on their interest.
Popular Chef Career Paths
| Career Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Commis Chef | Entry-level role in kitchen |
| Chef de Partie | Specialization-based chef |
| Sous Chef | Second-in-command in the kitchen |
| Executive Chef | Head of kitchen operations |
| Pastry Chef | Bakery & desserts specialist |
| Continental Chef | Expert in continental cuisine |
| Indian Cuisine Chef | Specialist in Indian cooking |
| Garde Manger Chef | Salads, cold dishes & presentation |
| Cruise Line Chef | Work in international cruise kitchens |
| Entrepreneur | Start bakery, café or cloud kitchen |
Culinary careers are diverse and full of international scope.
Why Choose AIHM Doon for Chef Training?
As one of the top Hotel Management Colleges in Dehradun, AIHM Doon offers world-class culinary education with strong focus on practical learning.
✔️ Advanced Culinary Labs
We offer state-of-the-art kitchen labs equipped with:
Modern equipment
Professional tools
Bakery & confectionery setup
Continental & Indian kitchen stations
✔️ Expert Chef Faculty
Our chef instructors bring years of industry experience from top hotels, restaurants, and international hospitality brands.
✔️ Practical-Focused Learning
More than 70% of the training is hands-on, ensuring every student masters essential kitchen skills.
✔️ Strong Industry Exposure
We conduct:
- Food festivals
- Competition events
- Live workshops
- Hotel visits
These activities help students grow confidently.
✔️ Dedicated Internships & Placement Support
AIHM Doon helps students secure internships and jobs in leading hospitality companies such as:
- Taj
- Hyatt
- Oberoi
- Marriott
- Radisson
- Premium restaurants
- Cruise liners
✔️ Personality Development & Grooming
Chefs must be confident and disciplined. Our grooming sessions help students improve communication, teamwork & professional behaviour.
✔️ Affordable Fee Structure
Our aim is to provide quality culinary education that is accessible and career-focused.
Skills Required to Become a Professional Chef
A chef needs both practical abilities and personal qualities.
Key Skills Include:
- Knife skills
- Cooking techniques
- Creativity
- Time management
- Cleanliness
- Leadership
- Recipe innovation
- Team coordination
AIHM Doon’s training ensures students gain all essential skills.
AIHM Doon’s Role in Your Chef Career
We support students through:
- Daily kitchen practice
- Demonstration classes
- Bakery workshops
- 1-on-1 mentorship
- Exposure to real hospitality events
- Industry expert seminars
- Culinary competitions
Our mission is to help students become confident culinary professionals.
Internal Linking Suggestions
- You can internally link this article to:
- Hotel Management Course Page
- Bakery & Confectionery Course Page
- Admissions Page
- Facilities Page
- Food Production Course Page
Conclusion – Begin Your Culinary Journey with AIHM Doon
Starting your chef career becomes easier when you choose the right place to learn. At AIHM Doon, we help students gain professional skills, confidence, and real industry exposure. With the right training, you can easily master How to Become a Professional Chef in India and build a bright future in culinary arts.
If you dream of working in world-class kitchens, becoming a pastry expert, or opening your own restaurant—your journey begins here.
Join AIHM Doon today and turn your passion for cooking into a successful career!
FAQs – How to Become a Professional Chef in India
1. Can I become a chef after 12th?
Yes, you can join culinary or hotel management courses after 12th.
2. Is professional training necessary to become a chef?
Yes, proper training helps you learn techniques, hygiene, and kitchen operations.
3. Which course is best for chef training?
Diploma in Food Production, Culinary Arts, and Bakery & Confectionery.
4. How long does it take to become a professional chef?
1 to 3 years depending on the course and specialization.
5. Does AIHM Doon provide internships?
Yes, we offer internships in top hotels, restaurants, and cruise lines.

Call to Action – Admissions Open at AIHM Doon
Become a professional chef with world-class training:
Expert Chef Faculty
Modern Labs
Practical-Based Learning
Internship & Placement Assistance
📞 Contact AIHM Doon for Admissions
📍 Dehradun, Uttarakhand
🌐 Visit: www.aihmdoon.com