JNU and Indian Culinary Institute Sign MoU for BBA and MBA Degrees on Oct 28, 2026

What happened

On October 28, 2026, the Indian Culinary Institute (ICI), operating under the Ministry of Tourism, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi ^[2][16]. The agreement was finalized at Kartavya Bhawan by JNU Vice-Chancellor Smt. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and ICI Director Shri Gyan Bhushan ^[2][16]. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Ministry of Tourism Secretary Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar ^[2][16].

Under this MoU, JNU will recognize and award degrees to students who successfully complete the BBA (Culinary Arts & Food Business) and MBA (Culinary Management) programmes at ICI ^[2][13]. The curriculum is designed to train chefs and hospitality professionals to meet the demands of the hotel and allied sectors ^[2][13]. Degree recognition is scheduled to commence starting from the next academic year ^[2][13].

Why it matters

The partnership bridges government-backed culinary training with mainstream university degree accreditation. The BBA and MBA programmes aim to equip students with professional competencies required in the hospitality industry ^[2]. By enabling JNU to award formal degrees, the collaboration provides graduates with enhanced credentials, broader access to higher education, and improved placement opportunities both domestically and internationally ^[2]. Additionally, JNU already maintains a running tie-up with the National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology (NCHMCT) for its 3-Year B.Sc (HHA) program ^[15], further deepening the university's involvement in hospitality education.

What to watch

Students and prospective applicants should monitor upcoming academic session announcements regarding admissions and curriculum rollouts for the recognized BBA and MBA batches starting next academic year ^[2][13].

Sources

1. Indian Culinary Institute Signs MoU with Jawaharlal Nehru University for Recognition of BBA and MBA Programmes: MoU to enable award of degrees by JNU to students completing BBA and MBA programmes at Indian Culinary InstituteCollaboration to enhance higher education and employment pib.gov.in
2. Indian Culinary Institute Signs MoU with Jawaharlal Nehru University for Recognition of BBA and MBA Programmes | Odisha Diary, Latest Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha orissadiary.com
3. Tourism Ministry signs MoU with JNU for Culinary BBA and MBA programs of ICI - Hospitality Biz India: Latest News & Analysis hospitalitybizindia.com
4. Indian Culinary Institute Signs MoU with Jawaharlal Nehru University for Recognition of BBA and MBA Programmes - The NewsHour thenewshour.org