Three from Assam among seven in first batch of first-of-its-kind NCVET-approved Tea Sommelier course

Guwahati: Three participants from Assam are among seven who have successfully completed the 60-hour “Essentials of Tea Sommelier” course, conducted by Tea Board India at the Darjeeling Tea Research & Development Centre (DTRDC), Kurseong, from 3rd to 9th August 2026.

The programme is an NCVET-approved skill programme aligned to NSQF Level 4, covering tea appreciation, tasting, blending and artisanal tea practices. It provides structured knowledge and practical exposure in tea and its professional applications in hospitality, retail and other areas of the tea industry.

Bidyananda Barkakoty , Former Vice Chairman, Tea Board India said that the successful completion of the programme marks an important development in the formalisation of Tea Sommelier skills in India. The curriculum covers five core areas: Introduction to the Role of a Tea Sommelier; Tea Appreciation in Fine Dining & Premium Settings; Tea Tasting Protocols & Palate Development; Tea Blending & Innovation; and Artisanal & Future-Forward Tea Practices.


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The programme is designed for beginners, hospitality professionals, tea enthusiasts, aspiring sommeliers, and retail and marketing professionals.

The participation of three candidates from Assam is particularly significant for the State, which produces approximately half of India’s tea. With its rich tea heritage and enormous production base, Assam has considerable potential to emerge as a centre for tea appreciation, professional tea service, premium tea promotion, tea tourism, retail and consumer education.

Tea Board India deserves appreciation for initiating this pioneering NCVET-approved Tea Sommelier course. Such programmes can create a new dimension of professional expertise in the Indian tea sector. This is the first-of-its-kind Government-launched certificate course in Tea Sommelier skills.

Tea is not merely a beverage or a commodity. There is a whole world of aroma, flavour, appearance, liquor, craftsmanship, preparation and experience associated with tea. A trained tea sommelier can help consumers understand and appreciate these dimensions of tea.

The seven participants who successfully completed the course are – Bhargav Raj Barkakoty, Jayant Jalan, Pritam Kr Sharma, Anandh Kumar, Bhumeet Nandal, Akash Deep Roy and Ajay Sashankar.

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The certificate issued by the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) under the NCVET framework identifies the qualification as “Essentials of Tea Sommelier”, with NSQF Level 4, 60 hours and 2 credits.

Tea needs to be viewed not only in terms of the quantity produced, but also in terms of the knowledge, experience and value that can be created around every cup.