Masters in Hotel Management in India: Colleges, Fees, Syllabus, and Career Opportunities
This article provides a complete guide to Masters in Hotel Management in India, covering subjects, fees, entrance exams, and career scope. It helps students understand the curriculum, admission process, and opportunities in the hospitality industry
A Masters in Hotel Management in India is a popular postgraduate choice due to the rapid growth of the hospitality and tourism industry and the diverse career opportunities it offers. This two-year program focuses on advanced hospitality operations, management skills, customer service, and business strategies required for leadership roles in hotels, resorts, event management, and tourism companies. Candidates typically need a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate marks, while some institutes may consider entrance exam scores or conduct their own selection process. Program fees vary widely depending on the institution, usually ranging from a few lakhs to over ten lakhs for the entire course. Graduates can pursue roles such as hotel managers, hospitality consultants, and tourism professionals in India and abroad, making this program a strong pathway for careers in the global hospitality sector.
Masters in Hotel Management: Course Overview
A Masters in Hotel Management in India is a two-year postgraduate program designed to develop advanced skills in hospitality operations, management, customer service, and tourism business strategies. The course prepares students for leadership roles across hotels, resorts, cruise lines, catering companies, and tourism organizations. Candidates generally require a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% aggregate marks, though admission criteria may vary by institute. Annual fees usually range from INR 1,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 depending on the institution, infrastructure, and specialization offered. Popular specializations include Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, Culinary Arts, and Event Management. Graduates can explore roles such as hotel manager, hospitality consultant, operations manager, and tourism professional, with average starting salaries between INR 3,00,000 and INR 6,00,000 per annum. Entrance exams or institute-level selection processes may be required for admission.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Postgraduate Degree |
| Duration | 2 Years (Full-time) |
| Average Fees | INR 1,00,000 – INR 5,00,000 per year |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree with minimum 50% aggregate marks |
| Popular Specializations | Hospitality Management, Tourism Management, Culinary Arts, Event Management |
| Admission Process | Merit-based or Entrance Exam-based |
| Entrance Exams (if applicable) | NCHMCT JEE, MAH MHMCT CET, AIMA UGAT (varies by institute) |
| Top Career Roles | Hotel Manager, Tourism Manager, Catering Manager, Hospitality Consultant |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 3,00,000 – INR 6,00,000 per annum |
| Top Recruiters | Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Cruise Lines, Event Management Companies |
Masters in Hotel Management Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria for Masters in Hotel Management programs in India generally require candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved categories in some institutions). Admission requirements vary across universities; some institutes conduct entrance exams or their own selection processes. Work experience is not mandatory but may be preferred by certain colleges. Additional requirements such as personal interviews, group discussions, or written tests may also be part of the admission process.
Eligibility Criteria Overview
| Parameter | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Degree | Bachelor’s Degree | Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Minimum Percentage | 50% Aggregate | Relaxation may apply for reserved categories |
| Entrance Exams | Institute/University Level Exams | Some colleges conduct their own entrance tests or accept national/state exams |
| Work Experience | Not Mandatory | Preferred by certain private institutes or executive programs |
| Age Limit | Usually No Fixed Limit | Depends on individual institute policies |
| Language Requirement | English Proficiency | English often required as a subject in 10+2 or graduation |
| Selection Process | GD/PI/Written Test | Some institutes conduct interviews or group discussions |
| Government College Criteria | Reservation Norms | As per central/state government admission policies |
Masters in Hotel Management Admission Process
The admission process for Masters in Hotel Management programs in India usually involves submitting an application form, appearing for an entrance exam (if required), participating in selection rounds such as interviews or group discussions, and completing final document verification. Most institutes follow merit-based or institute-level entrance-based admission rather than management exams like CAT, MAT, or XAT unless the program is offered as an MBA in Hospitality Management.
Admission Process Steps
- Fill out the online application form on the institute’s official website.
- Pay the application fee (generally ₹500 – ₹2,000 depending on the college).
- Appear for institute-level entrance exams or written tests if required.
- Participate in Personal Interview (PI) or Group Discussion (GD) rounds where applicable.
- Submit academic documents including mark sheets, certificates, and identity proof.
- Await merit list or admission confirmation from the institute.
- Complete fee payment and final enrollment.
Admission Highlights Table
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Mode | Online or Offline (depending on institute) |
| Entrance Exams | Institute-specific tests or merit-based admission |
| Selection Rounds | Personal Interview, Group Discussion, Written Test |
| Documents Required | Graduation Mark Sheets, ID Proof, Photos, Certificates |
| Application Fees | ₹500 – ₹2,000 (approx.) |
| Final Selection | Based on academic performance + selection rounds |
| Admission Timeline | Typically April – August (varies by institute) |
Top Government Colleges for Masters in Hotel Management in India
The following table highlights leading government institutes and central IHMs in India that offer postgraduate programs such as M.Sc. in Hospitality Administration or Master’s-level Hotel Management programs. These institutes are known for structured curriculum, industry exposure, and strong training facilities. Admission is generally conducted through NCHM MSc JEE or institute-level selection, and not through undergraduate exams. Government institutes usually maintain moderate fee structures compared to private colleges. Note that official NIRF rankings for Hotel Management PG programs are generally not released separately.
| College Name | City | Approx. Annual Fees (INR) | Admission Mode | Approval / Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IHM Pusa | New Delhi | ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,40,000 | NCHM MSc JEE / Merit | NCHMCT & IGNOU |
| IHM Mumbai (Dadar) | Mumbai | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,30,000 | NCHM MSc JEE | NCHMCT |
| IHM Chennai | Chennai | ₹90,000 – ₹1,20,000 | NCHM MSc JEE | NCHMCT |
| IHM Kolkata | Kolkata | ₹80,000 – ₹1,10,000 | Entrance / Merit | NCHMCT |
| IHM Bangalore | Bengaluru | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,20,000 | Institute Selection | NCHMCT |
| IHM Hyderabad | Hyderabad | ₹90,000 – ₹1,20,000 | Institute Merit | NCHMCT |
| IHM Lucknow | Lucknow | ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000 | Institute Merit | NCHMCT |
Top Private Colleges for Masters in Hotel Management in India
The following table lists reputed private institutions and universities in India offering master’s-level programs such as MBA/M.Sc. in Hospitality or Hotel Management. These institutes emphasize practical training, internships, and industry collaborations. Fees in private colleges are typically higher than government institutes and vary based on infrastructure and placement support. Admissions are usually conducted through university entrance tests, merit-based selection, or management entrance exams depending on whether the program is MBA or M.Sc.
| College Name | City | Approx. Annual Fees (INR) | Admission Mode | Accreditation / Recognition | Avg. Placement (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA) | Manipal | ₹3,00,000 – ₹4,50,000 | Entrance / Merit | MAHE University, NAAC A++ | ₹5–6 LPA |
| Chitkara School of Hospitality | Rajpura | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 | Merit / University Test | UGC Recognized | ₹4–5 LPA |
| ITM Institute of Hotel Management | Navi Mumbai | ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 | Entrance / Merit | UGC / University Affiliated | ₹4–5 LPA |
| Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management | New Delhi | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 | University Admission | GGSIPU Affiliated | ₹3–4 LPA |
| Oriental School of Hotel Management | Wayanad | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 | Merit / Entrance | University Affiliated | ₹4–5 LPA |
| Mansarovar Global University – Hospitality Programs | Bhopal | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,50,000 | Merit Based | UGC Recognized | ₹3–4 LPA |
Masters in Hotel Management Subjects and Syllabus
The Master’s in Hotel Management (MHM/M.Sc. Hospitality/MBA Hospitality) in India is typically a 2-year postgraduate program divided into four semesters. The curriculum combines hospitality operations, management concepts, finance, marketing, and industry training. Electives and internships allow students to specialise in tourism, culinary arts, or hotel operations. The total academic load usually ranges between 80–100 credits, depending on the university. Practical training, industrial exposure, and research projects are key components in most Indian curricula.
| Semester | Core Subjects | Elective / Practical Components | Typical Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Principles of Hospitality Management, Food Production & Culinary Science, Front Office Operations, Accommodation Operations, Hospitality Communication | Foreign Language / Hospitality IT | 18–22 |
| Semester 2 | Food & Beverage Service Management, Hospitality Accounting & Finance, Marketing for Hospitality, Human Resource Management | Event Management / Tourism Studies | 18–22 |
| Semester 3 | Strategic Hospitality Management, Revenue Management, Facilities & Maintenance Management, Research Methodology | Internship / Industry Training | 16–20 |
| Semester 4 | Financial Strategy for Hotels, Entrepreneurship in Hospitality, Hospitality Law & Ethics | Major Project / Dissertation | 16–20 |
Masters in Hotel Management Fee Structure
The fee structure for master’s programs in hotel management varies widely between government IHMs/universities and private universities or institutes. Government institutions generally offer affordable tuition, while private institutes provide enhanced infrastructure, global exposure, and industry tie-ups. Apart from tuition, students should budget for accommodation, uniforms, and training expenses. The following table presents average estimated annual costs, which may vary depending on location and institution.
| Fee Component | Government Colleges (Approx. INR/year) | Private Colleges (Approx. INR/year) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹70,000 – ₹1,60,000 | ₹2,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 | Academic program fees |
| Hostel & Accommodation | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 | ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000 | Accommodation & mess |
| Examination & University Fees | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 | Semester exam charges |
| Uniforms, Books & Training Kits | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 | ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 | Course materials |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 | ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 | Workshops & events |
| Estimated Total Annual Cost | ₹1.2 – ₹2.5 Lakhs | ₹3 – ₹7 Lakhs | Overall yearly estimate |
Entrance Exams for Masters in Hotel management in India
Admission to master’s programs in hotel management in India depends on whether the course is offered as an MBA in Hospitality or an M.Sc./MHM degree. MBA-based hospitality programs usually accept national management exams, whereas specialised hospitality master’s degrees use institute-level or dedicated hospitality entrance tests. Undergraduate exams like NCHMCT JEE or UGAT are not applicable for postgraduate admission. The table below lists commonly accepted exams relevant to master’s-level hospitality education.
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Applicable Programs | Eligibility | Exam Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) | MBA Hospitality / MBA Tourism | Bachelor’s degree (50%+) | Computer-based MCQ & TITA questions |
| MAT | All India Management Association | MBA Hospitality Programs | Graduation from recognised university | Objective-type questions |
| XAT | XLRI Jamshedpur | MBA Hospitality / Management | Bachelor’s degree | MCQs + Essay/Decision Making |
| CMAT | National Testing Agency | MBA Hospitality & Tourism | Bachelor’s degree | Computer-based MCQ exam |
| CUET-PG | National Testing Agency | University MSc Hospitality Programs | Bachelor’s degree | Computer-based objective exam |
| MAH MHMCT CET | Maharashtra State CET Cell | MHMCT / Hospitality PG Programs | Graduation in relevant field | Online MCQ exam |
| NCHM MSc JEE / Institute Test | NCHMCT / Institutes | MSc Hospitality Administration | Bachelor’s degree | Objective test + Interview |
| IGNOU OPENMAT | IGNOU | MBA Hospitality / Services | Graduation | Multiple-choice questions |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the eligibility criteria for masters in hotel management in India?
To be eligible for a masters in hotel management in India, you need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university, with a minimum aggregate score. You must also meet the required cut off in entrance exams and have passed 10+2 or equivalent with English as a subject. Some institutes may have age restrictions.
Q2. What is the admission process for masters in hotel management in India?
The admission process for masters in hotel management in India involves meeting the eligibility requirements, achieving the required merit score or entrance exam cutoff, and applying to the desired universities or colleges. Some colleges conduct their own entrance exams. Candidates must also appear for and pass the required entrance exams and complete the application process for each specific college.
Q3. What are the entrance exams for masters in hotel management in India?
Entrance exams for masters in hotel management in India include MAH MHMCT CET, NCHMCT JEE, AIMA UGAT, and the IHM Aurangabad Entrance Exam. These exams are conducted by organizations such as the Maharashtra State CET Cell, NTA, AIMA, and IHM Aurangabad at the national, state, or institute level, and each has specific eligibility criteria.
Q4. What are the core subjects in the masters in hotel management curriculum in India?
Core subjects in the masters in hotel management curriculum in India include Modern Kitchen Operations. The curriculum is divided into semesters with core and elective subjects, and a specific credit hour allocation. However, the detailed syllabus and year-wise breakdown may vary by institution.










