NCHMCT JEE Counselling Process 2026

Clearing the NCHMCT JEE exam is a big achievement, but the journey to securing your seat at a top Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) doesn't end there. The counselling process is what actually gets you admitted. If you've made it to the merit list, this guide will walk you through every step — from registration to final seat allotment — so you don't miss anything important.

NCHMCT JEE counselling is the official seat allocation process conducted by the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology. It is entirely online and managed through the official portal nchmct.admissions.nic.in. Only candidates who appear on the NCHMCT JEE merit list are eligible to participate.

Missing any step in the counselling process — even a small one like locking your choices — can cost you your seat. So read carefully.

Understanding the NCHMCT JEE counselling date and timeline helps you plan ahead and avoid last-minute confusion.

Note: The official NCHMCT counselling schedule is released on nchmcounselling.nic.in. Always cross-check dates on the portal as they may be updated.

Step 1: Register on the Counselling Portal

The first thing you need to do after the results are declared is register yourself on the official counselling portal. Participation is not automatic — even if your name is on the merit list, you must actively register to be considered for a seat.

During registration, you will be required to pay the NCHMCT JEE counselling fees of ₹2,000. This is a non-refundable registration fee, so make sure you are serious about participating before paying.

Portal: nchmcounselling.nic.in

Step 2: Fill and Lock Your Choices

Once registered, you will be able to fill in your preferred institutes in order of preference. This is called Choice Filling. You can choose from centrally funded IHMs such as IHM Pusa (New Delhi), IHM Mumbai, IHM Ahmedabad, and many others across India.

The most critical part of this step is locking your choices. If you fill in your preferences but forget to lock them, the system will not consider you for seat allotment. Double-check before the deadline.

Step 3: NCHMCT JEE Counselling Seat Allotment

After the choice-filling window closes, seats are allotted based on your rank in the merit list and your stated preferences. The NCHMCT JEE counselling seat allotment result is published on the portal, and you will need to log in to check which institute has been offered to you.

Once a seat is allotted, you have two options:

● Freeze – Choose this if you are happy with the allotted institute and want to confirm it without participating in further rounds.

● Float – Choose this if you accept the current seat but also want to be considered for a higher-preference institute in Round 2 or Round 3. Your current seat is held while you are considered for a better option.

Step 4: Pay the Seat Acceptance Fee

If you decide to accept the allotted seat (whether you choose Freeze or Float), you must pay a seat acceptance fee of ₹20,000. This amount is not an additional charge — it is adjusted against your first-semester tuition fees when you join the institute.

Failing to pay within the given deadline means forfeiting the allotted seat.

Step 5: Document Verification

After paying the seat acceptance fee, you must visit the designated reporting centre or the allotted IHM for physical document verification. This is the final step to confirm your admission. Carry all original documents along with self-attested copies.

Documents typically required include:

● Class 10 and 12 mark sheets along with passing certificates

● NCHMCT JEE admit card and scorecard

● Category certificate (if applicable — SC/ST/OBC/PwD)

● Identity proof (Aadhaar card, passport, etc.)

● Passport-size photographs

The NCHMCT JEE counselling is conducted in multiple rounds — typically Round 1, Round 2, and Round 3. If seats remain vacant after Round 1, they are carried forward to the next round. Candidates who opted for Float in the previous round are automatically considered for better options in subsequent rounds.

If you missed Round 1 registration, keep an eye on official announcements for spot rounds or additional rounds, which are sometimes held to fill remaining vacancies.

●  Register actively on the portal — merit list inclusion does not mean automatic participation.

●  Pay the ₹2,000 registration fee before the deadline; it is non-refundable.

●  Always lock your choices — unfilled or unlocked preferences are not considered.

● The ₹20,000 seat acceptance fee is adjusted in your semester fees, not charged separately.

● Carry original documents to the reporting centre; incomplete verification can cancel your admission.

Q. What is the NCHMCT JEE counselling fee?

The registration fee for NCHMCT JEE counselling is ₹2,000, which is non-refundable. Additionally, a seat acceptance fee of ₹20,000 is charged upon accepting an allotted seat, which is later adjusted in your first-semester fees.

Q. When does NCHMCT JEE counselling start?

Based on previous years, the NCHMCT counselling schedule typically begins in June, following the result declaration in May or June. The academic session then commences in August.

Q. What happens if I don't lock my choices in NCHMCT JEE 2026 Counselling?

If you do not lock your choices before the deadline, you will not be considered for seat allotment in that round, regardless of your rank.

Q. What is the difference between Freeze and Float in NCHMCT JEE Counselling?

Freeze means you are satisfied with your allotted seat and want to finalise it. Float means you accept the current allotment but wish to be considered for a higher-preference institute in the next counselling round.

Q. Where is the official NCHMCT JEE counselling portal?

All counselling activities are conducted through nchmcounselling.nic.in.

Q. Who is eligible to participate in NCHMCT JEE counselling 2026? 

Only candidates who have qualified the NCHMCT JEE exam and appear on the official merit list can take part in the counselling process. Simply appearing for the exam does not make you eligible — you must have a valid rank.

Q. Can I change my institute preferences after locking?

No. Once you have locked your choices, they cannot be edited or revised. This is why it is important to carefully decide your order of preference before locking. Review your list multiple times before clicking the lock button.

Q. Is the ₹2,000 registration fee refundable if I don't get a seat in NCHMCT JEE Counselling 2026? 

No. The ₹2,000 counselling registration fee is completely non-refundable, even if you do not receive a seat allotment or choose not to join after allotment.

Q. Will I get a refund of the ₹20,000 seat acceptance fee if I withdraw? 

The refund policy for the seat acceptance fee depends on the stage at which you withdraw. If you withdraw before document verification, a partial refund may be applicable after deductions. It is advisable to check the official refund policy on the counselling portal before making any decision.