NCHM JEE (Hotel Management Entrance Exam)
The National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Examination (NCHM JEE) 2026 is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to the B.Sc. (Hospitality & Hotel Administration) programme offered at Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) affiliated with the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology.
The examination is conducted by the National Testing Agency on behalf of the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology.
The National Testing Agency is:
β’ An autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education
β’ Established under the Societies Registration Act, 1860
β’ Responsible for conducting transparent and standardized national-level examinations
Role of NTA:
β’ Conduct NCHM JEE 2026
β’ Evaluate responses
β’ Release answer key & results
β’ Share scores with NCHMCT
The National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology is an autonomous body established in 1982 under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, with the responsibility of centrally regulating and coordinating hospitality education in the country.
The Council functions as the apex body for academic standards, curriculum development, and overall administration of professional programmes in the field of hospitality and hotel management.
The institutes affiliated with NCHMCT operate under a standardized academic framework prescribed by the Council. These include:
β’ 21 Central Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs)
β’ 33 State Government Institutes of Hotel Management
β’ 01 Public Sector Undertaking Institute
β’ 02 Institutes operating under Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
β’ 25 Private Institutes of Hotel Management
All affiliated institutes follow uniform course curricula and training standards to ensure consistency in hospitality education across the country.
Through its affiliated institutions, NCHMCT offers 11 structured professional programmes, leading to:
β’ Certificate
β’ Diploma
β’ Post Graduate Diploma
β’ Bachelor Degree
β’ Master Degree
The flagship programme offered under the Council is:
β’ B.Sc. (Hospitality & Hotel Administration)
This programme is offered by NCHMCT and recognized by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
The Council ensures that the programmes impart:
β’ Standardized curriculum across institutes
β’ Practical-oriented training in hospitality operations
β’ Professional skills required for industry roles
Training includes development in areas such as:
β’ Food Production
β’ Food & Beverage Service
β’ Rooms Division
β’ Hospitality Management functions
NCHMCT plays a significant role in developing skilled manpower for the hospitality and allied service sectors.
β’ The Council has trained more than one lakh hospitality professionals, including Managers, Executives, and Operational staff
β’ Graduates occupy key positions in hospitality industry and allied sectors in India and abroad
Role in Admissions:
β’ Admission to the B.Sc. (HHA) programme is conducted through NCHM JEE
β’ NCHMCT is responsible for: Admission process, Counselling, Seat allocation
β’ Ensures uniform academic standards and coordinated growth of hospitality education
The B.Sc. (Hospitality & Hotel Administration) is a professional undergraduate programme designed to develop operational and managerial competencies required in the hospitality and service industry.
β’ Duration: 3 Years (Six Semesters)
β’ Extended Option: As per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, there may be an option for a 4th year leading to an Honours Degree
The programme is structured to provide a balanced combination of: Theoretical knowledge, Practical training, and Managerial inputs. It involves in-depth laboratory and practical work to ensure that students acquire the required operational skills and professional standards.
Food Production:
β’ Preparation and cooking techniques
β’ Kitchen operations and management
Food & Beverage Service:
β’ Service standards
β’ Restaurant and hospitality service operations
Rooms Division:
β’ Front office operations
β’ Housekeeping and accommodation management
In addition to operational training, the programme provides managerial inputs in key areas such as:
β’ Hospitality Marketing
β’ Financial Management
β’ Human Resource Management
β’ Revenue Management
β’ Facility Planning Management
β’ Admission to the B.Sc. (HHA) programme is conducted exclusively through NCHM JEE 2026
β’ The examination acts as a centralized selection mechanism
β’ Scores obtained in NCHM JEE are used by all affiliated institutes for admission
β Thus, qualifying in NCHM JEE is mandatory for candidates seeking admission into the programme.
The NCHM JEE 2026 provides admission to a wide network of Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) affiliated with NCHMCT, all offering the B.Sc. (Hospitality & Hotel Administration) programme through a centralized admission process.
| Institute Type | Number of Institutes |
|---|---|
| Central IHMs | 22 |
| Central PSU IHM | 1 |
| State IHMs | 32 |
| Private IHMs | 25 |
| Total | 80 Institutes |
β’ The Central IHMs (22) represent premier government-run institutions directly under the central framework
β’ 1 PSU-run institute (Ashok IHTM, Delhi) operates under a public sector undertaking
β’ State IHMs (32) are managed by respective state governments but follow NCHMCT academic standards
β’ Private IHMs (25) are affiliated institutes adhering to standardized curriculum and admission norms
β’ All 80 institutes collectively accept NCHM JEE scores for admission to the B.Sc. (HHA) programme
All institutes operate under a standardized curriculum prescribed by NCHMCT ensuring: Uniform academic standards, Centralized merit-based admission, and Nationwide accessibility of hospitality education.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 26 December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply (Extended) | 01 April 2026 (up to 5:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment (Extended) | 01 April 2026 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Correction Window | 02 April β 04 April 2026 |
| Exam City Intimation | Released (before admit card) |
| Admit Card | Released online |
| Exam Date | 25 April 2026 (Saturday) |
π As per revised extension notice
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Timing | 11:00 AM β 01:00 PM |
| Medium | English & Hindi |
| Question Type | MCQs |
Nature of Admit Card:
β’ Issued provisionally to candidates
β’ Subject to fulfillment of eligibility conditions
β’ Does not confirm final eligibility
Mode of Availability:
β’ Available only online
β’ Will NOT be sent by post
Candidate Responsibilities:
β’ Must download from official website
β’ Must carefully read all instructions
β’ Must preserve admit card for future reference
Restrictions & Compliance:
β’ Admit Card must not be mutilated or altered
β’ Any tampering may lead to disqualification
Discrepancy Handling:
β’ Helpline: 011-40759000
β’ Email: nchm@nta.ac.in
β οΈ Issuance of Admit Card does not imply acceptance of eligibility. Eligibility is verified during admission stages.
Nature of City Slip:
β’ It is NOT an Admit Card
β’ Only provides: Allotted exam city and Location awareness
Purpose:
β’ Helps candidates plan travel
β’ Provides advance information of exam centre city
Download Process:
β’ Download using: Application Number and Password
Important Notes:
β’ Does not allow entry to exam
β’ Admit Card will be issued separately
Candidate Advisory:
β’ Regularly check official websites for updates
β’ Contact NTA in case of issues
| Section | Questions |
|---|---|
| Numerical Ability & Analytical Aptitude | 15 |
| Reasoning & Logical Deduction | 15 |
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 15 |
| English Language | 45 |
| Aptitude for Service Sector | 30 |
| Total | 120 |
Marking Scheme:
β’ β Correct Answer: +4
β’ β Incorrect Answer: β1
β’ β Unattempted: 0
Medium of Exam:
β’ English
β’ Hindi
β οΈ English version final in case of ambiguity
Eligibility is verified at the time of admission. Failure to meet eligibility requirements at any stage may lead to cancellation of candidature or admission.
Minimum Qualification:
Candidates must have:
β’ Passed the 10+2 system of Senior Secondary Examination or its equivalent
β’ From a recognized educational board
β’ With English as one of the subjects (core/elective/functional)
β It is mandatory that the candidate has studied and passed English in the qualifying examination.
Eligibility of Appearing Candidates:
β’ Candidates appearing in the 10+2 or equivalent examination in 2026 are also eligible to apply
β’ Such candidates will be considered for provisional admission
β οΈ Provisional admission will be cancelled if the candidate fails to provide proof of passing the qualifying examination β latest by 30 September 2026
Recognized Boards in India:
β’ Senior Secondary (10+2) examination conducted by Central Boards (e.g., CBSE, CISCE) or State Boards
Other Recognized Qualifications:
β’ Intermediate or two-year Pre-University Examination conducted by a recognized Board/University
β’ General Certificate Education (GCE) Examination (London/Cambridge/Sri Lanka) at the Advanced (A) level
β’ High School Certificate Examination of Cambridge University
International / Equivalent Qualifications:
β’ Any public school, board or university examination recognized by COBSE or AIU
Open Schooling Qualifications:
β’ Senior Secondary School Examination conducted by NIOS or State Open School Boards
β’ Must have minimum 5 subjects including English
Vocational Qualifications:
β’ Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Vocational Examination approved by NCVT or SCVT
Age Limit:
β’ There is no age restriction for appearing in NCHM JEE 2026
β’ As per the provisions aligned with NEP, candidates of any age who fulfill the eligibility criteria can apply
Physical Fitness Requirement:
β’ All candidates who qualify for admission must submit a Physical Fitness Certificate
β’ Certificate must be issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner
β’ Must confirm that the candidate is fit to undertake practical classes and perform activities required in the course
β’ Submission is mandatory at the time of admission
Admission is subject to verification of:
β’ Original academic certificates
β’ Category certificates (if applicable)
β’ PwD certificates (if applicable)
β οΈ If a candidate is found ineligible at any stage due to non-submission of valid documents or submission of false/incorrect information β Their admission will be cancelled, even if already admitted.
Important Eligibility Notes:
β’ Any discrepancy or false information may lead to: Disqualification from examination and Cancellation of admission at any stage
Reservation benefits are subject to verification of valid documents at the time of admission. Failure to produce authentic certificates will result in cancellation of candidature or admission.
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes β Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) | 27% |
| General β Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 10% |
β οΈ Important Notes:
β’ OBC reservation is applicable only to candidates listed in the Central OBC-NCL list
β’ Candidates belonging to State OBC lists but not included in the Central list are not eligible under OBC-NCL category
β’ EWS reservation is governed by Government of India guidelines and official memoranda
Reservation Provision:
β’ 5% horizontal reservation is provided for candidates with disabilities
β’ Applicable across all categories
Eligibility:
β’ Candidates must have Benchmark Disability (PwBD)
β’ Disability must be 40% or more
β’ Must be certified by a competent medical authority
Functional Requirements:
Candidates claiming PwD/PwBD must be capable of performing: Food preparation and cooking activities, Bakery and confectionery operations, Food and beverage service, Housekeeping operations such as cleaning, bed making, and maintenance, Handling equipment like vacuum cleaners and machines, Basic computer operations and reservation systems
Scribe Facility:
β’ Candidates may bring their own scribe, OR request NTA to provide a scribe
β’ Scribe assists in reading questions and entering responses
β’ Scribe cannot explain or solve questions
Compensatory Time:
β’ Minimum 20 minutes per hour of examination
β οΈ No change in PwD status is allowed after submission of application form or declaration of result
Kashmiri Migrants / Kashmiri Pandits:
β’ One seat per Central Institute is reserved on a supernumerary basis for: Kashmiri Migrants and Kashmiri Pandits / Kashmiri Hindu families (non-migrants) residing in Kashmir Valley
Eligibility Conditions:
β’ Candidates must qualify NCHM JEE 2026
β’ Must upload relevant certificate during application: Migration certificate (for migrants) or Domicile certificate (for non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits)
β’ Original documents must be produced at: Counselling stage and Admission stage
Reservation in State Government Institutions:
β’ For Institutes run, aided or recognized by State Governments: Reservation policy of the respective State Government will apply
β’ Reservation benefits are granted only after document verification
β’ Applicable only to categories included in the Central List (for Central Institutes)
Disqualification Conditions:
If a candidate submits false or fabricated documents or provides incorrect category information β Candidature will be cancelled and Admission (if granted) will be revoked
Category Finalization Rule:
β’ Category selected in the application form will be treated as final
β’ No change is permitted after: Submission of application or Declaration of result
Candidates appearing for NCHM JEE 2026 are required to select their preferred examination cities while filling the online application form.
β’ It is mandatory for candidates to select four cities of their choice
β’ Cities must be selected carefully in order of preference
β’ The list of examination cities is provided in the official Information Bulletin (AnnexureβVII)
Basis of Allotment:
β’ Efforts will be made to allot the examination centre based on the order of preference selected by the candidate
β’ The allocation considers: Availability of exam centres, Administrative feasibility, and Logistics and infrastructure
β Candidates are generally allotted one of their preferred cities wherever possible
β οΈ Due to administrative or logistical reasons:
β’ A candidate may be allotted a different city
β’ The allotted city may be in a nearby location instead of the preferred choices
β’ This decision is taken by NTA and is final
Change in Exam City:
β’ Once the application form is submitted and the correction window is closed: The allotted examination city cannot be changed
β’ No request for change of city will be entertained under any circumstances
Important Instructions:
β’ Candidates must exercise utmost care while selecting exam cities
β’ Candidates are advised to choose cities close to their residence and easily accessible for travel
β’ The allotment of examination city is final and binding
| Category | Fee (βΉ) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) / OBC (NCL) | βΉ1000 |
| General β Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | βΉ700 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwD / Third Gender | βΉ450 |
Mode of Payment:
The application fee must be paid online only through the integrated payment gateway. Accepted payment modes include: Debit Card, Credit Card (except Master/Visa Card as specified), Net Banking, Unified Payment Interface (UPI), Wallet
β’ The application form will be considered complete only after successful payment of the prescribed fee
β’ The confirmation page of the application form is generated only after successful transaction
β’ Candidates must retain proof of fee payment for future reference
Additional Charges:
β’ Applicable service charges / processing fees / GST are charged by the respective bank or payment gateway β over and above the examination fee
Payment Failure & Duplicate Payment:
β’ If confirmation page is not generated after payment: Candidates should contact the concerned bank/payment gateway
β’ Any duplicate payment made by the candidate will be: Refunded by NTA through the same payment mode after reconciliation
Refund Policy:
β’ No request for refund of application fee will be entertained once the fee is successfully paid
β’ If fee payment is not completed: Application will remain incomplete and will be rejected without any further communication
The application process is conducted entirely in online mode through the official NTA website. Applications submitted through any other mode will not be accepted. Candidates are allowed to submit only one application form. Multiple applications will lead to rejection of candidature.
Step 1: Registration
β’ Candidates must register using: Valid Email ID and Active Mobile Number
β’ Upon successful registration: A system-generated Application Number is created
β’ Only one email ID and mobile number can be used per application
Step 2: Application Form Filling
β’ Fill complete application form with: Personal details, Contact details and address, Category and PwD status, Educational qualification details, Choice of examination cities
β οΈ All details entered will be treated as final. NTA does not edit or modify any information provided
Step 3: Uploading of Documents
β’ Recent passport-size photograph (10 KBβ200 KB, 80% face visible, white background)
β’ Candidate's signature (10 KBβ100 KB, full signature in running handwriting)
β’ PwD certificate (if applicable)
β’ Category certificate (if applicable)
β οΈ Unclear or incorrect uploads may lead to rejection. Fabricated or morphed images will be treated as unfair means
Step 4: Fee Payment
β’ Fee must be paid through the online payment gateway
β’ Application is considered complete only after payment
Step 5: Confirmation Page
β’ After successful payment: A Confirmation Page is generated
β’ Candidates must download and print the confirmation page
β οΈ If confirmation page is not generated, the application is incomplete and will be rejected
Correction Period: Available from 02 April to 04 April 2026
Key Features of Correction Window:
β’ Correction allowed only through online mode
β’ Candidates can modify selected details in the application form
β’ This is a one-time facility provided by NTA
β’ Corrections must be made within the specified time period
β’ Requests through Post, Email, Fax, or Hand submission will not be entertained
β’ After correction window closes: The application form details will be treated as final
β’ No further changes will be permitted under any circumstances
Important Application Instructions:
β’ Entire process is online only
β’ Candidates are not required to send any documents to NTA
β’ Candidates must use their own email ID and mobile number
β’ All communication will be sent via: Registered email and SMS
β’ NTA will not be responsible for incorrect details entered by candidate
Critical Notes:
β’ Application without fee payment will be rejected
β’ Multiple applications will lead to cancellation
Admission through NCHM JEE 2026 is conducted centrally by NCHMCT. The role of NTA is limited to conducting the entrance examination, declaring results, and providing scores to NCHMCT. β οΈ NTA does not conduct admission or counselling.
Stage 1: Entrance Examination
β’ Candidates appear for NCHM JEE 2026 conducted by NTA in CBT mode
Stage 2: Result Declaration
β’ Result is prepared based on the final answer key
β’ Candidates can download their scorecards from the official website
Stage 3: Score Transfer
β’ NTA shares the NCHM JEE scores with NCHMCT
Stage 4: Counselling Process
β’ Counselling is conducted by NCHMCT
β’ Candidates are considered for admission based on their NCHM JEE rank
Stage 5: Seat Allotment
β’ Based on: Merit (rank in NCHM JEE), Category (if applicable), Availability of seats
Stage 6: Document Verification
β’ Candidates must produce original documents: Academic certificates, Category certificates, PwD certificates
β οΈ Failure to produce valid documents leads to cancellation of admission
Stage 7: Fee Payment
β’ Candidates allotted seats must pay the prescribed institute fee
Stage 8: Admission Confirmation
β’ Admission is confirmed only after: Successful document verification, Eligibility validation, Fee payment
β Final admission is granted by the respective institute under NCHMCT
Non-Automatic Admission:
β’ Merely appearing in or qualifying NCHM JEE 2026 does not guarantee admission
β’ Admission is subject to fulfillment of all prescribed conditions
Mandatory Conditions for Admission:
β’ β Must meet educational qualification requirements and passed 10+2 with English
β’ β Admission is based on rank in merit list derived from NCHM JEE score
β’ β Candidates must submit a physical fitness certificate and be medically fit
Additional Admission Conditions:
β’ Admission is provisional until verification is complete
β’ If a candidate is found ineligible at any stage: Admission will be cancelled
β’ Providing false or incorrect information will result in: Disqualification and Cancellation of admission
Result Policy:
β’ Result is based on final answer key
β’ No provision for: Re-evaluation, Rechecking, Re-totaling
β’ Scores are final and binding
Final Admission Authority:
β’ National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology
β’ Affiliated Institutes of Hotel Management
The merit list is prepared using the NCHM JEE score, which serves as the primary criterion for ranking candidates.
NCHM JEE Score:
β’ The selection process is primarily based on the raw marks obtained by the candidate in NCHM JEE 2026
β’ The result is prepared based on the final answer key released after resolving challenges
β The NCHM JEE score acts as the central and uniform evaluation parameter for all candidates
Merit List Preparation:
β’ Merit list is prepared based on candidate's performance and final evaluated score
β’ Ranking determined in descending order of marks obtained
β Higher score β Higher rank β Better chances of admission
β Merit Rank: Higher-ranked candidates are given preference during seat allotment
β Seat Availability: Admission is subject to availability of seats in Central IHMs, State IHMs, and other affiliated institutes
β Document Verification: Candidates must produce valid original documents including educational certificates, category certificates, and PwD certificates. Failure to produce valid documents β Disqualification and Cancellation of admission
Important Selection Rules:
β’ Selection is purely merit-based on NCHM JEE score
β’ Admission is not automatic upon qualifying the exam
Validity of Result:
β’ The NCHM JEE 2026 result is valid only for the academic session 2026β27
β’ Scores cannot be carried forward to subsequent years
No Re-evaluation Policy:
β’ There is no provision for rechecking or re-evaluation of the result
β’ The score declared by NTA is final and binding
The admission process follows a structured, multi-stage sequence from application to final admission.
Step 1 β Registration
β’ Candidate registers online using: Valid Email ID and Mobile Number
β’ System generates Application Number
Step 2 β Application Form Filling
β’ Candidate fills: Personal details, Academic details, Category and PwD status, Choice of exam cities
Step 3 β Upload of Documents
β’ Upload scanned images of: Photograph, Signature, Category/PwD certificate (if applicable)
Step 4 β Fee Payment
β’ Pay application fee through online payment gateway
β’ Payment via: Card / Net Banking / UPI / Wallet
Step 5 β Confirmation Page
β’ Generated after successful payment
β’ Application considered complete only after this step
β οΈ If payment is not completed, application is rejected
Exam City Intimation Slip
β’ Released before admit card
β’ Provides advance information about allotted exam city
β’ Not valid for entry into exam hall
Admit Card Download
β’ Download from official website
β’ Issued provisionally
β’ Must be carried to exam centre
Final Preparation
β’ Verify exam centre details
β’ Check instructions and required documents
Appear for Examination
β’ Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
β’ Duration: 120 minutes
β’ Candidates appear at allotted centre and time
Response Capture
β’ Candidate responses are recorded digitally during the exam
Display of Recorded Responses
β’ NTA displays candidate responses on official website
Provisional Answer Key
β’ Released for candidates
β’ Challenge window provided
β’ Candidates can challenge by paying βΉ200 per question
Final Answer Key
β’ Prepared after expert review of challenges
β’ Used for result computation
Result Announcement
β’ Declared on official website
β’ Based on final answer key
Scorecard Download
β’ Candidates download their scorecards
β’ Raw marks used for merit preparation
β No re-evaluation allowed
Stage 6: Centralized Counselling
β’ Conducted by NCHMCT
β’ Candidates participate based on NCHM JEE rank
β NTA does not conduct counselling
Stage 7: Seat Allotment
β’ Based on: Merit rank, Category, Seat availability
Document Verification
β’ Candidates must produce original documents
β’ Includes academic and category certificates
Fee Payment
β’ Candidates must pay institute fees to confirm seat
Stage 8: Final Admission Confirmation
β’ After: Successful document verification, Eligibility validation, and Fee payment
β Candidate is officially enrolled in the B.Sc. (HHA) programme
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