Forget the standard cubicle and the 9-to-5 grind. If the idea of a “perfect office” looks more like a five-star lobby, a high-altitude cockpit, or a luxury cruise deck, then it’s time to stop looking at traditional degrees.
While everyone else is fighting for a seat in a crowded IT lab, a massive opportunity is brewing in the world of Hospitality. From managing world-class resorts to becoming a leader in the global service economy, the path starts with a single high-stakes test: the NCHM-JEE.
Whether you’re a people person, a logistics wizard, or a future luxury mogul, this isn’t just a course—it’s your passport to a career that never stays in one place. Here is everything you need to know to trade a desk for the world.
This article provides a guide to careers in the hospitality industry and details regarding the entrance exam for hotel management.
Careers in Hospitality and Hotel Management
There are many courses and fields to choose from based on your interests. Hospitality is a fast-growing sector that provides jobs to many people. National institutes are now inviting applications for those who want to succeed in this field.
The Course and Entrance Exam
- Course: B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration.
- Duration: 3 years (6 semesters).
- Degree Provider: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
- Entrance Exam: NCHM-JEE, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- Participating Institutes: 21 central institutes (IHMs) and 82 other state/private institutes.
- Local Institutes: IHM Hyderabad, SIHM Tirupati, and others in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Exam Pattern
The exam is conducted online and lasts for 2 hours.
- Total Questions: 120 objective-type questions.
- Marking: 4 marks for a correct answer; 1 mark is deducted for a wrong answer.
- Medium: English and Hindi.
Subject Breakdown
- English Language (45 Qs): Focus on grammar, synonyms, and passages.
- Service Sector Aptitude (30 Qs): Focus on hospitality and service awareness.
- Numerical Ability (15 Qs): Focus on Class 8-10 Math (averages, ratios, time-work).
- Reasoning (15 Qs): Focus on blood relations, series, and logic.
- GK & Current Affairs (15 Qs): Focus on history, polity, and events from July 2025 onwards.
Preparation Tips
- Review Old Papers: Look at past question papers to understand the difficulty level.
- Study Basics: Use school textbooks (Class 8–10) for Math, Science, and Social Studies.
- Practice Logic: Focus on verbal reasoning and mental ability.
- Stay Updated: Read about awards, sports, capitals, and currencies for General Knowledge.
- Mock Tests: Take at least five mock tests before the actual exam to find your weak spots.
- Avoid Guessing: Since there is negative marking, do not answer questions you don’t know.
Job Opportunities
Graduates are often hired through campus placements as Management Trainees.
- Employers: Five-star hotels, resorts, food chains, and airlines.
- Other Fields: Shipping, tourism companies, MNCs, and corporate offices.
- Army Jobs: Graduates can also apply for Junior Commissioned Officer roles in the Army.
Important Details
- Eligibility: Must have passed Intermediate (12th) or be in the second year of the course.
- Application Fee: ₹1000 (General), ₹700 (EWS), ₹450 (SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender).
- Application Deadline: January 25, 2026 (until 5:00 PM).
- Exam Date: April 25, 2026.