NCHMCT JEE Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Qualification, Physical Fitness & Seat Reservation

National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination 2026 ( NCHMCT JEE )

Porishmita
Porishmita Paul
Associate Senior Executive
Updated on Nov 19, 2025 12:41 IST

NCHMCT JEE eligibility criteria 2026 defines whether a candidate is eligible to apply for the exam. or not Check NCHMCT JEE 2026 eligibility criteria here.

NCHMCT JEE Eligibility Criteria 2024

NCHMCT JEE Eligibility Criteria 2026

The National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology (NCHMCT) conducts the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for admission to BSc Hospitality and Hotel Administration (BSc HA) programmes. As of now, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has not released the official eligibility criteria for NCHMCT JEE 2026. However, the exam requirements generally remain more or less the same each year.
Based on the 2025 eligibility criteria, candidates who have passed or are appearing in Class 12 or its equivalent with English as a subject are usually eligible to apply. Age limits specified by the exam authority must also be followed. Candidates appearing for Class 12 exams are allowed to apply on a provisional basis, but admissions will be cancelled if they fail to submit proof of passing the qualifying examination at the time of counselling.
Shiksha will update the latest details regarding any changes in the NCHMCT JEE 2026 eligibility as soon as the official notice is released. Aspirants can refer to this information to get a general idea and start their preparation early.

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Table of content
  • NCHMCT JEE 2026 Eligibility: Qualifying Examinations
  • NCHMCT JEE Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit
  • NCHMCT JEE Eligibility Criteria 2026: Physical Fitness
  • NCHMCT JEE Eligibility 2026: Reservation of Seats
  • NCHMCT JEE Eligibility 2026: Documents Required to Claim Reservation

NCHMCT JEE 2026 Eligibility: Qualifying Examinations

Candidates are eligible to apply for NCHMCT JEE if they have cleared any of the below-mentioned qualifying examinations:

  • Class 12th examinations, in the 10+2 pattern of Senior Secondary education of any recognised Central/State Board, such as Central Board of Secondary Education  and Council for Indian School Certificate Examination or State Boards of Secondary Education.
  • Intermediate or two-year Pre-University Examination conducted by a recognised institution are also eligible to apply for NCHM JEE 2026
  • General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Cambridge/Sri Lanka) at the Advanced (A) level. 
  • High School Certificate Examination of the Cambridge University.
  • Any Public School/ Board/ University Examination in India or in a foreign country recognised by the Council of Boards of School Education (COBSE) / Association of Indian Universities as equivalent to 10+2 pattern of Senior Secondary education.
  • HSC Vocational Examination approved by NCVT and SCVT of the concerned state.
  • Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by the National Open School with a minimum of five subjects including English as one of the Subjects.

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Q:   Which IHMs accept NCHMCT JEE score?
A:

The National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination (NCHMCT JEE) scores are generally accepted by all the Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) in India. These IHMs are renowned for their hospitality and hotel management programs. Here is a list of some prominent IHMs that accept NCHMCT JEE scores:

1. IHM Delhi: Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition, New Delhi, is one of the most prestigious IHMs in India. It offers various hotel management programs and is known for its quality education and training.

2. IHM Mumbai: Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology, and Applied Nutrition, Mumbai, is another highly regarded IHM. It offers a range of hospitality and culinary programs.

3. IHM Bangalore: Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Bangalore, is known for its excellent courses in hotel management, culinary arts, and hospitality.

4. IHM Kolkata: Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology, and Applied Nutrition, Kolkata, is a renowned IHM offering hospitality and hotel management programs.

5. IHM Chennai: Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Chennai, is known for its comprehensive hospitality and hotel management courses.

6. IHM Hyderabad: Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Hyderabad, offers programs in hotel management and catering.

7. IHM Lucknow: Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology, and Applied Nutrition, Lucknow, provides hotel management and culinary education.

Other IHMs that Accept NCHMCT JEE Scores:

Please note that this list includes some of the well-known IHMs, but there are several other IHMs located in various cities across India that also accept NCHMCT JEE scores. Additionally, the specific courses and specializations offered may vary among IHMs, so it's advisable to visit the official websites of individual IHMs or consult the NCHMCT JEE brochure for the most up-to-date information on programs and admission details.

1.IHM Goa

2. IHM Shimla

3. IHM Jaipur

4. IHM Dehradun

5. IHM Bhopal

6. IHM Gandhinagar

7. IHM Kovalam

8. IHM Chandigarh

9. IHM Hajipur

10. IHM Guwahati

11. IHM Gwalior

12. IHM Faridabad 

13. IHM Meerut

Q:   What are the reservation criteria for NCHMCT JEE 2025 exam?
A:

During the NCHM JEE counselling, reservation criteria are followed by the authorities. The seat allotment is done as per these criteria. Given below in the table is reservation categories for NCHMCT JEE:

Category

Reservation Criteria

Other Backward Classes- Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL)

27%

Scheduled Caste (SC)

15%

Economically Weaker Section (EWS)

10%

Scheduled Tribe (ST)

7.5%

Physically Handicapped/ Disabled (Pwd)

5% in each category

Kashmiri Migrant (KM)

One seat in each state and central government affiliated IHM

Q:   What are the eligibility criteria for the NCHMCT JEE?
A:

Hi NCHMCT JEE Eligibility Criteria Overview Passed Intermediate examination from a recognised board or university. General and OBC applicants for the NCHMCT JEE 2025 must have been born on or after July 1, 1999. Applicants must have passed a qualifying exam with English as a core, functional, or elective subject. The National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination NCHMCT JEE is a national level entrance examination I. e. any student from any part of India can apply for this entrance examination. Basic eligibility: The upper age limit is 25 years as of 01.07.

NCHMCT JEE Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit 

Candidates need to meet the below-mentioned age limit criteria to be eligible to appear for NCHMCT JEE 2025. Details regarding 2026 age criteria will be shared once released by NTA.

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Category

NCHMCT JEE Age Limit Criteria 2025

General and OBC Categories

The upper age limit for candidates from this category is 25 years as of July 1, 2025. Candidates born on or after July 1, 1997, are eligible to apply for NCHMCT.

SC/ ST and Physically Challenged categories

The upper age limit for candidates is 28 years as of July 1, 2025. SC/ST candidates born on or after July 1, 1995, are eligible to apply for NCHMCT.

Proof accepted for age: The Date of Birth (DoB) as recorded in the Secondary Education Board/Pre-University Certificate of candidates shall be accepted. This certificate needs to be presented by candidates in original at the time of counselling, failing which the candidate will not be considered for counselling/admission.

NCHMCT JEE Eligibility Criteria 2026: Physical Fitness

At the time of admission, all the selected candidates have to submit a physical fitness certificate of carrying out practical claims as required in the course. This certificate must be from a Registered Medical Practitioner.

NCHMCT JEE Eligibility 2026: Reservation of Seats

Candidates falling under the below-mentioned categories are offered reservations for admissions based on NCHMCT JEE rank:

Category

Reservation of Seats

Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe

 

In NCHMCT JEE, 15% and 7.5% seats are reserved for SC and ST category candidates respectively. This reservation is offered to candidates in Central and State Government Institutes of Hotel Management. Vacant seats in these categories shall not be filled by candidates belonging to any other category.

OBC Candidates

 

Around 27% of seats are reserved for OBC (Non-creamy layer) category candidates in Central Institutes of Hotel Management. Here, one needs to note that OBC candidates belonging to the creamy layer are not entitled to any reservation. Seats remaining vacant in this category shall be filled by General Category candidates, as per Hon’ble Supreme Court ruling.

General Economically Weaker Sections (General - EWS)

10% of the seats will be reserved for the Gen EWS candidates.

Physically Disabled (PD)

 

Around 5% of seats (in every category) are reserved for Physically Disabled candidates in all Central & State Government Institutes of Hotel Management. The official website states: “For any category of disability (viz. locomotors, visual, dyslexia, speech, and /or hearing) benefit would be given to those who have at least 40% physical impairment”.

Reservation for Kashmiri Migrant

Subject to notification from the Ministry of Education for Academic Session 2024-24

In case the institutes are run / aided / recognized by State Governments, then the reservation applicable will be as per the rules and regulations of the particular state.

NCHMCT JEE Eligibility 2026: Documents Required to Claim Reservation

Candidates, who want to apply for admissions under any of the reservation categories in NCHMCT JEE 2026, need to furnish their caste certificate issued by a competent authority. SC, ST and OBC category candidates can submit any of the below mentioned certificates to apply for NCHMCT JEE under the reserved category.

SC, ST & OBC category issued by District Magistrate

SC, ST & OBC category issued by Additional District Magistrate

SC, ST & OBC category issued by Collector

SC, ST & OBC category issued by Deputy Commissioner

SC, ST & OBC category issued by Additional Deputy Commissioner

SC, ST & OBC category issued by Deputy Collector

SC, ST & OBC category issued by 1st Class Stipendiary Magistrate

SC, ST & OBC category issued by City Magistrate

SC, ST & OBC category issued by Sub-Divisional Magistrate

SC, ST & OBC category issued by Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate

SC, ST & OBC category issued by Presidency Magistrate

SC, ST & OBC category issued by Revenue Officer, not below the rank of Tehsildar

SC, ST & OBC category issued by Sub-Divisional Officer of the area

SC, ST & OBC category issued by Administrator

SC, ST & OBC category issued by Secretary to Administrator

SC, ST & OBC category issued by Development Officer (Lakshadweep Island) where the candidate and/or his/her family normally resides

Certificates issued by any other authority will not be accepted. Candidates are required to produce the original Caste Certificate along with an attested copy at the time of Counselling as well as at the time of admission at the Institute.

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Porishmita Paul
Associate Senior Executive
Porishmita Paul is a skilled writer and part of the editorial team at Shiksha. With over two years of experience in the education content and SEO writing domain, she specializes in topics related to humanities, hosp Read Full Bio
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Answered a month ago

NCHMCT JEE 2026 application correction facility will be available shortly before the issue of admit card by the NTA. Candidates will be notified through the official website and emails.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

Candidates must have passed or be appearing in 12 or equivalent examination with English as a compulsory subject to apply for NCHMCT JEE 2026. The exam has no minimum marks requirement.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

The age limit for appearing in NCHMCT JEE 2026 is 25 years for General / EWS / OBC candidates and 27 years for SC / ST / PwD students as of July 1, 2026.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

The application fee for NCHMCT JEE 2026 is INR 1,000 for general (UR) / OBC- (NCL), INR 750 for Gen-EWS, and INR 450 for SC / ST / PwD / Transgender students.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

There will be a total of 30 questions from the Numerical Ability and Analytical Aptitude. 

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

NCHMCT JEE 2026 exam pattern includes five components: Numerical Ability and Analytical Aptitude, Reasoning and Logical Deduction, General Knowledge & Current Affairs, English Language, and Aptitude for Service Sector.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

The official website of NCHMCT JEE 2026 is nchmjee.nta.nic.in.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

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

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

In NCHMCT JEE exam, 4 marks are given for each correct response. And -1 for each incorrect response. There are no marks for un attempted questions and negative marking for Non MCQ questions.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

The NCHMCT JEE exam duration is 3 hours. The exam is conducted as a computer-based test in both English and Hindi languages.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8