Catering Course Details - Fees, Subjects, Syllabus, Duration, Eligibility, Career Scope

What is Catering

Catering is a specialised branch of the hospitality industry, offering diverse career opportunities. In India, many universities and colleges offer hospitality programmes with catering as a specialisation. Some institutions also provide dedicated catering courses, allowing students to gain in-depth knowledge and skills required to excel in this growing professional field.

Students interested in catering can choose from undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and other professional courses. The hospitality sector is rapidly expanding, creating multiple opportunities for skilled professionals. Catering connects to wider aspects of hospitality such as food services, accommodation, and hotel management, making it a versatile and promising career choice.

Catering Course- Highlights

Catering is a specialised field within the hospitality industry that focuses on providing food and beverage services for events, hotels, restaurants, and institutions. It combines culinary skills, management, and customer service, offering a wide range of career opportunities. Below are the key highlights of the Catering course:

Specialisations or Similar

Catering offers multiple areas of focus that allow professionals to work in hospitality, event management, or food service industries based on their interests. These specialisations allow individuals to explore diverse career paths within catering and related fields. Below are some specialisations and associated fields:

Top Catering Colleges in India

Catering colleges in India provide quality education and practical exposure to prepare students for the hospitality and food service industry. Both government and private institutions offer specialised catering courses with excellent infrastructure and placement opportunities. Below are some of the top colleges offering catering courses in India.

Note: The colleges provided above can be for any particular Catering Course (Diploma/UG & PG Degree).

Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Catering

To pursue a Catering course, candidates must fulfil certain academic requirements at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. While the specific criteria may differ across universities or colleges, the general standards remain consistent for hospitality and catering programmes in India.

Undergraduate Level

At the undergraduate level, Catering is usually offered as part of degrees such as B.Sc. in Catering and Hotel Management, B.Voc in Catering Technology, or BA in Culinary Arts. Some colleges also provide specialisations in Catering within broader hospitality programmes. Below are the general eligibility criteria:

• Students must have completed their 10+2 education in any stream from a recognised board.
• A minimum aggregate of 45–50 per cent marks is generally required, with relaxation for candidates from reserved categories in some institutions.
• Admission may be based on merit or entrance exams conducted by universities or national-level tests.

Postgraduate Level

At the postgraduate level, Catering is offered through specialised courses such as the Master of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (MHMCT). These programmes focus on advanced skills in food service, hospitality operations, and event catering. Below are the general eligibility criteria:

• Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Catering, Hotel Management, or any relevant discipline from a recognised university.
• A minimum aggregate of 50 per cent marks is usually required, with relaxation for candidates from reserved categories.
• Admission may involve entrance exams, group discussions, or personal interviews, depending on the institution.
• For a PhD in Catering or Hospitality, candidates must have a master’s degree with at least 55 per cent marks from a recognised university.

Required Skillset for Catering

To excel in Catering, candidates need strong culinary, organisational, and management abilities. Along with in-depth knowledge of food preparation, presentation, and hygiene standards, skills in customer service, teamwork, and event planning are essential. Professionals must be creative, detail-oriented, and adaptable to produce high-quality catering experiences. Here are some essential skills for this field:

• Culinary and Cooking Expertise
• Food Presentation and Plating Skills
• Knowledge of Food Safety and Hygiene Standards
• Menu Planning and Recipe Development
• Event Management and Coordination
• Customer Service and Communication Skills
• Teamwork and Leadership Abilities
• Time Management and Multitasking
• Budgeting and Resource Management
• Adaptability to Different Culinary Styles and Dietary Requirements