Careers

Hotel Management & Tourism Courses After 12th: BHM, NCHMCT JEE & Colleges

Careers in hotels, hospitality, catering, culinary arts and travel and tourism after Class 12.

Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts

Careers in hotels, hospitality, catering, culinary arts and travel and tourism after Class 12.

Hospitality, tourism and culinary arts prepare you to run hotels, restaurants, travel businesses and events, and to work as a chef or in food and beverage services.

Programmes include hotel management degrees such as BHM and BHMCT, the B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration at the Institutes of Hotel Management, tourism programmes and culinary diplomas.

Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts at a Glance

AreaFocus
DegreesBHM, BHMCT, B.Sc Hospitality and Hotel Administration (3 to 4 years), BTTM, B.Sc Culinary Arts
PostgraduateMHM, MBA in hospitality and tourism, M.Sc programmes
Diplomas and certificatesFood production, bakery, front office, housekeeping, F&B service
Entrance routesNCHM JEE, CUET (UG), university and institute tests
FieldsHotel operations, food and beverage, front office, events, travel and tourism, cruise and airlines
Higher studiesMBA, MHM and international hospitality programmes

Who Should Choose This Stream?

This stream may suit you if you enjoy:

  • Serving guests and solving problems
  • Food, cooking and presentation
  • Travel, culture and meeting people
  • Teamwork and working in shifts
  • Planning events and experiences
  • Starting a restaurant or travel business

Academic Background

Most hotel management programmes accept Class 12 in any stream, with English as a subject in many cases and minimum marks set by the institute. Check each programme's eligibility.

Courses and Entrance Exams

NCHM JEE, conducted by NTA, is the national entrance for the B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration at the IHMs and other NCHM institutes. Other institutes use CUET (UG), state tests or their own tests. Check each notice.

Career Paths

Graduates work in hotels and resorts, restaurants and catering, airlines and cruise lines, travel and tour companies, event management and food businesses, or start their own ventures. Pay depends on the property, city and experience.

Recognition and Eligibility

Food businesses need FSSAI registration; check the recognition of the institute and training and internship quality, which matter more than the title of the course.

Explore Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts on iSathi

Browse the course list, specialisations, entrance exams, colleges and careers on this page, and check each institute's official notice for eligibility, dates and fees.

Entry pathways

Airlines, Airports & Cruise Lines entrepreneurial

Independence and growth potential, with pay and openings depending on your skills, the market and experience.

Culinary & Food Entrepreneurship entrepreneurial

Independence and growth potential, with pay and openings depending on your skills, the market and experience.

Hotels, Resorts & Restaurants entrepreneurial

Independence and growth potential, with pay and openings depending on your skills, the market and experience.

Travel, Tourism & Event Companies entrepreneurial

Independence and growth potential, with pay and openings depending on your skills, the market and experience.

Government & Public Sector government
Written exam required

Fixed pay scale, job security, allowances and pension or retirement benefits as per the service rules, with promotion th…

Government Organization / Public Sector government

Fixed pay scale, job security, allowances and pension or retirement benefits as per the service rules, with promotion th…

Government Tourism Departments government
Written exam required

Fixed pay scale, job security, allowances and pension or retirement benefits as per the service rules, with promotion th…

Indian Civil Services government
Written exam required

Fixed pay scale, job security, allowances and pension or retirement benefits as per the service rules, with promotion th…

Specializations in Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts

Hotel Management

Hospitality
19 subjects

Hospitality and Hotel Administration

Hospitality
23 subjects

Travel & Tourism Management

Tourism
21 subjects

Culinary Arts

Culinary
24 subjects

Hotel Management & Catering Technology

Hospitality
21 subjects

Aviation, Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Management

Aviation
24 subjects

Food and Beverage Service and Production

9 subjects

Front Office and Housekeeping Operations

8 subjects

Event Management

9 subjects

Airlines and Cabin Crew Services

8 subjects

Resort, Spa and Wellness Management

7 subjects

Courses & degrees

Diploma 6

Course Duration Eligibility
Diploma Front Office Operations As prescribed by the institute As prescribed by the institute
Diploma in Bakery and Confectionery As prescribed by the institute As prescribed by the institute
Diploma in Event Management 1 year As prescribed by the institute
Diploma in Food and Beverage Service As prescribed by the institute As prescribed by the institute
Diploma in Hotel Management 1 year As prescribed by the institute
Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management 1 year As prescribed by the institute

Undergraduate (UG) 16

Course Duration Eligibility
B.H.M.T.T. Hotel Management
Bachelor of Hotel Management and Tourism Training
3-4 years 10+2 (any stream)
B.H.T.M. Hotel Management
Bachelor of Hotel and Tourism Management
3-4 years 10+2 (any stream)
B.Sc. in Hotel Management and Catering Technology
Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management and Catering Technology
3-4 years 10+2 (any stream)
B.Voc. Hotel Management
Bachelor of Vocation in Hotel Management
3-4 years 10+2 (any stream)
B.Voc. Tourism Management
Bachelor of Vocation in Tourism Management
3-4 years 10+2 (any stream)
BA Tourism
Bachelor of Arts in Tourism
3 years 10+2 (any stream)
BBA - Hospitality and Hotel Management
Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality and Hotel Management
3 years 10+2 (any stream)
BBA - Tour and Travel Management
Bachelor of Business Administration in Tour and Travel Management
3 years 10+2 (any stream)
BSc Airlines, Tourism and Hospitality
Bachelor of Science in Airlines, Tourism and Hospitality
3 years 10+2 (any stream)
BSc Bakery and Pastry Management
Bachelor of Science in Bakery and Pastry Management
3 years 10+2 (any stream)
BSc Hotel Management
Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management
3 years 10+2 (any stream)
BHM
Bachelor of Hotel Management
3-4 years 10+2 (any stream)
BHMCT
Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology
4 years 10+2 (any stream)
BTTM
Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management
3-4 years 10+2 (any stream)
BSc Hospitality and Hotel Administration
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Hotel Administration
3 years 10+2 (any stream)
BSc Culinary Arts
Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
3 years 10+2 (any stream)

Postgraduate (PG) 8

Course Duration Eligibility
M.Sc. Hospitality Administration
Master of Science in Hospitality Administration
1-2 years Bachelor's degree
M.Sc. Hotel Management
Master of Science in Hotel Management
1-2 years Bachelor's degree
MBA in Event Management
Master of Business Administration in Event Management
2 years Bachelor's degree
MBA in Hospitality Management
Master of Business Administration in Hospitality Management
2 years Bachelor's degree
MHM
Master of Hotel Management
2 years Bachelor's degree
MHMCT
Master of Hotel Management and Catering Technology
2 years Bachelor's degree
MTTM
Master of Tourism and Travel Management
2 years Bachelor's degree
M.Sc. Hospitality and Hotel Administration
Master of Science in Hospitality and Hotel Administration
2 years Bachelor's degree

Doctoral 1

Course Duration Eligibility
PhD in Hospitality and Tourism
Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality and Tourism
3-5 years Master's degree

Entrance exams

All exams
Exam Conducting body
COMMON UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE TEST (CUET) - UG National Testing Agency (NTA) Details
NTA CUET PG (National Testing Agency Common University Entrance Test - Postgraduate) National Testing Agency (NTA) Details
MET
Manipal Entrance Test
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Details
IPU CET
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi Details
SPPU OEE
Savitribai Phule Pune University Online Entrance Exam
Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune Details
CUET Christ
Christ University Entrance Test
Christ University, Bengaluru Details
JMI ET
Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Test
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi Details
NMIMS NPAT
NMIMS National Test for Programs After 12th
NMIMS (Deemed-to-be University), Mumbai Details
UGAT
AIMA Under Graduate Aptitude Test
All India Management Association (AIMA) Details
BU MAT
Bharati Vidyapeeth Undergraduate Management Aptitude Test
Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune Details
DT MAHE
MAHE Department Test
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Details
NCHM JEE
National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Examination
National Testing Agency (NTA) Details
IHM-A Selection
IHM Aurangabad Selection Process
IHM Aurangabad, a unit of the Taj Group of Hotels Details
STEP
Systematic Training & Education Programme
The Oberoi Group Details
MAH BHMCT CET
Maharashtra BHMCT Common Entrance Test
State CET Cell, Maharashtra Details
SSCA EAT
Symbiosis Culinary Arts Eligibility Assessment Test
Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts, Pune Details
AIHMCT CBT
Army Institute of Hotel Management Computer Based Test
Army Institute of Hotel Management, Bengaluru Details

Top colleges

Showing 1–10 of 108 ranked colleges
# Institution Type State Ranking
1 ASHOK INSTITUTE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT, NEW DELHI
Urban
Hotel Management and Catering Institute Delhi #1
Hotel Management - Private Institutes (NCHM JEE)
1 CHANDIGARH INSTITUTE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT AND CATERING TECHNOLOGY
Urban
Hotel Management and Catering Institute Chandigarh #1
Hotel Management - State Government IHMs (NCHM JEE)
1 IHM-AURANGABAD Affiliated College Maharashtra #1
Hotel Management - Private Institutes
1 INSTITUTE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT CATERING AND NUTRITION PUSA, CENTRAL
Urban
Hotel Management and Catering Institute Delhi #1
Hotel Management - Central Government IHMs (NCHM JEE)
2 INSTITUTE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT CATERING TECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED NUTRITION, MUMBAI
Urban
Hotel Management and Catering Institute Maharashtra #2
Hotel Management - Central Government IHMs (NCHM JEE)
2 MUNNAR CATERING COLLEGE, IDUKKI
Rural
Technical/Polytechnic Kerala #2
Hotel Management - Private Institutes (NCHM JEE)
2 PONDICHERRY INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, PUDUCHERRY
Rural
Affiliated College Puducherry #2
Hotel Management - State Government IHMs (NCHM JEE)
2 WELCOMGROUP GRADUATE SCHOOL OF HOTEL ADMINISTRATION, MANIPAL
Urban
Constituent / University College Karnataka #2
Hotel Management - Private Institutes
3 INSTITUTE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT CATERING TECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED NUTRITION, BENGALURU URBAN
Urban
Hotel Management and Catering Institute Karnataka #3
Hotel Management - Central Government IHMs (NCHM JEE)
3 INSTITUTE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT CATERING TECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED NUTRITION, GANGTOK
Urban
Hotel Management and Catering Institute Sikkim #3
Hotel Management - State Government IHMs (NCHM JEE)

Career roles after Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts

Technical Careers 12

Accommodation Manager
Manages the day-to-day running of establishments that provide accommodation, from hotels and resorts…
private
Cabin Crew
Looks after passenger safety, comfort and service on flights.
private government self employed
Catering Manager
Leads kitchen and wait teams, plans food and beverage menus, schedules shifts and coordinates cateri…
private
Chef
Oversees the preparation, cooking and presentation of food, creates menus, sources ingredients and m…
private self employed
Fare and Ticketing Agent
Assists customers with booking, pricing and issuing travel tickets in the airline, rail or bus secto…
private
Food Stylist
A creative professional who prepares and arranges food to look visually appealing for photography, f…
private self employed
Front Office Manager
Runs hotel front-desk operations: reservations, check-in, guest relations and billing.
private government self employed
Hotel Manager
Oversees the daily operations of a hotel, managing staff and service quality across housekeeping, fr…
private
Housekeeping Manager
Manages cleaning, room readiness, laundry and inventory in hotels and resorts.
private government self employed
Restaurant Manager
Oversees all aspects of a restaurant's operations including staff, service, inventory, finances and…
private
Retail Manager
Oversees operations of a retail store or chain, managing sales, staff, inventory and customer servic…
private
Spa Manager
Manages spa and wellness services, therapists, bookings and guest experience in hotels and resorts.
private government self employed

Other Technical Professions 13

Adventure Tourism Guide
Leads and facilitates outdoor adventure activities such as hiking, rafting and expeditions, ensuring…
private self employed
Aviation Manager
Oversees operations, management and strategic planning of aviation activities such as airports, airl…
private
Cabin Crew / Flight Attendant
Provides customer service to passengers and ensures their comfort and safety, trained in security, e…
private
Event Manager
Plans and executes events end-to-end per client requirements, managing budgets and ensuring success.
private
Event Organizer
Specialises in the design, planning, coordination and execution of events from corporate meetings to…
private self employed
Ground Operation Staff
Performs airport ground duties ensuring passenger and crew safety and comfort between flights.
private
Health Tourist Guide
Facilitates medical travel for clients, arranging visas, hospitals, boarding, lodging, treatment and…
private self employed
Holiday Consultant
A travel consultant who coordinates and books travel arrangements for individuals, groups and busine…
private self employed
Hospitality and Tourism Manager
Manages operations in the food, accommodation and tourism industry.
private
Interpreter / Translator
Converts concepts from a source language into a target language and compiles technical terminology i…
private self employed
Mixologist / Bar Chef
An expert in creating cocktails and drinks through the creative exploration of spirits, liqueurs and…
private self employed
Tour Operator
Combines tour and travel components into package holidays and produces brochures and itineraries to…
private self employed
Tourist Guide / Manager
Facilitates and enhances the travel experience for tourists with expert local knowledge, and plans a…
private self employed

Academic & Research 1

Research & Academics
Educates the next generation of hospitality professionals, oversees research and mentoring, and writ…
academic

Frequently asked questions

Fees vary by college, location and course type. Government colleges average around Rs. 50,000 per semester, while private institutions vary widely; some offer scholarships and financial aid, and programmes like the Oberoi STEP even let students earn while learning.

No specific stream is required for most hotel management institutes. Always check the official website of the institute for its exact and updated eligibility criteria.

Yes. Hotel management is highly practical, and internships are compulsory during the course, giving students hands-on exposure across departments.

Many programmes offer an 'Only Vegetarian Practical' option in view of students' religious sentiments. Check whether this option is available at an institute before applying.

No. Prior culinary knowledge is not a requirement for hotel management programmes; it can help in a culinary course but is generally not compulsory.

Yes. Universities offer specializations in areas such as hotel operations, food and beverage management, event management, tourism and sustainable tourism.

Entry-level salaries in the hospitality industry generally range from about INR 3-5 lakh per annum, increasing significantly with experience, especially in managerial or senior roles.

Yes. You can pursue a Master's in Hospitality or Hotel Management (MHM), an MBA in Hospitality Management or related fields, and certifications in areas such as luxury hospitality or sustainable tourism.

Many students take up part-time or seasonal work in hotels, restaurants or event companies, which provides real-world experience and helps them apply their learning.

Yes. Many universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, and some external organisations and government schemes also provide financial support to hospitality students.

You will develop communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, customer service and time-management skills, along with an understanding of the financial and operational aspects of hotel and hospitality management.

Yes. Most universities and institutes offer dedicated placement support, including campus recruitment drives, internships and industry networking events, and many top hotels and hospitality chains recruit directly from these programmes.

All three prepare you for hotel and hospitality careers. BHM and BHMCT are bachelor's degrees offered by universities and colleges (BHMCT is commonly a 4-year programme), while the B.Sc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration is a 3-year programme at the Institutes of Hotel Management and other NCHM institutes, admitted through NCHM JEE. Compare the curriculum, training and placements of the institute.

NCHM JEE is the national entrance test, conducted by NTA, for the B.Sc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration at the Institutes of Hotel Management and other NCHM institutes. Eligibility is 10+2 with English as a subject, and stream and age rules vary by institute. Check the current NTA bulletin for dates and the pattern.

Many institutes accept students from any stream, while some ask for specific subjects. English is generally required. Check the eligibility of each institute.

You can study BTTM, BA Tourism, a BBA or B.Voc. in tourism and work as a travel consultant, tour manager, tourism officer, destination manager or in airlines and airports. Pay and openings vary by city and employer.

Yes, hotels, resorts and cruise lines abroad hire hospitality graduates. They usually ask for relevant training, language skills, certifications and visas or contracts through approved recruiters. Check the requirements of the employer and the recruitment agency.

Tags

BHM NCHMCT JEE IHM Culinary Travel Tourism Aviation
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