Uncovering the Fascinating Story of SJIHMCT’s Evolution and Growth
It has always been a cherished tradition of the Diocese of Palai to open new avenues for higher education—not just for the people within the diocese, but for all aspiring learners. Upholding this vision, the Technical Education Trust of the Diocese entered the realm of professional education by establishing St. Joseph’s College of Engineering and Technology in 2002 and a Nursing College at Cherpumkal in 2005.
Recognizing the rapid growth of India’s tourism and hospitality sector, along with the increasing demand for skilled professionals and the lack of AICTE-approved four-year hotel management degree programs in South India, the Diocese took a visionary step forward. In 2010, St. Joseph’s Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (SJIHMCT), Palai was established.
Set in a serene and picturesque campus adjacent to the engineering college, SJIHMCT operates from a high-profile modern facility equipped with all necessary academic and industry-relevant infrastructure. A key highlight is the finishing school, which provides students with intensive soft skills training to enhance employability and campus readiness.
The Institute’s flagship four-year BHM degree program is delivered in collaboration with some of the most prestigious names in the hospitality industry including Marriott, Taj, Oberoi, Radisson Blu, CGH Earth, Hyatt, Club Mahindra, Ramada, and many others, offering students unmatched exposure and hands-on experience.
SJIHMCT nurtures an academic environment focused on achieving both intellectual excellence and professional success. With a strong commitment to quality, the Institute has consistently achieved 100% placement for all eligible students from 2014 to 2025, with graduates placed across Star Hotels, Cruise Liners, Airlines, Railways, Event Management, Multinational Companies, and Hospitals—both in India and abroad. Alumni have built successful careers in countries including Canada, Australia, Dubai, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and more.
The Institute also emphasizes eco-conscious living and sustainability. The green, clean campus promotes harmony with nature, including the use of wooden furniture and other environment-friendly practices. As an NAAC-accredited institution with ISO 9001:2015 certification, SJIHMCT follows a strategic and continuously evolving approach to academic and operational excellence.
With well-qualified, dedicated faculty, world-class laboratories, and a reputation for quality, SJIHMCT stands as a shining example of how vision, values, and action can come together to create a center of excellence in hospitality education.
