What is PhD Travel and Tourism Management: Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Salary & Scope

Updated on Feb 27, 2025 05:42 IST
Pragati Singh

Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content

PhD in Travel and Tourism Management courses is a specialised doctoral course that studies advanced research in the various facets of the global tourism industry that entails marketing, sustainable tourism, policy-making, tourism economics, destination management, hospitality services, etc. 

Based on the external reports, the Indian tourism sector is a significant contributor to the economy. It contributes around 6.8% to India’s GDP in 2022, while in 2023, 9.24 million foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) were recorded (a growth of 43.5% compared to 6.44 million in 2022).

To be eligible for PhD in Travel & Tourism Management courses, candidates need to acquire a Master’s degree in Travel and Tourism Management or a related discipline, with a minimum of 55 percent marks. Additionally, you can sit for exams like UGC-NET, SET, CSIR NET or university-specific exams. Which is sometimes followed by an interview to evaluate their research aptitude and knowledge of the field. Some universities may prefer candidates with work experience in the tourism or hospitality sectors.

Tourism sector of India plays a major contributor as a source of employment, with almost 8.1% employment, with an increase of 54 million jobs by 2029. Top colleges such as IIM Sirmaur, LPU, and SGT University in India offer this course with fees ranging from INR 90,000 to INR 3 lakhs of the total tuition fees.

PhD Travel and Tourism Management career opportunities can lie in various areas such as becoming a professor or researcher or working as a tourism consultant advising private and government entities, working in corporations belonging to tourism and travel work, and even contributing to policymaking. 

PhD Travel and Tourism Management Course Details: Highlights

Below are the details for PhD in Travel and Toursim Management course covering its fee, colleges, jobs, salary, recruiters and other important information to give you a quick recap about the course:

Particulars

Details

Course Name

PhD Travel and Tourism Management

Course Level

Doctorate

Duration

4-5 years

Entrance Exams

UGC-NET, CSIR NET, SET

Fees

INR 90,000 – INR 3 Lakhs

Average Salary

INR 6 LPA – INR 12 LPA

Top Recruiters

Jet Airways, Make My Trip, J W Marriott, ITC, Hyatt, etc.

Job Profiles

Professor, Researcher, Policy Maker, Corporate Advisor

Note- This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

PhD in Travel and Tourism Management Course Related Information:

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Q:   What is PhD in Travel and Tourism Management course?
A:

PhD In travel and Tourism Management course teaches students in such a fashion where they can become efficient professionals as well as researchers in the field of Tourism. The main objective is explaining different techniques that are normally applied for carrying out tourism management.

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Q:   Why study PhD in Travel and Tourism Management course?
A:

The PhD course in Travel and Tourism Management can provide a range of career opportunities from professor to researcher and even to policy making projects by the government. Graduates who have a good business background and can work in academia or in the private sector. Additionally, they can develop critical thinking and research skills that are valuable for any profession.

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Q:   Are there international job prospects after completing PhD in Tourism Management course?
A:

Yes, there are various job prospects after completing PhD in Tavel Management course, specifically due to global nature of the tourism industry, and also because of the high level of research and analytical skills of the PhD students. You can work in organisations like World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Other international organizations involved in sustainable development, environmental protection, and cultural heritage preservation.

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Table of content
  • PhD Travel and Tourism Management Eligibility Criteria
  • Top PhD Travel and Tourism Management Entrance Exams
  • Top PhD Travel and Tourism Management Colleges
  • Popular Private PhD Travel and Tourism Management Colleges in India
  • PhD Travel and Tourism Management Syllabus
  • PhD Travel and Tourism Management Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Recruiters
  • PhD Travel and Tourism Management FAQs
  • Course Cutoffs
  • Popular PhD Travel and Tourism Management Specializations
View More

PhD Travel and Tourism Management Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for PhD courses in this field typically include Masters in Travel and Tourism Management courses. The below table covers all the necessary requirements for this course in detail:

Category

Details

Educational Qualification

  • A Master's degree (or equivalent) in Travel and Tourism Management, Hotel Management, or a related field (e.g., Business Administration, Geography, Economics, Sociology).
  • From a UGC-recognized university.

Minimum Marks

  • A minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent CGPA) in the Master's degree. 
  • 50% marks (or equivalent) for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD).

Entrance Examinations

Many universities require candidates to qualify in national-level entrance exams such as: 

  • UGC-NET 
  • CSIR-NET
  • Or university-specific entrance tests. 
  • Candidates with a valid NET/JRF score may be exempted from the university's entrance test.

Research Proposal

Most universities require candidates to submit a research proposal outlining their intended area of research.

Interview

  • Shortlisted candidates are typically required to attend an interview/presentation.
  • During this, their research aptitude and subject knowledge are assessed.

Other Considerations

Having relevant work experience in the tourism or hospitality industry can be advantageous.

Variations

It is very important to check the specific university guidelines, as some universities may have additional requirements.

PhD in Travel and Tourism Management Qualifications Related Information

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PhD Travel and Tourism Management Admission Process 

The process of getting admission to a good PhD Travel and Tourism Management degree starts with the preparation of entrance exams conducted by the respective colleges. Here’s the step-by-step guide for aspirants’ reference on the admission procedure of this course.

STEP 1: Visit Official Site

The first step in the admission process for an institution, providing merit-based admissions, is to visit their official website and download the application form.

STEP 2: Form Filling

The next step is to fill out the form carefully and watch out for all the necessary details and documents the college requires.

STEP 3: Entrance Exams

Give the entrance exams and wait for the results, once you clear the cutoff you are ready to go to the next step. 

STEP 4: Uploading Documents

Once the details are filled, it is time to upload all the necessary documents in the application form. It is advised to upload clear and relevant documents to avoid any future complications.

STEP 5: Fee Payment

After submitting the documents and application form, the next step is to pay the fee to the institution to reserve the seat.

STEP 6: Counseling Session

Counseling sessions can vary from college to college. While some colleges take telephonic interviews to provide direct admissions, some colleges invite candidates to physically attend the counselling session.

PhD in Travel and Tourism Management Admission Related Information

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria for PhD Travel and Tourism Management?
A:

You need a masters degree in a relevant field like Travel and Tourism Management with minimum 55 percent as an aggregate marks. Additionally, you also need to qualify exams like UGC-NET for PhD courses in top government universities.

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Top PhD Travel and Tourism Management Entrance Exams

Some of the common exams for PhD in Travel and Tourism Management courses are given below, where UGC-NET is the most common for entrance into doctoral courses:

Exams

Exam Dates

Exam Schedule

UGC-NET 2025

3-Jan-2025 to 27-Jan-2025

UGC-NET Exam Date 2025

GATE 2025

May ' 25 - Jul ' 25 (Tentative)

GATE Exam Date 2025

CSIR NET 2025

28 Feb '25 - 2 Mar '25

CSIR NET Exam Date 2025

LPU NEST 2025

15 Mar ' 25 - 31 Mar ' 25

LPU NEST  Exam Date 2025

Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.

PhD in Travel and Tourism Management Course Related Information:

Tour Management

Tourism Studies

 

Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
14 Oct ' 25 - 17 Oct ' 25

ICAR JRF SRF 2025 Counselling: Online Registration, Fee,

27 Sep ' 25 - 26 Oct ' 25

TIFR GS 2026 Application Process

ONGOING
19 Oct ' 25

TIFR GS 2026 Application deadline for choice of test center

21 Oct ' 25 - 24 Oct ' 25

ICAR JRF SRF 2025 Counselling 1st Round: Seat Allotment, Document Upload

23 Oct ' 25

ICAR JRF SRF 2025 Counselling 1st Round: Online Document Verification

24 Oct ' 25

ICAR JRF SRF 2025 Counselling 1st Round: re-submission of documents

24 Oct ' 25

ICAR JRF SRF 2025 Counselling 1st Round: Document Verification by the Universities

DatesPast Exam Dates
27 May ' 25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025 - B.Sc. (Hons) Chemistry, B.Sc. (Biosciences)

26 May ' 25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025 - B.Sc. (Hons) Physics, B.Sc. (Biotechnology), B.Ed.

25 May ' 25

JMI Entrance Exam 2025 - B.A. (Hons.) Arabic, BBA, B.Com. (Hons), B.Com. (Hons) (SF), B.A.LL.B. (Hons)

Q:   What are the exams required for PhD in Travel and Tourism Management courses?
A:

Here are some common exams for PhD courses in Travel and Toursim:

Exams

Exam Dates

Exam Schedule

UGC-NET 2025

3-Jan-2025 to 27-Jan-2025

UGC-NET Exam Date 2025

GATE 2025

May ' 25 - Jul ' 25 (Tentative)

GATE Exam Date 2025

CSIR NET 2025

28 Feb '25 - 2 Mar '25

CSIR NET Exam Date 2025

LPU NEST 2025

15 Mar ' 25 - 31 Mar ' 25

LPU NEST  Exam Date 2025

Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.

Top PhD Travel and Tourism Management Colleges

There are very few colleges in India that provide PhD Travel and Tourism Management courses with approximately 10 colleges as per our records. Here are these colleges along with their fees information:

College

Tuition Fees

LPU - Lovely Professional University

INR 3 L

Sri Sri University

INR 2.1 L

SGT University, Gurgaon

NA

NIMS Institute of Management and Commerce, NIMS University

INR 90 K - 6 L

Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University

NA

Maharaja Agrasen University

INR 3 L

Vikrant University

INR 2.7 L

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

PhD Travel and Tourism Management Colleges Related Information:

List of Ph.D. in Hospitality & Travel Colleges in India

List of Travel & Tourism Management Colleges in India

4 Courses
5.51 K - 30 K
8 - 9 LPA
1.5 L
5.0
4.56 L - 8.64 L
4.2

#3 The Week

1 Course
4.0
4.0
10.5 L - 12.5 L
4.2

Hospitality & Travel Applications open. Apply Now

6 Courses
50 K - 4.15 L
4.5

#4 Outlook

Popular Private PhD Travel and Tourism Management Colleges in India

30 K - 5.84 L
4.6
1 Course
8 L
4.2 LPA
53 K - 3.32 L
5.0

Hospitality & Travel Applications open. Apply Now

17 Courses
1.48 L - 2.11 L
5.0

#38 The Week

17 Courses
1.48 L - 2.11 L
5.0

#39 The Week

PhD Travel and Tourism Management Syllabus

A PhD in Travel and Tourism Management syllabus typically covers core areas like tourism theory, research methodologies, sustainable tourism practices, tourism economics, cultural impacts of tourism, tourism policy analysis, marketing strategies, and specialized topics depending on the chosen research focus, often including advanced statistical analysis and data interpretation using tools like SPSS; key areas may include:

Tourism Theory and Concepts

Definitions and classifications of tourism

Tourism motivations and behavior

Tourism life cycle

Carrying capacity and Impacts of tourism on Destinations

Research Methodology

Qualitative and quantitative research methods

Data Collection Techniques (surveys, interviews, observation) 

Statistical analysis (regression, ANOVA, factor analysis)

Research ethics and integrity

Sustainable Tourism

Principles of sustainable tourism development 

Ecotourism and Responsible Tourism Practices

Community-based tourism initiatives

Climate change and tourism adaptation strategies

Tourism Economics

Economic impacts of tourism (multiplier effect)

Tourism demand forecasting

Tourism Revenue Management

Cost-Benefit Analysis 

PhD in Travel and Tourism Management Course Relevant Information:

Hospitality and Travel Course

Q:   What is the syllabus for PhD in Tourism Management?
A:

PhD in Travel and Tourism Management curriculum entails specialisations and core areas like tourism economics, cultural impact, tourism policy, sustainable tourism practices, marketing strategies, and many more. 

However, it is important to understand that most of the PhD courses are research driven, and hence the curriculum is not fixed and can vary. 

 

PhD Travel and Tourism Management Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Recruiters

A PhD in Travel and Tourism Management can lead to careers in research, education, consultancy, and tourism management. Here are some of the popular job profiles for PhD in Travel and Tourism Management graduates. 

Job Profile Job Description
Average Salary
Professor/Lecturer

Teaching and conducting research in universities and academic institutions.

INR 8 - 20+ LPA
Tourism Researcher/Analyst

Conducting in-depth research on tourism trends, impacts, and policies.

INR 7 - 15+ LPA
Tourism Policy Advisor Developing and evaluating tourism policies at local, regional, or national levels.  INR 8 - 18+ LPA
Destination Development Manager Planning and managing the sustainable development of tourist destinations. INR 7 - 14+ LPA
Tourism Consultant Providing expert advice to tourism businesses and organizations on strategic planning, marketing, and operations.
INR 8 - 20+ LPA
Research and Development Manager (Tourism) Leading research and development initiatives within tourism companies or organizations.  INR 9 - 16+ LPA

Note: The salary has been taken from external sources.

PhD in Travel and Tourism Management Career Relevant Information:

Top 5 Hospitality Management Courses Offered by Five Star Hotels in India

Top PhD in Travel and Tourism Management Recruiters

Refer to the table below to learn about top recruiters for PhD in Travel and Tourism Management in India:

PhD Travel and Tourism Management Top Recruiters 

Deloitte

KPMG

Indian Institutes of Tourism and Travel Management 

Taj Hotels

MakeMyTrip

Thomas Cook

State Tourism Development Corporations

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

Q:   What are the career options after completing PhD in Travel and Tourism Management course?
A:

After completing PhD in Travel and Tourism Management courses, graduates can find employement in universities and colleges as professor or researcher. They can also work as a policy maker in government organisations like Ministry of Tourism

One can also work in coporates and big companies like Deloitte, Makemytrip, and Yatra.com, to play as an advisor and strategy making expert. If anyone is interested in business, then they can also start their own venture in Travel Industry.

Q:   What is the average starting salary for PhD Travel Management graduate?
A:

Based on the external sources, PhD in Travel and Tourism Management students can earn from INR 2.5 LPA to INR 12 LPA, as the fresher. It can vary from recruiter to recruiter and Industry to Industry as well. 

PhD Travel and Tourism Management FAQs

Here are some common FAQs for this course:

Q:   How long is PhD in Travel and Tourism Management?
A:

The course usually takes 3 to 6 years of duration to complete, plus it can vary from college to college and university to university. Some may offer 5 years of duration also.

Q:   Is there a provision for lateral entry in PhD Travel and Tourism Management?
A:

Yes, there are some colleges in India that offers provision for lateral entry into PhD in Travel and Tourism Management, to the candidates who have master's degree in the relevant field or significant industry experience

Course Cutoffs

The cutoffs of popular PhD Travel and Tourism Management colleges is given below:

Popular PhD Travel and Tourism Management Specializations

Following are the most popular PhD Travel and Tourism Management Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

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Student Forum

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Answered a week ago

Courses that require the GNIHM JET for admission are BHSM (Bachelor in Hospitality Services & Management), BHMCT (Bachelor in Hotel Management and Catering Technology), BSc in Hospitality & Hotel Management (H), and MSc/MBA in Hospitality and Hotel Management.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a week ago

GNIHM JET full form is Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management Joint Entrance Test. GNIHM JET is conducted by Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management for admission to its hospitality and hotel management programs.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a week ago

MAH HM CET 2026 exam will be conducted in online (computer-based) mode. The BHMCT CET lasts for 90 minutes, and the MHMCT CET for 60 minutes.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a week ago

No, the exam pattern differs for both. MAH BHMCT CET has 100 questions (100 marks), while MAH MHMCT CET has 50 questions (100 marks) with different subjects and weightage.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a week ago

The GNIHM JET General Knowledge syllabus covers questions on books and authors, inventions, awards, currencies, sports, world organisations, and natural events.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

The top 5 hotel management colleges in India are IHM Pusa, IHM Mumbai, IHM Hyderabad, IHM Chennai, and IHM Lucknow. These ranking is based on the India Today Rank 2025.  

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

According to the India Today Rank of 2025, the Institute of Hotel Management Catering & Nutrition (IHM) Pusa is the best government hotel management college in India. 

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

The candidates must be Indian citizens with at least 45% marks in HSC exam for UG programs. For PG programs, a Bachelor Degree in Hotel Management and Catering Technology with 50% marks and 45% for reserved categories and PWD is mandatory. 

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

MAH HM CET 2026 will offer 4 years Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology course and 2 years master of Hotel Management and Catering Technology.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

Government of Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell is the conducting body of MAH HM CET 2026.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 4 weeks ago

No, the CUEE exam conducting authorities will not arrange for travel and accommodation, and it has to be done by the candidate or his/her family. The exam centre should be selected by the candidate while filling out the application form. Candidates are allotted an exam centre from the list of centre

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M

Mohit Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 4 weeks ago

BHMCT CET is conducted for admission to the 4-year undergraduate Bachelor of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (BHMCT) program. Meanwhile, MHMCT CET offers admission to the 2-year postgraduate Master of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (MHMCT) program.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 4 weeks ago

No, MAH HM CET registrations 2026 have not started yet. It is likely to begin in December 2025. The official authorities will release the MAH HM CET schedule soon on the official website.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 4 weeks ago

MAH HM CET is a hotel management exam for admission into UG and PG Hotel Management and Catering Technology (HMCT) courses. The exam is conducted annually by the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell. The full form of MAH HM CET is Maharashtra Hotel Management Common Entrance Test.

P

Porishmita Paul

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

Here are some of the documents required to travel to Canada:

  • Passport
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Airline tickets
  • Cash or travellers' cheque
  • Letter of acceptance from your Canadian college or university
  • Bank statements showing proof of funds
  • Medical and vaccination records
  • Academic history
  • University transcr

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Mani Lama

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

Janki Devi College of Hotel Management offers the BBA course in the field of Hospitality and Tourism. Candidates willing to take admission in this course must ensure that they fulfil the eligibility criteria set by the college. Additionally, they must submit the marksheet and certificate of Class 12

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S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Janki Devi College of Hotel Management is generally considered a decent option for BBA course. Candidates must consider factors such as infrastructure, faculty experience, fees, curriculum, etc. while taking admission. They can apply online for admission at Janki Devi College of Hotel Management.

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Joining Janki Devi College of Hotel Management for BSc course is generally considered a decent option. It is offered in the field of Hospitality Management. Candidates must consider factors such as infrastructure, faculty experience, fees, curriculum, etc. while taking admission. They can apply onli

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S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The duration of the BSc course at Janki Devi College of Hotel Management is of three years. Admissions to this course are merit-based and merit of Class 12 is accepted for the same. Candidates willing to take admission in the BSc course at Janki Devi College of Hotel Management must ensure fulfillin

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S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The next admission date for Janki Devi College of Hotel Management 2025 has not been released by the college yet. However, candidates must start preparing for admission for the next academic year.  Janki Devi College of Hotel Management admissions are merit-based and merit of Class 12 is accepted. 

 

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, candidates can get direct admission in Janki Devi College of Hotel Management. The college offers merit-based admissions to the courses, and  candidates can directly apply with the merit of Class 12. They must fill out the application form before the last date to apply for admission at Janki De

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S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

No, Janki Devi College of Hotel Management is not under CUET. The college offers merit-based admissions to candidates in the courses. The merit of Class 12 is accepted for admission. Hence, candidates are not required to appear for any entrance exams such as CUET for admission in Janki Devi College

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Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

After filling out the application form for Janki Devi College of Hotel Management admissions, the college evaluates the forms and grants admission to candidates based on the eligibility and selection criteria. However, the time frame of admission confirmation has not be specified by the college. 

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, a candidate is eligible for admission at Janki Devi College of Hotel Management if Class 12 results are pending. The college may offer them provisional admission in this case. However, since admissions to the college are merit-based, the candidate must submit the marksheet and certificate once

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S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, the application form for Janki Devi College of Hotel Management admission can be rejected if the details filled by the candidate are incorrect. It can also be rejected if the candidate has not uploaded the correct documents required such as marksheets, certificates, ID proofs, etc.

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Janki Devi College of Hotel Management offers merit-based admissions to the candidates. Hence, no entrance exams are required for admission. Candidates are granted admission based on the merit of Class 12. The college offers BBA, BSc and UG Diploma course to candidates. Applicants must ensure fulfil

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S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

To take admission in Janki Devi College of Hotel Management, candidates must follow the following steps:-

  • Registration- Candidates must register with the institute to apply for admission in their preferred course by filling the application form. 
  • Selection- Candidates are selected for admission in the

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S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, candidates can get admission in Janki Devi College of Hotel Management with 60% in Class 12. The college has not specified the minimum required aggregate for admission in the courses offered, however since 60% is a good score, candidates can get admission in Janki Devi College of Hotel Manageme

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S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Candidates are selected for admission in the UG Diploma course at Janki Devi College of Hotel Management, based on the merit of Class 12. Eligible candidates are those who have passed Class 12 from a recognised board and a valid aggregate. Application forms for all courses are available online on th

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S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The eligibility criteria for the BSc course at Janki Devi College of Hotel Management requires the candidates to pass Class 12 from a recognised board. Candidates are selected for admission in this course based on the merit of Class 12. They must ensure submitting the marksheet and certificate of th

...Read more

S

Sejal Baveja

Contributor-Level 10