How to Become a Hotel Manager in India: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Promising Career

The hospitality sector in India has evolved in the last 20 years in such a way that it has offered many opportunities, especially for hotel management professionals. Hotel Manager is one of the coveted positions you can find in this sector. The hotel manager handles overseeing the operations of the hotel, ensuring quality of service to the guests, and managing staff at the hotel, resort or other accommodation facilities. So, how do you become a hotel manager in India? We are here to guide you through the entire career path right from eligibility to courses, job roles, salary range and avenues for professional development.

Step 1: Make Sure You Are Eligible

The first requirement for being a hotel manager is that you must have passed Class 12 (10+2) from a recognized board. Students from any stream viz, science, commerce or arts are eligible, but most institutes expect a basic aggregate of 50–55% marks. After having passed class 12, you are eligible to enroll in undergraduate hotel management courses which are the start of your hotel management career.

Applicants looking to study hotel management will also need to have effective communication skills, a service-oriented attitude, and look presentable, all characteristics needed for success in the hospitality industry. 

Step 2: Select a Course in Hotel Management

After Class 12th, students can take a variety of undergraduate programs to start their hotel management careers. The most popular undergraduate programs include Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Hotel Management, Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Hospitality & Hotel Administration. These courses range anywhere from three to four years, and are provided by top TLSHS (The lalit suri hospitality school),  institutions such as the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), Amity School of Hospitality, etc.

A BBA in Hotel Management includes a combination of practical and academic theory by studying hospitality marketing, tourism management, food and beverage service, housekeeping operations, and front office management. Students also study training in soft skills, foreign languages and business communication in their courses that will grow their competencies suitable for the industry.

Postgraduate study, such as an MBA in Hotel Management or Master of Hotel Management (MHM) is an excellent choice for individuals wanting to specialize further or for individuals wanting to be in roles with senior leadership responsibilities. Postgraduate programs / qualifications can help you get a job in an elevated level managerial or executive ability in a prestige hotel brand or in luxury hospitality.

Step 3: Ace the Relevant Entrance Tests

Admission to prestigious hotel management institutes in India will require aspirants to clear relevant entrance tests. The most prestigious one is the NCHMCT JEE (National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Exam), which is valid for the government IHMs throughout the country. Some of the other leading entrance exams are CUET, IPU CET, AIMA UGAT, and AIHMCT WAT. More private institutions such as IIHM have their own entrance tests like e-CHAT, plus group discussions and personal interviews.

Your preparation should consider the format of these tests which assesses aptitude in English, reasoning, general knowledge, and hospitality knowledge-type questions. Passing these tests does not just give you entry into a reputable institution, also lays strong foundations for your future career as a hotel manager.

Step 4: Accumulate Work Experience via Internship

Hotel management education in India is more than just theory - it emphasizes real-world experience. In the second/third year of their undergraduate programs’ students must undertake internships with reputable hotel chains. These internships provide the students with experience in many departments including front office, housekeeping, kitchen, food & beverage, and event management.

Practical training is important as students can learn about hotel operations daily, procedures for guest service, and working in a team environment. This training allows the students to network with professionals within the industry and, in some situations, capitalize on internship opportunities that lead to job offers.

Step 5: Get Foot in Door with Entry-Level Position

After completing the course, the next logical move is to join the industry via an entry-level position. New graduates are typically recruited as management trainees, front office executives, or housekeeping supervisors, or food and beverage service associates. Each position will develop operational experience, leadership qualities, and the ability to solve problems - all of which are essential qualities needed to be a successful hotel manager in the future.

Most hotel managers start in one department and gradually move up the ladder.

A traditional career trajectory might be management trainee → assistant manager → head of department (F&B, housekeeping, etc.) → operations manager → hotel manager → general manager. For high performance and experience, hotel managers might move into regional or corporate positions within hotel conglomerates.

Step 6: Develop Skills and Stay Current

Success in a hotel management career is more than just a diploma. Hotel managers need a host of hard and soft skills - leadership skills, team management skills, communication skills, customer service skills, inventory management skills, and planning and financial skills. Continual learning and staying informed about the changes in technology and information about service experiencing can be beneficial as well. Developing skills should not just be confined to the formal education environment, but you might consider taking additional certifications or executive programs in hospitality management for improved articulation of your educational background. Many professionals also engage in training in various divisions of operations (e.g., marketing, accounting, event management) in their first job so that they have a holistic understanding of what different departments do.

 
Step 7: Analyze Available Positions

While hotel management jobs are a good start, the hospitality sector in India encompasses a broader structure with a multitude of job opportunities. As a hotel manager, work options are available in hotels, luxury hotels, boutique hotels, resorts and spas, cruise ships, event management companies, airlines, and tourism boards, to name a few. National hospitality groups that have proven popular for hotel managers include the Taj Group, Oberoi Hotels, ITC Hotels, Marriott, Hyatt, Accor, and Radisson Blu.

There is an opportunity for hotel managers to work abroad, particularly in the UAE, Singapore, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, making this a profession that can be investigated globally. Individuals can also start a hospitality business and operate as a consultant or pursue education and training opportunities as educators at hotel management institutes.

Step 8: Salary Expectations and Future Growth

The salary of a hotel manager can vary in India depending on experience, qualifications, job function, and hotel category/brand. As a recent graduate with a BBA in Hotel Management, you can expect an initial salary range from INR 3.5 to 7 LPA. With experience, hotel managers can earn a total salary ranging INR 8 to 13 LPA. In general manager or regional director positions, salaries can exceed INR 25 LPA in hotel chains.

 In larger cities (sometimes referred to as metro cities) five-star hotels will typically attract a package associated with a higher salary because of the higher expectations of responsibility and public exposure. Applying for management positions will also factor in cash rewards/bonuses, attendance awards/bonuses, and can offer accommodation, especially with higher paid roles - but many of these incentives are hotel dependent.

Summary

To become a hotel manager in India you can take the following steps. Firstly, you should complete Class 12 securing at least 50% marks, then you can pursue a hotel management course- BBA in Hotel Management or BHM for instance. Along with formal study, prepare for entrance exams and gain experience through internships during a hotel management course. You can start at an entry level role in a hotel and work as a hotel manager role from there. You can expect hotel managers to earn + 8 LPA - 13 LPA or more depending on the level of experience and skills including soft skills. The hospitality sector is a growing sector in India and with the right qualifications and interpersonal skills there are opportunities to gain experience and work internationally.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the eligibility to become a hotel manager in India?

A: You need to pass Class 12 with at least 50-55% of marks completed by a recognized degree in hotel management which is BBA in Hotel Management, BHM or B.Sc. in Hospitality.

Q2. Which entrance exam do I need to take for hotel management subjects?

A: NCHMCT JEE, CUET, IPU CET, AIMA UGAT, e-CHAT (for IIHM) are considered best, However, choice might involve group discussions or personal interviews based on different colleges or universities.

Q3. What is the career progression for a hotel manager?

A: Most start out as management trainees or management executive, then assistant manager, departmental successor, operations manager, and eventually hotel manager/general manager.

Q4. What is the salary range for a hotel manager in India?

The salary of hotel manager in an entry role starts from INR 3.5-7 LPA. After a little bit of experience, a hotel manager can earn approximately INR 8-13 LPA. General managers, regional heads and above might earn INR 25 LPA or more depending on the brand and country of employment.

Q5. Is there a possibility of getting jobs abroad, as hotel manager?

A: Yes, Indian hotel management graduates are in demand all over the world, especially in the Middle East, Canada, Australia and Southeast Asia. A considerable number of candidates also work on international cruise ships and luxury resorts.

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