The booming culinary landscape of India has led to an intense increase in the demand for skilled chefs, kitchen professionals and culinary entrepreneurs. The fusion in the food industry has been shaping the future of dining, and a professional culinary education is now more vital than ever. In 2025, India is home to many world-class culinary institutes that offer cutting-edge training, global exposure and exceptional placement records. 

In this blog with Foodism Connect, we will explore the top culinary schools in India and their placement records in 2025, tailored for you

• The Culinary Academy of India, Hyderabad

Established 25+ years ago in 1996, the institute excels in chef training. It is Osmania University and AICTE-affiliated. It has groundbreaking Bachelor’s and PG Diploma programs in Culinary Arts with multiple specialised kitchens including bakery, pastry, gastronomy, larder and cruise galley. It has a strong placement record with a high percentage of students securing jobs through campus interviews. Campus placement brands include Taj, Oberoi and cruise lines like Costa and P&O. Average salary ranges from 5.5 LPA with up to 10 LPA top international offers. 

• Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Mumbai

IHM is a legacy institute for hospitality education, established in 1954, affiliated with NCHMCT and the Ministry of Tourism. IIHM is a pioneer in culinary education and hotel management. It has a strong government affiliation with a renowned alumni network. The placement rate of IHM is 80-90%,  with an average package ranging from 2-3 LPA. Top recruiters include Taj, Oberoi, Hilton, ITC Hotels and Accor Hotels. Students can explore many placement opportunities in retail and food service companies even before their graduation. 

• Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), Manipal

WGSHA was established in 1986 in partnership with ITC Hotels. It is an unprecedented player in culinary science, specialising in BA/PG Programs. The facilities of this institute include a culinary museum, a bakery lab and nutrition kitchens. The institute has a consistent placement rate in culinary arts, with an average salary of 5.5 LPA. Hotels like Marriott, Taj, Hyatt and Accor have recruited culinary graduates from WGSHA. 

• International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), New Delhi

IICA is one of the best culinary schools offering internationally accredited programs, affiliations from the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS). Established in 2005, IICA focuses on delivering professional chef and pastry arts training in small batches, with hands-on mentoring from experienced chefs. IICA has reported a 90% placement rate with students securing golden opportunities at luxury properties like Roseate, Radisson Blue, and Leela. The average package of a student from IICA started at 4.6 LPA. 

• Amrapali Institute of Hotel Management, Haldwani

Amrapali Institute of Hotel Management is emerging as an eminent name among culinary and hospitality colleges in North India. The institute blends traditional Indian culinary practices with modern hospitality management. Located in the scenic town of Haldwani, the institute is known for its practical orientation and strong faculty. The culinary department of the institute is gaining recognition for preparing students in an all-around way for both the  Indian and Global job markets. With a placement rate of 92%, students can secure jobs at luxury properties like Taj, Vivanta, Radisson, Royal Caribbean Cruises and other cloud-kitchen start-ups. The average salary ranges from 3 LPA. The institute’s unique location and affordable education make it an appropriate choice for aspiring chefs in the northern region. 

• Apeejay Institute of Hospitality (AIH), Navi Mumbai

Appejay is one of the most industry-integrated culinary programs in Western India. It is situated in Navi Mumbai, backed by the Park Hotels and affiliated with IGNOU, AIH focuses on delivering real-time exposure to the candidates by exposing them to modern gastronomy, food styling and cafe entrepreneurship. The learning model that this institute follows is a combination of classroom instruction with internships at top-tier hospitality properties. In 2025, with a 94% placement rate, graduates get hired by luxury hotels like The Park, Trident, Novotel, and JW Marriott. Students also secure internships and job opportunities in international markets like Dubai and Singapore, enhancing the image of the institute as a globally focused culinary school. The average salary package stands at 4.3 LPA, making it a competitive choice for students. 

• Indian Culinary Institute (ICI), Tirupati & Noida

The ICI operates from two state-of-the-art campuses in Tirupati and Noida - established by the Ministry of Tourism and Government of India. The institute was created with the vision of elevating India’s culinary education to attain a global benchmark. ICI offers specialised BBA and MBA programs in culinary arts with extensive modules in Indian gastronomy, food microbiology and sustainable cooking. Placement outcomes of ICI in 2025 are promising - students secure jobs at fine-dining restaurants, food startups. ICI’s close government affiliation and focus on Indian cuisine make it an excellent option for candidates seeking academic and research-driven culinary careers. The annual salary package of ICI students starts from 2-3 LPA. 

• Le Cordon Bleu at GD Goenka University, Gurgaon/Gurugram

For students who are interested in gaining international culinary certification in India, Le Cordon Bleu at GD Goenka University in Gurgaon is an elite choice. This institute is decked up with globally recognised diplomas in culinary arts and patisserie following a classic French chef methodology. The institute has a modern campus with advanced kitchen labs providing a high-standard learning experience. The curriculum here is modelled directly on Le Cordon Bleu Paris, which ensures global standards in techniques and presentation. As of 2025, the institute has amazing placement opportunities, graduates securing jobs at fine-dining lrestaurants ike Atlantis, Ritz-Carlton, and other high-end restaurants in Paris or London. The maximum salary at Le Cordon Bleu stands at 20 LPA for any managerial position. For students seeking a luxury culinary career and international exposure, this is the best choice. 

So, choose your culinary institute wisely, as it makes a huge difference in seeking out the best culinary career. 

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