Everything you need to know about the NCVET Tea courses at DTRDC.
It is an NCVET-approved skill development programme (NSQF Level 4) developed by Tea Board India with ASCI. It focuses on professional tea tasting for the Indian tea industry — covering factory-level tasting, blending, sensory evaluation, grading, and quality assessment.
210 hours, structured as approximately 30 days of training. Theory is limited (~35 hours); the majority is hands-on practical (~175 hours).
Minimum eligibility (as per ASCI model curriculum):
12th grade pass or equivalent, OR
Previous NSQF Level 3.5 with 1.5 years of relevant experience, OR
Previous NSQF Level 3 with 3 years of relevant experience.
No specific pre-requisite licence or training is required.
₹45,000 + 18% GST = ₹53,100 total for General category. SC/ST and PH/PwD candidates receive a 50% concession (₹26,550).
Key modules include: Introduction to the Tea Taster role, Tea foundation and appreciation (Indian GI teas, terroir, flavour wheel, sensory profiling, brewing), Conducting professional tastings (grading, SOPs, sensory evaluation, documentation), Tea blending (based on tasting results, sustainable practices, packaging), and Managing factory operations incorporating innovative and future-ready practices.
Potential roles include tea taster in factories/estates, quality control, blending, and related industry positions. The programme supports quality enhancement, consumer confidence, branding, and global competitiveness of Indian teas.
The Fundamentals of Tea Tasting is longer (210 hours) and more intensive — focused on factory-level operations, managing sessions, and manufacturing practices. The Essentials of Tea Sommelier is shorter (60 hours) and focused on appreciation, professional tasting, and artisanal practices — better suited for hospitality professionals and enthusiasts.
An NCVET-approved 60-hour programme focused on tea fundamentals, appreciation, professional tasting techniques, innovative blends, and artisanal/future-forward practices. Designed for hospitality professionals, tea enthusiasts, and aspiring sommeliers.
60 hours of training.
The Essentials of Tea Sommelier is shorter (60 hours) and focused on appreciation and professional tasting — ideal for hospitality and enthusiasts. The Fundamentals of Tea Tasting is longer (210 hours) and more intensive, covering factory-level operations and manufacturing practices.
Applications are handled through this portal — dtdrc.teamarketplace.in. Register or log in, fill the form, pay the fee, and upload your documents. All steps are done online.
A nationally recognised NCVET / ASCI certificate upon successful completion and assessment (theory + practical), aligned with NSQF and NEP 2020, along with a participation certificate from Tea Board India.
At the Darjeeling Tea Research and Development Centre (DTRDC) of Tea Board India, Kurseong, West Bengal.
Yes. If you pay the fee but are not allocated a seat after the selection process, your full course fee will be refunded to your bank account. You must provide correct bank details in the application.
It is an NCVET-approved skill development programme (NSQF Level 4) developed by Tea Board India with ASCI. It focuses on professional tea tasting for the Indian tea industry — covering factory-level tasting, blending, sensory evaluation, grading, and quality assessment.
210 hours, structured as approximately 30 days of training. Theory is limited (~35 hours); the majority is hands-on practical (~175 hours).
Minimum eligibility (as per ASCI model curriculum):
12th grade pass or equivalent, OR
Previous NSQF Level 3.5 with 1.5 years of relevant experience, OR
Previous NSQF Level 3 with 3 years of relevant experience.
No specific pre-requisite licence or training is required.
₹45,000 + 18% GST = ₹53,100 total for General category. SC/ST and PH/PwD candidates receive a 50% concession (₹26,550).
Key modules include: Introduction to the Tea Taster role, Tea foundation and appreciation (Indian GI teas, terroir, flavour wheel, sensory profiling, brewing), Conducting professional tastings (grading, SOPs, sensory evaluation, documentation), Tea blending (based on tasting results, sustainable practices, packaging), and Managing factory operations incorporating innovative and future-ready practices.
Potential roles include tea taster in factories/estates, quality control, blending, and related industry positions. The programme supports quality enhancement, consumer confidence, branding, and global competitiveness of Indian teas.
The Fundamentals of Tea Tasting is longer (210 hours) and more intensive — focused on factory-level operations, managing sessions, and manufacturing practices. The Essentials of Tea Sommelier is shorter (60 hours) and focused on appreciation, professional tasting, and artisanal practices — better suited for hospitality professionals and enthusiasts.
Applications are handled through this portal — dtdrc.teamarketplace.in. Register or log in, fill the form, pay the fee, and upload your documents. All steps are done online.
A nationally recognised NCVET / ASCI certificate upon successful completion and assessment (theory + practical), aligned with NSQF and NEP 2020, along with a participation certificate from Tea Board India.
At the Darjeeling Tea Research and Development Centre (DTRDC) of Tea Board India, Kurseong, West Bengal.
Yes. If you pay the fee but are not allocated a seat after the selection process, your full course fee will be refunded to your bank account. You must provide correct bank details in the application.
An NCVET-approved 60-hour programme focused on tea fundamentals, appreciation, professional tasting techniques, innovative blends, and artisanal/future-forward practices. Designed for hospitality professionals, tea enthusiasts, and aspiring sommeliers.
60 hours of training.
The Essentials of Tea Sommelier is shorter (60 hours) and focused on appreciation and professional tasting — ideal for hospitality and enthusiasts. The Fundamentals of Tea Tasting is longer (210 hours) and more intensive, covering factory-level operations and manufacturing practices.
Applications are handled through this portal — dtdrc.teamarketplace.in. Register or log in, fill the form, pay the fee, and upload your documents. All steps are done online.
A nationally recognised NCVET / ASCI certificate upon successful completion and assessment (theory + practical), aligned with NSQF and NEP 2020, along with a participation certificate from Tea Board India.
At the Darjeeling Tea Research and Development Centre (DTRDC) of Tea Board India, Kurseong, West Bengal.
Yes. If you pay the fee but are not allocated a seat after the selection process, your full course fee will be refunded to your bank account. You must provide correct bank details in the application.
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.
JJ
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.
AK
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.
BR
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.
PK
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.
AD
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.
BN
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.
AS
Mr Ajay Sashankar
Essentials of Tea Sommelier · 1st Batch, Aug 2026
✓ Verified Graduate
How it Works
Seven steps from notification to certification
1
Notification
Tea Board
Course details, eligibility, fees, seat count, and all dates published. Seat counter updates live.
2
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.
3
Register & Login
Candidate
Create an account with your email and password. One login covers the entire process — application, tracking, and updates.
4
Apply Online
Candidate
Five-step form: personal details, education, payment screenshot, document uploads, review and submit. Reference number issued instantly.
5
Screening
DTRDC Operator
After cut-off date, officers verify each parameter. Any issue is recorded and shown on your application dashboard.
6
Selection / Refund
System
Selected: offer letter emailed automatically. Rejected: reason visible on dashboard; fee refunded within 7 working days.
7
Training & Cert.
DTRDC
Training at DTRDC. NCVET assessment and certificate on successful completion.
Contact Information
Grievance & Queries
For queries regarding eligibility, application, or status:
