Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with millions of people beginning their day with a refreshing brew. The unique flavour and aroma of coffee plays a vital role in determining its quality. Even a slight change in the flavour could severely affect the quality of the coffee variety.
Coffee tasters are trained professionals who samples each coffee variety and evaluates its quality. The Coffee Board, headquartered in Bengaluru, is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Applications are invited for the 12-month-long PG Diploma in Coffee Quality Management (PGDCQM) programme offered at the Coffee Board Institute.
The applications send via post should reach the institute before 16 September.
Theories and practical sessions in coffee growing, quality checks and sale have been included in the syllabus. These qualifications are essential to get appointed as coffee tasters.
Qualification
Those who have a graduate degree, with one of Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Bioscience, Food Technology or Environment Science as a core subject or has a degree in any stream of Agriculture Science can apply.
Even though weightage would be given to the candidates sponsored by any business firms or companies that own coffee plantation or are involved in coffee export, others too can apply.
The selection would be based on the marks scored for the qualifying exam, the interview scheduled on 30 September and the sensory evaluation test.
How to apply
The details and the application form could be downloaded by clicking on the ‘Latest Updates’ link on the website www.indiacoffee.org.
The filled-in application form should be send, along with the receipt of NEFT payment of Rs 1,500 to the following address:
Divisional Head (Coffee Quality),
Coffee Board,
No.1, Dr. BR Ambedkar Veedhi,
Bengaluru – 560 001,
Phone: 080-22262868.
Course fee, stay
The course fee is Rs 2.5 lakh. Meanwhile, it is Rs 1.5 lakh for candidates from Scheduled Caste/Tribe categories.
Accommodation would be free in the first of three trimesters of the course. After the first trimester, the students have to find accommodation facilities by themselves.
Email: hdqccofeeboard@gmail.com.