Receptionist
Manages the front desk — the first point of contact for customers, plus administrative tasks.
Overview
A Receptionist is a professional managing the front desk of an organization. They are usually the first point of contact for customers. They also carry out various administrative tasks, such as answering telephones, taking messages, scheduling appointments, filing and maintaining documents, making travel arrangements, and running errands.
Where they work
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Mid-Sized Companies
- Consultancies and Agencies across India
Work environment
You are likely to work in an office set up. The work requires physical activity. You will not handle a team. Local travel is not a part of this job. Part-time work and contractual jobs are available. You are likely to work for 5 to 6 days a week and 10 to 12 hours every day. Shift system may be available.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to organise things
- You like to help people solve their problems
- You can comfortably talk with everyone
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10 + 2 in any stream.
- 2Complete Diploma in Front Office Management/Front Office Operations/Hotel Management/Hotel Management & Catering Technology or similar courses with specialization in Front Office Management
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's in any subject and then follow it up with a certification course on Receptionist Program, Office Management or any similar subject.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Hotel Management. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Institute of Hotel Management, Gangtok, Sikkim
- Institute of Hotel Management, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Netaji Subhas Open University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Delhi Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, New Delhi
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Ashok Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management, New Delhi
- SRM Institute of Hotel Management, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- IEC University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh
- BNG Hotel Management, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
- Apex University, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Ice College of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
- B.K. School of Professional and Management Studies, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Receptionist (Hotel)
- 2Reporting Head
- 3Administration Supervisor
- 4Customer Service Manager
Related careers to explore
Public Relations Officer
Manages a client's reputation and image, and builds public support through planned campaigns.
Salesman/Sales Representative
Sells products, services and subscriptions and builds lasting customer relationships.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Peyush Bansal — The CEO of Lenskart, an eyewear company and one of the most successful entrepreneurs from India. Bansal began his career as a part-time receptionist in Canada. He has a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from McGill University in Canada and postgraduate degree in Management Programme for Entrepreneurs and Family Businesses (MPEFB) from The Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 153 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Receptionist/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.