For students in Meghalaya with a passion for the thriving tourism and hospitality sector, a landmark opportunity has just been announced. The Government of Meghalaya, in a significant move to empower its youth, has launched the Chief Minister Hospitality Scholarship Programme (CMHSP) for the 2025-26 academic year.
If you dream of a career in hotel management but are held back by financial concerns, this program is designed specifically for you. It offers a fully funded education at one of the region’s premier institutes. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the scholarship’s objectives, financial benefits, detailed eligibility criteria, and how you can prepare to apply.
What is the Goal of the CM Hospitality Scholarship?
Launched in early September 2025 by Social Welfare Minister Shri Paul Lyngdoh, the primary objective of the CMHSP is to nurture local talent and create skilled professionals for Meghalaya’s growing hospitality industry. The program aims to provide equitable opportunities by ensuring that financially disadvantaged students from every corner of the state can access top-tier education without the burden of tuition fees.
A unique aspect of this program is its selection process, which aims to choose one deserving student from every block in Meghalaya, ensuring a fair distribution of this incredible opportunity.
Key Highlights of the Programme
| Feature | Details |
| Scheme Name | Chief Minister Hospitality Scholarship Programme (CMHSP) |
| Launched By | Government of Meghalaya |
| Target Audience | Students from Meghalaya pursuing a Hospitality degree |
| Eligible Institute | IHM Shillong (Institute of Hotel Management) |
| Key Benefit | Full Tuition Fee Coverage |
| Approximate Value | ₹3.6 Lakh per student for the entire course |
| Total Beneficiaries | 165 students (across three consecutive batches) |
Financial Benefits: A Fully Funded Education
The most significant advantage of the CMHSP is the comprehensive financial support it offers. Selected scholars will receive:
- Complete Tuition Fee Waiver: The government will cover the entire tuition fee for the B.Sc. in Hospitality & Hotel Administration course at IHM Shillong.
- Substantial Financial Value: This support is valued at approximately ₹3.6 lakh per student, effectively making the academic component of the degree free of cost.
This allows students to dedicate their full attention to their studies, practical training, and building a successful career in the hospitality world.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To be considered for this prestigious scholarship, you must meet the following specific criteria:
- Residency: You must be a permanent resident of Meghalaya.
- Institute & Course: You must have secured admission or be pursuing the B.Sc. in Hospitality & Hotel Administration at the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Shillong. This scholarship is exclusively for students of this specific institute.
- Academic Background: You must have successfully completed Class 12 (or equivalent) with English as one of your subjects.
- Family Income: The annual income of your family from all sources must not exceed ₹3 lakh.
Understanding the Selection Process
The selection of the 165 beneficiaries will be managed by a dedicated state-level committee. The process is designed to be merit-based and equitable, focusing on:
- Block-wise Representation: One student will be selected from each block of the state to ensure opportunities are spread across all regions.
- Merit and Interest: Your academic performance and demonstrated interest in the hospitality field will be key factors.
- Eligibility Verification: The committee will rigorously verify all documents to ensure applicants meet the residency, income, and academic criteria.
Required Documents for Application
While the official portal is yet to be announced, you should start preparing the following documents to ensure a smooth application process once it opens:
- Aadhar Card: For proof of identity.
- Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC): To confirm your residency in Meghalaya.
- Class 12 Marksheet: To verify you have passed with English as a subject.
- Family Income Certificate: Issued by a competent authority.
- Acceptance Letter / Proof of Admission: An official document from IHM Shillong confirming your enrollment.
- Bank Account Details: In the applicant’s name.
How to Apply Online (And Where to Look for Updates)
Since the Chief Minister Hospitality Scholarship Programme was just launched, the official application portal and specific deadlines are expected to be announced soon. All aspiring applicants should proactively monitor the following official channels for the announcement:
- The official website of the Government of Meghalaya.
- The official website of IHM Shillong.
- Press releases from the state’s Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).
Once the portal is live, the application process will likely follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Portal: Navigate to the official scholarship website once the link is announced.
- Register and Create a Profile: Fill in your basic details to create a student account.
- Fill the Application Form: Carefully enter your personal, academic, and family details.
- Upload Documents: Upload clear, scanned copies of all the required documents.
- Review and Submit: Double-check your entire application before submitting it.
Helpline and Contact Information
For any official queries, you may try to contact the relevant state department at:
Phone: 0364-2224283