How to Become a Hotel Manager in India: Courses, Colleges, Fees, and Career Path

Becoming a Hotel Manager in India is not just a job goal, it’s a growing journey full of chances to learn, grow, and explore world. If you like serving people, handling teams, or being part of the hospitality world, this career gives you everything. With the right Hotel Management Course, some practical experience, and good communication skills, you can build a strong career in hospitality industry.
Also Read: Hospitality Diploma Courses After 12th: Courses, Duration, Career Opportunities
Explore colleges based on NCHMCT JEE
- Educational Pathway to Become a Hotel Manager
- Top Entrance Exams for Hotel Management
- Top Colleges for Hotel Management in India
- Skills Required to Become a Hotel Manager
- Career Path & Growth Opportunities
- Average Salary of a Hotel Manager in India
Educational Pathway to Become a Hotel Manager
MAH HM CET 2026 will offer 4 years Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology course and 2 years master of Hotel Management and Catering Technology.
To become a Hotel Manager in India, you should start with a degree or diploma in Hotel Management or Hospitality Management. Here’s simple way to move forward:
1. Finish Class 12
You can be from any stream: Arts, Commerce or Science, though English is usually needed. Most institutes ask for 50% marks or more.
2. Join a Hotel Management Course
After 12th, you can pick one of these options:
1. Bachelor’s Degree Courses
B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration (BSc. HHA)
Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM)
Duration: 3 to 4 years
Eligibility: 10+2 with minimum 50 per cent
2. Diploma Courses
Diploma in Hotel Management
Diploma in Food & Beverage Service
Duration: 1 to 2 years
3. Master’s Degree Courses (Optional)
M.Sc. in Hotel Management
Duration: 2 years
Also Read: Difference between BHM and BHMCT Programmes: Courses, Entrance Exams, Eligibility
Top Entrance Exams for Hotel Management
Some reputed institutions conduct entrance exams for admission:
| For IHMs |
|
| For IIHM admissions |
|
| For undergraduate courses in hotel management |
|
| For Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University |
|
| For colleges in Maharashtra |
Top Colleges for Hotel Management in India
Here are some of the top institutions offering courses in hotel management:
| Institute | Course Offered | Duration | Approx. Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| IHM Pusa | B.Sc. in HHA | 3 Years | INR 3–4 Lakhs |
| IHM Mumbai | B.Sc. in HHA | 3 Years | INR 3-4 Lakhs |
| IHM Bangalore | B.Sc. in HHA | 3 Years | INR 3–4 Lakhs |
| Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA) | BHM | 4 Years | INR 8–10 Lakhs |
| Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD) | STEP Program | 2–3 Years | Stipend-based |
| IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management) | B.A. in HM | 3 Years | INR 4–6 Lakhs |
| Christ University | BHM | 4 Years | INR 6–7 Lakhs |
| SRM Institute of Hotel Management | B.Sc. HM | 3 Years | INR 3–4 Lakhs |
Also Read: Difference between Hotel Management & Hospitality Management
Skills Required to Become a Hotel Manager
A successful hotel manager should possess a combination of technical and soft skills:
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Leadership and Team Management
- Problem-solving and Conflict Resolution
- Time Management
- Customer Service Orientation
- Budgeting and Financial Acumen
- Knowledge of Hospitality Software (like Opera, IDS, etc.)
- Attention to Detail
Also Read: Hotel Management Courses After 10th: Admission Process, Colleges, Fees
Career Path & Growth Opportunities
After completing a degree or diploma in hotel management, you start as a Management Trainee, Front Office Executive, or F&B Supervisor. With experience, you can rise through the ranks:
Career Ladder:
- Assistant Manager
- Department Head (Front Office, F&B, Housekeeping, etc.)
- Operations Manager
- Resident Manager
- Hotel General Manager
- Regional Director of Operations
- Hotel managers can work in:
- Luxury Hotels & Resorts
- Business Hotels
- Cruise Liners
- Boutique Hotels
- Hospitality Chains (like Marriott, Hyatt, Taj)
- Event Management Firms
- Aviation & Airlines
- Tourism Departments
Also Read: Hotel Management Salary in India: Monthly, Fresher's Salary, India vs Abroad Salary
Average Salary of a Hotel Manager in India
Salary of a hotel manager can differ based on experience, hotel brand, and location:
| Position | Experience | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee | 0–1 years | INR 15,000–INR 25,000 |
| Assistant Manager | 2–5 years | INR 30,000– INR 50,000 |
| Department Manager | 5–8 years | INR 50,000–INR 80,000 |
| General Manager | 8–15 years | INR 1.2L– INR 3L+ |
| Regional/Area Manager | 15+ years | INR 5L+ per month |
Note: Top-tier hotel brands and international chains offer significantly higher pay packages, bonuses, and perks.
Also Read: Want to become a wedding planner? Check Colleges, Eligibility, Duration
Is Hotel Management a Good Career?
Yes, definitely. Hotel Management in India is one of the most exciting and people-focused careers today. It needs energy, patience, and strong communication, but in return gives international exposure, job satisfaction, and great income growth.
With travel and tourism booming again after COVID, the hospitality industry in India is expanding fast. More hotels, more tourists, and more events mean more need for skilled hotel managers.
So, if you love working with people and dream of running a top-class hotel someday, start now with the right Hotel Management Course in India and build your future step by step.
Read More:

NCHMCT JEE 2026 is accepted by 21 central IHMs, 25 state IHMs,1 PSU IHM, and 27 Private IHMs that are affiliated to NCHMCT.