The Court of Master Sommeliers Conducts First-Ever Advanced Examination in India

In a landmark moment for the nation’s hospitality and beverage sector, the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) Europe, in association with the Indian School of Beverages (ISB), has successfully concluded the first-ever Advanced Sommelier Certificate examination on Indian soil. This historic event marks the first time the Advanced level has been offered in India since the introductory and certified levels were established in the country a decade ago. The move signals a maturing market and a new era of global excellence for Indian wine professionals. The examination was proctored by a panel of world-renowned Master Sommeliers (MS), including Ronan Sayburn MS,Dimitri Mesnard MS, Gearoid Devaney MS, Edouard Oger MS, Yohann Jousselin MS, and Kamal Malik MS—India’s first-ever Master Sommelier. "This is an extremely difficult exam for which you need to prepare years in advance and maintain the right mindset," said Ronan Sayburn MS, CEO of the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe. "The students in India are held to the exact same rigorous standards as students in London, New York, or Hong Kong. Achieving this in India is a significant feat, especially considering that local professionals do not always have the same ease of access to a diverse range of international wines as their global counterparts." The Advanced Sommelier examination is globally recognized as one of the most grueling tests in the beverage industry. To earn the title, candidates must demonstrate mastery across three distinct pillars: Theory: An exhaustive examination of global wine laws, regions, and viticulture. Practical Service: A high-pressure test of floor techniques and salesmanship. Blind Tasting: Identifying grape varieties, regions, and vintages through sensory analysis alone. Candidates are required to achieve a minimum score of 60% in all three sections simultaneously to pass. Out of 17 dedicated professionals who undertook the rigorous course, five candidates emerged successful, joining an elite tier of sommeliers: Akash Kaul (Top Scorer ) Kevin Rodrigues Amber Deshmukh Shiva Chaurasiya Anushka Pandkar (Distinguished as India’s first and only Woman Advanced Sommelier and in this cohort the only female attendee).
For the Indian School of Beverages, the collaboration between CMS and ISB represents a holistic approach to professional development in the region, ensuring Indian professionals have access to the world's most respected credentials. "ISB is honored to be a pioneer in leading the beverage education vertical in India," said Viraj Sawant, CMS Advanced and Founder of the Indian School of Beverages. "Through our strategic collaborations with the Court of Master Sommeliers and our comprehensive WSET offerings, we have built an ecosystem that covers every facet of beverage education. We aren't just teaching; we are shaping the future of the Indian industry by providing a world-class platform for excellence.
​(excerpt from a release)