Choosing the right institute is an important step for students planning a career in hospitality. Here are the top Hotel Management colleges in India, according to the India Today-MDRA Best Colleges Survey 2026.
The survey assessed institutions across several parameters, including academic excellence, faculty quality, infrastructure, industry interface, practical training, placements, governance and student outcomes.
It also considered the return on investment (ROI), indicating the overall value students receive by comparing educational quality, career opportunities and learning outcomes with the cost of pursuing the programme.
These rankings provide useful guidance for students interested in hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, hotel operations and food service, helping them compare institutions before making admission decisions.
- Institute of Hotel Management, Catering & Nutrition, Pusa, New Delhi
The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering & Nutrition, Pusa secured Rank 1 in the survey. Located in New Delhi, it recorded an ROI of 1774.4, the highest among the institutions featured in the rankings.
- Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal
Located in Manipal, Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration has an ROI of 1719.5.
- Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Mumbai
The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition in Mumbai has an ROI of 1680.8.
- Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Hyderabad
The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Hyderabad ranked 4th by recording an ROI of 1568.1.
- Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Bengaluru
The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Bengaluru secured Rank 5 with an ROI of 1555.5.
- Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Chennai
The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Chennai is placed sixth with an ROI of 1537.1.
Practical laboratories, internships and faculty guidance support learning, while student activities contribute to overall professional development.
- Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Lucknow
The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Lucknow recorded an ROI of 1507.8, making it seventh in the survey.
- Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, New Delhi
Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology ranked eighth by achieving an ROI score of 1486.7.
Internships and industry exposure form part of the academic experience, while faculty guidance and student-led activities help develop communication, leadership and service skills valued in the hospitality industry.
- Army Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Bengaluru
The Army Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology recorded an ROI of 1382.6.
Industry internships, faculty mentoring and campus activities contribute to building managerial, communication and customer service skills required for hospitality and tourism careers.
- Institute of Hotel Management, Catering & Nutrition, Shimla
The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering & Nutrition, Shimla secured Rank 10 in the survey with an ROI of 1370.6.
Faculty members support skill development in customer service, hospitality management and operational practices, enabling graduates to prepare for opportunities in hotels, tourism and related sectors.
Making the Right Choice
The top Hotel Management colleges in India 2026 provide students with a useful benchmark when exploring higher education options in hospitality.
However, selecting the right institution requires looking beyond rankings alone. Students should compare the curriculum, available specialisations, faculty expertise, practical training infrastructure, kitchens and laboratories, internship opportunities, industry collaborations, placement support, campus environment, affordability, location and Return on Investment (ROI) before making a decision.