“Evaluating the Alignment of NCHMCT Curriculum with Industry Competency Requirements: A Study of Hospitality Institutions in Delhi NCR.”

Abstract

The hospitality industry is undergoing rapid transformation due to technological innovations, evolving guest expectations, and the growing emphasis on sustainability and service excellence. Within this context, the curriculum designed by the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) plays a pivotal role in shaping the employability and competency of future professionals. This study aims to evaluate the structure and content of the NCHMCT curriculum followed by hotel management institutions in the Delhi NCR region, with particular reference to its alignment with current industry competency requirements. Using a mixed-method approach, the research undertakes a detailed content analysis of the NCHMCT syllabus, mapping it against core hospitality competencies such as digital proficiency, guest service management, sustainability practices, and communication skills. Additionally, qualitative data are gathered from interviews with faculty members and industry experts from leading hotels to assess the relevance, adequacy, and adaptability of the curriculum to evolving operational demands. The study also identifies gaps between theoretical instruction and practical exposure and proposes a framework for curriculum enhancement to strengthen industry–academia synergy. The findings are expected to contribute to policy discussions on curriculum modernization under NCHMCT and support evidence-based decision-making for improving employability outcomes of hospitality graduates in Delhi NCR.