Updated on May 20, 2025 05:58 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager

A graduate/undergraduate course in hotel management is for those who like hospitality, travel and guest services. Going for a career in this field gives you an opportunity to study and work in departments related to hospitality, guest management, culinary science and customer assistance.

The hotel management and tourism industry, in many ways, is a major contributor to the Indian economy, with multiple opportunities for growth in the coming years.

In order to start a career in hotel management, you need to pursue a relevant UG or PG course, after which you can get job opportunities with both Indian and international hospitality firms. 

Passionate students can take up either a certificate/diploma/degree course.

The bachelor's degree is the most common one. 

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List of Subjects in Hotel Management

Typical Core Subjects in Hotel Management

Hotel Management Course Subjects

Subject Details

Marketing Management

This subject trains students in the practical application of marketing programmes. This includes planning, creating, strategising and executing marketing schemes for a product or service.

Beverage Studies and Management

This subject deals with different aspects of the food and beverage industry, including quality control - activities that are intended to prepare quality food at an affordable price, along with sufficient quality checks at various points during formulation.

Regional cuisine

Here, the student gets an in-depth understanding of the rich history, culinary practices and principles, the customs and the art of preparing fish according to the traditional methods using the local produce of an area.

The long-forgotten methods are thus brought into practice in a novel way, with no compromise in quality or taste.

Fundamentals of the Front Office

The front office is a connecting link between the hotel and the guest. You’ll learn how to receive guests and manage the guest intake capacity of an organisation.

Fundamentals of room division - I

This is one of the most popular subjects taught in the hotel management course. Accommodation and housekeeping are extremely important for any hotel business. In this course, you get to understand the importance of providing a smooth living experience for visitors.

Typical Elective Subjects for Hotel Management

Hotel Management Course Subjects

Subject Details

Macroeconomics

The hotel industry is a capital-intensive business, requiring huge investment to maintain the facilities and resources across the board. Through this subject, students are trained to regulate and manage the organisation’s expenses, especially in times of economic fluctuations.

If you want to learn the business side of hospitality management, this is an ideal elective course.

Advanced Bakery and Pastry Arts

This course provides a full-fledged insight into the different types of confectionery practices. Theoretical knowledge and practical

Know-how is equally important to flourish in this subject. The students will be exposed to various baking and pastry preparation techniques.

European cuisine

The use of indigenous components and the influence of European countries on culinary science is explained in lucid detail as part of the curriculum. Time-honoured food items from France, Italy, Germany, and Austria are blended with modern culinary styles which makes this subject interesting.   

Brand Management

Organisations sustain themselves based on their branding. A brand is the face of any product or service; hence, it is a valuable investment. Students in this course are taught to create, plan, regulate and economise brands to upsell a particular service.

International Marketing

Marketing on a global scale helps a service or a brand grow. The aim is to understand different regional cultures, increase communication across borders and promote tourism and hospitality.

Detailed Hotel Management Syllabus

To be skilled in this industry, one must acquire proficiency in different subjects. The key subjects taught as part of this course are similar across most universities, although the names may vary.

The detailed syllabus for the bachelor’s in hotel management course is given below:

Semester

Core/Elective

Subject Title

Subject Details

1

Food Production

Food and Beverage Production - I

Hotel Management 1st year subjects begin with the history of food and beverages and how they’ve become integral to the hospitality sector.

It deals with packaging, distribution, food sales, and beverage-related services.

3

Industrial Training

Industrial Exposure

The candidate is given hands-on training on-site to deal with the practical aspects of the operational sector across the following departments:

  • Front Office
  • Housekeeping
  • Food and Beverage Service
  • Food Production

4

Indian Cooking

Introduction to Indian Cooking

Students get to learn about the different types of Indian culinary practices, being acquainted with the conventional methods of preparing various delicacies.

You'll get a lot of information on the evolution of Indian cuisine over the centuries.

5

Accommodation

Accommodation Management - I

This subject deals with the various aspects of housekeeping, arrangement and maintenance of the room and surrounding to provide a luxurious experience to guests.

6

Hospitality Marketing

Hospitality Marketing

The greatest assets to a business is a brand or an organisation. And the secret to businesses lies in marketing.

Candidates are given extensive training on marketing products effectively, especially in the hospitality sector.

7

Travel and Tourism

Travel and Tourism Management

The key components of the hotel and tourism industry are contemplated in this subject. Students are prepared to face the practical applications of the tourism sector in this programme.

8

Industrial Training

Industrial Exposure - II

This is a fully-practical approach to theory.

At the end of the 8th semester, students will be exposed to practical, industry-related training to gain further proficiency in their chosen specialisation.

Specialisations Offered in Hotel Management

Specialisation in any area of study helps the student gain mastery over the subject. There are multiple specialisations offered by the universities that have hotel management courses. This can be carried out only after a bachelor's.

Given below are a few specialisations one can take up:

Specialization

Hotel Management Subjects

Details

Tourism


  • Principles of Management
  • Organisational Behaviour
  • International Business Management
  • Perspective for Tourism
  • Ecology, Environment and Tourism

This specialisation is for those who cherish working with people, providing them with good services and support.

Maintaining a healthy relationship with the customers via good communication skills, out of box thinking, and a strong commitment to work is needed to fulfil this role.

Food Production and Management


  • Quantity Food Production
  • Basic Computer Skills
  • Basics of Indian Cooking
  • Essential Food Operations
  • Food Science and Nutrition

This programme offers great learning opportunities.  Preparing food is an art, and the science related to the same is taught via this course. Deciding the perfect menu plan, preparing, providing healthy and delicious food to tourists is of utmost importance for motivated students.

Culinary Arts


  • Anthropology And Food Sociology
  • Leadership And Management For Chefs
  • Institutional Catering & Banqueting Practical
  • Patisserie Production Management
  • Culinary Artistry And Food Styling

  • Aspirants interested in this course are trained to become chefs.
  • With increasing openings in various departments of food and beverages, this hotel management programme is perfect for those interested in a career as a chef. 

Books and Authors for Hotel Management Students

Theoretical knowledge comes from books, and students of hotel management have numerous books to refer to in their journey.

Though learning the practical application is necessary, theory helps strengthen the foundation of any subject. Some popular hotel management books, along with their authors, are described below.

Hotel Management Subjects

Title

Author(s)

Description

Housekeeping

Hotel Housekeeping: A Training Manual

Sudhir Andrews

This book gives a detailed description of housekeeping in hotels. A handy book for both beginners and professionals.

Food Production

Theory of Cooking

Krishna Arora

A mandatory purchase for food and production students, it provides a complete understanding of the various culinary practices all over the world.

Nutrition

Fundamentals of Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy

Mudambi

Rajagopal

This book is a basic guide on nutrition. Students gain knowledge about how nutritious and qualitative food can be prepared in different cuisines.

Hospitality Management

International Tourism Management

A K Bhatia

This book is an authoritative guide to international tourism. The author, a field officer himself, has detailed his experiences of promoting tourism across borders in this amazing book.

Business Communication

The Definitive Book of Body Language

Allan Pease

This wonderful book by Allan aids students in understanding, interpreting and imbibing definitive body language, which is extremely important for dealing with customers.

Distance Learning Hotel Management Syllabus

Students who are unable to pursue a full-time, on-campus programme can apply for a UG/PG course in hotel management in the distance mode. Distance learning in hotel management requires at least a bachelor's degree and a certain amount of practical experience.

The syllabus for the distance learning programme is almost similar to that of an on-campus programme.

A UGC-approved course, it lasts for 3 years, with coursework divided into 6 semesters. The exams would be conducted at specific centres, which will be a hassle-free experience for the student. The fee in top universities is around 3-4 lakhs per year.

The following colleges provide distance learning in Hotel Management.

  • Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya Distance Education
  • Bharathiar University Distance Education
  • Dr B R Ambedkar Open University
  • Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the prospects for hotel management students?

A: The hotel industry has been a great contributor to global GDP as well as in India. It is estimated that this sector will provide around 53 million jobs by 2029. 

Q: What are some popular subjects that I can learn by pursuing a hotel management course?

A: The following are a few popular subjects that one can learn by pursuing a hotel management course: 
  • Marketing Management  
  • Brand Management  
  • International Marketing  
  • Asian Cuisine 
  • Advance Bakery and Pastry Arts

Q: Is hotel management a good course?

A: Yes, hotel management is a good course. One who has a strong passion for the hospitality industry must pursue this course.

Q: What are some common entrance exams for hotel management?

A: The following are some of the common entrance exams for hotel management: 
  • NCHMCT JEE 
  • AIMA UGAT 
  • BVP HM CET 
  • IIHM eCHAT 
  • MAH BHMCT CET 

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for admission into a hotel management course?

A: Candidates desirous of getting into a hotel management course must possess 50% or equivalent marks in 10th and 12th standards along with merit in the common entrance exams.

Q: Which course is better: a diploma in hotel management or a degree in hotel management?

A: If you want to get a complete understanding of the business side of a hotel, along with covering various aspects associated with it, a degree in hotel management would be ideal.

Q: What are the top books to learn business communication from?

A: Some of the top books for business communication are as follows: 
  • Effective Business Communications by Murphy & Peck 
  • Body Language by Allan Pease 
  • Business Communication by Himstreet & Baty S 

Q: Which certificate course is the best for hotel management after the 10th?

A: The popular certificate courses in Hotel Management that a candidate can pursue after class 10th are: 
  • Certificate in Food and Beverages Production 
  • Certificate in Front Office Operation 
  • Certificate in Housekeeping, Certificate in Hotel  
  • Catering Management

Q: What is the duration of the hotel management courses?

A: Bachelor's degree programme (BHM) is usually of three years duration.
 
Table of contents
  • Popular Hotel Management (HM) Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Hotel Management (HM) Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Popular Hotel Management (HM) Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Top Ranked Colleges by Location
  • Popular Hotel Management (HM) UG Courses
  • Popular Hotel Management (HM) PG Courses
View More

Popular Hotel Management (HM) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Hotel Management (HM) Colleges in India. Learn more about these Hotel Management (HM) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
5.12 L - 6.8 L
4.4

#3 The Week

Hotel / Hospitality Management Applications open. Apply Now

9 Courses
30 K - 2.7 L
4.2 LPA

#25 The Week

Best University of Year-North', by ASSOCHAM. Centres of Excellence-BOSCH,CISCO,Google,SAP
1 Course
9.91 L
4.5

Hotel / Hospitality Management Applications open till Jun 21, 2026. Apply Now

12.3 L - 15.6 L
4 Courses
50 K - 4.15 L
4.5

#4 Outlook

7.8 L - 8.8 L
3.5

#4 The Week

Hotel / Hospitality Management Applications open. Apply Now

Popular Private Hotel Management (HM) Colleges in India

7.8 L - 8.8 L
3.5

#4 The Week

Hotel / Hospitality Management Applications open. Apply Now

2 Courses
4.2
4.5

#3 Outlook

5.12 L - 6.8 L
4.4

#3 The Week

Hotel / Hospitality Management Applications open. Apply Now

3.8 L - 6.4 L
3.6

Hotel / Hospitality Management Applications open. Apply Now

1.15 L - 3.41 L
4.7
1.24 L

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Hotel Management (HM). Students interested in pursuing a career on Hotel Management (HM), generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

27 Feb ' 26

Last date to apply for March Attempt

14 Mar ' 26

SAT India exam (March attempt)

5 Jan ' 26 - 20 Jan ' 26

MAH MHMCT CET registrations

7 Jan ' 26 - 9 Feb ' 26

MAH HM CET 2026 M.HMCT CET Application Form

Apr '26 - Jun '26

MAKAUT CET Registration

TENTATIVE

Jun '26

Issuance of MAKAUT CET Admit Card

TENTATIVE

Popular Hotel Management (HM) Specializations

Following are the most popular Hotel Management (HM) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Top Ranked Colleges by Location

Following are the top ranked colleges for Hotel Management (HM) based on rankings published by The Week, Business Today and National Institutional Ranking Framework (MHRD).

Popular Hotel Management (HM) UG Courses

Following are the most popular Hotel Management (HM) UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Hotel Management (HM) PG Courses

Following are the most popular Hotel Management (HM) PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 20 hours ago

ITM Institute of Hotel Management Oshiwara offers admission to BSc programme based on merit. Candidates do not have to appear for an entrance exam for admission. The institute assess academic performance of the candidates for admission.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 20 hours ago

ITM Institute of Hotel Management Oshiwara offers a three-year full-time BSc in Hospitality Studies. The institute offers BSc in affiliation with the University of Mumbai. Candidates must complete Class 12 from a recognised board to apply for BSc programme.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 20 hours ago

The total tuition fees for BA at ITM Institute of Hotel Management Oshiwara is INR 6.9 lakh. Aspirants must pay the programme fees to confirm their seat in the institute. Candidates must pay the fees as per the schedule.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 21 hours ago

Candidates must pass Class 12 from a recognised board to apply for BA programme at ITM Institute of Hotel Management. Aspirants must have the documents proving their eligibility for admission. The selection for BA programme is merit-based.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 21 hours ago

Candidates can fill out the application form online. Aspirants can check below the steps to apply at ITM Institute of Hotel Management:

  1. Open the institute page and click on 'Apply Now'
  2. Fill in the details and register or log in with credentials.
  3. Fill out all the required details in the application form

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 21 hours ago

Candidates need to pay an application fees for a course at ITM Institute of Hotel Management. The application fees is INR 500 for a programme. Aspirants can pay the fees via any of the online payment modes. 

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered 21 hours ago

ITM Institute of Hotel Management Oshiwara considers academic scores of the candidates for admission. Hence, aspirants do not need to pass an entrance exam for admission. Aspirants selected based on their qualifying exam scores are further called for a personal interview round for final admission.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered Yesterday

Balaji Institute of Modern Management provides hostel facilities for both, boys and girls. The BIMM Pune campus is equipped with CCTV cameras to offer a safe and secure surrounding. The hostels are equipped with basic facilities such as mess, water purifiers, electricity, etc. Rental and paying gues

...Read more

84134530
Tanu Rao

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, international students can apply for IIHM eCHAT registration 2026. Registration link is available on the IIHM eCHAT official website for foreign students. 

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Prestige Institute of Global Management Indore provides hostel facilities for both, boys and girls. The PIGM Indore campus is equipped with CCTV cameras to offer a safe and secure surrounding. The hostels are equipped with basic facilities such as mess, water purifiers, electricity, etc. Rental and

...Read more

84134530
Tanu Rao

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

To improve IIHM eCHAT reasoning skills, focus on strengthening basics of logical reasoning, puzzles, and pattern-based questions. Practice regularly with mock tests, analyze mistakes, and work on time management. Solving previous-year questions and taking topic-wise practice helps build accuracy and

...Read more

Q

Quantifiers

Beginner-Level 3

Answered a week ago

Read news daily and revise important events for IIHM eCHAT awareness section. Study basic Indian economy and general Science topics. Make short notes for revision. Focus on understanding rather than memorizing. Regular reading will help improve your score in this section.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No, IIHM eCHAT syllabus is not very difficult. Most topics are simple and familiar. With regular study and practice, students can prepare well. Reading, basic maths practice, and staying updated with current affairs are enough to score well in the exam.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

You should practice rules of grammar daily. Read simple English articles or newspapers for IIHM eCHAT Language Comprehension section. Solve IIHM eCHAT previous year question papers and mock exams. 

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No, Language Comprehension IIHM eCHAT section is not very difficult. Most questions are based on common English taught in school. You do not need advanced vocabulary or deep grammar knowledge. With regular reading and basic grammar practice, most students can score well in this section.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

IIHM eCHAT Language Comprehension section checks your understanding in daily life English. It tests grammar rules, word meanings, sentence structure, and reading ability. 

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

IIHM eCHAT syllabus has five main sections. These are Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, and Awareness of Indian and Global Economy. Each section checks a different skill needed for hotel management studies and overall

...Read more

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

IIHM eCHAT in Mathematical Skills section includes basic numerical ability questions. Topics are percentage, profit and loss, ratio, averages, time and work, and interest. The questions are based on school-level maths. They test calculation speed, accuracy, and clear understanding of formulas used i

...Read more

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No, maths level is not high. Questions in IIHM eCHAT are simple and do not require advanced formulas. Most problems in IIHM eCHAT need basic concepts. You can solve questions quickly without much difficulty during exam with practice.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No, the questions n IIHM eCHAT Data Analysis & Interpretation section are not very lengthy. Most data sets are small and easy to understand. Calculations are simple and based on basic maths topics. The main focus is on accuracy and understanding the data correctly before answering the question.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

IIHM eCHAT Data Analysis & Interpretation section checks how well you understand and use numerical data. You may need to read tables, numbers, or simple figures and answer questions based on them. It tests comparison skills, basic calculations, and logical thinking using numbers in a simple and clea

...Read more

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No, there is no theory to study for IIHM eCHAT reasoning section. You only need practice. Understanding question patterns is enough. Once you solve different types of questions, your speed and confidence will improve naturally over time.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

IIHM eCHAT Intelligence & Critical Reasoning section tests logical thinking and reasoning ability. Questions check how well you understand patterns, directions, relationships, and problem situations. It also tests decision making and observation skills. No subject knowledge is needed, only clear thi

...Read more

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, current affairs are important for IIHM eCHAT. Many questions are based on recent events, economy, and national or international news. Reading newspapers or online news regularly will help you stay updated and perform better in this section.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

IIHM eCHAT Awareness of Indian & Global Economy includes current affairs, Indian and global economy, politics, history, and basic science. Questions are general and based on common awareness. It checks how well you know what is happening around you in India and the world.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The upcoming IIHM eCHAT exam is scheduled for 31 January 2026. Students should keep checking official updates as new dates are announced regularly throughout the year.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Candidates who clear the exam and interview are shortlisted for final seat allotment. Admission is confirmed after document verification and fee payment as per IIHM guidelines.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

IIHM eCHAT exam is conducted online. Students can take the test from home. The exam link is sent through email along with the admit card details.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

No. IIHM eCHAT exam is held throughout the year. Students can contact IIHM anytime for exam-related help, dates, or admission queries. New exam dates are announced after every completed test cycle.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Students get official exam updates on IIHM eCHAT on its official website. All official updates like exam date, admit card, and counselling details are shared only through registered email or official communication. Students should not trust unofficial sources or third-party messages.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 10

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