The hotel management industry is a vast and exciting field.  Ask yourself this: do you enjoy meeting new people, helping others, and managing events? If the answer is yes, then a career in hotel management might be perfect for you. There are many hotel management courses after 12th grade in which you can start learning the skills you need to succeed in this fast-growing field of hospitality. 

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about hotel management courses to kickstart your career. We’ll explore the best colleges, what you’ll get to study, and the career paths you can follow. 

What is Hotel Management?

Hotel management refers to the study and practice of running a hotel or other hospitality businesses. These businesses include hotels, resorts, restaurants, and even cruise ships. 

When you work in hotel management, you may get to handle customer service, housekeeping, food and beverage, or even marketing and finance. The goal is to make sure every guest has a great experience and that the business runs smoothly.

Why Should You Choose Hotel Management?

You should choose hotel management if you resonate with and like to do any of the following: 

• Working with people
• Planning and organizing
• Dynamic work environments
• Global career options to work outside 
• Fast-growing industry with huge potential for growth 

The hospitality industry is one of the largest job sectors in the world. With the rise in travel and tourism, more opportunities are opening every year.

Eligibility for Hotel Management Courses

To join a hotel management course after 12th grade, you need to meet some basic requirements: 

• Completion of 12th grade from a recognized board
• Open to all streams – Science, Commerce, or Arts
• Requirement of a minimum of 50% marks for some programs
• An entrance test or interview might be necessary for admission into the course

Always check the exact criteria set by the college you’re applying to before you apply. 

Top Entrance Exams for Hotel Management

Some top colleges require you to take an entrance exam to join their hotel management courses after 12th grade. Here are a few key ones:

• NCHM JEE (National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Exam)
• IIHM e-CHAT (Electronic Common Hotel Admission Test)
• AIMA UGAT (Undergraduate Aptitude Test)
• Oberoi STEP (Training program by the Oberoi Group)

These exams will test your English, reasoning, general knowledge, and service aptitude. Preparing well and thoroughly can help you get into a top college.

Top Colleges in India for Hotel Management 

Choosing the right college for hotel management courses after 12th grade can shape your career. Here are the top institutes you should consider while deciding:

1. Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) – Various Cities

IHMs are top government-run institutes affiliated with the National Council for Hotel Management. Leading IHMs include:

• Pusa (Delhi) – Reputed for its top rankings and strong placements
• Mumbai – Offers quality education and global exposure
• Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad – Respected for their training and the facilities they provide

All of the above offer a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Hotel Administration through the NCHM JEE exam.

2. Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), Manipal

Part of Manipal Academy, the institution offers a Bachelor of Hotel Management program. It’s known for industry tie-ups, internships, and international exposure. Many graduates from here work in top hotels across the world.

3. Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD), New Delhi

OCLD is part of the luxury Oberoi Group. Through the STEP program, you will receive practical training. The program leads to direct placement in Oberoi properties, which is very beneficial as it fast-tracks you to a career in hospitality, offering experiential learning opportunities and financial stability. 

4. International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM)

With campuses in Kolkata, Delhi, Pune, and more, IIHM offers both Indian and international degrees. It partners with foreign universities and gives students the chance to work abroad. Admission occurs through their e-CHAT entrance test.

5. Christ University, Bangalore

Christ offers a Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) program with a strong focus on academics and internships. The college has a modern campus and good placement support.

6. NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata and Durgapur

NSHM offers a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management and Catering Technology. This is another of the hotel management courses after 12th grade that includes practical learning, industry visits, and internships. It’s a popular choice for those aspiring to work in the hospitality industry in eastern India.

7. Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management, New Delhi

Affiliated with GGSIPU, this institute offers a BHMCT program. It’s known for quality education, trained faculty, and strong connections with leading hotels in India.

8. SRM Institute of Hotel Management, Chennai

SRM offers hospitality courses with strong infrastructure and expert faculty. A key factor to note is also that students from here receive internships at major hotel chains like Taj, Marriott, and Radisson.

9. Institute of Hotel Management, Aurangabad

Run in collaboration with the Taj Group and the University of Huddersfield (UK), this institute offers world-class education in hotel management. The curriculum combines Indian hospitality values with global standards.

What Will You Study?

In a hotel management course after 12th grade, you’ll study both theory and practical skills. Subjects in hotel management courses usually include:

• Front Office Management
• Food and Beverage Service
• Housekeeping Operations
• Culinary Arts and Food Production
• Hotel Accounting and Finance
• Hospitality Sales and Marketing
• Human Resource Management
• Event and Tourism Management
• Business Communication

You should also know that you will work on improving soft skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

Skills You Will Gain As Part Of Your Course

Hotel management courses help you build skills that are useful not only for the hospitality sector but across various industries. These include:

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Teamwork and leadership
• Time management 
• Problem-solving
• Multitasking
• Foreign language basics (in some courses, especially if their appeal is global) 

These skills prepare you for careers in hotels, travel, customer service, and many more. 

Career Opportunities After Hotel Management

Once you finish your course, you can apply for jobs in:

• Hotels and resorts
• Restaurants and cafes
• Cruise ships
• Airlines and lounges
• Event planning firms
• Travel and tourism companies
• Corporate offices
• Government tourism boards

Job titles you may have include:

• Hotel Manager
• Front Desk Executive
• Food and Beverage Manager
• Housekeeping Supervisor
• Chef or Kitchen Manager
• Guest Relations Executive
• Event Coordinator

As you gain experience, you can grow into leadership roles or even open your own business or hotel. 

Average Salary and Career Growth

At an entry level, you can expect a monthly salary of ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. With experience, your pay can rise far more concerning monthly salary. Top hotel chains and international employers offer even better packages.

Many students also choose to work abroad, especially in countries like the UAE, Singapore, Australia, Canada, and the USA.

Concluding Remarks

Hotel management courses after 12th grade can create rewarding and exciting career options. It offers a mix of creativity, responsibility, and adventure to your life. The courses are practical, and the skills you learn will open doors across the globe. If you enjoy working with people and want a career full of dynamic opportunities, hotel management is the right path for you. Start by researching colleges, preparing for entrance exams, and choosing the course that matches your passion.