Bharti Chanchlani, 21, joined Bachelor’s in Hotel Management as she wanted a ‘practical’ course; studies that laid more emphasis on hands-on training than theory. At the first instance she clarifies, “Unlike popular belief, HM students don’t work as waiters, but are supervisors and executioners,” says the final year student of Manipal University.

One should have cleared 10 +2 exams. To get admission into Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Pusa, Delhi, a much sought-after institution, a student has to clear All India Joint Entrance Exam. There are branches of IHM located all across the country. Government-backed IHM’s fee is around Rs. 3.15 lakh inclusive of hostel charges. However, private institution charge much more, anywhere between Rs .7- 10 lakhs. “The total cost, inclusive of hostel is little above Rs. 8 lakh for four years,” says, Aarthi Seshadiri, another final year student who is enrolled in Manipal University. The basics of operations – food and beverage production and service, front office, housekeeping – are introduced in the first year and the subsequent years involve in depth theory plus practicum.
 

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“In the third year, we were also introduced to the Tourism industry and Human Resources,” says Bharti. In the third year, the students intern. Trainings continue on service-related etiquettes, telephone manners, on handling tough customers, security. It also includes upgraded trainings on food, on wine, and a host of other services.

HM was not considered among better payers. A trainee in a five-star can start with Rs. 12,000 onwards. General Managers and Head of Departments earn Rs. 40,000 and above. Most HM graduates also move out to other sectors like retail, airlines, banks, even as HR professionals in corporates. As far as hotels are concerned, the overseas chains which open in India, have high posts usually assigned to foreign nationals who draw higher salaries, thus pushing the bar for Indians as well, says manager of a Delhi-based 5-star chain of hotels. So, if finesse is what you aspire for, HM is the career for you!
 

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