Difference between BHM and BHMCT Programmes: Courses, Entrance Exams, Eligibility

Both BHM and BHMCT are excellent programs for those aspiring to enter the hospitality industry. While BHM offers a broader understanding of hotel and hospitality management, BHMCT provides a focused approach to food production and catering technology. Read further to know more.

The hospitality and tourism industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, offering numerous career opportunities. Aspiring hospitality professionals often consider enrolling in courses like Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) and Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (BHMCT).

While both programs focus on hospitality, they have distinct differences in curriculum, scope, and career prospects. Understanding these differences can help students make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.

Both BHM and BHMCT are excellent programs for those aspiring to enter the hospitality industry. While BHM offers a broader understanding of hotel and hospitality management, BHMCT provides a focused approach to food production and catering technology.

Students should carefully evaluate their interests and career goals before selecting a program. No matter which course they choose, the hospitality sector offers exciting opportunities for growth, creativity, and global exposure.

What is BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management)?

The Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) is an undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers in hotel and hospitality management. The course covers various aspects of hotel operations, including front office management, housekeeping, food and beverage services, and hospitality marketing.

Key Features of BHM:

Duration: 3-4 years (varies by university and country)

Focus: General hotel and hospitality management

Core Subjects:

• Hotel operations
• Food production and beverage service
• Housekeeping management
• Hospitality marketing and sales
• Human resource management in hospitality

Internships: Often include mandatory industry training

Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent qualification. Some institutions conduct entrance exams

Also Read: Hotel Management Courses After 10th

What is BHMCT (Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology)?

The Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (BHMCT) is a specialised undergraduate program that combines hotel management with a strong emphasis on catering technology. This program is ideal for students interested in both hospitality management and the technical aspects of food production and catering.

Key Features of BHMCT:

Duration: 4 years (structured as a professional course)

Focus: Hospitality management with in-depth catering technology training

Core Subjects:

• Advanced food production and culinary arts
• Bakery and confectionery
• Beverage studies
• Catering science and nutrition
• Hotel accounting and financial management

Internships: Extensive hands-on training in catering and hospitality establishments

Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent qualification. Entrance exams are common for top institutes

Also Read: Top 5 Hospitality Management Courses Offered by Five Star Hotels in India

Major Differences Between BHM and BHMCT

Criteria	BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management)	BHMCT (Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology)
Duration	3-4 years	4 years
Core Focus	General hospitality and hotel management	Hospitality management with a specialization in catering technology
Subjects Covered	Hotel operations, customer service, hospitality marketing, HR management	Food production, catering technology, culinary arts, beverage studies, hotel accounting
Practical Exposure	Emphasis on overall hotel management skills	Intensive training in catering, food production, and culinary techniques
Internships	Industry training in hotel chains, resorts, and hospitality businesses	Extensive internships focusing on catering services and food technology
Eligibility	10+2 qualification, entrance exams in some institutes	10+2 qualification, entrance exams in some institutes
Career Opportunities	Hotel management, front office, housekeeping, event management	Catering manager, food production head, culinary expert, restaurant manager

Also Read: Hotel Management Salary in India: Monthly, Fresher's Salary, India vs Abroad Salary

Career Opportunities After BHM

Graduates of BHM programs have diverse career options in the hospitality and tourism industry. Some of the common job roles include:

• Hotel Manager: Overseeing the overall operations of a hotel or resort.
• Front Office Manager: Managing guest services and reservations.
• Housekeeping Manager: Ensuring cleanliness and maintenance in hotels.
• Event Planner: Organizing corporate and social events.
• Hospitality Consultant: Advising businesses on improving hospitality services.
• Customer Service Executive: Handling guest relations and queries.

Also Read: Top 10 Government Hotel Management Colleges in India 2025

Top Recruiters for BHM Graduates

• Taj Hotels
• Oberoi Hotels
• Marriott International
• Hyatt Hotels
• ITC Hotels
• Club Mahindra

Also Read: Last 10 years NCHMCT JEE Question Papers With Answers free PDF Download

Career Opportunities After BHMCT

Since BHMCT has a stronger focus on catering and food technology, graduates can explore career opportunities in both the hospitality and food production industries. Some of the key job roles include:

• Catering Manager: Managing large-scale catering operations.
• Food Production Manager: Supervising kitchen and culinary activities.
• Bakery and Confectionery Specialist: Working in specialized baking and pastry businesses.
• Restaurant Manager: Handling restaurant operations and customer service.
• Food & Beverage Manager: Overseeing dining services in hotels and resorts.
• Entrepreneur: Starting one’s own catering or restaurant business.

Top Recruiters for BHMCT Graduates

• Taj SATS Air Catering
• Compass Group
• Sodexo
• Oberoi Flight Kitchens
• Dominos and Pizza Hut
• Café Coffee Day

Which Course Should You Choose: BHM or BHMCT?

The choice between BHM and BHMCT depends on an individual’s career aspirations and interests.

Choose BHM if:

• You are interested in a broader hotel management career.
• You want to work in various hospitality roles such as hotel operations, front office, or event management.
• You enjoy working in guest relations and customer service.

Choose BHMCT if:

• You have a passion for food production, catering, and culinary arts.
• You want specialised knowledge in catering and hospitality technology.
• You are interested in food service operations, menu planning, and culinary innovations.

Top Entrance Exams for BHM and BHMCT Courses

For Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM) and Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (BHMCT), there are various entrance exams conducted by universities and institutes. Here are some popular entrance exams for these programs:

1. NCHM JEE (National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Examination)

For: BHM, BHMCT
Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of NCHMCT
Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
Subjects: English Language, Reasoning and Logical Deduction, Numerical Ability and Scientific Aptitude, General Knowledge and Current Affairs
Eligibility: 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board with English as one of the subjects.

2. IHM (Institute of Hotel Management) Entrance Exams

For: BHM, BHMCT
Conducted by: Various IHMs (Institutes of Hotel Management) across India
Mode: Online/Offline
Subjects: English Language, General Knowledge, Reasoning, Aptitude
Eligibility: 10+2 (or equivalent) with English as a subject.

3. Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) Entrance Exam

For: BHMCT
Conducted by: GNDU, Amritsar
Mode: Offline
Eligibility: 10+2 (or equivalent) with at least 50% marks.

4. UPSEE (Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Examination)

For: BHMCT (in some institutes of Uttar Pradesh)
Conducted by: Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow
Mode: Online
Eligibility: 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board.

5. AIHMCT (Army Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology) Entrance Exam

For: BHMCT
Conducted by: Army Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology conducts AIHMCT Entrance Exam
Mode: Online/Offline
Eligibility: Children of army personnel who have completed 10+2.

6. Symbiosis Institute of Culinary Arts (SICA) Entrance Exam

For: BHM, BHMCT
Conducted by: Symbiosis International University
Mode: Online/Offline
Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent examination.

7. Other Institute-Specific Exams

Many private institutions may have their entrance exams for BHM and BHMCT courses, such as:

• Christ University
• Amity University
• Pearl Academy

Read More:

• NCHMCT JEE Application Form
• AIHMCT WAT Application Form