🏨 Best Hotel Management Colleges in India 2026 – Admission, Eligibility, Fees, Placements & Coaching
Hospitality isn’t just about hotels — it’s about passion, service, travel, and leadership. With India’s booming tourism and luxury sectors, demand for trained professionals from the best hotel management colleges has exploded. Whether your dream is to run a 5-star hotel, manage international resorts, or master culinary arts, the right college makes all the difference.
That’s where Career Leaders Coaching helps you begin. With expert mentors, mock tests, and complete NCHMCT JEE guidance, we prepare you to secure admission in the top hotel management colleges in India.
🏛️ Top Government Hotel Management Colleges in India (Under NCHMCT)
The crown jewels of Indian hospitality education are the Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs), affiliated with the National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology (NCHMCT). Admission is through NCHMCT JEE 2026 conducted by NTA.
| Rank | Institute | Location | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IHM Pusa | New Delhi | India’s #1 hospitality college – top placements in Taj, Oberoi |
| 2 | IHM Mumbai | Maharashtra | Legacy of Taj collaborations |
| 3 | IHM Bengaluru | Karnataka | Tech-enabled learning |
| 4 | IHM Hyderabad | Telangana | Excellent culinary training |
| 5 | IHM Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Strong southern hospitality network |
| 6 | IHM Kolkata | West Bengal | International internship programs |
| 7 | IHM Ahmedabad | Gujarat | Modern F&B labs |
| 8 | IHM Jaipur | Rajasthan | Heritage hospitality focus |
| 9 | IHM Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | Consistent placement growth |
| 10 | IHM Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | Hands-on training modules |
| 11 | IHM Goa | Goa | Tourism industry hub |
| 12 | IHM Guwahati | Assam | Emerging northeast leader |
| 13 | IHM Shimla | Himachal Pradesh | Mountain hospitality specialist |
| 14 | IHM Bhubaneswar | Odisha | Strong campus recruitment |
| 15 | IHM Trivandrum | Kerala | Focus on eco-tourism |
| 16 | IHM Gwalior | Madhya Pradesh | Cost-effective education |
| 17 | IHM Siliguri | West Bengal | Gateway to northeast tourism |
| 18 | IHM Hajipur | Bihar | Government support programs |
| 19 | IHM Kurukshetra | Haryana | Strategic north India placements |
| 20 | IHM Shillong | Meghalaya | Emerging IHM campus |
These IHMs consistently rank among the best hotel management colleges in India for placement, academic excellence, and industry integration.
🏫 Top Private & University-Affiliated Hotel Management Colleges in India
Private universities and autonomous schools have raised the bar with global partnerships, foreign faculty, and international internships. Here’s a look at the top private hotel management colleges in India 2026.
| Rank | College | Location | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IHM Aurangabad (Taj Group) | Maharashtra | UK-validated degree; managed by Taj Hotels |
| 2 | Oberoi STEP Training Program | Across India | 3-year paid training + job at Oberoi Hotels |
| 3 | WGSHA Manipal (Welcome Group School of Hotel Administration) | Karnataka | Affiliated to MAHE; ranked India’s #1 private school |
| 4 | Culinary Academy of India | Hyderabad | Premier culinary arts institute |
| 5 | Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts | Pune | Global food innovation focus |
| 6 | Bharati Vidyapeeth IHMCT | Pune | NAAC A+; excellent placements |
| 7 | Banarsidas Chandiwala IHM | New Delhi | Affiliated to IP University |
| 8 | Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (IPU) | Delhi | Conducts IPU CET for BHMCT |
| 9 | Amity School of Hospitality | Noida | International tie-ups |
| 10 | Christ University School of Hotel Management | Bengaluru | Reputed for discipline and corporate training |
| 11 | Lovely Professional University (UITHM) | Punjab | Global internships and dual degree options |
| 12 | Chandigarh University (UITHM) | Chandigarh | 100+ recruiters visit annually |
| 13 | SRM Institute of Hotel Management | Chennai | Strong south India presence |
| 14 | ITM IHM Navi Mumbai | Maharashtra | Modern campus + industry curriculum |
| 15 | Apeejay Institute of Hospitality | Navi Mumbai | Partnered with The Park Hotels |
| 16 | V.M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) | Goa | Backed by Marriott |
| 17 | IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management) | Multiple cities | Dual degree with University of West London |
| 18 | Don Bosco College of Hospitality Studies | Mumbai | Hands-on learning |
| 19 | Jindal School of Hotel Management | Vadodara | International curriculum |
| 20 | Merit Swiss Asian School of Hotel Management | Ooty | Swiss-style education |
| 21 | Institute of Hotel Management & Culinary Studies | Jaipur | NCHMCT-affiliated |
| 22 | Oriental School of Hotel Management | Kerala | Specialized BHM programs |
| 23 | Delhi Institute of Hotel Management (DIHM) | Delhi | Affordable yet quality education |
| 24 | Garden City University – School of Hospitality | Bengaluru | High international exposure |
| 25 | OSHM (Oriental School of Hotel Management) | Waynad | High placement ratio |
Each of these colleges has carved its niche, combining strong academics with industry exposure—making them stand proudly among the best hotel management colleges in India for 2026 admissions.
🎯 Special Highlights – Oberoi STEP & IHM Aurangabad
🏨 Oberoi STEP Programme
- Duration: 3 Years Paid Training
- Eligibility: 10+2 with 60% overall, English mandatory
- Selection: Online Test → Interview → Group Discussion
- Perks: Monthly stipend ₹18 000 – ₹25 000 + Guaranteed Oberoi job
A dream route for students who prefer learning by doing and wish to start earning early.
🎓 IHM Aurangabad (Taj Group)
- Affiliation: University of Huddersfield, UK
- Selection: Application → Online Profiling → SOP → Interview
- USP: British curriculum + Taj mentorship + global placements
👨🍳 Best Culinary Colleges in India for 2026
If you dream of becoming a chef rather than a manager, these are the best culinary colleges in India:
| College | Location | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Culinary Academy of India | Hyderabad | Specialized professional chef training |
| Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts | Pune | Research-based food innovation |
| IIHM Culinary School | Kolkata | Global culinary competitions |
| WGSHA Manipal | Manipal | State-of-the-art kitchens |
| Amity School of Hospitality – Culinary Dept. | Noida | Global internships |
💡 Tip from Career Leaders – Best Hotel Management Coaching
Whether you dream of IHM Pusa, Oberoi STEP, or IHM Aurangabad, it all starts with one exam — NCHMCT JEE 2026.
Our students have consistently ranked among the top scorers, securing admissions into India’s best hotel management colleges every year.
🎯 Admission Process for Best Hotel Management Colleges in India
To join the best hotel management colleges in India, you need to understand that admission is offered through different routes depending on the type of institution — Central IHMs, Private Colleges, and University Departments.
Let’s break them down clearly 👇
🧩 1. Admission to IHMs via NCHMCT JEE 2026
The National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) conducts the NCHMCT JEE, a national-level entrance exam for admission to 21 Central IHMs, 25 State IHMs, and 25+ Private IHMs affiliated with NCHMCT and IGNOU.
🔹 Exam Pattern:
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Subjects: English Language, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, GK, Aptitude for Service Sector
- Marking: +4 for correct, -1 for wrong
🔹 Eligibility:
- Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with English as a subject.
- Age limit: 25 years (General), 28 years (SC/ST) as of July 2026.
- Candidates appearing in Class 12 (2026) can also apply.
🔹 Admission Process:
- Register for NCHMCT JEE 2026 at nchmjee.nta.nic.in.
- Appear for the CBT exam.
- Participate in NCHM counselling based on your All India Rank.
- Select IHMs during choice filling.
- Final allotment after counselling rounds.
🏨 2. Admission to IHM Aurangabad
IHM-A (Institute of Hotel Management Aurangabad) is one of the top private hotel management institutes in collaboration with Taj Group (IHCL).
Admission Process:
- Eligibility: 10+2 with English
- Selection: Based on a written test, statement of purpose, and personal interview conducted by IHM-A.
- Programs: BA (Hons) in Culinary Arts & Hotel Management (University of Huddersfield, UK affiliation).
👨🍳 3. Oberoi STEP Training Program
The Oberoi STEP (Systematic Training and Education Programme) is a 3-year hotel management training initiative by Oberoi Group of Hotels.
Highlights:
- No tuition fee – students earn a stipend while training.
- Divisions: Kitchen Operations, Housekeeping, and Food & Beverage Service.
- Selection: Online application, aptitude test, and interviews conducted by the Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development.
- Minimum Eligibility: 10+2 with English (60% marks preferred).
🏫 4. Admission to Private Universities & Colleges
Top private institutions like WGSHA Manipal, Symbiosis, Vatel, Banarsidas Chandiwala, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Amity, and IIHM conduct their own entrance or direct merit-based admissions.
Example – WGSHA, Manipal:
- Admission through Manipal Entrance Test (MET).
- Includes GD-PI rounds for shortlisted students.
Example – Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts:
- Admission via SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test).
- Followed by Personal Interaction (PI).
📘 Eligibility Criteria for Best Hotel Management Colleges in India
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | 10+2 or equivalent (any stream) with English compulsory |
| Minimum Marks | Usually 45–50% aggregate |
| Age Limit | 25 years (General), 28 years (SC/ST) |
| Entrance Exams | NCHMCT JEE, MET, SET, OCLD Test, IHM-A Test, University-level Exams |
| Selection Process | Entrance score + GD/PI/SoP (college-specific) |
💰Best Hotel Management Colleges Fees in India
| College Name | Type | Approx Annual Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IHM Pusa | Central IHM | ₹1,20,000 | 3 Years |
| IHM Mumbai | Central IHM | ₹1,10,000 | 3 Years |
| IHM Aurangabad | Private (Taj Group) | ₹3,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 | 4 Years |
| Oberoi STEP | Private (Oberoi Group) | Free (with stipend) | 3 Years |
| WGSHA Manipal | Private | ₹2,50,000 | 4 Years |
| IIHM Kolkata | Private | ₹2,20,000 | 3 Years |
| Amity School of Hospitality | Private | ₹2,00,000 | 3 Years |
| Culinary Academy of India | Private | ₹1,80,000 | 3 Years |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth Pune | University | ₹1,50,000 | 3 Years |
| Banarsidas Chandiwala IPU | Govt. University | ₹1,30,000 | 3 Years |
💼 Placements & Top Recruiters
Hotel management graduates enjoy placements in top hospitality brands, cruise lines, airlines, and event companies.
Top Recruiters:
- The Oberoi Group
- Taj Hotels & Resorts
- ITC Hotels
- Marriott International
- Hyatt
- Accor Group
- Hilton
- Air India & Vistara
- Qatar Airways, Emirates
Average Packages:
| College | Avg. Salary (INR) | Top Recruiters |
|---|---|---|
| IHM Pusa | ₹5–7 LPA | Taj, ITC, Marriott |
| IHM Mumbai | ₹4.5–6 LPA | Oberoi, Hyatt |
| IHM Aurangabad | ₹5–8 LPA | Taj, IHCL |
| Oberoi STEP | ₹6 LPA+ | The Oberoi Group |
| WGSHA Manipal | ₹4–5 LPA | Accor, Marriott |
| IIHM | ₹3.5–5 LPA | ITC, Lemon Tree |
🚀 Career Scope After Hotel Management
Graduates from the best hotel management colleges in India find opportunities in:
- Luxury Hotels & Resorts
- Airlines & Cruise Lines
- Food Production & Culinary Arts
- Event & Wedding Management
- Hospitality Startups & Tourism
After graduation, you can even pursue MBA in Hospitality Management or Hotel Operations Management to boost career growth.
🎓 Why Choose Career Leaders Coaching for Hotel Management Entrance?
If you dream of studying at India’s best hotel management colleges, your journey begins with clearing NCHMCT JEE or other entrance exams — and Career Leaders Coaching gives you that winning edge.
💡 What Makes Career Leaders #1 Choice:
- Expert Faculty from top IHMs
- Comprehensive Live + Offline Classes
- Full Mock Test Series & Practice Papers
- Personalized Mentorship for NCHMCT JEE & Private Exams
- Proven Track Record of Selections in IHMs
Whether you aim for IHM Pusa, IHM Mumbai, or Oberoi STEP, Career Leaders Coaching ensures you’re fully prepared — academically and strategically.
Join Career Leaders Coaching today and fast-track your path to India’s best hospitality institutes!
🏁 Conclusion – Best Hotel Management Colleges in India
Choosing among the best hotel management colleges in India is the first step toward a vibrant global career. From Central IHMs to world-class institutes like IHM Aurangabad, WGSHA, and Oberoi STEP, opportunities are limitless — if you prepare smartly.
With the right guidance from Career Leaders best hotel management Coaching, you can clear entrance exams, get into your dream IHM, and start building a successful future in hospitality.