The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) has announced the opening of selections for Young Chef India 2025, offering final-year hospitality students the opportunity to represent India at the prestigious Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) 2026. Conceived in 2015 in partnership with the International Hospitality Council, London, YCO has become the world’s largest culinary competition for student chefs, drawing participants from over 70 countries.

Dr Suborno Bose, Chairman IIHM, said, “The Young Chef Olympiad is not just a contest, it is a global stage for talent, diplomacy, and learning. Young Chef India gives our student chefs the chance to showcase their skills and carry the pride of India to 70 nations at YCO 2026.”

The competition unfolds in three rounds. The Preliminary Round invites hospitality institutions to nominate their brightest final-year students. The Qualifier Round will see shortlisted candidates competing at IIHM campuses in Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, and Pune. The National Final in Kolkata will feature the top eight chefs, with the winner earning the honour of representing India at YCO 2026. The global Olympiad, scheduled from 1st to 6th February 2026, will take place across six Indian cities before concluding in Kolkata.

In line with IIHM’s commitment to accessibility, there is no participation fee for Young Chef India 2025. Registrations are open until 26th September 2025 via www.youngchefindia.com/register-now.

IIHM encourages hospitality and culinary institutions across India to nominate their top student chefs. For students, this competition provides a golden opportunity to gain international exposure, test their culinary skills against the world’s best, and proudly represent India on the global stage.