National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination Overview 2026

NCHMCT JEE 2026 Exam Date and Overview

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination (NCHMCT JEE) on April 25, 2026. The exam will be held from 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

Last year, the exam was conducted at approximately 118 exam centres across 90 cities in India. Around 12,000 to 13,000 students register for this exam every year. The number of candidates appearing for the exam in 2025 increased by 24.8% compared to 2024.

• In 2026, 15,000 students are expected to register for the test.
• Last year, 11,068 candidates appeared for the NCHMCT JEE exam.
• In 2024, 12,738 candidates registered for the exam, and 8,862 candidates appeared.

Every year, students compete for approximately 12,627 seats available in various management colleges in India. The expected qualifying marks are 760 for the general category, 600 and above for OBC and EWS, and 500 and above for SC and ST category students.

• Top Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) like IHM Pusa, IHM Mumbai, and IHM Bangalore have high cut-offs due to popularity and placement records, with expected marks of 600+ and ranks between 1–1000.
• Intermediate IHMs like IHM Lucknow, IHM Gwalior, and IHM Jaipur have cut-offs ranging from 500–600 marks and ranks between 1001–3000.

What is the NCHMCT Exam?

The NCHMCT JEE is a national-level hospitality exam conducted annually for admission to 3-year BSc Hospitality Courses. The NCHM JEE is conducted by NTA, under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

The NCHMCT JEE scores are accepted by the following types of institutes:

• 21 Central Government-sponsored Institutes of Hotel Management (CIHMs)
• 33 State Government-sponsored Institutes of Hotel Management (SIHMs)
• 25 Private Institutes of Hotel Management
• 1 Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) owned Institute
• 2 IHMs run under Public-Private Partnership

There are 13 Food-craft Institutes linked with NCHMCT JEE that provide diploma courses in core operational areas around the country. The list of Food-Craft Institutes is available on the official website.

NCHMCT JEE 2026 Registration and Important Dates

NCHMCT registration is ongoing and will be available till 25th March 2026. NTA is yet to release other dates related to the exam.

Other important dates such as admit card release and result declaration will be updated once NTA releases them.

NCHMCT JEE 2026 Overview

The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the NCHMCT JEE 2026 notification on its official website. The notification includes several changes to the exam.

• The exam pattern has changed. NCHM JEE will now have only 120 questions.
• The test duration has been reduced to 120 minutes from 3 hours.
• The sectional weightage of the exam has been reduced.
• The number of exam centres has increased to 120, located in different states of India.
• Students can select four preferred test centres while booking their seats.

NCHM and NCHMCT: Are They the Same?

There is no difference between NCHM and NCHMCT. NCHM JEE, or National Council of Hotel Management Joint Entrance Examination, is conducted by NTA for admission to the BSc Hospitality and Hotel Administration course.

Candidates who qualify in NCHMCT JEE will be called for counselling and seat allocation.

Top Hotel Management Colleges

For top hotel management colleges in India, the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Pusa (New Delhi), IHM Mumbai, and IHM Bangalore consistently rank in the top 3, alongside NCHMCT Noida.

Number of Seats in NCHMCT

There are approximately 12,000 seats available in NCHMCT JEE. Institutes of Hotel Management, private and government, have different seat matrices.

To secure a seat in IHM, you need to clear NCHMCT JEE 2026 and appear for NCHM Counselling 2026.

NCHMCT JEE 2026 Exam Dates

NCHMCT JEE 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The detailed NCHMCT JEE 2026 eligibility criteria are as follows:

Eligibility FAQs

Is passing Class 12 with hospitality subjects mandatory for NCHMCT JEE 2026?

No, you do not need to have hospitality subjects in Class 12 to appear for NCHMCT JEE 2026. Students from any stream including Science, Commerce, and Arts streams can apply only if they meet the basic eligibility criteria.

Are Arts and Commerce students eligible for NCHMCT JEE 2026?

Yes, all students from Arts, Commerce, and Science streams are eligible for NCHMCT JEE 2026. The Class 12 stream that you have studied does not matter as long as you have passed Class 12 with English as a subject.

Can students with a compartment in Class 12 apply for NCHMCT JEE 2026?

Yes, if you have any compartmental subject in class 12, you can still apply for NCHMCT JEE 2026. However, you must clear the examination and produce proof of passing at the time of admission.

Is English compulsory for NCHMCT JEE 2026 eligibility?

Yes, English is one of the mandatory subjects in Class 12 to be eligible for NCHMCT JEE 2026. Candidates without English in their Class 12 or any other qualifying examination are not eligible.

NCHMCT JEE 2026 Application Process

The NCHMCT JEE 2026 registration process is completely online. The registration process will end on March 15, 2026, and the correction window will open after that.

The step-wise registration process is:

• Fill out the online registration form on the official website
• Upload all the required documents in the prescribed format
• Make sure to upload a recent photograph and a clear signature as well
• Pay the registration fee to finalise your NCHMCT JEE Application Form

NCHMCT JEE 2026 Application Fee

The NCHMCT JEE 2026 application fee depends on the candidate's category. The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.

Payment can be made through Net Banking, UPI, or Debit/Credit Cards.

NCHMCT JEE 2026 Application Correction Window

The application correction window will open after the registration process ends. Registered candidates can use this period to fix errors in their submitted application forms.

Details That Can Be Edited in the Application Form

Candidates can modify several details during the correction period. The editable fields are listed below.

• Personal Information: Name, father's name, date of birth, etc.
• Contact Details: Mobile number, email address.
• Category and Disability Status: Changes in category (e.g., General to SC/ST) and disability status.
• Educational Qualifications: Marks, subjects, and other academic details.
• Exam Center Preferences: Choice of examination cities.

NCHMCT JEE 2026 Admit Card

The NCHMCT JEE Admit Card will be released by NTA on the official NTA website: exams.nta.ac.in/NCHM. The release date has not been declared yet.

• Release Date: The admit card for all registered candidates will be released soon in PDF format.
• Error Rectification: For any discrepancies in the admit card, contact the helpdesk between 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
• Details Mentioned: The hall ticket contains your name, DOB, exam date, time and centre, and a valid photograph.

NCHMCT JEE 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The NCHMCT Exam is conducted as a CBT (Computer Based Test). There are a total of 120 MCQ questions divided into 5 sections.

• English Language
• Aptitude for the Service Sector section
• Numerical Ability & Analytical Aptitude
• Reasoning and Logical Deduction
• General Knowledge & Current Affairs

Marking Scheme: Each correct answer gives +4 marks. Each incorrect answer has a negative marking of -1. There is no deduction for unanswered questions.

Source: https://nchm.gov.in/

NCHMCT JEE 2026 Syllabus

The important topics covered in all 5 sections of NCHMCT JEE are given below. Check the detailed NCHMCT JEE 2026 Syllabus for more information.

NCHMCT JEE 2026 Syllabus: Section-Wise Important Topics

The NCHMCT JEE 2026 syllabus is divided into five sections. Each section tests a specific skill area required for a career in hotel management and catering technology.

Numerical Ability & Analytical Aptitude

This section tests basic mathematical skills. The questions are generally based on Class 10-level mathematics.

• Compound Interest
• Profit & Loss
• Time & Distance
• Ratio & Proportion
• Fractions & Decimals
• Square Root
• Simplification
• Logarithms
• Unitary Method
• HCF & LCM
• Data Interpretation
• Basic Arithmetic

Reasoning & Logical Deduction

This section evaluates your ability to think logically and solve problems. It includes both verbal and non-verbal reasoning topics.

• Statement & Conclusion
• Symmetry
• Coding–Decoding
• Number & Letter Series
• Syllogism
• Blood Relations
• Analytical Reasoning
• Linear & Complex Arrangements
• Data Interpretation
• Symbols & Notations
• Statement Assumptions

General Knowledge & Current Affairs

This section covers a wide range of static and current affairs topics. Candidates must stay updated on national and international events.

• Prizes & Awards
• World Statistics
• Inventions & Discoveries
• International Organizations
• Sports
• Disasters
• Books & Authors
• Currency
• National & International Events
• Hospitality & Tourism Updates

English Language

This section tests your command over the English language. It includes grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension-based questions.

• Fill in the Blanks
• Sentence/Paragraph Completion
• Idioms & Phrases
• Synonyms & Antonyms
• Analogies
• Vocabulary
• Spelling Error Detection
• One-Word Substitution
• Reading Comprehension
• Grammar & Usage

Aptitude for Service Sector

This section checks your suitability for a career in the service industry. It focuses on your attitude and decision-making in hospitality scenarios.

• Situational Judgment
• Service Sector Aptitude
• Customer Handling
• Ethical Behavior
• Hospitality Decision Making
• Attitude & Personality Suitability

NCHMCT JEE 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Numerical Ability for NCHMCT JEE 2026?

The NCHMCT JEE Numerical Ability section includes topics such as Simplification, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Time, Speed, and Distance, Average, Simple and Compound Interest. Basic Class 10-level mathematics is usually sufficient for NCHMCT JEE 2026.

What are the key topics in Reasoning & Logical Deduction for NCHMCT JEE 2026?

The NCHMCT JEE Logical Reasoning section covers topics like Coding and Decoding, Series (Number and Alphabet), Blood Relations, Syllogism, Direction Sense, Analytical Reasoning and Statements and Conclusions.

Where can I find the official syllabus PDF for NCHMCT JEE 2026?

The official syllabus PDF for NCHMCT JEE 2026 will be available on the official website of the National Testing Agency (NTA) after the notification is released. Candidates should regularly check the official portal for updates and download the latest syllabus.

NCHMCT JEE 2026: Student Reviews

Most students wonder how hard the NCHMCT JEE exam is. A Quora user Mayank Rao answered: "I simply ran through all the questions and found the question paper damn easy.. To be honest English, logical reasoning and mathematics sections were solved in matter of couple of minutes (45 mins) to be exact. Only section which was difficult was General knowledge."

Some students who already started preparing asked how to prepare for NCHMCT along with their 12th boards exam. A Quora user Sarim Islam answered: "Normally the NCHM JEE exam is held in between the month of june-august. So, the exam will not disturb you in your board exam."

The same user also said: "You can do one thing, solve one set of previous year questions of exam, in 3 hrs. Measure your performance. If you're not getting more than 50% questions right, then start your prep now."

Students also ask if it is necessary to take coaching for the NCHMCT JEE examination. A Quora user Naman garg answered: "Cracking NCHMCT JEE only requires a bit of common sense and decent quantitative skills. There are a plethora of books available for preparation, however, I used a book by arihant publications for my preparation."

Colleges Accepting NCHMCT JEE 2026 Scores

Central Government IHMs

Several Central Government Institutes of Hotel Management accept NCHMCT JEE scores for admission. The list of these institutes is provided in the official information brochure released by the NTA.

Seat Distribution Across NCHMCT JEE Participating Institutes

The table below lists the total seats available at each Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) that participates in the NCHMCT JEE. The combined total across all listed institutes is 6,734 seats.

State Government IHMs

State government IHMs also participate in the NCHMCT JEE counselling process. These institutes are operated by respective state governments and offer seats through the same entrance exam.

Seat Distribution for NCHMCT JEE Participating Institutes

The table below lists the number of seats available at each government institute that participates in the NCHMCT JEE counselling process. The total number of seats across all listed institutes is 2937.

Private IHMs

Information about seat distribution for private IHMs is not provided in the source material.

Participating Institutes and Seat Distribution for NCHMCT JEE

Seats for the NCHMCT JEE are divided among many affiliated institutes. The table below lists the institutes and the number of seats available at each.

PSU IHM Seats

One Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) institute is part of the seat allocation. The total seats for this institute are listed below.

How to Prepare for NCHMCT JEE 2026

Preparation for NCHMCT JEE 2026 should focus on practice and revision. The following guidelines can help with last-minute preparation.

• Practice Papers: Solve as many practice papers as possible. This helps you understand the type of questions in the NCHMCT Question Papers.
• Mock Tests: Mock tests are an important part of preparation. They help with time management and show which sections need more time or revision.
• Revise: Revise all topics, make notes, and go over formulas and short tricks for numerical problems.

Best Books for NCHMCT JEE Preparation

Several books are useful for NCHMCT JEE 2026 preparation. The list below includes some of these books along with their approximate prices.

Recommended Books for NCHMCT JEE 2026 Preparation

The table below lists suggested books for each subject in the NCHMCT JEE 2026 syllabus. Prices are given in INR.

FAQs on NCHMCT JEE

What is the NCHMCT JEE exam for?

The NCHMCT JEE exam is conducted by the NTA to offer admission to Hotel Management UG courses at various IHMs. IHM Pusa, IHM Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, IHM Hyderabad, etc. are some of the top Hotel Management colleges in India that accept NCHMCT JEE scores.

Is NCHMCT JEE easy?

NCHMCT JEE difficulty level over the past few years has been reported as Easy to Moderate.

How many seats are there in IHM based on NCHMCT JEE?

There are approximately 12,000 seats available in NCHMCT JEE. Institutes of Hotel Management, private and government, have different seat matrices. To secure a seat in IHM, you need to clear NCHMCT JEE 2026 and appear for NCHM Counselling 2026. You can choose your preferred college and course through the counselling process.

What is the full form of NCHMCT JEE 2026?

National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Exam is the full form for NCHMCT JEE 2026. Sometimes, the exam is also referred to as NCHMCT JEE 2026.

What are the helpline numbers for NCHMCT JEE 2026?

NCHMCT JEE 2026 Helpdesk number is 08026599990 whereas the NCHMCT JEE customer care number is 1800112211. These helpline numbers will be available between 10 AM to 5 PM. You can contact them or refer to the official website for more information.

What is NCHMCT JEE?

The National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination (NCHMCT JEE) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is the entrance test for admission to the BSc Hospitality and Hotel Administration course.

Candidates who qualify in NCHMCT JEE are called for counselling and seat allocation. The exam offers admission to Hotel Management undergraduate courses at various Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs).

NCHM and NCHMCT: Are They the Same?

There is no difference between NCHM and NCHMCT. NCHM JEE is another name for the National Council of Hotel Management Joint Entrance Examination conducted by the NTA.

Top Hotel Management Colleges

Some of the top hotel management colleges in India that accept NCHMCT JEE scores include IHM Pusa (New Delhi), IHM Mumbai, and IHM Bangalore. These are consistently ranked in the top 3, alongside NCHMCT Noida.

Other colleges that accept these scores include IHM Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition and IHM Hyderabad.

Number of Seats

There are approximately 12,000 seats available through NCHMCT JEE. Institutes of Hotel Management, both private and government, have different seat matrices.

To secure a seat in an IHM, you need to clear NCHMCT JEE 2026 and appear for NCHM Counselling 2026. You can choose your preferred college and course through the counselling process.

Eligibility Criteria

Students from any stream, including Science, Commerce, and Arts, can apply for NCHMCT JEE 2026. You do not need to have hospitality subjects in Class 12 to appear for the exam.

The Class 12 stream you have studied does not matter as long as you have passed Class 12 with English as a subject.

English Requirement

English is a mandatory subject in Class 12 to be eligible for NCHMCT JEE 2026. Candidates without English in their Class 12 or any other qualifying examination are not eligible.

Compartment in Class 12

If you have a compartment in any subject in Class 12, you can still apply for NCHMCT JEE 2026. However, you must clear the examination and produce proof of passing at the time of admission.

Exam Difficulty Level

NCHMCT JEE difficulty level over the past few years has been reported as Easy to Moderate.

Syllabus: Numerical Ability

The Numerical Ability section includes topics from basic Class 10-level mathematics. This level of mathematics is usually sufficient for NCHMCT JEE 2026.

• Simplification
• Percentage
• Profit and Loss
• Ratio and Proportion
• Time and Work
• Time, Speed, and Distance
• Average
• Simple and Compound Interest

Syllabus: Reasoning and Logical Deduction

The Reasoning and Logical Deduction section covers a set of specific topics. These are the key areas to prepare for this section.

• Coding and Decoding
• Series (Number and Alphabet)
• Blood Relations
• Syllogism
• Direction Sense
• Analytical Reasoning
• Statements and Conclusions

Official Syllabus PDF

The official syllabus PDF for NCHMCT JEE 2026 will be available on the official website of the National Testing Agency (NTA). It will be released after the notification is issued.

Candidates should regularly check the official portal for updates and download the latest syllabus.

Helpline Numbers

NCHMCT JEE 2026 has dedicated helpline numbers for candidate support. These numbers are available between 10 AM to 5 PM.

You can contact these numbers or refer to the official website for more information.