India’s hospitality industry is witnessing an inspiring moment as IndiaSkills 2026 – Regional Competitions for Hospitality Skills unfold in the vibrant city of Bhubaneswar. Hosted by the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), the competitions began on 2 February 2026 and will continue until 14 February 2026 at the prestigious C V Raman Global University, Odisha.
More than just a contest, IndiaSkills 2026 represents ambition, discipline, and the dreams of young hospitality professionals eager to make their mark on a global stage.
A National Platform Celebrating Hospitality Excellence
Organised under the flagship IndiaSkills 2025–26 programme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the regional competitions span four zones—North, South, East, and West. The focus is on five core hospitality skill categories:
Bakery
Cooking
Restaurant Services
Patisserie & Confectionery
Hotel Reception
Each participant here has earned their place after clearing a rigorous multi-stage selection process, including MCQ-based knowledge assessments and hands-on skill trials—ensuring only the most deserving talent competes at the regional level.
Representation from Every Corner of India
The diversity of India truly shines through the wide participation of states and regions:
East Region: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli
West Region: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Rajasthan
North Region: Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh
South Region: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry
This pan-India representation highlights the growing reach and inclusivity of hospitality skill development across the country.
The Road to the “Olympics of Skills”
IndiaSkills 2026 is India’s official gateway to the globally renowned WorldSkills Competition, often called the Olympics of Skills. Winners from these regional rounds will undergo advanced training, mentorship, and national-level competitions, with one finalist per skill ultimately earning the honour of representing India at WorldSkills Shanghai.
India’s impressive track record speaks volumes—multiple medals and medallions across WorldSkills editions from 2017 to 2024 reflect the country’s rising global competitiveness in hospitality skills.
Building Careers, Not Just Winning Medals
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO, THSC, shared a powerful insight:
“IndiaSkills is not merely a competition; it is an opportunity for aspiring hospitality professionals to understand modern techniques and global hotel practices while mastering the basics. This platform continues to recognise and nurture emerging talent who will define the future of the hospitality industry.”
At its heart, IndiaSkills focuses on structured training, expert mentorship, and industry collaboration—ensuring participants are job-ready and globally aligned.
Expert Evaluation with Global Benchmarks
Participants are assessed by a distinguished jury of industry experts from leading institutes, academies, and hospitality brands. The transparent and rigorous evaluation process ensures that creativity, technical precision, service excellence, and professionalism are measured against international standards.
The top three winners in each category will move ahead for two additional physical rounds, bringing them one step closer to global recognition.
THSC: Powering India’s Hospitality Workforce
As the apex body for vocational education in tourism and hospitality, THSC has played a transformative role in shaping India’s skilled workforce. With:
2+ million candidates enrolled
1.6+ million youth certified
1000+ training institutes
81+ colleges
5000+ industry units
THSC continues to strengthen an industry-aligned skilling ecosystem, creating sustainable careers and future-ready professionals for India’s hospitality sector.
A Celebration of Skill, Passion, and Possibility
The IndiaSkills 2026 Hospitality Regional Competitions are more than an event—they are a celebration of young dreams, culinary artistry, service excellence, and India’s growing global presence in hospitality. As Bhubaneswar hosts this remarkable journey, the nation watches its future hospitality leaders rise, ready to shine on the world stage. 🌏✨
