The path to a career in India's thriving hospitality sector is now officially open. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the much-awaited notification for the National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Examination (NCHM JEE) for the 2026 academic session. This entrance exam is the gateway for admission to the prestigious B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration program offered by Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) across the country.
Key Dates and Application Schedule for NCHM JEE 2026
Aspiring hoteliers must mark their calendars with the following crucial dates. The online application window is now active, having commenced on December 26, 2025. Candidates have until January 25, 2026, up to 05:00 PM, to submit their forms and complete the fee payment process.
The NCHM JEE 2026 examination itself is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026. The test will be conducted in a single shift from 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM. The entire examination process, from application to conduct, will be managed by the NTA, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education.
Exam Mode and Important Application Guidelines
In line with modern testing standards, the NCHM JEE 2026 will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. Applicants will take the exam at designated test centers equipped with the necessary computer systems.
The application process is exclusively online. Candidates must apply only through the official NTA website dedicated to NCHM JEE. The agency has clarified that details regarding corrections in the application form, the release of admit cards, and other exam-related updates will be announced on the official portal at a later date.
Essential Resources: Information Bulletin and Eligibility
Before starting the application, every candidate must thoroughly review the comprehensive Information Bulletin available on the NTA's NCHM JEE portal. This document is critical as it contains all vital details, including:
- Complete eligibility criteria for the exam.
- The exam pattern, duration, and medium.
- Fee structure for different categories.
- Intake capacity and reservation policies.
- List of exam cities and the detailed admission procedure.
Prospective students are also advised to check the prospectus on the websites of individual Institutes of Hotel Management for institute-specific admission information.
Support and Staying Updated
Candidates who encounter any issues during the application process can seek help from the NTA helpline at 011-40759000 or 011-69227700. Queries can also be emailed to nchm@nta.ac.in.
To avoid missing any crucial announcements, applicants should regularly visit the official NTA website and the NCHM JEE portal. All official communications regarding the examination will be posted there.
With the notification out, the race for seats in one of India's most dynamic industries has begun. Eligible and interested candidates should begin their application process promptly to secure their chance at a future in hotel management.
