M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management: Admission, Syllabus, Eligibility, Subjects, Colleges, Careers

• Updated on  Aug 16, 2025, by Sachin Jaiswal

M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management is a two-year postgraduate program designed to equip students with advanced management and operational skills required in the hospitality sector. The candidates need to have a bachelor’s degree in hotel management, food science, food arts and related subjects; most institutes would expect at least 50 percent marks.

 

The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition (IHM Pusa, IHM Bangalore, IHM Mumbai), the School of Hotel and Catering Management (VISTAS, Chennai), and Annamalai University are the best colleges that offer the course. Distance Courses and online courses also maintain such facilities in institutes such as the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the Global Open University, Nagaland.

 

The graduates have different career opportunities in the hotel industry, resort industry, event management, catering services and even aviation. The various professions an individual may opt for the roles as hotel manager, catering officer, event manager, and hospitality consultant with the pay package range of INR 3 to 5 LPA. The most reputed hotel chains like Taj, Oberoi, Marriott and Hilton are the best recruiters.

 

Table of Contents
  1. M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Course Highlights
  2. What is M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management?
  3. Why Study M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management?
  4. Who Should Study M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management?
  5. M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Eligibility Criteria
  6. M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Entrance Exams
  7. M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Top Colleges in India
  8. M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Admission Process
  9. M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Syllabus
  10. M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Job Opportunities in India
  11. M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Vs Master of Hotel Management
  12. M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management FAQs

 

M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Course Highlights

Given below are some of the basic course highlights for the MSc Hotel & catering management:

Feature

Details

Course Name

M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management

Course Level

Postgraduate (PG)

Duration

2 years

Course Type

Regular / Distance / Online

Admission Process

Entrance Exam / Interview / Merit-based

Eligibility

Graduation in Hotel Management or a related field with a minimum of 50% marks

Course Fees

INR 5,000 – INR 2,00,000 (varies by college)

Subjects

Hospitality Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Food & Beverage, Accommodation, Hospitality Law

Top Colleges

IHM Bangalore, IHM Chennai, IHM Lucknow, Guru Nanak Institute, NSHM Kolkata, Dr. Ambedkar IHM

Job Profiles

Hospitality Manager, Catering Officer, Cabin Crew, Professor, Event Manager

Top Recruiters

Taj, Oberoi, Hilton, Marriott, ITDC, Hyatt

Average Salary (India)

INR 3 – INR 5 LPA

 

What is M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management?

M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and specialized skills required for managing operations in the hospitality and catering industry.

  • The course concentrates on theoretical learning as well as practical and has major areas as hospitality management, food and beverage management, front office operations, housekeeping, catering technology and tourism.
  • The candidates will be able to learn the management skills, problem solving skills, and making sure that customers get the best services and are ready to take the position of leaders of hotels, restaurants, resorts, and catering companies.

 

Why Study M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management?

M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management offers advanced expertise for aspiring leaders in the hospitality sector. The program is a mix of academic and practical training to acquire real life competency. It is suitable to prospective employees who would want to pursue livelihoods in the exuberant hotel, restaurant, tourism and event management fields.

  • Career Growth: With the fast growth of the hospitality industry, job security and career opportunities are high, with the potential to work in hotels, restaurants, event planning, as well as tourism.
  • Networking Opportunities: Students develop great contacts with other students, faculty, alumni, and industry experts, thus having more exposure to employment and growth.
  • International Credibility: The degree is recognized in the whole world, and a graduate can opt for the advanced level jobs both in India and abroad.
  • Industry Demand: Most of the industry demands many skilled professionals in the hospitality management industry since the industry is exploding in the globe due to travel and tourism.

 

Who Should Study M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management?

M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management is designed for those passionate about the dynamic hospitality sector. It is applicable to those people who want to acquire advanced expertise and hold management positions in hotels, restaurants, and catering establishments. The program suits the graduates who want to specialize and be at their best in hospitality management.

  • Hotel Management or other Related Graduates: Those who have a degree in hotel management, catering management, BSc Food Science, BA Culinary Arts, or a travel and tourism degree should do the course.
  • Aspiring Hospitality Professionals: Candidates who are seeking to rise up to the top management or supervisory positions within hotels, resorts, restaurants and catering companies.
  • Entrepreneurs in Hospitality: These are people who intend to open their own hospitality or catering company.
  • Career Changers: The candidates who are from different backgrounds, such as BCom, BBA in various areas and desire to work in the hospitality industry.

 

M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Eligibility Criteria

To pursue M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management candidates must meet specific academic and procedural requirements. The course targets graduates who want to acquire superior skills in hospitality. Eligibility will see the students ready with the academic and practical needs of the program.

  • Bachelor's Degree Requirement: The candidates should have a bachelor's degree in hotel management, catering management, food science, culinary arts, or BBA Tourism and travel in a reputable university.

 

M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Entrance Exams

Entrance exams for Master of Science Hotel and Catering Management are generally college or university-specific, as few national or state exams exist for this postgraduate course. Most institutes conduct their own entrance tests or consider relevant national/state scores. The following tables list the closest applicable exams.

Exam Name

Application Date (Tentative)

Exam Date (Tentative)

Application Fee (Approx.)

NCHM MSc JEE

March 2026

April 2026

INR 1,000 – INR 1,500

 

M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Top Colleges in India

Master of Science Hotel and Catering Management is offered by select top institutes in India, primarily government IHMs and leading private universities. These colleges are renowned for academic excellence and strong industry connections. Admission is typically through entrance tests or merit, with competitive placement opportunities.

College Name

Location

Total Course Fees (Approx.)

IHM, Catering Tech. & Applied Nutrition, Pusa

New Delhi

INR 1.9 lakh

IHM, Catering Tech. & Applied Nutrition, Mumbai

Mumbai

INR 2–3 lakh

IHM, Catering Tech. & Applied Nutrition, Bengaluru

Bengaluru

INR 1.8 lakh

IHM, Catering Tech. & Applied Nutrition, Chennai

Chennai

INR 2.6 lakh

IHM, Catering Tech. & Applied Nutrition, Kolkata

Kolkata

INR 1.6 lakh

IHM, Catering Tech. & Applied Nutrition, Shimla

Shimla

INR 1.4 lakh

 

M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Admission Process

The admission process for M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management at top colleges is structured and transparent. Here is the detailed admission process at IHM Bangalore is given below.

 

Step 1: Check eligibility (After completion of graduation in Hotel Management or related subject with a minimum of 50-55 talks aggregate mark).

 

Step 2: Fill in the form on the official site of NCHMCT or, the institute site to apply to the entrance exam (NCHM JEE/NCHM MSc JEE to apply to the postgraduate program).

 

Step 3: Enter the details about yourself through the online application form, which requires information about your personal, academic, and contact details.

 

Step 4: Upload mandatory forms like mark sheets, certificates and ID proofs.

 

Step 5: Pay the application fee online following the directions stipulated by the college.

 

Step 6: Once the verification is done, download the shade card of the entrance exam.

 

Step 7: Individually presents self in the entrance exam and on the scheduled date and venue.

 

Step 8: Wait until the publication of results and the merit list can be found on the official site.

 

Step 9: In case you are shortlisted, you need to be present in the centralized counseling round to choose your desired college and course.

 

Step 10: The selection of seats is done phase-wise in accordance with the exam rank, preferences, and on seat availability.

 

Step 11: Present the original documents to the allocated institute, and make the admission payment and enroll yourself.

 

Required Documents

  • Graduation mark sheets and degree certificates
  • Class 10 and 12 mark sheets
  • Transfer certificate/migration certificate
  • Character certificate
  • Category certificate (if applicable)
  • ID proof (Aadhar card, passport, etc.)
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Entrance exam scorecard/admit card

 

M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Syllabus

Master of Science in Hotel & Catering Management is a two-year postgraduate program with a focus on advanced hospitality management. The syllabus combines core and elective subjects, research, and industry projects. Given below is the MSc Hotel & Catering Management syllabus followed at Punjab Technical University :

Semester 1

Semester 2

Food production

Kitchen Operations & Management

Food & Beverage Service

Food &Beverage Management

House keeping operation

Housekeeping-Concepts And Design

Front office Operations

Organisational Behaviour & Development

Communication and soft skills

Front office management

Principles and Practices Of management

Fundamentals Of Tourism & Tourism Products

Organization Behaviour

Research Methodology

Food production practical

Field Survey & industrial visit

Food beverage service practical

Food Production -II practical

House keeping operation practical

Food And Beverage Service - ll (Practical)

Semester 3

Semester 4

Internship

Financial Management

_

Marketing Management

_

Human Resource Management

_

Management Information Systems

_

Facility Management

_

Hospitality Law

_

lnternational Hotel Management

_

Resort & Convention Management

_

Research Project & Presentataon

 

M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Job Opportunities in India

Master of Science in Hotel and Catering Management opens diverse career paths in India’s booming hospitality sector. Graduates are sought after by top hotels, event management firms, and travel companies. The program equips students for managerial and supervisory roles with attractive salary packages.

Job Profile

Experience

Top Recruiters

Average Salary (INR)

Sector

Hotel Manager

2–5 years

Taj, Oberoi, Marriott, ITC

4–7 LPA

Hotels/Resorts

Food & Beverage Manager

1–4 years

Hilton, Hyatt, Radisson

5–8.5 LPA

Hotels/Restaurants

Housekeeping Manager

1–3 years

Leela, ITC, OYO

4–5 LPA

Hotels/Resorts

Banquet Manager

1–3 years

Marriott, ITC, Oberoi

4.5–5 LPA

Event Management

Restaurant Manager

1–3 years

Indigo, Vistara, SpiceJet

4–8 LPA

Food Service

Event Manager

1–4 years

Event Management Firms, Hotels

3–6.5 LPA

Event Management

Cabin Crew

Fresher–2 years

Indigo, AirAsia, Vistara

3–6 LPA

Airlines

Hospitality Trainer

1–3 years

IHMs, Private Institutes

3–4.5 LPA

Education/Training

Catering Officer

1–3 years

IRCTC, ITDC, Hotels

3–5 LPA

Catering/Government

 

M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management Vs Master of Hotel Management

Master of Science Hotel and Catering Management is more focused on catering and food service management coupled with hospitality business management whereas Master of Hotel Management is wider in the areas covered encompassing all the domains of being a hotel owner and managing it with a touch of leadership in operations of the hotel industry and customer relationships.

Aspect

MSc Hotel and Catering Management

Master of Hotel Management

Course Focus

Emphasizes scientific and technical aspects of hotel and catering operations including food preparation, presentation, and hospitality business management

Focuses broadly on hotel operations, administration, guest services, and overall hotel business management

Duration

2 years

1.5 to 2 years

Curriculum Highlights

Catering science, food hygiene, kitchen management, hospitality business skills, event management, human resource management

Front office, housekeeping, food & beverage management, marketing, finance, customer relationship management

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree in hotel management or related field (such as BSc in Hotel Management and Catering Technology)

Bachelor's degree in hotel management or similar field, like BHM

Career Opportunities

Roles in catering businesses, hotel management, food production, hospitality consulting

Roles in hotel management, resort management, guest services, hotel operations management

Skills Developed

Professional catering skills, operational management, customer service, management techniques

Leadership, operational efficiency, staff management, customer experience optimization

Average Salary Range

INR 3 to 5 LPA

INR 3 to 7 LPA

Typical Employers

Hotels, restaurants, catering firms, event management companies

Hotels, resorts, cruise ships, hospitality chains

 

M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management FAQs

What is the distinction between M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management and the MBA in Hospitality Management?

The Master of Science in Hotel and Catering Management specializes in advanced technical and scientific issues of hospitality with emphasis on food science, nutrition and operation management. MBA in Hospitality Management deals with business administration, leadership as well as decision-making in the hospitality industry. The M.Sc. is highly technical and is more specific in technical jobs, whereas the MBA is general in managerial jobs.

What is the salary of MSc in Hotel Management?

The average salary of an MSc in Hotel Management in India is between approximately lakh INR 4.1 and lakh INR 6.2 per annum on an average with starting salary in top institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) being about lakh INR 6-7 lakh annually. Salaries can be highly raised with specialization or experience in food/beverage management, revenue management or event management.

Is hotel management a good career in 2025?

When it comes to the career opportunities of hotel management in 2025, the hotel management scope is wider. Tourism, luxury hotels, event planning, and foreign chains are other relevant sectors that promote the growth of the hospitality market both in India and abroad.

Does M.Sc. Hotel & Catering Management have any online or distance learning?

Sure, there are online or distance learning hotels and catering management M.Sc. degrees available at some universities and institutes. An example is the program offered by IGNOU in conjunction with NCHMCT in some of the IHMs thereby giving relaxation to working professionals.

What contribution is made by this course in entrepreneurship in the hospitality sector?

The M.Sc. It has modules on entrepreneurship, business planning and on graduation, one has the ability to begin his/her own hotel, restaurant, catering business or consultancy firm. Entrepreneurship ventures are also supported by practical training and management subjects.

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Consortium of National Law Universities|
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Central Board of Secondary Education
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