India’s hospitality industry includes hotels, restaurants, resorts, and the tourism industry, and is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country. As a result, there are opportunities for skilled and relatable hospitality members. But young people are often left with the simple question: Can I embark on a career in hospitality with only a Class 10 or Class 12 certificate?

The answer is a simple yes, and this blog aims to explain how. Perhaps you are from a smaller town and looking for a job in an urban hotel with limited experience, or seeking a more vocational, hands-on job and not a full degree. Regardless of your need or reason to enter the hospitality sector, the hope is to prove that opportunity exists. The hospitality sector is a viable profession for both 10th and 12th pass personnel to look at a future in hospitality.

However, if you don't have previous experience in a commercial kitchen, restaurant, or hotel, then a large part of your career entry will be entry-level positions with an entry-level wage. As an aspiring hospitality employee, you will wish to gather useful information on skills, career paths, timelines, and reasonable salary expectations, all of which will be outlined clearly for a better understanding. 

Understanding The Indian Hospitality Market

The Indian hospitality market is encountering strong growth driven by increased domestic and international tourism and government initiatives. The market size of the industry is expected to reach $68 billion by 2027, with the luxury travel market envisioned to grow at a rate of 9.8% during 2024-2030. Also, tier-2 and tier-3 cities are experiencing a robust hospitality market, presenting new growth opportunities. This can be considered as a golden door for freshers or individuals with 10th or 12th pass certificates. As known, due to increasing population, domestic tourism will surge in future, acting as a catalyst for the industry's growth over the long term. 

Career Opportunities in the Indian Hospitality Industry 

The Indian hospitality industry has a vast scope, having good entry-level positions for 10th or 12th pass individuals seeking a kickstart to their hospitality career. 

Entry-Level Hospitality Jobs for 10th & 12th Pass Out Students. 

Following are a few roles where you can get employed right after completing your Class 10 or Class 12:

Housekeeping Attendant / Room Boy  

- Eligibility: 10th pass.  

- Job duties: Cleaning rooms, corridors, and guest areas.  

- Skills required: Discipline, eye for detail, physical fitness.  

Kitchen Helper / Commis Assistant  

- Eligibility: 10th or 12th pass.  

- Job duties: Basic food preparation, dish washing, assisting chefs etc.  

- Skills required: Knowledge of hygiene, stamina, and willingness to learn.  

F&B (Food and Beverages) service staff/waiter  

- Eligibility: Preferably, 12th pass

- Job duties: Serve guests, take orders, assist in events, etc. 

- Skills required: Good communicator, grooming, polite disposition.  

Front Office Assistant/Reception Trainee  

- Eligibility: 12th pass with basic English.  

- Job duties: Handling guest check-ins/check-outs, calls, bookings, etc.  

- Skills required: Communication, basic computer applications and personality.  

Bellboy/concierge assistant   

- Eligibility: 10th pass.  

- Job responsibilities: Helping guests with luggage, responding to guest inquiries about services, etc.  

- Skills required: Basic English communication, polite mannerism. 

How to Grow in Hospitality without a College Degree? 

Even with a 10th or 12th qualification, with effort, skills, and strategic choices, there is hope for progression. 

Step 1: Start Where You Can

As an example, take any job, even housekeeping or kitchen hand positions. These types of jobs will give you exposure to the industry, the discipline of being in a workplace, and provide a foot in the door. 

Step 2: Take a Short Course

Institutions such as IIHM and some private academies offer:

• 6 months to 1 year certification course in Front Office, Housekeeping, F&B Service
• Entry Requirement: Class 10 or 12 or equivalent
• Most institutions offer EMI and are keen to assist with placements

Step 3: On-the-job training

Traditionally, hotels tend to promote people from within based on the employee's performance and reliability. An example would be a steward working at the hotel who will become the restaurant supervisor within 2 -3 years.

Step 4: Distance Learning

Due to the growth in distance learning institutions, students can look for open universities: 

• Complete your 12th standard if you dropped out (you can receive a certificate):
• Join Diploma or Bachelor of Hospitality courses using a distance mode:
• Catch up on studies while you work!

Step 5: Gain speciality skills, networking opportunities 

Choose a speciality area like culinary, guest relations, food service area and obtain all the relevant skills to be a subject matter expert. Attend industry seminars, online workshops, and job fairs.

Challenges You May Face

There are some challenges of working in hospitality with little formal training and education:

• Long long hours, overnights, shifts, weekends
• More modest beginning salaries
• Physically demanding work
• Language barriers and communication issues.
• Lack of job security at some levels of smaller operations.

But usually with time, training and networking, these challenges are surmountable.

Pro Tips If You are 10th or 12th Pass in Hospitality

• Be prepared to start from wherever you can—any job that gets you in the door is good.
• You should work on your grooming and cultivating good manners - impressions count.
• Improve your spoken English; take help from online applications if required, like YouTube.
• Consider short online courses in communication skills, customer service and hotel operations.
• Be punctual, polite and an enthusiastic learner.
• Use your pay to register for more certifications or finish a post-secondary degree part-time.
• Never hesitate to ask your manager for feedback. Show your passion and urge to learn and upskill. 

The hospitality industry in India remains one of the last strongholds valuing skill, attitude, and customer service over qualification, especially with new entrants.

Whether you have passed the 10th and want to work in housekeeping, or you have passed the 12th and wish to work in reception or food service, there is a definite opportunity for growth if you want it and are willing to learn and develop. What you lack in degrees, you can compensate for in dedication, consistency, and up-skilling. With experience under your belt, your options expand. With enough drive and training, you will graduate from helper to supervisor, manager, and potentially an entrepreneur in the future.

But, the question is - Are you ready to take that first step? If yes, then download Foodism Connect and get started!