Accepted entrance exams
About Ph.D. (Travel & Tourism Management)
The Ph.D. (Travel & Tourism Management) at IITTM Noida is a full-time doctoral programme offered jointly by the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, under a landmark MoU signed in July 2023. The programme has a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years (extendable up to 8 years), including one year of mandatory coursework spread over two semesters. The total programme fee is Rs. 1,75,000 (excluding examination fee of Rs. 50,000 payable at thesis submission), making it one of the most affordable doctoral programmes in tourism management in India. With a total intake of 32 seats across all IITTM centres, the programme is highly sought after by tourism professionals, academics, and researchers who wish to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in travel, tourism, and allied sectors. The degree is awarded by JNU, one of India's premier research universities.
Admissions for the 2026-27 batch commenced on July 7, 2026. The next admission cycle (2027-28) is expected to open around March 2027 based on the previous year's pattern. As of April 2027, no fresh notification for 2027-28 has been released; candidates are advised to monitor the official IITTM website (iittm.ac.in) for updates.
Key Points
- The Ph.D. degree is awarded by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, one of India's top-ranked research universities, giving the doctoral qualification exceptional academic standing.
- UGC-NET JRF holders are exempt from the entrance test and are directly called for the Personal Interview, with first preference in the admission process.
- Candidates who have qualified NET/SLET/GATE are awarded additional marks in the selection process, though they must still score at least 50% in the entrance test.
- The programme follows a multidisciplinary approach, integrating tourism management with research methodology, transport systems, hospitality operations, destination marketing, and organisational behaviour.
- Female Ph.D. scholars and PwD candidates (more than 40% disability) are eligible for an additional 2-year relaxation in programme duration, with a maximum of 10 years to complete the degree.
- Female scholars are also entitled to Maternity Leave/Child Care Leave of up to 240 days during the entire programme duration.
IITTM Ph.D. Fees
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Semester I Tuition Fee | Rs. 45,000 |
| Caution Money Deposit (one-time, refundable) | Rs. 5,000 |
| Semesters II to VI (Rs. 25,000 per semester x 5) | Rs. 1,25,000 |
| Total Programme Fee (excluding examination fee) | Rs. 1,75,000 |
| Examination Fee (at thesis submission) | Rs. 50,000 |
- Caution money of Rs. 5,000 is refundable upon completion of the programme.
- In case of extension beyond 3 years, an additional fee of Rs. 25,000 per semester of the extended period is applicable.
- 10% of the semester fee (excluding caution money) is admissible to IITTM for all semesters; examination fee of Rs. 10,000 is admissible to JNU at thesis submission.
- Hostel fee is charged separately and is not included above. Hostel rental ranges from Rs. 5,500 to Rs. 7,500 per semester (subject to revision), excluding caution money and electricity charges. Hostel mess costs approximately Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 4,000 per month.
- Application fee: Rs. 2,000 for GEN/OBC; Rs. 1,000 for SC/ST/PwD/EWS.
IITTM Ph.D. Admission 2026
IITTM Ph.D. Admission Calendar
| Event | Date (2026-27 Actual) |
|---|---|
| Ph.D. Admission Form Filling Opens | March 8, 2026 |
| Last Date for Form Submission | March 20, 2026 |
| Admit Card Download | April 10, 2026 |
| Date of Entrance Examination (IIAT Ph.D.) | April 13, 2026 |
| Date of Personal Interview | April 20, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | April 30, 2026 |
| Ph.D. Coursework Commencement | July 7, 2026 |
Ph.D. Entrance Exam Details
| Exam | Details |
|---|---|
| IITTM Ph.D. Admission Test (IIAT) | 100-mark MCQ exam; Part A: Research Methodology (50 marks); Part B: Tourism Administration and Management (50 marks); Duration: 120 minutes; Conducted offline at IITTM centres |
| UGC-NET JRF | JRF holders are exempt from entrance test; directly called for Personal Interview with first preference |
| NET/SLET/GATE | Qualified candidates get additional marks; must score at least 50% in entrance test to qualify for interview |
- Selection: 70% weightage for entrance test + 30% for Personal Interview (for new applicants). JRF holders: 100% weightage for Personal Interview.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Master's degree in Tourism, Hotel Management, Commerce and Management, Social Sciences, or any allied field from an accredited Indian or foreign university with at least 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/EWS).
- Candidates with M.Phil. degree with at least 55% marks are also eligible.
- All candidates must appear in the IITTM Ph.D. Entrance Test, except UGC-NET JRF holders who are directly called for interview.
Admission Process
- Apply online at iittm.ac.in by paying the application fee (Rs. 2,000 for GEN/OBC; Rs. 1,000 for SC/ST/PwD/EWS).
- Appear in the IITTM Ph.D. Admission Test (offline, at allocated IITTM centres). JRF holders are exempt.
- Candidates scoring 50% or above in the entrance test (45% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/EWS) are shortlisted for Personal Interview.
- Final merit list prepared based on 70% entrance test + 30% Personal Interview.
- Reservation applicable as per Central Government norms: SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC (NCL) 27%, EWS 10%, PwD 3% horizontal.
- Contact for Noida centre: Prof. Monika Prakash (Nodal Officer), Dr. Nanita Tyagi (Ph.D. Coordinator), Email: info@iittmnoida.ac.in
IITTM Ph.D. Scholarships 2026
Available Scholarships
| Scholarship | Provider | Eligibility | Amount/Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) - UGC-NET | University Grants Commission | Candidates qualifying UGC-NET with JRF | Rs. 37,000/month (initial 2 years), Rs. 42,000/month (subsequent years) |
| Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) - UGC | University Grants Commission | Ph.D. scholars after 2 years of JRF | Rs. 42,000/month |
| Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment | SC category Ph.D. students | As per government norms |
| Post Matric Scholarship for ST Students | Ministry of Tribal Affairs | ST category Ph.D. students | As per government norms |
| National Fellowship for SC Students (Rajiv Gandhi) | UGC / Ministry of Social Justice | SC students pursuing Ph.D. | Full fellowship covering fees + maintenance |
| National Fellowship for ST Students | UGC / Ministry of Tribal Affairs | ST students pursuing Ph.D. | Full fellowship covering fees + maintenance |
| Maulana Azad National Fellowship | UGC / Ministry of Minority Affairs | Minority community Ph.D. students | Rs. 37,000/month (JRF level) + contingency |
- JRF/SRF fellowships are awarded through UGC-NET examination conducted by NTA. Candidates must qualify UGC-NET with JRF to avail the fellowship.
- National fellowships for SC/ST students are applied through the National Scholarship Portal: scholarships.gov.in
- IITTM does not provide institutional fellowships/stipends; students are encouraged to apply for external fellowships through UGC, DST, ICSSR, and other funding agencies.
- Educational loans are also facilitated through IITTM's Scholarship Cell.
IITTM Ph.D. FAQs
Ques. Is the Ph.D. from IITTM-JNU recognised, and what is the value of this degree in academia and industry?
Ans. The Ph.D. (Travel & Tourism Management) is awarded by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, under a formal MoU between IITTM and JNU. JNU is ranked among the top universities in India by NAAC (Grade 3.91/4) and NIRF, and the degree carries full UGC recognition. For academics, this opens doors to faculty positions in tourism and hospitality management departments across India and abroad. For industry professionals, a JNU-awarded Ph.D. from a Ministry of Tourism institute adds significant credibility for senior research, policy, and consultancy roles in the tourism sector.
Ques. Do I need to clear UGC-NET to apply for the Ph.D. at IITTM Noida?
Ans. No, UGC-NET is not mandatory to apply. IITTM conducts its own Ph.D. Admission Test (IIAT) which is a 100-mark MCQ exam covering Research Methodology (50 marks) and Tourism Administration and Management (50 marks). Candidates scoring 50% or above are called for the Personal Interview. However, UGC-NET JRF holders are exempt from the entrance test and are directly called for the interview with first preference. Candidates who have qualified NET/SLET/GATE (without JRF) receive additional marks but must still score at least 50% in the entrance test.
Ques. What is the fee structure for the Ph.D. programme at IITTM, and are there any fellowships available?
Ans. The total programme fee is Rs. 1,75,000 for 3 years (6 semesters), which is very affordable compared to private universities. Semester I fee is Rs. 45,000 (including Rs. 5,000 refundable caution money), and Semesters II to VI are Rs. 25,000 each. An additional examination fee of Rs. 50,000 is payable at the time of thesis submission. IITTM does not provide institutional stipends, but students can apply for UGC-JRF (Rs. 37,000/month), UGC National Fellowships for SC/ST students, Maulana Azad National Fellowship for minority students, and other external fellowships through ICSSR, DST, etc.
Ques. What research areas can I pursue in the Ph.D. programme at IITTM Noida?
Ans. The Ph.D. programme at IITTM covers a wide range of research areas within tourism and allied sectors, including destination management and marketing, sustainable tourism, pro-poor tourism, community-based tourism, tourism planning and policy, hospitality management, transport and logistics in tourism, digital marketing in tourism, event management, adventure tourism, cruise tourism, and tourism economics. The multidisciplinary approach allows scholars to integrate perspectives from management, social sciences, geography, and economics. The Noida centre has faculty specialising in various tourism sub-domains; candidates are advised to contact the Ph.D. Coordinator (Dr. Nanita Tyagi) to discuss research interests before applying.
Ques. How long does it take to complete the Ph.D. at IITTM, and what is the coursework structure?
Ans. The minimum duration is 3 years (including 1 year of mandatory coursework) and the maximum is 6 years, extendable up to 8 years. The coursework is completed in the first two semesters (1 year) and covers research methodology and tourism management subjects. After completing coursework, scholars work on their research under a faculty supervisor, submit a thesis, and appear for a viva-voce examination. Female scholars and PwD candidates get an additional 2-year relaxation (maximum 10 years). Female scholars are also entitled to up to 240 days of Maternity/Child Care Leave during the programme.
Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for Ph.D. scholars at IITTM Noida?
Ans. Yes, limited hostel accommodation is available at IITTM Noida for Ph.D. scholars, but it is not guaranteed to all students. Allotment is on merit basis and subject to availability. Hostel rental ranges from Rs. 5,500 to Rs. 7,500 per semester depending on the type of accommodation (subject to revision), excluding caution money deposit and electricity charges. The hostel mess costs approximately Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 4,000 per month. Scholars who do not get hostel accommodation can find private PG or rental accommodation in the Sector 62, Noida area. It is advisable to apply for hostel at the time of admission to improve chances of allotment.