DTRDC · Tea Board India · ASCI Certified

NCVET Tea Tasting
Skilled Courses 2026

NCVET-approved programmes in Tea Tasting and Tea Sommelier — conducted at Darjeeling Tea Research & Development Centre (DTRDC), Tea Board India.

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What to keep ready Apply now

10

Total seats

1

Course open

50%

SC/ST concession

NCVET

Approved

RESULTS DECLARED 26 August 2026

Fundamentals of Tea Tasting — Batch 1

Selection: first-cum-first basis & Govt. reservation norms.

Download official PDF

RESULTS DECLARED 21 July 2026

Essentials of Tea Sommelier Certification program — Batch 1

Selection: first-cum-first basis & Govt. reservation norms.

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Login to check your status * Candidates not selected will be notified of refund status separately.

OPEN

Essentials of Tea Sommelier Certification program

— Batch 2

NCVET-approved · DTRDC, Kurseong · ASCI Certified

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the NCVET Tea courses at DTRDC.

Still have questions? Write to us at dtrdcteaboardksg@gmail.com or call +91-9875449805.

Available Courses

NSQF-aligned programmes under NCVET / ASCI accreditation framework

Course fee (General)₹ 20,060

SC / ST fee₹ 10,030 (50% off)

PH / PwD fee₹ 10,030 (50% off)

Last date to apply04 October 2026

Training starts28 October 2026

13 applications received

Download Course Brochure (PDF) Apply now

FAQs about this course

Course fee (General)₹ 53,100

SC / ST fee₹ 26,550 (50% off)

PH / PwD fee₹ 26,550 (50% off)

Last date to apply23 August 2026

Training starts07 September 2026

16 applications received

Download Course Brochure (PDF) Applications closed

FAQs about this course

Course fee (General)₹ 20,060

SC / ST fee₹ 10,030 (50% off)

PH / PwD fee₹ 10,030 (50% off)

Last date to apply12 July 2026

Training starts03 August 2026

17 applications received

Download Course Brochure (PDF) Applications closed

FAQs about this course

From our graduates

What participants say

Feedback from candidates who completed the 1st batch of the Tea Sommelier programme at DTRDC, Kurseong.

“

The hands-on, industry- and consumer-focused approach of the programme was the best part for me. The international tea perspective helped us understand global standards and why premium teas are increasingly appreciated by affluent Indian consumers.

Mr Jayant Jalan

Essentials of Tea Sommelier · 1st Batch, Aug 2026

✓ Verified Graduate

“

I really enjoyed learning about tea appreciation, blending techniques, and the unique characteristics of teas from different origins. The session was informative and helped me develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diversity of tea.

Mr Anandh Kumar

Essentials of Tea Sommelier · 1st Batch, Aug 2026

✓ Verified Graduate

“

The Tea Sommelier course was a wonderful learning experience — covering appreciation, tasting, sensory evaluation, brewing, blending, and food pairing. It has given me greater confidence in understanding and presenting tea professionally.

Mr Bhargav Raj Barkakoty

Essentials of Tea Sommelier · 1st Batch, Aug 2026

✓ Verified Graduate

“

The course was highly informative and offered a fresh and different perspective towards tea. The practical approach and hands-on learning made the overall experience truly valuable and enjoyable.

Mr Pritam Kumar Sharma

Essentials of Tea Sommelier · 1st Batch, Aug 2026

✓ Verified Graduate

“

I gained in-depth knowledge about tea appreciation and developed a holistic understanding of tea. The teacher's expertise and the practical techniques used in the class made the learning experience highly informative and engaging.

Mr Akash Deep Roy

Essentials of Tea Sommelier · 1st Batch, Aug 2026

✓ Verified Graduate

“

It was a privilege to learn from such a distinguished and experienced faculty — Miss Susmita Das Gupta madam — who is among the few renowned experts in the field. Her expertise and engaging way of teaching made the learning experience truly valuable.

Mr Bhumeet Nandal

Essentials of Tea Sommelier · 1st Batch, Aug 2026

✓ Verified Graduate

“

This course has opened up a whole new dimension of tea for me and greatly enhanced my understanding of the opportunities and possibilities of applying the lessons learned. It was an incredible and truly enriching experience.

Mr Ajay Sashankar

Essentials of Tea Sommelier · 1st Batch, Aug 2026

✓ Verified Graduate

Meet the experts

Our Faculty

Industry veterans and certified experts delivering world-class tea education at DTRDC, Kurseong.

Abhijeet Hazarika

Abhijeet Hazarika

Tea Industry Veteran & Innovation Expert

Former — Brooke Bond, Tata Tea, Tata Global Beverages

A veteran tea industry professional with over four decades of expertise in tea tasting, buying, blending, and process innovation. Has directed global blending operations, pioneered auction price intelligence systems, and developed advanced tea evaluation frameworks. Recognised globally for introducing digital transformation, mechanization, and AI-driven sensing into tea production.

Parag Hatibarua

Parag Hatibarua

Tea Tasting & Sensory Analysis Expert

Tea Board India · Tea Research Association · ITMA

Distinguished tea professional with nearly four decades of expertise in tea tasting, quality evaluation, manufacture, sensory analysis, and education. A passionate educator and mentor, he has trained aspiring tea tasters through international teaching engagements, fostering global exchange of tea knowledge and advancing appreciation of Indian tea.

Susmita Das Gupta

Susmita Das Gupta

India's First Tea Artist™ & Founder, Indian School of Tea

Tea With Susmita · Indian School of Tea

India's first Tea Artist™ — a pioneering educator and strategist who integrates sensory appreciation, hospitality, branding, and tourism to take Indian tea beyond the cup. Curated tea experiences for McKinsey, Reliance, Titan, Ford and BCG. Exclusive faculty for Tea Board India's Essentials of Tea Sommelier programme. MBA with advanced credentials from Yale and MICA.

How it Works

Seven steps from notification to certification

Notification

Tea Board

Course details, eligibility, fees, seat count, and all dates published. Seat counter updates live.

Prepare & Pay

Candidate

Read the checklist, keep documents ready, and pay the fee by NEFT/UPI to the Tea Board account before opening the form.

Register & Login

Candidate

Create an account with your email and password. One login covers the entire process — application, tracking, and updates.

Apply Online

Candidate

Five-step form: personal details, education, payment screenshot, document uploads, review and submit. Reference number issued instantly.

Screening

DTRDC Operator

After cut-off date, officers verify each parameter. Any issue is recorded and shown on your application dashboard.

Selection / Refund

System

Selected: offer letter emailed automatically. Rejected: reason visible on dashboard; fee refunded within 7 working days.

Training & Cert.

DTRDC

Training at DTRDC. NCVET assessment and certificate on successful completion.

Grievance & Queries

For queries regarding eligibility, application, or status:

dtrdcteaboardksg@gmail.com

Helpline

Monday – Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM IST

+91-9875449805

Training Venue

Darjeeling Tea Research & Development Centre (DTRDC), Tea Board India, Darjeeling, West Bengal