“Atithi Devo Bhava,” the timeless Indian ethos of honoring guests as divine, fuels today’s booming hospitality industry, inspiring innovative experiences and endless opportunities in a dynamic, guest-centric global market. Leading the way in shaping future leaders of this vibrant sector is the Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Hyderabad. Founded in 1972 as the Food Craft Institute (Hyderabad) Society under the Andhra Pradesh Public Societies Act, it was among the first in India to launch a comprehensive three-year Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management and Catering Technology. And since then, IHM Hyderabad is renowned for consistently shaping skilled hospitality professionals, earning widespread respect, while their achievements set a strong standard for excellence in the industry.
Blending Tradition with Innovation
Governed academically by the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), Noida, IHM Hyderabad offers a diverse range of specialized programs that shape the future leaders of hospitality. From Craftsmanship Courses in Food Production and Bakery & Confectionery to its flagship B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Administration, and the advanced M.Sc. in Hospitality Administration, every program is thoughtfully designed to nurture talent and prepare students for promising careers.
Reinforcing its reputation as an innovator in hospitality education, IHM Hyderabad introduced a Dedicated Vegetarian Culinary Track in February 2025. This forward-thinking program provides aspiring chefs with immersive training in plant-based gastronomy, spanning traditional regional specialties to contemporary gourmet innovations, equipping them to lead the global movement toward sustainable dining.
Learning Beyond Classrooms
At IHM Hyderabad, every subject is supported by state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide immersive, hands-on learning. The training kitchens are structured in tiers to build culinary expertise step by step, while four fully operational training restaurants along with a unique drive-in facility train students in both fine-dining and outdoor service. A dedicated bar sharpens mixology and beverage management skills, while the Front Office Lab replicates real hotel lobby operations with advanced reservation systems. Similarly, the Housekeeping Lab simulates hotel guest rooms and laundry services to ensure practical exposure to hospitality standards. Complementing these facilities is the Learning Resource Centre, a vibrant hub of knowledge equipped with books, journals, and e-resources, bolstered by collaborations with the British Library and the NCHMCT e-library.
Alongside curriculum support facilities, recreational amenities for indoor and outdoor games, and cultural events are available to the students. Ensuring a balanced, and active campus life that compliments its rigorous coaching programs.
Industry Connections, Global Opportunities, and Future-Ready Careers
IHM Hyderabad goes beyond academics by offering dynamic platforms that blend skill-building with real-world exposure. Signature initiatives like ‘Little India – An IHM Utsav’ showcase students’ culinary artistry and event management expertise, while international opportunities such as the Summer School at University College Birmingham provide invaluable global perspectives.
IHM Hyderabad prides itself on quality industry-academia partnerships that ensure students gain real-world exposure early on. During their second year, students secure internships with leading five-star hotel chains such as Taj, Oberoi, and Marriott, gaining hands-on experience across key departments including Food Production, F&B Service, Front Office, and Housekeeping. Placement opportunities are equally impressive, with top global and domestic recruiters like ITC, Hyatt, and Ritz-Carlton (USA offering packages up to ₹36 LPA), alongside domestic offers averaging ₹6.5 LPA and peaking at ₹10.4 LPA. These placements span both operational and managerial roles, preparing graduates to excel in diverse career paths.
This industry-connection also extends into Collaborations with Toastmasters International and TEDx, which in turn, empower students with confidence, communication, and leadership skills.
Driving Excellence with Research and Leadership
Reinforcing its commitment to holistic development, IHM Hyderabad actively promotes research and innovation through a strategic MoU with Osmania University. This collaboration grants students access to the Technology Business Incubator, fostering joint projects, knowledge exchange, and entrepreneurial ventures that bridge theory with practical business strategies.
At the helm of this progress is Mr. Sanjay K. Thakur, Principal of IHM Hyderabad, whose visionary leadership has steered the institute to become the premier government-run hospitality institution in Telangana. Under his guidance, IHM Hyderabad has consistently achieved top rankings and national recognition, solidifying its reputation for academic excellence and transformative impact in hospitality education.
In the Days to Come
Looking ahead, the institute plans expanded international collaborations and innovative programs to nurture adaptable professionals. By weaving academic excellence with practical innovation and industry synergy, IHM Hyderabad ensures its graduates are poised to lead in an innovative global landscape, embodying values of service, creativity, and resilience.
