With the Indian Culinary Institute (ICI), an institute under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, having signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi on October 28 at Kartavya Bhawan, New Delhi, a new chapter was opened in the culinary sector of education in India.

In simple terms, it means that the premier higher education institution JNU will now feature on certificates and degrees provided to successful students of ICI’s BBA and MBA.  

The MoU was signed by Smt. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice-Chancellor, JNU, and Shri Gyan Bhushan, Director, ICI, on behalf of their respective institutions, in the presence of Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, and Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. Senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, JNU and ICI were also present on the occasion.

The MoU provides for the recognition of ICI’s BBA (Culinary Arts & Food Business) and MBA (Culinary Management) programmes by JNU, enabling the university to award degrees to students successfully completing these programmes at ICI.

The BBA and MBA programmes offered by ICI aim to develop highly skilled chefs and hospitality professionals to meet the growing requirements of the hotel, hospitality and allied industries. The programmes focus on equipping students with the requisite skills, knowledge and professional competencies to excel in the hospitality sector. They also seek to nurture culinary professionals who contribute to the distinct identity and offerings of hotels and restaurants.

The recognition of ICI’s BBA and MBA programmes by JNU, commencing from the next academic year, is expected to enhance academic and professional opportunities for students. The collaboration will facilitate access to higher education and improve employment and placement prospects for graduates, both in India and abroad, while contributing to the growing demand for skilled professionals in India’s hospitality sector.