NCHMCT JEE Exam 2026

The NCHMCT JEE 2026 is a national-level entrance exam for admission to the B.Sc. (Hospitality & Hotel Administration) course. Here are the key highlights:

• Exam Name: National Council for Hotel Management Joint Entrance Examination (NCHMCT JEE)
• Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
• Exam Level: Undergraduate (National)
• Frequency: Once a year
• Mode of Exam: Computer Based Test (CBT)
• Course Offered: B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration (HHA)

The tentative schedule for the NCHMCT JEE 2026 cycle is as follows:

• Online Registration Starts: February 2026
• Last Date to Apply: April 2026
• Correction Window: April 2026
• Admit Card Release: May 2026
• NCHMCT JEE 2026 Exam Date: Second week of May 2026
• Result Declaration: June 2026
• Counselling Commencement: June/July 2026

The NCHMCT JEE is the premier entrance examination for students aspiring to build a career in the hospitality and hotel management sector in India. It serves as a gateway for admission to the 3-year B.Sc. (HHA) program offered jointly by the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology and the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

The full form of NCHMCT JEE is the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology Joint Entrance Examination.

Initially, the exam was conducted in an offline pen-and-paper format. However, since the National Testing Agency (NTA) took over the responsibility of conducting the exam, it has transitioned into a fully Computer Based Test (CBT). The exam has seen a steady increase in the number of applicants, reflecting the growing popularity of the hospitality sector among Indian youth.

To be eligible for the NCHMCT JEE 2026, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Passed 10+2 system of Senior Secondary examination or its equivalent with English as one of the subjects.
• Appearing Candidates: Students appearing for their final 12th exams in 2026 are also eligible to apply.
• Age Limit: There is generally no upper age limit for the NCHMCT JEE as per recent guidelines, but candidates should check the official 2026 brochure for any specific institutional updates.
• Physical Fitness: Candidates must provide a medical fitness certificate at the time of admission.

The application process for 2026 is entirely online:

1. Visit the official NTA NCHMCT website.
2. Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Fill out the personal and academic details in the online application form.
4. Upload scanned images of a recent photograph and signature.
5. Pay the application fee using Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
6. Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.

The question paper is divided into five main subjects:

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

The syllabus covers topics relevant to general aptitude and hospitality:

• Numerical Ability: Arithmetic, Fractions, HCF/LCM, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Distance.
• Reasoning: Series, Syllogisms, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense.
• English: Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Correction, Reading Comprehension, Synonyms/Antonyms.
• Service Aptitude: Questions related to hospitality manners, customer service scenarios, and social ethics.

The NCHMCT JEE 2026 exam pattern is summarized below:

• Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
• Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
• Total Questions: 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Marking Scheme: +4 for every correct answer; -1 for every incorrect answer.
• Language: Bilingual (English & Hindi) except for the English Language section.

The admission process involves several stages:

• Step 1: Online Registration and Application.
• Step 2: Appearing for the NCHMCT JEE Exam.
• Step 3: Declaration of Results and All India Ranks (AIR).
• Step 4: Online Counselling Registration and Choice Filling.
• Step 5: Seat Allotment based on Rank and Preference.
• Step 6: Document Verification and Reporting to the allotted IHM.

Successful candidates can gain admission into various Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) across India:

• Central IHMs: Around 21 institutes funded by the Central Government (e.g., IHM Pusa, IHM Mumbai).
• State IHMs: Over 25 institutes funded by State Governments.
• PSU IHMs: Public Sector Undertaking IHMs.
• Private IHMs: Various private institutes affiliated with NCHMCT.

The NCHMCT JEE 2026 Result will be declared on the official NTA website. The result is published in the form of a scorecard containing the candidate's marks and All India Rank (AIR). No separate rank cards are sent by post.

After the results are announced, the NCHMCT will release the counselling schedule. Candidates must keep their documents ready, including their admit card, scorecard, 10th and 12th certificates, and category certificates (if applicable). The next step is to participate in the centralized counselling process.

The counselling for 2026 will be conducted in multiple rounds:

• Registration: Candidates must register on the counselling portal.
• Choice Filling: Selection of preferred IHMs in order of priority.
• Seat Allotment: Allocation based on AIR and availability.
• Payment of Fee: To confirm the seat, a part of the admission fee must be paid online.
• Withdrawal: Option to exit the process and get a refund (as per rules).

The cut-off is the closing rank for admission to a particular IHM. It varies each year based on:

• Number of candidates appearing in the exam.
• The difficulty level of the question paper.
• Total number of seats available in IHMs.
• The performance of the candidates.

For queries regarding the 2026 exam, candidates can contact:

• Official Website: nchmjee.nta.nic.in
• NTA Help Desk: 011-40759000
• Email: nchm@nta.ac.in
• Address: National Testing Agency, NSIC-MDBP Building, First Floor, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi - 110020