In India, more than 35,000 students apply every year for hotel management courses, and the number is growing with the rising demand in the hospitality and travel industry. According to industry reports, the Indian hospitality sector is expected to reach USD 150 billion by 2027, creating lakhs of job opportunities. With this growth, students who complete Class 12th can choose hotel management as a career and get admission through entrance exams or merit-based selection.
Why Choose Hotel Management After 12th?
Hotel management is not only about cooking or service. It involves managing hotels, resorts, airlines, restaurants, and cruise liners. The industry offers:
- Wide global opportunities
- Attractive starting salaries (₹3–6 lakh per year for fresh graduates)
- International career exposure
- Jobs in reputed hotel chains, airlines, and travel companies
Popular Hotel Management Entrance Exams After 12th (2026)
There are national-level, state-level, and private university entrance exams for hotel management courses. Below are the important ones:
National-Level Exams
- NCHM JEE
- Conducted by: NTA & National Council for Hotel Management
- Eligibility: Class 12 with English as a subject
- Course: B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration
- Career Scope: Jobs in IHMs, airlines, cruise liners, and global hotel chains
- AIHMCT WAT
- Conducted by: Army Institute of Hotel Management, Bengaluru
- Eligibility: Class 12 with 50% marks
- Special Note: Army wards get preference, but civilians can apply
- Career Scope: Catering, hospitality management
- Oberoi STEP
- Offered by: The Oberoi Group
- Selection: Practical training + interview (not a written exam)
- Benefit: Paid training + guaranteed job at The Oberoi Group
- IIHM eCHAT
- Conducted by: International Institute of Hotel Management
- Eligibility: Class 12 with English
- Selection: Online exam + group discussion + interview
- Career Scope: International hotel management careers with global exposure
- Christ University Entrance Test
- Conducted by: Christ University, Bengaluru
- Eligibility: Class 12 pass from a recognised board
- Course: 4-year BHM programme
- Career Scope: Jobs with reputed hotel and hospitality brands
Also Read: Top 5 Hotel Management Colleges In Delhi
State-Level Exams
- Maharashtra Hotel Management CET
- Conducted by: CET Cell, Maharashtra
- Eligibility: Class 12 with English
- Pattern: Objective-type questions
- Scope: Admission to top institutes in Maharashtra
- UP Hotel Management Admissions (CUET)
- Earlier through UPSEE, now part of CUET
- Eligibility: Class 12 pass
- Scope: Admission to institutes across Uttar Pradesh
- WBJEE JEHOM (West Bengal)
- Conducted by: WBJEE Board
- Eligibility: Class 12 with 45% marks
- Scope: Admission to colleges like NSHM School of Hotel Management
- Gujarat Hotel Management Admissions
- Conducted by: ACPC (centralised counselling system)
- Basis: Class 12 merit + entrance (course-specific)
- Scope: Admission to institutes across Gujarat
Preparation Tips for Hotel Management Entrance Exams
Also Read: Career Opportunities for Hotel Management Graduates: Best Job Roles and Average Salaries
- Plan a study timetable – Cover reasoning, English, GK, and service industry-related sections.
- Collect updated study material – Use the latest books and sample papers.
- Solve previous year papers – Practice with time-bound mock tests.
- Stay updated with current affairs – Read newspapers and watch the news regularly.
Hotel management after 12th is a smart career choice for students who want global exposure and fast-growing job opportunities. With exams like NCHM JEE, AIHMCT WAT, Oberoi STEP, IIHM eCHAT, and state-level CETs, students can secure seats in top institutes. By preparing early and staying consistent, aspirants can build a rewarding career in the hospitality and travel industry.
