IITTM Ph.D Travel & Tourism Management: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.