Tea Taster: If you are a tea lover, then make a career in it, the government has launched a 210-hour course..
Tea Taster, Tea Literacy Skill Course: India is known as the land of tea – tea has been cultivated for centuries in regions like Assam, West Bengal, Darjeeling, Nilgiris, and others. The taste, aroma, quality, and customer experience of tea are also crucial. As the Indian tea industry establishes itself in the global market, the demand for tea sensory expertise and tea tasting skills has also increased. This is why the government has launched the Tea Tasting Skills Course under the Tea Literacy Programs.
This initiative will not only improve quality control but also enable tea producers to tailor products to consumer preferences. These courses will be in line with industry demands and international standards. This transparency and training will promote tea literacy by increasing consumer confidence. This will enable even ordinary people to distinguish between tea flavors, different processes, and grades. Learn about this course in the world of tea and what it will entail.
What are Tea Tasting Skill Courses?
NCVET-Approved Course: This course is recognized by the National Council of Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). It consists of two distinct courses:
Essentials of Tea Sommeliers – This is an approximately 60-hour course covering a basic introduction to tea, tea appreciation, tasting techniques, blending, and more.
Fundamentals of Tea Tasting – This is a 210-hour course covering factory-level tasting, tasting session management, blending to taste, and future-oriented tasting workshops.
Training will be available at Darjeeling's Tea Estates.
These specialized tea-related courses were developed by the Tea Board India, under the Union Ministry of Commerce, and with the support of the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI). These courses were inaugurated on September 30, 2025, on the occasion of International Tea Day. These courses will be conducted at the Darjeeling Tea Research and Development Centre, Kurseong.
What is the specialty of this tea course?
This is the first NCVET-approved course in India specifically focused on tea tasting and sommelier skills. Training will be offered at two levels. One course is short-term (60 hours) for basic training. The second course will be in-depth (210 hours), covering tasting experience and factory-level processes. The syllabus for these courses has been developed keeping in mind international standards and the National Education Policy (NEP 2020).
Career Scope for Tea Tasters
Employment Opportunities: Experts in tasting, grading, blending, tea tasting session management, and tea quality improvement are in high demand. This can provide students with excellent employment opportunities.
Promoting Tea Literacy: This will increase understanding of tea quality, taste, and varieties among both consumers and the industry, enhancing the reputation of Indian tea.
Large tea institutions, tea export houses, premium/specialty tea brands, teahouses, and resorts offer better-paying and prestigious roles.
Regional opportunities exist for smaller tea estates or local buyers/blenders. Salaries may be lower, but they will help build experience and a network.
Tea Taster Salary
Position/Experience Level Estimated Salary/Monthly/Annual
Beginner/Trainee Tea Tester Approximately 15,000 to 30,000 rupees per month
Moderate Experience/Senior Tea Tester 3 to 6 lakh rupees per year (approximately 25,000 to 60,000 rupees per month)
Expert/with major brands/many years of experience 10-15 lakh rupees per year or even more is possible, especially if international orders or branding/blending opportunities arise.
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