What is BHM?
Hotel management covers the four core departments of a hotel: food production (kitchen), food and beverage service, front office and housekeeping. Much of the learning happens in training kitchens, restaurants and mock front desks, plus an industrial training of about 4–6 months in a real hotel.
Later semesters add management subjects such as hospitality marketing, accounting, human resources, revenue management, facility planning and food safety. Many courses also offer a foreign language and electives in bakery, events or tourism.
How it differs from close alternatives: the B.Sc HHA at central, state and private IHMs affiliated to NCHMCT is a three-year degree, while BHM at private universities is often four years with a longer internship. A BBA in Hospitality is more business-focused and has less kitchen and service practice. Culinary arts courses focus only on cooking.
Who is this course for?
- Students who enjoy meeting people and making guests feel welcome
- Those who love food, cooking or bakery
- People comfortable with standing for long hours and shift work
- Students who stay calm under pressure and can work in teams
- Those interested in travel, cruise lines or working abroad
- Students of any stream looking for a practical, job-ready degree
What you study
- Year 1
- Foundation Course in Food Production
- Food and Beverage Service
- Front Office Operations
- Accommodation Operations (Housekeeping)
- Hotel Engineering and Hygiene
- Communication Skills
- Year 2
- Industrial Training in a hotel (about one semester)
- Advanced Food Production and Bakery
- Food and Beverage Controls
- Hospitality Accounting
- Food Safety and Quality
- Tourism Marketing
- Year 3
- Specialisation in a core department
- Facility Planning
- Hospitality Human Resources
- Revenue and Strategic Management
- Financial Management
- Research project
- Year 4 (4-year BHM)
- Long management traineeship
- Event and Banquet Management
- Entrepreneurship in hospitality
- Foreign language
- Electives
Specialisations and electives
Food Production / Culinary ArtsFood and Beverage ServiceFront Office and Guest RelationsHousekeeping and Facility ManagementBakery and ConfectioneryEvent ManagementRevenue ManagementCruise and Airline Hospitality
Eligibility & admission
- Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent in any stream, with English as a subject (core, elective or functional).
- Candidates appearing in Class 12 can apply; proof of passing is needed by the admission deadline (usually 30 September at IHMs).
- No minimum percentage for NCHM JEE beyond passing Class 12; private universities often ask for 45–50%.
- The central IHMs state no upper age bar for B.Sc HHA; check the latest NCHM JEE bulletin each year.
- Physical and medical fitness is required at admission.
How admission works
- Register for NCHM JEE on the NTA website (usually December–March for an April exam)
- Take the computer-based test: numerical ability, reasoning, general knowledge, English and aptitude for service
- Join NCHMCT online counselling and choose IHMs (central, state, PSU and private)
- Pay the institutional fee for the allotted IHM
- For private universities, apply separately through their own test or merit process
Entrance exams
NCHM JEEby NTA for NCHMCT; for B.Sc HHA at central, state, PSU and private IHMs
University testse.g. Manipal (MET) for WGSHA, Christ University and other private universities
State CETse.g. MAH BHMCT CET (Maharashtra), PUTHAT (Punjab University)
IIHM eCHAT and AIMA UGATused by some private hotel schools
Planning to study BHM?The AISEE merit scholarship can cover up to 100% of tuition fees at participating colleges. One online exam, results by rank.
Apply for AISEE-2027
Top colleges for BHM
| College | City | Why it stands out |
|---|
| Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition (IHM) Pusa | New Delhi | Central IHM; via NCHM JEE |
| IHM Mumbai | Mumbai | Central IHM; via NCHM JEE |
| IHM Bengaluru | Bengaluru | Central IHM; via NCHM JEE |
| IHM Kolkata | Kolkata | Central IHM; via NCHM JEE |
| IHM Hyderabad | Hyderabad | Central IHM; via NCHM JEE |
| Dr. Ambedkar IHM | Chandigarh | Central IHM; via NCHM JEE |
| Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA) | Manipal | Private; 4-year BHM linked to ITC Hotels |
| IHM Aurangabad | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | Private; associated with the Taj group (IHCL) |
Ranks are from the NIRF 2025 India Rankings where shown. Check each college’s official website for this year’s seats, fees and cut-offs.
Careers & salary
Hotel management traineeRotates through departments in a hotel chain before taking a supervisory role.
Chef / commisWorks in hotel, restaurant or cruise kitchens and can rise to executive chef.
Front office executiveHandles reservations, check-ins and guest relations.
F&B managerRuns restaurants, bars and banquets in hotels.
Cabin crew / airline servicesWorks in in-flight service, catering or airport lounges.
Event and banquet managerPlans weddings, conferences and corporate events.
Facility / housekeeping managerManages upkeep in hotels, hospitals, offices and campuses.
Top recruiters & sectors
Taj Hotels (IHCL)ITC HotelsOberoi HotelsMarriott InternationalHyattAccorAirlines and flight caterersCruise linesQuick-service restaurant and café chainsFacility management companiesHospital and campus hospitality servicesIndian Railways (IRCTC) and defence catering
Salary
Hospitality salaries start modestly. Freshers usually earn ₹2.5–5 LPA (approx.); management trainee programmes at major chains can pay ₹4–6 LPA (approx.), often with meals and accommodation.
With 8–10 years of experience, department heads and general managers earn ₹12–30 LPA (approx.), and jobs on cruise lines or in the Gulf can pay more. Brand, city, department and performance drive pay. Figures vary; check current placement reports.
Scope & higher studies
Travel, weddings and events, new hotel openings and restaurant chains are growing in India in 2026, and the government's tourism push is adding demand in smaller cities as well. Hospitality skills also carry over to airlines, hospitals, retail and facility management.
The work involves long hours and weekend shifts, especially early on, but growth can be quick for those who perform well. Graduates willing to relocate or work abroad have the widest choices.
After this course
- M.Sc in Hospitality Administration (NCHM)
- MBA in Hospitality or Tourism
- Master's in hospitality abroad (Switzerland, UK, Australia)
- Culinary diplomas and certifications
- Diplomas in event or revenue management
BHM FAQs
Is BHM the same as B.Sc HHA?
They cover similar ground. B.Sc HHA is the three-year degree at NCHMCT-affiliated IHMs, while BHM is the name many universities use, often for a four-year course.
Who conducts NCHM JEE?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts NCHM JEE for the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology, usually in April.
Can science or commerce students do hotel management?
Yes. Students from any stream can apply, as long as English was a subject in Class 12.
Is there an age limit for hotel management?
The central IHMs currently state no upper age bar for B.Sc HHA. Private universities may set their own limits, so check each prospectus.
Is hotel management a good career in 2026?
Yes for people who enjoy service and can handle long hours. Pay starts low but grows with experience, and the skills open doors in airlines, cruise lines and facility management.
AISEE - 2027 Online Scholarship Application Available 
