Ensure model has chat template

backend/app/services/models.py

@@ -543,6 +543,17 @@ class ModelService(HuggingFaceService):
             raise Exception(error)
         logger.info(LogFormatter.success("Model on hub validation passed"))
 
+        # Validate that the model has a chat template
+        has_chat_template = hasattr(model_info, "chat_template") and model_info.chat_template is not None
+        if not has_chat_template:
+            logger.error(
+                LogFormatter.error(
+                    "Model does not have a chat template"
+                )
+            )
+            raise Exception(
+                "Model does not have a chat template. Chat templates are required to accurately evaluate responses")
+
         # Validate model card
         valid, error, model_card = await self.validator.check_model_card(
             model_data["model_id"]