03 Jan 2026
At the International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), New Delhi, we are overjoyed to share that we’ve been honoured with the 11th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Award 2025 for Excellence in Creating Employment & Entrepreneurship (Private). This prestigious recognition, presented by Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Honourable Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, on 6th October 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, is a significant milestone for IICA, affirming our dedication to culinary arts education.
This award celebrates our long-standing commitment to offering skill-based education that prepares students for a career in culinary arts, fosters employment, and nurtures entrepreneurship within the culinary industry. Over the past two decades, IICA has been instrumental in shaping skilled chefs and culinary entrepreneurs who continue to excel both in India and around the world. But beyond the trophy, this award also signifies something deeper: the recognition of skill-based culinary education as an essential part of preparing students for success in the competitive food industry.
Let’s take a closer look at how this FICCI award sets a new benchmark in skill-based education and why IICA’s approach to culinary arts programs is revolutionizing the way we train chefs and entrepreneurs.
Why the FICCI Award is a Milestone for IICA
The FICCI Higher Education Excellence Award is one of the most respected recognitions in the field of education. This award acknowledges institutions that excel in improving the quality of education and contribute significantly to national development, especially in areas like employment and entrepreneurship.
IICA’s recognition for Excellence in Creating Employment & Entrepreneurship speaks volumes about the institute’s role in shaping the future of culinary education. It was a proud moment for Mr. Virender S. Datta, Founder & Chairman of IICA, and Mr. Arjun S. Datta, Managing Director & COO of IICA, to receive this prestigious award. But this recognition is not just for the leadership—it reflects the dedication and hard work of every member of the IICA family: students, faculty, and industry partners who have helped us build a world-class culinary education platform.
Skill-Based Education: The Foundation of IICA’s Success
At IICA, we believe that culinary arts education is not just about following recipes—it’s about mastering the skills that make a chef stand out. Our approach to education revolves around hands-on learning and providing students with the tools they need to succeed in real-world kitchens. From knife skills to advanced cooking techniques, we ensure our students graduate with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the professional culinary world.
Here’s how we integrate skill-based education into our culinary diploma programs:
- Learning by Doing: Our students spend significant time in the kitchen, practicing their skills with professional equipment and ingredients. This hands-on experience is crucial for building the confidence and technical expertise needed to excel in the culinary industry.
- Industry-Aligned Curriculum: The Diploma Course in Culinary Arts and advanced diploma in culinary arts provide students with exposure to global culinary standards. Our programs are continuously updated to reflect current trends, ensuring that students are always ahead of the curve.
- Comprehensive Training: Our culinary arts diploma program is designed to cover all facets of cooking, from food science to restaurant management. In addition to teaching traditional techniques, we incorporate essential skills like cost control, menu planning, and food presentation, which are critical for working in high-end kitchens or running a restaurant.
Empowering Students to Build Their Culinary Futures
At IICA, we don’t just create skilled chefs—we create culinary entrepreneurs. Our culinary diploma courses not only teach students how to cook, but they also prepare them to manage food businesses, lead teams, and launch their own ventures. We aim to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in our students, giving them the confidence to pursue their own culinary ventures.
- Entrepreneurial Focus: Our Culinary Arts Programs are designed with a focus on entrepreneurship. Whether it’s opening a restaurant, a catering business, or a food startup, we ensure our students are equipped with the business knowledge and skills to succeed as entrepreneurs in the culinary industry.
- Industry Connections: IICA’s strong ties with leading chefs, hospitality groups, and food businesses give students real-world experience and the opportunity to network with industry professionals. Our diploma courses for chefs include internships and practical exposure to some of the best kitchens in the country.
- Business Skills for Chefs: Through culinary diploma programs that include modules on cost management, marketing, branding, and business operations, we ensure our students are prepared to take on leadership roles in the industry or launch their own businesses.
Why IICA is a Leader in Culinary Education
Our Diploma in Culinary Arts and Advanced Diploma in Culinary Arts offer a comprehensive, well-rounded education that goes beyond cooking. We believe that true culinary excellence comes from the ability to blend technical mastery with a passion for food and a strong business acumen. IICA offers students:
- A Holistic Culinary Education: From mastering the art of classical French cooking to understanding contemporary food trends, IICA provides an education that covers the full spectrum of the culinary arts.
- Real-World Experience: Students gain practical experience through internships, guest lectures by industry leaders, and real-time projects that help them understand the dynamics of running a restaurant or food business.
- Global Exposure: With international exchange programs and global partnerships, IICA students get exposure to different culinary cultures and trends, ensuring that they are prepared to work in a global environment.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Students, Faculty, and Partners
This prestigious award is a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire IICA community. Our students push the boundaries of what’s possible every day, continually striving to perfect their craft. Our faculty members provide guidance and mentorship, helping students grow both as chefs and entrepreneurs. And our industry partners ensure that we stay connected with the latest trends, providing valuable real-world experiences for our students.
Together, we’ve created a vibrant community where culinary excellence and entrepreneurship are at the heart of everything we do. This award is a reflection of the efforts of each individual who contributes to the IICA family.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Culinary Education
As we celebrate this milestone, we know that the road ahead is filled with new opportunities, challenges, and innovations. The FICCI Higher Education Excellence Award marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for IICA, where we continue to set new standards in culinary arts education. Here’s what’s next:
- Expanding Global Opportunities: We are committed to providing our students with more international exposure, giving them the opportunity to learn from the best in the world.
- Adapting to Industry Trends: As food technology, sustainability, and new food trends continue to shape the industry, IICA is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve and incorporating these trends into our curriculum.
- Creating More Entrepreneurs: We will continue to focus on developing the next generation of culinary entrepreneurs, offering the resources and mentorship they need to succeed in the ever-growing food industry.
Join Us on This Culinary Journey
We’re proud of the FICCI Award and everything it represents. But the most exciting part is that this is just the beginning. If you’re passionate about food and eager to explore a career in culinary arts, IICA is the place for you. Whether you want to pursue a Diploma in Culinary Arts, take your skills further with an Advanced Diploma in Culinary Arts, or explore our culinary diploma programs, IICA provides the perfect environment to help you achieve your culinary dreams.
Whether you’re passionate about cooking or want to start your own food business, IICA’s Culinary Arts Programs will set you on the path to success.
FAQs
1. Do I need prior experience to enroll in IICA’s culinary programs?
No prior experience is required to enroll in our Culinary Arts Programs. Our Diploma Courses for Chefs are designed for both beginners and those with some culinary background. We start with the basics and guide you step-by-step through advanced techniques, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
2. What career opportunities can I expect after completing IICA's courses?
Graduates from IICA's culinary diploma courses are well-prepared for a variety of roles, including working as chefs, restaurant managers, or starting their own food businesses. IICA also focuses on entrepreneurship, ensuring you have the skills needed to launch and manage your own culinary ventures.