Top Hotel Management Entrance Exams in India – 2025 Update
India’s hospitality sector is expanding beyond five-star hotels into events, cruise lines, luxury resorts, and food tech startups. With this growth comes an increasing demand for trained professionals who understand service, operations, and experience design. Hotel management courses offer a direct entry into this world—and admission to the best colleges is based on competitive entrance exams.
This guide provides a 2025 update on the top hotel management entrance exams in India, what each assesses, eligibility criteria, and the colleges they unlock. Whether you’re looking at a BSc in Hospitality or a specialised culinary degree, this breakdown will help you make an informed application strategy.
NCHM JEE (National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Exam)
Overview
- Conducting Body: NTA (National Testing Agency)
- Accepted By: IHM institutes (central, state, and private)
- Programs Covered: BSc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration
- Exam Date 2025: April (tentative)
Exam Pattern
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total Questions: 200
- Sections: Numerical Ability, Reasoning, General Knowledge, English, Aptitude for Service Sector
- Marking: +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect
Why Choose It?
NCHM JEE is India’s most recognised hotel management entrance exam. Clearing it gives access to 21 Central IHMs, 25 State IHMs, and various private IHMs—all under NCHMCT.
Top Colleges: IHM Delhi, IHM Mumbai, IHM Bangalore, IHM Hyderabad
IIHM eCHAT (Electronic Common Hospitality Aptitude Test)
Overview
- Conducting Body: IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management)
- Accepted By: All IIHM campuses (Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, Goa, etc.)
- Programs Covered: BA in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts
Exam Format
- Conducted online from home
- Includes an online test + video call interview
- Covers English, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, Hospitality Aptitude
Unique Feature
The IIHM eCHAT is not just an MCQ exam—it also assesses communication skills and personality fit through an interactive component.
Highlight: Offers progression to international degrees via tie-ups with UK universities like University of West London.
Oberoi STEP (Systematic Training and Education Programme)
Overview
- Conducting Body: The Oberoi Group
- Accepted By: The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD)
- Program: 3-year fully funded hotel operations training
Admission Process
- Written test + Group Discussion + Interview
- Focus on personality, service attitude, and communication rather than academics
Key Benefits
- No tuition fees
- Students earn a monthly stipend
- Guaranteed job placement within The Oberoi Group after training
Best For: Students looking for on-the-job training with no academic fees and assured careers in luxury hospitality.
CUET UG – Hospitality Courses
Overview
- Conducting Body: NTA
- Accepted By: Central universities offering Hotel Management (like CU Haryana, JMI, BHU)
- Programs Covered: BA/BSc in Hospitality or Tourism Management
Exam Pattern
- Multiple choice questions
- Includes language paper + domain-specific subjects + general test
- Conducted in several phases over April–May
Why Consider It?
CUET’s integration means that even non-hotel-specific universities now offer quality hospitality courses. This option works well for students seeking interdisciplinary learning along with hospitality.
AIMA UGAT – Hotel Management Stream
Overview
- Conducting Body: AIMA (All India Management Association)
- Accepted By: Partnered institutes offering BHM courses
- Programs Covered: BHM, BBA, BCA, etc.
Format
- Paper-based test
- Sections: English, Reasoning, General Knowledge, Numerical Aptitude, Hospitality Aptitude
- Held once a year in May
Institutions Accepting UGAT BHM
- Institute of Hotel Management – Meerut
- Subharti University
- NSHM Knowledge Campus
Note: Not as prestigious as NCHM JEE but a useful backup option for private college admissions.
Christ University Entrance Test (CUET) – BHM
Overview
- Conducting Body: Christ University, Bangalore
- Accepted By: Christ University campuses
- Programs Covered: Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM)
Selection Process
- Written test
- Micro-presentation
- Personal interview
- Assessment of academic records
Why It Matters
Christ University’s BHM program is highly rated and includes industry internships, grooming, and culinary modules.
Distinctive Edge: Comprehensive admission process that values soft skills as much as academic potential.
IPU CET – Hotel Management
Overview
- Conducting Body: Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
- Accepted By: Colleges affiliated with IPU
- Programs Covered: BHMCT (Bachelor of Hotel Management & Catering Technology)
Exam Pattern
- Conducted as part of the university’s common entrance
- Sections: English, Reasoning, GK, Scientific Aptitude
Best For: Students targeting Delhi-based private or semi-government colleges with lower tuition fees.
Conclusion
2025 presents a wide range of hotel management pathways—each entrance exam opening the door to a different ecosystem of education and employment. From the elite network of IHMs to industry-integrated training at Oberoi, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
To identify the right fit based on your academic strengths, city preference, and career vision, book a personalised counselling session today with Aara Consultancy. We’ll help you chart a course through entrance prep, shortlisting, and applications.
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