Institute of Hotel and Restaurant Management 290

The Institute of Hotel and Restaurant Management (IHRM), located in Kolkata, West Bengal, continues to be a premier destination for hospitality and management education in 2026. Affiliated with the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT), the institute is recognized for its industry-aligned curriculum and strong placement record.

For the 2026 academic session, IHRM Kolkata offers several high-demand undergraduate programs that cater to the evolving service and IT industries in West Bengal and beyond.

• Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM): A flagship 4-year program focusing on culinary arts, front office, and housekeeping.
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): Focuses on marketing, HR, and finance, preparing students for the corporate ecosystem in Kolkata’s business hubs like Salt Lake Sector V.
• Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA): Designed for students aiming for the IT sector, emphasizing software development and database management.
• B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration: A specialized track for those looking for global careers in the tourism industry.

Admission for the 2026 session is primarily based on merit and entrance examination performance. The institute follows the guidelines set by MAKAUT.

• Entrance Exam: Candidates must appear for the MAKAUT CET 2026 (Common Entrance Test).
• Eligibility: Minimum 50% marks in 10+2 from a recognized board (any stream).
• Application Timeline:
  • Online Application Starts: March 2026
  • Last Date to Apply: June 2026
  • CET Exam Date: July 2026
  • Counselling & Admission: August 2026

Students generally rate IHRM highly for its practical approach to learning. Key highlights from student feedback include:

• Practical Exposure: Students appreciate the frequent food festivals and mock kitchen sessions held on campus.
• Faculty Support: The teaching staff is noted for being approachable and having significant industry experience in top hotel chains.
• Location Advantage: Being in Kolkata, students find it easy to secure internships in local luxury hotels like The Taj Bengal and ITC Sonar.
• Infrastructure: While the campus is compact, it is well-equipped with modern tools required for hospitality training.

The 2026 cutoff for IHRM is determined by the volume of applications and MAKAUT CET scores. While specific ranks vary, the general trends are:

Students with higher academic percentages in Class 12 may receive preference during the direct admission rounds for management seats.

IHRM consistently ranks among the top private hospitality institutes in West Bengal. In 2026, it is recognized for:

• Top 10 Private Hotel Management Institutes in Kolkata by regional education surveys.
• A+ Grade for Industry Interface by local HR forums.
• Ranked high for Placement Success Rate within the MAKAUT-affiliated college network.

The placement season for the 2025 batch saw robust participation from the hospitality and retail sectors. Despite global economic shifts, the Kolkata campus maintained a strong record.

• Placement Percentage: 92%
• Highest Package: INR 6.5 LPA
• Average Package: INR 3.2 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Taj Hotels, Oberoi Group, JW Marriott, Hyatt, Indigo Airlines, and Amazon (for BBA/BCA roles).
• International Placements: Several students secured roles in the Middle East and South East Asia.

IHRM supports meritorious and financially challenged students through various scholarship schemes available in 2026:

• Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (SVMCM): For students with high marks in 10+2 residing in West Bengal.
• Aikyashree: State government scholarship for minority community students.
• Institutional Merit Scholarship: Awarded to top performers in internal semester examinations.
• Kanyashree Prakalpa: Financial assistance for female students as per West Bengal government norms.

The most sought-after courses at IHRM for 2026 are:

• BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management): Known for its comprehensive 4-year structure including a mandatory 6-month industrial training.
• BCA: Popular due to the rising demand for tech professionals in Kolkata's growing IT parks.
• BBA in Hospital Management: A niche course catering to the healthcare administrative needs of the numerous multispeciality hospitals in Kolkata.

The following table outlines the estimated fee structure for the 2026 academic year. Fees are subject to minor revisions by MAKAUT.

Choosing between IHRM and other colleges like NSHM or IIHM depends on your career goals:

• IHRM vs IIHM: IIHM offers more international exposure but at a significantly higher fee. IHRM provides a more affordable, MAKAUT-certified degree with strong local placement.
• IHRM vs NSHM: Both are excellent. IHRM is often preferred for its specialized focus on the Sonarpur/South Kolkata student demographic and dedicated hospitality labs.
• IHRM vs Guru Nanak Institute: IHRM is often cited for having a more personalized faculty-student ratio in hospitality programs.

Candidates can apply for the 2026 session through both online and offline modes:

1. Visit the official website (ihrm.ac.in) and register for an account.
2. Fill out the application form with personal and academic details.
3. Upload scanned copies of Marksheets, Admit Cards, and a Passport-sized photo.
4. Pay the application fee of INR 500 (approx) online.
5. Submit the form and appear for the MAKAUT CET examination.
6. Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview/counselling session.

The IHRM campus is designed to provide hands-on training to students. Key facilities include:

• Training Kitchens: Basic, Quantity, and Advanced kitchens for culinary training.
• Mock Bar & Restaurant: To practice Food & Beverage service skills.
• Computer Lab: High-speed internet and latest software for BCA and BBA students.
• Library: A vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources related to management and hospitality.
• Hostel: Separate accommodation facilities for boys and girls with mess services.

The academic structure of IHRM is divided into the following specialized departments:

• Department of Hospitality Management: Focuses on hotel operations, tourism, and catering.
• Department of Business Administration: Handles general management, HR, and marketing studies.
• Department of Information Technology: Oversees the BCA program and technical certifications.
• Department of Professional Development: Focuses on soft skills, communication, and placement preparation.

Students at IHRM are encouraged to supplement their degrees with online certifications to stay competitive in 2026:

• For Hospitality: Food Safety and Hygiene (HACCP), Wine Tasting Certifications, or Luxury Management.
• For BBA: Digital Marketing, Data Analytics using Excel/Tableau, and Project Management.
• For BCA: Full Stack Development, Cloud Computing (AWS/Azure), and Python for Data Science.
• Platforms: Coursera, Udemy, and the government’s SWAYAM portal.

The faculty at IHRM Kolkata comprises a mix of academic scholars and industry veterans. Many professors have over 15 years of experience in 5-star hotel operations, ensuring that students learn real-world scenarios rather than just theoretical concepts. The college also invites guest lecturers from the corporate sector in Kolkata to provide industry insights.

While IHRM primarily offers on-campus full-time degrees, in 2026, it has introduced several blended learning certificates:

• 6-month Online Certificate in Front Office Operations.
• Digital Marketing for Small Businesses (Short-term).
• Introduction to Hospitality Tech and Property Management Systems (PMS).

IHRM alumni are placed in prestigious organizations globally. Some notable career paths include:

• General Managers at leading boutique hotels in Goa and Rajasthan.
• Executive Chefs in international cruise lines.
• HR Managers in top IT firms in Kolkata’s Sector V.
• Entrepreneurs who have successfully launched their own restaurant chains in West Bengal.