Hotel Management Subjects List: Year-wise Syllabus, Semesters, Specializations & Books

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager
A graduate/undergraduate course in hotel management is ideal for those with a strong inclination towards hospitality, travel and guest services. Pursuing 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 vital contributor to the Indian economy, with multiple opportunities for growth in the coming years.
In order to start a career in hotel management, aspirants need to pursue a relevant UG or PG course, after which they 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 sought after one among these.
The bachelor's degree is the most sought after one among these.
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:
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
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 |
|
|
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the prospects for hotel management students?
Q: What are some popular subjects that I 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?
Q: What are some 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?
Q: Which course is better: a diploma in hotel management or a degree in hotel management?
Q: What are the top books to learn business communication from?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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
Popular Hotel Management (HM) Colleges in India
Hotel / Hospitality Management Applications open. Apply Now
Popular Private Hotel Management (HM) Colleges in India
Popular Exams
Dec '25 | NCHMCT JEE 2026 registration TENTATIVE |
Apr '26 | NCHMCT JEE 2026 Advance City Intimation Slip TENTATIVE |
Oct '25 | SAT Registration Deadline for November Test TENTATIVE |
Jul '24 | MAKAUT CET Choice Filling/ Counselling TENTATIVE |
12 Jul ' 24 | Declaration of MAKAUT CET Results |
Feb '26 | CT SET 2024 Application Form TENTATIVE |
Popular Hotel Management (HM) Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Food & Beverage Service
254 Colleges
- Front Office Management
253 Colleges
- Food Production
194 Colleges
- House Keeping
161 Colleges
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- B.Sc. (Hons.) in Hotel and Hospitality ManagementChandigarh University (CU)
- MBA in Tourism, Hospitality and AviationChandigarh University (CU)
- M.Sc. in Hospitality AdministrationIHM Delhi - Institute of Hotel Management, Catering & Nutrition
- Diploma in Food and Beverages ServiceIHM Delhi - Institute of Hotel Management, Catering & Nutrition
- B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel AdministrationIHM Delhi - Institute of Hotel Management, Catering & Nutrition
- B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel AdministrationInstitute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Mumbai
- Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM)Amity University, Noida
- B.A. in Hospitality ManagementInstitute of Advanced Management, Kolkata
- Certificate Course in Aviation, Hospitality and Travel ManagementFrankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training
- Certificate in Hospitality, Travel and Customer ServiceFrankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training
Top Ranked Colleges by Location
Popular Hotel Management (HM) UG Courses
UG Courses
- UG Diploma
637 Colleges
- B.Sc.
505 Colleges
- BHM
315 Colleges
- BHMCT
195 Colleges
- BBA
152 Colleges
Popular Hotel Management (HM) PG Courses
PG Courses
- MBA/PGDM
260 Colleges
- PG Diploma
151 Colleges
- M.Sc.
82 Colleges
- MHMCT
46 Colleges
- MHMTT
45 Colleges
News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered a week 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
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week 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
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week 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
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week 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
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
The top 5 hotel management colleges in India are IHM Pusa, IHM Mumbai, IHM Hyderabad, IHM Chennai, and IHM Lucknow. These ranking is based on the India Today Rank 2025.
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
According to the India Today Rank of 2025, the Institute of Hotel Management Catering & Nutrition (IHM) Pusa is the best government hotel management college in India.
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
There will be a total of 30 questions from the Numerical Ability and Analytical Aptitude.
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
The NCHMCT JEE 2026 exam pattern includes five sections: Numerical Ability and Analytical Aptitude, Reasoning and Logical Deduction, General Knowledge & Current Affairs, English Language, and Aptitude for Service Sector. There is a total of 200 questions conducted in CBT online.
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
The official website of NCHMCT JEE 2026 is nchmjee.nta.nic.in.
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks 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
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
In NCHMCT JEE exam, 4 marks are given for each correct response and -1 for each incorrect response. There are no marks for unattempted questions and negative marking for Non-MCQ questions.
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks 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
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes. Opening and closing ranks of NCHMCT JEE can differ for categories. Each category has separate seat allocation based on the reservation percentage.
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
The NCHMCT JEE cutoffs are released by the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) after counselling rounds.
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
NCHMCT releases the NCHMCT JEE cutoff based on ranks allotted by NTA.
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 weeks ago
NCHMCT JEE is conducted once a year. The National Testing Agency (NTA) annually conducts NCHMCT JEE on behalf of the National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology (NCHMCT).
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 weeks ago
NCHMCT JEE full form is National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination.
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 weeks ago
NCHMCT JEE is a national-level hospitality entrance exam in India. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology (NCHMCT).
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 weeks ago
The NCHMCT JEE 2026 fee usually varies category-wise.
General/OBC (NCL)/EWS: INR 1,000 – INR 1,200
SC/ST/PwD/Transgender: INR 450 – INR 500
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 weeks ago
The application form for NCHMCT JEE 2026 is expected to be released in December 2025 by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on the official website – nchmjee.nta.nic.in.
P
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a month ago
Servo Hospitality School Dehradun admission is offered on the basis of merit. Candidates must secure a minimum aggregate in Class 12. Furthermore, candidates must secure valid scores in accepted entrance exams (if any). For more details around Servo Hospitality School, Dehradun admission process, ca
U
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a month ago
Servo Hospitality School Dehradun offers BHM as a 4 year programme in full-time mode. Admission to the respective course is offered based on merit and would require for candidates to secure a minimum aggregate in Class 12 and qualify institute level examination to secure the final admission. The tot
N
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a month ago
Janki Devi College of Hotel Management offers the BBA course in the field of Hospitality and Tourism. Candidates willing to take admission in this course must ensure that they fulfil the eligibility criteria set by the college. Additionally, they must submit the marksheet and certificate of Class 12
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Janki Devi College of Hotel Management is generally considered a decent option for BBA course. Candidates must consider factors such as infrastructure, faculty experience, fees, curriculum, etc. while taking admission. They can apply online for admission at Janki Devi College of Hotel Management.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Joining Janki Devi College of Hotel Management for BSc course is generally considered a decent option. It is offered in the field of Hospitality Management. Candidates must consider factors such as infrastructure, faculty experience, fees, curriculum, etc. while taking admission. They can apply onli
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The duration of the BSc course at Janki Devi College of Hotel Management is of three years. Admissions to this course are merit-based and merit of Class 12 is accepted for the same. Candidates willing to take admission in the BSc course at Janki Devi College of Hotel Management must ensure fulfillin
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The next admission date for Janki Devi College of Hotel Management 2025 has not been released by the college yet. However, candidates must start preparing for admission for the next academic year. Janki Devi College of Hotel Management admissions are merit-based and merit of Class 12 is accepted.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, candidates can get direct admission in Janki Devi College of Hotel Management. The college offers merit-based admissions to the courses, and candidates can directly apply with the merit of Class 12. They must fill out the application form before the last date to apply for admission at Janki De
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
No, Janki Devi College of Hotel Management is not under CUET. The college offers merit-based admissions to candidates in the courses. The merit of Class 12 is accepted for admission. Hence, candidates are not required to appear for any entrance exams such as CUET for admission in Janki Devi College
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
After filling out the application form for Janki Devi College of Hotel Management admissions, the college evaluates the forms and grants admission to candidates based on the eligibility and selection criteria. However, the time frame of admission confirmation has not be specified by the college.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 65k Colleges
- 1k Exams
- 687k Reviews
- 1800k Answers
When will NCHMCT JEE 2026 application correction facility be available?