Scholarships for Hotel Management Students in India (2025): How to Save Lakhs on Fees

Let’s face the hard truth: Hotel Management education in India is getting expensive.

While a government IHM might cost you around ₹3.5 Lakhs for three years, a top-tier private university like Manipal (WGSHA) or Taj (IIHM) can easily touch ₹10 Lakhs to ₹15 Lakhs. For many middle-class families, this price tag is a dealbreaker.

But here is the good news that most agents won’t tell you: You do not always have to pay the full fee.

From government schemes on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) to “hidden” waivers offered by private colleges, there is financial aid available if you know where to look.

This is your 2025 roadmap to studying Hotel Management without breaking the bank.

 Quick Snapshot: Top Scholarship Opportunities (2025)

Here’s the quick information about the top scholarships for Hotel Management Students in India. Let’s read it thoroughly. 

1. The “Oberoi STEP” Hack (The Best Financial Move)

Before we talk about traditional scholarships, let’s talk about the “Golden Ticket” of Hotel Management.

The Oberoi STEP Program is technically not a scholarship; it is better.

• How it works: You join The Oberoi Group as a trainee for 3 years.
• The Perk: They pay for your IGNOU degree fees, provide you with books, uniforms, and medical insurance, AND pay you a monthly stipend (approx. ₹15,000 – ₹18,000).
• The Catch: It is grueling work. You learn by working in the hotel, not sitting in a classroom.
• Verdict: If you have financial constraints, forget BHM colleges. Crack the Oberoi STEP interview. It is Zero Cost + Earning.

2. Government Scholarships (NSP)

The National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is the hub for all central funds. For the 2025 session, forms will likely open in July/August 2025.

A. For Merit Students (General/OBC/SC/ST)

• Scheme: Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College & University Students.
• Eligibility: You must be in the top 20th percentile of your Class 12th board results.
• Amount: ₹10,000/year for the first 3 years.

B. For Minority Communities

• Scheme: Merit-cum-Means Scholarship.
• Eligibility: Students from Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi communities.
• Income Cap: Family income < ₹2.50 Lakhs.
• Benefit: They cover a significant chunk of your course fee.

💡 SpinOn Counselor Tip:

“Government scholarships are strictly linked to your Income Certificate. Ensure your certificate is issued after April 1, 2025, for the 2025-27 session. Old certificates get rejected instantly.”

3. College-Specific Fee Waivers (The “Hidden” Money)

Private universities use scholarships to attract talent. If you have good marks in 12th or a good rank in NCHMCT JEE, you can negotiate your fees.

Here is what top colleges are offering for the 2025 batch (Projected):

Lovely Professional University (LPU) – LPUNEST

• Criteria: Based on LPUNEST score or 12th Marks.
• Benefit: Category 1 cut-off students get up to 50-60% fee waiver.
• Reality: You need to maintain a high CGPA every semester to keep this.

Chandigarh University (CUCET)

• Criteria: CUCET 2025 Score.
• Benefit: 100% scholarship for toppers (Score 90-100 marks). Even average scorers can get 10-20% off.

SRM Institute of Hotel Management (SRM IHM)

• Criteria: Founders Scholarship.
• Benefit: 100% waiver on tuition, hostel, and mess fees for top rankers in SRMJEEE or National-level sports players.

WGSHA, Manipal

• Criteria: FREESHIP Scholarship.
• Benefit: Offered to top rankers in the MET exam who have a family income under ₹8 Lakhs.

4. Corporate & NGO Scholarships

Big companies have CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funds dedicated to education.

1. HDFC Badhte Kadam: Often supports students in professional courses facing financial crises.
2. ONGC Scholarship: Specifically for SC/ST/OBC students pursuing professional degrees. (₹48,000/year).
3. Vidyasaarathi Portal: Check this portal regularly. Companies like ACC Cement and JSW often list scholarships here that BHM students are eligible for.

How to Apply: The Documentation Checklist

Most students get rejected not because of marks, but because of bad paperwork.

Prepare these for 2025 Admission:

1. Income Certificate: Must be issued by the Tehsildar or Magistrate (Not a Notary).
2. Caste Certificate: (If applicable) Central format is preferred over State format for National scholarships.
3. Bank Account: Must be in YOUR name (not parents) and linked with Aadhaar (DBT Enabled).
4. Bonafide Certificate: You will get this from your college registrar after paying the admission fee.

⚠️ The “CGPA Trap” Warning (Must Read)

We at SpinOn Education want you to be aware of the “Fine Print.”

If a private college gives you a “50% Scholarship” at the time of admission, it is usually conditional.

• Condition: “Student must maintain 8.0 CGPA and 75% attendance.”
• Reality: If you slip in the 2nd semester, your scholarship is cancelled, and you have to pay the full fee for the rest of the 3 years.
• Advice: Always ask the counselor: “What happens if my grades drop in the second year?” before signing up.

FAQs for 2025 Aspirants

Q1. Does IHM Pusa or IHM Mumbai give scholarships?

Ans: Central IHMs (Govt) do not have their own scholarship schemes. However, they facilitate the Post-Matric Scholarship (State Govt) and Central Sector Scheme (National Govt). You apply via the NSP portal, and the IHM verifies your application.

Q2. Can I get an education loan for BHM?

Ans: Yes! Since BHM is a professional technical course approved by NCHMCT, all nationalized banks (SBI, PNB, Canara) provide loans via the Vidya Lakshmi Portal.

Q3. Is there a scholarship for Girl Students in Hotel Management?

Ans: Yes. Look for the AICTE Pragati Scholarship (if your college is AICTE approved) or specific state schemes like Kanyashree (West Bengal) or Ladli Laxmi (MP).

Q4. Can I apply for two scholarships at once?

Ans: Generally, No. You can usually hold only one government scholarship at a time. However, you can sometimes combine a Government Scholarship with a Private Merit Scholarship (check with your college admin).

Conclusion 

Finding the right funding depends on your state, category, and 12th marks.

👉 [Check Out Our Top BHM Colleges Guide 2025] to see which colleges offer the best ROI.