NCHMCT JEE 2026 | Exam Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility, Preparation Tips

The NCHMCT JEE (National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Exam) is a national-level entrance examination conducted for admission to B.Sc. Hospitality and Hotel Administration (B.Sc. HHA) programs in Institute of Hotel Management (IHMs) and affiliated institutions across India.

This exam is the first step for students aiming to build a career in the hospitality industry, which includes hotel management, catering, tourism, and event management. By qualifying NCHMCT JEE, students can join prestigious IHMs like IHM Pusa Delhi, IHM Mumbai, and others, gaining exposure to practical training, internships, and career opportunities in India and abroad.

NCHMCT JEE Highlights

• Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)

• Level: National

• Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

• Duration: 3 hours

• Medium: English

The exam evaluates a candidate’s numerical ability, reasoning, general knowledge, and English proficiency, essential for success in hotel management studies.

Important Dates for NCHMCT JEE 

Here are the tentative key dates for NCHMCT JEE 2026. Students are advised to check the official website regularly for updates:

Eligibility Criteria for NCHMCT JEE 

Before applying for NCHMCT JEE 2026, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. The criteria are designed to ensure students have the basic educational background and aptitude for hospitality studies:

• Educational Qualification: Passed 10 2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board with English as a compulsory subject.

• Minimum Marks Required:

  • General category: 50% aggregate marks

  • SC/ST/PwD category: 45% aggregate marks

• Age Limit: Maximum age 25 years as of 1st July 2026.

• Nationality: Indian citizens are eligible. NRI and foreign nationals may apply under separate guidelines.

Students not meeting these criteria will not be allowed to appear for the exam.

Application Process for NCHMCT JEE 

The NCHMCT JEE application is conducted online. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to avoid mistakes:

Steps to Apply:

1. Visit the official NCHMCT JEE website.

2. Click on “New Registration” and create a user profile with valid email ID and mobile number.

3. Fill in personal, educational, and contact details. Ensure spelling of name matches official documents.

4. Upload the following scanned documents:

   • Passport-size photograph (JPEG/JPG, 10–200 KB)

   • Signature (JPEG/JPG, 4–30 KB)

   • Category certificate if applicable

5. Pay the application fee online:

   • General/OBC: ₹1000

   • SC/ST/PwD: ₹500

6. Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.

Important Tips:

• Fill all details carefully; corrections may not be allowed after submission.

• Keep multiple copies of the confirmation page.

• Use a stable internet connection to avoid submission errors.
  
  

Exam Pattern for NCHMCT JEE 

The NCHMCT JEE exam is designed to assess the aptitude and knowledge required for hotel management courses.

Additional Details:

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Marking Scheme: 1 mark for correct answer, no negative marking

• Language: English

Familiarity with the exam pattern helps in time management and scoring better in each section.

Syllabus for NCHMCT JEE 

The syllabus for NCHMCT JEE 2026 is comprehensive, covering all areas essential for a career in hospitality:

Section-wise Details:

1. Numerical Ability and Analytical Aptitude

   • Arithmetic: Percentage, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Simple and Compound Interest

   • Algebra: Basic equations, Simplification

   • Geometry and Trigonometry: Area, Volume, Angles, Circles

   • Data Interpretation: Tables, Graphs, Charts

2. Reasoning and Logical Deduction

   • Analytical Reasoning, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relations

   • Coding-Decoding, Series Completion, Syllogism

   • Logical puzzles to test problem-solving skills

3. General Knowledge and Current Affairs

   • Indian History, Geography, Culture, Tourism

   • Current Affairs: National and International

   • Hospitality Industry Knowledge: Famous hotels, chefs, tourism facts

4. English Language

   • Grammar: Tenses, Prepositions, Sentence Correction

   • Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases

   • Comprehension and Reading Ability
     
     

Preparation Tips and Strategies

Success in NCHMCT JEE requires focused preparation and smart strategies:

• Create a realistic study plan covering all four sections.

• Allocate more time to weaker sections like General Knowledge or English.

• Solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests to understand question patterns.

• Revise numerical shortcuts, formulas, and logical reasoning tricks.

• Stay updated with current affairs and hospitality industry developments.

Recommended Study Materials:

• NCHMCT JEE Guide by RPH Editorial Board

• Lucent’s General Knowledge for Competitive Exams

• RS Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude

Regular practice and mock tests can improve speed and accuracy, which are crucial for scoring well.

Admit Card for NCHMCT JEE 

• Release: Online at the official NCHMCT JEE portal.

• Details Mentioned: Candidate’s name, roll number, exam center, date and timing.

• Importance: Mandatory for entry into the examination hall.

• Documents to Carry: Printout of admit card and a valid photo ID (Aadhar, Passport, PAN, etc.).

Tip: Verify all information carefully. Report discrepancies immediately to NTA.

Result Declaration

• Results are published on the official NCHMCT JEE website.

• Candidates can check their scores, ranks, and qualifying status using their login credentials.

• Tie-breaking criteria:

  1. Marks in English language

  2. Marks in Numerical Ability and Analytical Aptitude

  3. Marks in General Knowledge

• Download the scorecard for counseling and admission purposes.

High ranks are essential for admission to top IHMs and preferred locations.

Counseling Process

The counseling process begins after the results are declared and is completely merit-based:

1. Online Registration: Candidates must register online and provide rank details.

2. Choice Filling: Candidates select preferred colleges and courses.

3. Document Verification: Educational certificates, identity proofs, category certificate (if applicable).

4. Seat Allotment: Based on merit, choices, and seat availability.

5. Acceptance and Fee Payment: Confirm allotted seat and pay admission fees.

Tip: Keep all required documents ready in original and photocopies for smooth verification.

Seat Intake and Participating Institutes

• Total Seats: Over 4,000 seats across India.

• Participating Institutes: Institute of Hotel Management (IHMs) and affiliated colleges in states like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Jaipur, Kolkata, and others.

• Top Institutes:

  • IHM Pusa, New Delhi

  • IHM Mumbai

  • IHM Bangalore

  • IHM Hyderabad

  • IHM Jaipur

Seat availability varies based on category and institute. Check official counseling brochure for exact seat distribution.