Hotel Management Entrance Exams After 12th: Top Tests You Need to Know
If you love hospitality and want to manage luxury hotels, fine dining, or international resorts, then perhaps a career in hotel management is for you.
But before stepping into this vibrant industry, clearing a hotel management entrance exam is often your first step – primarily if you aim to secure admission into top institutions.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most crucial hotel management entrance exams after the 12th in India. Whether you’re eyeing government institutes like IHM or private universities offering specialised courses, understanding these entrance tests will help you plan your next move smartly.
Why Entrance Exams Matter in Hotel Management
Hotel management is no longer just about food and accommodation – it combines business strategy, people management, customer service, and global trends.
Reputed institutes want candidates who show potential in these areas, and that’s precisely what entrance exams evaluate.
Key areas typically tested include:
- English Language and Comprehension
- General Knowledge and Current Affairs
- Logical and Analytical Reasoning
- Numerical Ability
If you can crack a hotel management entrance exam, you can be assured of getting into one of the prestigious colleges, getting scholarships, or even getting international exposure.
List of Top Hotel Management Entrance Exams in India After 12
This section contains the names of the top hotel management entrance exams conducted by various conducting bodies/institutions for admission purposes.
1. NCHM JEE – National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Examination
Organised by: NTA (National Testing Agency)
Accepted by IHMs (Institute of Hotel Management) across India
The NCHM JEE is undoubtedly the most sought-after hotel management entrance exam after the 12th. Over 70 top IHMs, including IHM Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, accept this score.
Eligibility:
- Passed 10+2 from a recognised board
- English must be a core subject.
Exam Highlights:
- Duration: 3 hours
- Mode: Computer-based
- Subjects: Numerical Ability, Logical Reasoning, English, General Knowledge, Service Sector Aptitude
Why Choose It:
Government-recognised qualification, excellent placement records, and global career prospects.
2. AIMA UGAT – Undergraduate Aptitude Test (Hospitality Stream)
Organised by: All India Management Association (AIMA)
Accepted by: Selected private hotel management colleges
While UGAT is a standard entrance test for several undergraduate courses, it also has a hospitality stream specifically tailored for hotel management aspirants.
Eligibility:
- Completed or appearing in 10+2
- Minimum age: 17 years
Exam Highlights:
- Mode: Both online and offline
- Subjects: English, General Knowledge, Numerical Ability, Reasoning
- Option for additional hotel management section
Why Choose It:
Ideal for students targeting reputed private institutions with a hospitality focus.
3. IPU CET – Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test (BHMCT)
Organised by: Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
Program Offered: Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (BHMCT)
IPU CET is another reliable route for Delhi-NCR students interested in hotel management.
Eligibility:
- Must have passed 10+2 with English as a mandatory subject
- 50% aggregate marks minimum
Exam Highlights:
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Subjects: English, General Awareness, Logical Reasoning, Management Aptitude
Why Choose It:
Access to well-structured hospitality programmes within Delhi, good industry connections, and affordability.
4. IIHM eCHAT – Electronic Common Hospitality Admission Test
Conducted by: International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM)
Accepted by IIHM campuses across India and abroad
This online-based exam tests academic skills and communication – a key aspect of hospitality.
Eligibility:
- 10+2 pass-outs or appearing students
- Minimum age: 17 years
Exam Highlights:
- Online test followed by group discussion and personal Interview
- Includes communication and service aptitude testing
Why Choose It:
Strong industry tie-ups, opportunities for international internships, and global degree pathways.
5. Oberoi STEP – Systematic Training and Education Programme
Conducted by: The Oberoi Group
Type: Direct Industry Training + Education
Unlike conventional exams, the Oberoi STEP is a unique selection process that focuses on grooming candidates for Oberoi Hotels & Resorts careers.
Eligibility:
- Class 12th pass-outs
- Strong interest in hospitality and customer service
Selection Process:
- Written tests, group activities, and Interviews
- There is no formal written curriculum – it’s a fully hands-on programme.
Why Choose It:
Job assurance, stipend during training, and learning in a real-world hospitality setting.
6. Christ University Entrance Test
Conducted by: Christ University, Bangalore
Programme Offered: BHM – Bachelor of Hotel Management
Christ University is well known for holistic academic teaching and vibrant campus life.
Eligibility:
- 10+2 from a recognised board
- Entrance test followed by a micro presentation and Interview
Why Choose It:
Blend of academic excellence and personality development, strong placement track record.
7. Army Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology (AIHMCT WAT)
Conducted by AIHMCT, Bangalore
Programme Offered: Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel Management
This entrance exam is only open to children of Army personnel, making it a niche but respected option.
Eligibility:
- Dependent of Army personnel (serving or retired)
- 10+2 with minimum 45% marks
Why Choose It:
Discipline-driven learning, affiliation with Bangalore University, and excellent placement support.
8. IHM-Aurangabad Admission Test
Conducted by: Institute of Hotel Management, Aurangabad
Affiliated to: University of Huddersfield (UK)
With international collaboration, IHM-Aurangabad offers two significant streams – Hotel Management and Culinary Arts.
Eligibility:
- 10+2 passed or appearing
- English proficiency is key.
Admission Process:
- Online assessment + Statement of Purpose + Interview
Why Choose It:
Globally recognised curriculum, strong alumni network, and exposure to international hospitality standards.
Other Private Institute-Specific Exams
Several reputed private colleges conduct their entrance tests for hotel management courses.
Some of these include:
- Amity School of Hospitality – Amity Joint Entrance Exam
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education – MET (Manipal Entrance Test)
- Lovely Professional University – LPUNEST
These exams typically test communication skills, aptitude, and industry awareness. Monitor application deadlines and formats as they vary across institutions.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right hotel management entrance exam after the 12th depends on your career goals, preferred institute, and learning style.
Whether you prefer a traditional academic path through IHMs or hands-on training with groups like Oberoi, there’s something for every aspirant. Start early, be aware of the deadlines and practise mock tests frequently.
The hotel management career is dynamic and full of opportunities, so make your first step strong!
