Photo Courtesy: nenews
Guwahati: Seven candidates finished the first government-backed tea sommelier course in India. The 60-hour program took place from August 3 to August 9 at the Darjeeling Tea Research and Development Centre in Kurseong. Three of the graduates hail from Assam, a region central to the nation's tea production and history. The Tea Board of India hosted the event.
The curriculum carries NCVET approval and aligns with the NSQF Level 4 standard. It includes five core modules: the role of a sommelier, fine dining appreciation, tasting protocols, blending innovation, and artisanal practices. The Agriculture Skill Council of India issued the certificates, granting two credits per student. The course targets beginners, hospitality workers, and marketing professionals.
Graduates included Bhargav Raj Barkakoty, Jayant Jalan, Pritam Kr Sharma, Anandh Kumar, Bhumeet Nandal, Akash Deep Roy, and Ajay Sashankar. This training aims to boost tea tourism, professional service, and retail education. Experts believe these skills help people grasp the nuance of the product. Bidyananda Barkakoty, former vice chairman of the Tea Board of India, noted, "Tea is not merely a beverage or a commodity but a whole world of aroma, flavour, appearance, liquor, craftsmanship, preparation and experience associated with tea."
Updated at 26th August 2026 at 1:50am
The specific regional breakdown for the inaugural class shows a wider reach than initially reported. Beyond the three participants from Assam, the cohort included Anandh Kumar from Tamil Nadu, Bhumeet Nandal representing Haryana, and both Akash Deep Roy and Ajay Sashankar hailing from West Bengal.
Official records now classify the qualification under the specific title of Essentials of Tea Sommelier. This certification marks the first government-launched program of its kind, aiming to shift the industry perception of tea from a bulk agricultural commodity toward a high-value, knowledge-based sector.
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