Top BHM Colleges in Chennai 2026

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is one of South India's most prominent destinations for hospitality education. The city hosts a growing number of BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management) colleges, offering programmes ranging from government-run institutes to well-established private universities. Whether you are searching for government BHM colleges in Chennai with affordable fees or top private institutions with strong placement records, this guide covers everything you need to know facts sourced from official websites and verified rankings.

What Is BHM and Why Study It in Chennai?

BHM, or Bachelor of Hotel Management, is a three-to-four-year undergraduate programme that trains students in food production, front office operations, housekeeping, food and beverage service, and hospitality management. Hotel Management colleges and institutes in Chennai include SRM Institute of Hotel Management, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Amrita International Institute of Hotel Management, and Empee Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, among others.

After completing a Hotel Management course, a Hotel Manager in Chennai can earn a salary ranging from Rs 3.0 LPA to Rs 10.5 LPA. The city's proximity to major hotel chains, international airports, and the thriving tourism sector gives students in Chennai a practical edge during their studies.

Overview: BHM Colleges in Chennai at a Glance

Chennai has 3 government-owned Hotel Management colleges IHM Chennai, UNOM Chennai, and IDE UNOM Chennai. The average government fee ranges from Rs 10,400 at IDE UNOM Chennai to Rs 4.42 Lakh at IHM Chennai. Chennai also has 31 privately owned Hotel Management colleges, with fees ranging from Rs 24,000 at MAHER University to Rs 5 Lakh at SSHOT Chennai.

Top 10 BHM Colleges in Chennai (2025–26)

The following ranking is based on IIRF, Outlook, The Week, and India Today rankings, NAAC grades, placement records.

1. Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition (IHM Chennai) — Government

Location: 4th Cross Street, CIT Campus, Taramani, Chennai – 600 113

The Institute of Hotel Management Chennai was established in 1963 and is sponsored by the Government of Tamil Nadu and India. IHM Chennai is ISO certified and accredited by IAO, HLACT, and AACBE. The college is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tourism and is affiliated with the National Council for Hotel Management and IGNOU.

The IHM Chennai is ranked number one for participation in the GHRDC Hotel Management Institute Survey 2022 in the State of Tamil Nadu (Government). IHM Chennai is also globally ranked No. 18 by the CEO World Magazine Global Rankings for the World's Best Hospitality and Hotel Management Schools (2020).

Courses Offered:

• B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration (3 years)
• M.Sc. in Hospitality Administration (2 years)
• PG Diploma in Accommodation Operations & Management
• Diploma courses in Food Production, Bakery & Confectionery, Front Office

IHM Chennai Fee Structure (2025–26):

Source: IHM Chennai official data, 2025–26

The hostel fee at IHM Chennai for both male and female students is Rs 70,000.

Admission: Admission to IHM Chennai is via the NCHMCT JEE conducted by the National Testing Agency. Applicants must have passed Class 12 with an aggregate of at least 50%, followed by centralised counselling based on rank.

Placements: Major recruiters include Taj Hotels, Oberoi Group, ITC Hotels, Marriott, and Hyatt. The maximum salary in 2025 was Rs 10 LPA, and the average was Rs 5 LPA.

2. Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) — Private

Location: Pallavaram, Chennai

VISTAS Chennai holds the second position in hotel management rankings in Chennai, following IHM Chennai, with a Collegedunia CD Score of 732. VISTAS is a NAAC-accredited deemed university offering hotel management at both UG and PG levels.

Courses Offered:

• B.Sc. in Hotel Management and Catering Science
• M.Sc. in Hotel Management

Admission: Merit-based on Class 12 scores, with university-level entrance or direct merit counselling.

3. Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute (Dr. MGRERI) — Private (Deemed University)

Location: Periyar E.V.R. High Road (NH-4), Chennai

Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute is one of the leading institutes in fields such as Engineering & Technology, Healthcare, Architecture, Hotel Management & Catering Technology, and Management Studies.

Courses Offered:

• B.Sc. in Hotel Management and Catering Technology
• M.Sc. in Hotel Management and Catering Technology

The M.Sc. programme offers specialisations in Food and Beverage Management, Accommodation Operations, and Hospitality Marketing.

Fee Structure:

4. SRM Institute of Hotel Management (SRM IHM) — Private

Location: SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram District, Chennai

Established in 1993, SRM IHM has been ranked 8 and 10 under the Hotel Management category by the Outlook Ranking 2021 and The Week Rankings 2021 respectively. SRM IHM Chennai has been recognised by the World Association of Chefs' Societies (WACS).

Courses Offered:

• B.Sc. in Hotel and Catering Management (3 years)
• B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration (3 years)
• Diploma in Catering Science and Hotel Management (3 years)
• PG Diploma in Culinary Arts

SRM IHM Fee Structure (2024–25):

Source: SRM IHM official data

SRM IHM has a 97% placement rate with top recruiters like ITC Limited, Ritz-Carlton, The Oberoi Group, Taj Hotels, Hyatt Regency, and Marriott. The average package at SRM Institute of Hotel Management, Chennai, ranges between Rs 3.8 LPA and Rs 5.1 LPA.

Admission: The admission process is merit-based and conducted through the SRMIST admission portal. Students must have passed 10+2 with at least 35% aggregate, followed by an interview and counselling.

5. Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER) — Private (Deemed University)

Location: Selaiyur, Chennai

BIHER is a NAAC-accredited deemed university and one of the top BHM colleges in Chennai recognised for strong industry partnerships and practical training in food production, culinary arts, and catering technology.

Courses Offered:

• B.Sc. in Hotel Management and Catering Technology
• Diploma in Hotel Management

Admission: Merit-based on 10+2 performance; minimum 50% aggregate required.

6. Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS) — Private (Deemed University)

Location: Thandalam, Chennai

SIMATS is a NAAC A++ accredited deemed university that offers hotel management programmes as part of its broad multidisciplinary curriculum. It is listed among the top BHM colleges in Chennai by Collegedunia.

Courses Offered:

• B.Sc. in Hotel Management and Catering Technology
• Diploma in Hotel Management

Admission: Direct merit-based admission on Class 12 scores; minimum 50% aggregate in any stream.

7. Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science (HITS) — Private (Deemed University)

Location: Padur, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai

HITS (also called Hindustan University) is a NAAC-accredited deemed university offering hotel management programmes under its School of Hospitality.

Courses Offered:

• B.Sc. in Hotel Management and Catering Technology
• Diploma in Hospitality Management

Fee: The course fee at Hindustan University Chennai is approximately Rs 1.5 Lakh per annum.

Admission: Through the institute's own entrance exam HITSCAT or on merit basis; minimum 50% in Class 12.

8. Chennais Amirta International Institute of Hotel Management — Private

Location: Chennai (Multiple Campuses)

Chennais Amirta (CAIIHM) is one of the established private hotel management institutions in Chennai, offering industry-oriented hospitality training.

Courses Offered:

• BHMCT (Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology)
• B.Sc. in Hotel Management
• Diploma programmes in Hospitality Management, Hotel Operations, Food Production

Fee Structure:

Source: CAIIHM data

9. MGR Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (MGR IHMCT) — Private

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

MGR IHMCT is a private institute in Chennai offering diploma and certificate courses in hotel management and catering technology, with practical training labs and industry exposure.

Courses Offered:

• Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology
• Certificate programmes in Food Production and F&B Service

Admission: Direct merit-based on 10+2 marks; no entrance exam required.

10. University of Madras / Institute of Distance Education (IDE UNOM) — Government

Location: Chepauk, Chennai – 600 005

The University of Madras is one of the oldest universities in India and a government BHM college in Chennai offering hotel management through its affiliated colleges and Institute of Distance Education.

IDE UNOM Chennai is among the government hotel management colleges in Chennai, with fees starting from as low as Rs 10,400. The programme is suited for students who need a low-cost, government-recognised qualification.

Admission: Merit-based on 10+2 scores; university-level admission counselling.

Top 10 Hotel Management Colleges in Chennai — Fees Comparison Table

This consolidated table covers the top 10 hotel management colleges in Chennai fees for BHM/B.Sc. programmes:

Note: Fees are indicative and sourced from official college data and verified platforms. Confirm with respective college websites before applying.

Top Government BHM Colleges in Chennai

For students looking for affordable, government-backed education, here is a focused list of government BHM colleges in Chennai:

Chennai has 3 government-owned Hotel Management colleges: IHM Chennai, UNOM Chennai, and IDE UNOM Chennai.

Key Facts about Government BHM Colleges in Chennai:

• IHM Chennai is the most prestigious government hotel management institute in Tamil Nadu.
• IHM Chennai offers UG, PG, diploma, and certificate courses through its five departments.
• Admission to IHM Chennai for B.Sc. (HHA) is exclusively through the NCHMCT JEE, a national-level entrance exam.
• UNOM and IDE UNOM provide government-affiliated programmes at significantly lower fees, making them accessible to a wider student base.
  

Eligibility Criteria for BHM Colleges in Chennai

The eligibility criteria for BHM Colleges in Chennai are generally the same. Candidates are required to have completed Class 12 or its equivalent in any stream from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate of 45% to 55%. Applicants must have passed all subjects of Class 12 or its equivalent exam in order to apply.

Quick Eligibility Summary:

Admission Process for BHM Colleges in Chennai

Admissions to the best BHM colleges in Chennai follow either an entrance exam route or a merit-based route:

Entrance Exam Route:

• IHM Chennai accepts NCHMCT JEE ranks for admission to B.Sc. courses, followed by centralised counselling.
• The NCHMCT JEE 2026 exam is scheduled for April 25, 2026.
• SRM IHM also accepts NCHMCT JEE scores in addition to its own counselling process.

Merit-Based Route:

• Most private colleges like VISTAS, BIHER, SIMATS, Dr. MGRERI, and Hindustan University admit students based on Class 12 marks.
• Some institutes additionally conduct personal interviews or group discussions.

Documents Generally Required:

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
• Transfer/Migration certificate
• Character certificate
• Passport-size photographs
• NCHMCT JEE scorecard (where applicable)

Placements: What to Expect After BHM from Chennai Colleges

Chennai's hotel management colleges have tie-ups with leading domestic and international hospitality brands. Here is a summary of placement outcomes across the top BHM colleges in Chennai:

Some of the top recruiters visiting IHM Chennai include IRCTC, Taj, The Park Hotels, Wow Momo, KFC, Taco Bell, Starbucks, CCD, Domino's, Aditya Birla, Hilton, and Radisson.

Key Entrance Exams for BHM Admission in Chennai