India Launches First Skill Training Programme for Tea Sommeliers and Tasters

In a landmark initiative, the Government of India has introduced the country’s first NCVET-approved skill courses on tea sommeliers and tea tasting, marking a major step toward professionalising India’s tea industry.

Announced on International Tea Day, the programme was formally launched by Sunil Barthwal, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Commerce. Training sessions will be conducted at the Darjeeling Tea Research and Development Centre of the Tea Board India in Kurseong.

Objectives of the Programme

The courses aim to:

• Promote tea literacy nationwide.

• Train youth in professional tea appreciation and tasting techniques.

• Equip the tea industry with globally benchmarked skills.

• Strengthen India’s competitiveness in the international tea market.

Graduates of the programme will contribute to sensory evaluation, grading, and promotion of tea culture, driving higher consumer satisfaction and market reach.

Committee to Shape Courses

The Tea Board India has set up a high-level committee to design the curriculum, reviewing existing domestic and international tea programmes.

Members include representatives from:

• Department of Commerce

• NCVET

• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

• Indian Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM)

• Subject-matter experts in tea tasting and NEP 2020

The curriculum has been developed to align with international standards and the goals of the National Education Policy 2020.

Two Specialised Courses Introduced

Based on the committee’s recommendations, two courses have been rolled out with support from the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI):

1. Essentials of Tea Sommeliers (60 hours)

   • Fundamentals of tea and appreciation

   • Professional tasting techniques

   • Innovative blends and artisanal practices

2. Fundamentals of Tea Tasting (210 hours)

   • Factory-level tasting operations

   • Managing tasting sessions

   • Blending strategies based on tasting results

   • Modern tea manufacturing and evaluation practices

Raising India’s Global Tea Profile

Officials emphasised that the programmes will help build a new generation of skilled professionals, ensuring India’s tea industry adapts to global quality standards while preserving its heritage.