Free guidance after Class 12

Your route into hotels, kitchens and travel careers

Understand the courses, crack the right entrance exam and shortlist colleges that fit your marks and budget. Leave your details and a career guide will call you.

  • Course and college advice
  • Exam timelines
  • Fees and scholarships

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90+institutes admit through NCHMCT JEE
12,185+seats on offer
No age limitfor NCHMCT JEE
3 hours200 questions, computer-based

Figures for NCHMCT JEE as reported by Toprankers. Always confirm on the official NTA and NCHMCT websites.

Courses

Which course is right for you?

Most students choose between these four routes. Duration and fees vary by institute.

3 years · Degree

BSc Hospitality & Hotel Administration

The degree offered by central and state IHMs, with admission through NCHMCT JEE. Covers food production, F&B service, front office and housekeeping.

4 years · Degree

Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM)

Offered by many universities and private institutes, often with a longer industrial training and specialisation in the final year.

3–4 years · Degree

Culinary Arts

For students who want to become chefs. More time in the kitchen, with pastry, regional and international cuisines.

6 months–1.5 years

Diplomas and certificates

Shorter craft courses in food production, bakery or F&B service. A quicker way into the industry, often run by IHMs and FCIs.

Entrance exams

The exams that open the doors

Dates change every year. Check the official website before you apply.

Most popular

NCHMCT JEE

Run by
National Testing Agency for NCHMCT, Ministry of Tourism
For
BSc Hospitality & Hotel Administration at central, state and approved private IHMs
Format
Computer-based, 3 hours, 200 questions
2027 cycle
Notification expected December 2026, exam expected April 2027

AIMA UGAT (BHM)

Run by
All India Management Association
For
BHM at participating universities and institutes
Dates
Announced by AIMA each cycle

IPU CET (BHMCT)

Run by
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
For
BHMCT at GGSIPU colleges in Delhi, such as Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute
Format
Computer-based

MAH BHMCT CET

Run by
Maharashtra State CET Cell
For
BHMCT at participating colleges across Maharashtra
Format
Computer-based

PUTHAT

Run by
Panjab University, Chandigarh
For
BHMCT and BTTM at Panjab University-affiliated colleges
Format
Pen and paper

Oberoi STEP

Run by
The Oberoi Group (Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development)
For
OCLD's hospitality programmes
Selection
Tests and interview rounds, no common entrance exam

Sources: Toprankers, NCHMCT JEE · Toprankers, hotel management entrance exams

College finder

Find a hotel management college

Search by name or city, or filter by government and private. Fees are approximate totals for the full course. Confirm with the college before you apply.

Fees and course details: Collegedunia. Photos are illustrative.

Careers

Where a hospitality degree can take you

Freshers usually start around ₹15,000–20,000 a month. Pay rises quickly with experience, skills and the brand you work for.

Chef

From commis to chef de partie to executive chef, in hotels, restaurants and cruise lines.

Executive chef median ≈ ₹9.7 L a year

Front office

The first face guests meet: reservations, check-in and guest relations, with a path to front office manager.

Asst. front office manager up to ≈ ₹11.7 L

Food & beverage

Restaurants, bars, banquets and room service, leading to restaurant and F&B manager roles.

Restaurant manager ≈ ₹2.7–8.7 L

Housekeeping

Runs rooms and public areas to brand standard, with a route to executive housekeeper.

Housekeeping manager median ≈ ₹4.7 L

Hotel general manager

The top job in a hotel, usually reached after 12–15 years across departments.

Median ≈ ₹12 L, often much higher

Cruise, airlines & events

Hospitality skills also open roles on cruise ships, in airline cabin service and event management.

Pay varies by company and contract

Salary ranges: Payscale data reported by Careers360, Sep 2026. Actual offers vary.

Your plan

Five steps to admission

  1. Choose your course

    Decide between a 3-year BSc, a 4-year BHM, culinary arts or a diploma.

  2. Shortlist exams

    Match each college you like to the entrance exam it uses.

  3. Register on time

    Most forms open months before the exam. Keep your Class 12 details ready.

  4. Prepare well

    Focus on English, reasoning, general knowledge and service aptitude.

  5. Counselling & admission

    Fill choices carefully in counselling, then pay fees and report to college.

Industry news

What's happening in hotels

More hotels mean more jobs for hospitality graduates.

Hotel room with a city view

IHG signs Hyderabad's first Crowne Plaza, near the airport

TTG Asia
Hotel bedroom with a garden view

Hyatt and Brigade plan two Hyatt Regency hotels in Bengaluru

Hyatt Newsroom
FAQ

Questions students ask

Can I study hotel management after Class 12 in any stream?

Yes. Science, commerce and arts students can all apply. NCHMCT JEE requires a pass in Class 12 (or equivalent) with English as a subject.

Is there an age limit for NCHMCT JEE?

No. There is currently no upper age limit. You also need a physical fitness certificate at the time of admission.

Can I apply while I'm still in Class 12?

Yes. Students appearing for Class 12 can apply provisionally and must show their pass result by the date NCHMCT sets, usually the end of September.

Government IHM or private college — which is better?

Government IHMs have lower fees and strong placement records, but seats are competitive. Private colleges often offer 4-year BHM programmes, more flexible admission and international tie-ups at a higher fee. Compare placements, faculty and fees before deciding.

What do hotel management graduates earn at the start?

Freshers commonly start around ₹15,000–20,000 a month, rising quickly with experience. Supervisory roles reach about ₹50,000 a month.

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