TTT NEWS NETWORK
KOLKATA | 3 AUGUST 2026
Tea Board India today launched NCVET approved Skilled Courses on Tea Tasting at its Darjeeling Tea Research and Development Centre (DTRDC), Kurseong, marking a significant milestone in strengthening India’s tea sector through structured skill development and professional education.
The initiative has been launched with the objective of creating a pool of professionally trained tea tasters and tea sommeliers capable of supporting quality enhancement, tea appreciation, value addition, branding and market competitiveness of Indian teas. The programme is also aimed at promoting tea literacy among youths and generating employment opportunities in the tea industry.
The courses have been developed with the assistance of the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI), an Awarding Body recognised by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and aligned with the vision of the Government of India to promote skill-based education and industry-oriented learning. A committee comprising representatives from the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, subject experts and industry professionals formulated the curriculum of two courses (60 hours and 210 Hours) in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).
The inaugural batch comprised a 60-hour certificate programme named Essentials of Tea Sommelier designed to impart knowledge on tea appreciation, professional tea tasting techniques, tea blending and future-forward tea practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri C. Murugan, Deputy Chairman, Tea Board India, emphasized that the initiative will contribute significantly towards building a skilled workforce capable of enhancing tea quality, ensuring scientific sensory evaluation, strengthening quality assurance systems and promoting tea appreciation among consumers.
Participants will receive hands-on training covering tea cultivation, manufacturing, professional tasting methodologies, sensory evaluation, tea grading, blending techniques, tea etiquette and industry best practices through classroom sessions, practical demonstrations and experiential learning.
Upon successful completion of the programme, trainees are expected to contribute meaningfully to the tea value chain by supporting quality assessment, improving market competitiveness, promoting tea literacy and enhancing consumer confidence in Indian teas.
Tea Board India remains committed to fostering innovation, skill development and excellence in the tea sector while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for aspiring tea professionals and strengthening India’s position as a global leader in premium tea production.
Shri C. Murugan (centre), Deputy Chairman, Tea Board India and Smt. Arunita Phukan Yadav (extreme left), Executive Director, North East Zonal Office, Tea Board India, during the launch of the NCVET approved Skilled Courses on Tea Tasting at Tea Board’s Darjeeling Tea Research and Development Centre (DTRDC), Kurseong, 03.08.2026
Shri C. Murugan, Deputy Chairman, Tea Board India, giving his address during the launch of the NCVET approved Skilled Courses on Tea Tasting at Tea Board’s Darjeeling Tea Research and Development Centre (DTRDC), Kurseong, 03.08.2026
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