Published Date: October 19, 2026
Fact-Checked & Verified: Information directly referenced from the official Kerala Institute of Tourism & Travel Studies (KITTS) notification (Advt No: CMD/KITTS/01/2026).
The Kerala Institute of Tourism & Travel Studies (KITTS), operating under the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, has officially announced the notification for the Guide Training & Licence Programme 2026. This recruitment initiative aims to select and train 168 eligible candidates as licensed State Level and Local Level Tourist Guides across various districts of Kerala.
This specialized program is designed to provide professional training to aspiring candidates, certifying them with official state-recognized tour guide licenses to enhance the quality of tourism services in Kerala.Below is a complete guide covering eligibility requirements, course fees, exam pattern, district vacancies, and step-by-step application procedures.
Overview: KITTS Recruitment 2026 Key Highlights
Candidates can review the key highlights of the KITTS recruitment notification tabulated below:
| Organization Name | Kerala Institute of Tourism & Travel Studies (KITTS) |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala |
| Advertisement No. | CMD/KITTS/01/2026 |
| Post Name | State Level Guide & Local Level Guide Training Programme |
| Total Vacancies | 168 Seats |
| Job Location | Kerala |
| Category | Government Training & Licensing Scheme |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Start Date | October 19, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | November 09, 2026 (up to 5:30 PM) |
Vacancy Breakdown by Category & District
Out of the total 168 vacancies, 27 seats are allocated for State Level Guides, while 141 seats are reserved for Local Level Guides distributed across all 14 districts of Kerala:
- State Level Guide: 27 Seats
- Local Level Guide: 141 Seats
District-wise Vacancies for Local Level Guides
| District | Vacancies | District | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thiruvananthapuram | 15 | Thrissur | 10 |
| Kollam | 10 | Palakkad | 10 |
| Pathanamthitta | 10 | Malappuram | 06 |
| Alappuzha | 10 | Kozhikode | 10 |
| Kottayam | 10 | Wayanad | 10 |
| Idukki | 10 | Kannur | 10 |
| Ernakulam | 10 | Kasargod | 10 |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates wishing to enroll in the training and licensing program must satisfy the following educational and domicile eligibility criteria:
1. Age Limit (as on 01.01.2026)
Applicants must be at least 20 years of age as on January 1, 2026.
2. Educational Qualifications
- State Level Guide: Candidates must hold any Graduation degree from a UGC-recognized University or Institute. Alternatively, candidates passing 10+2 (or equivalent) with a minimum 6-month regular course certificate in a foreign language from a recognized University, approved institution, Embassy, or Cultural Centre are eligible. Fluency in English is mandatory.
- Local Level Guide: Candidates must have passed SSLC / SSC / CBSE or equivalent 10th standard qualification.
3. General Mandatory Requirements
- Domicile: The candidate must be a native of the state of Kerala. Local Level Guide applicants can apply only under the district quota corresponding to their place of residence.
- Clearance Certificate: Submission of a valid Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is mandatory to join the training program upon selection.
Course Details, Duration & Fee Structure
Selected candidates will undergo intensive practical and theoretical training conducted by KITTS. Successful completion leads to the issuance of an official Tour Guide Licence.
- State Level Guide Course: Duration is 09 weeks. Course fee is ₹32,745/- (Inclusive of GST).
- Local Level Guide Course: Duration is 04 weeks. Course fee is ₹20,355/- (Inclusive of GST).
- Application Fee: ₹590/- (plus applicable transaction charges) payable online using Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking.
Selection Process & Syllabus Scheme
Selection will be made through a transparent two-stage evaluation process comprising a Written Examination followed by a Personal Interview. Candidates scoring 50% or more in the written test qualify for the interview round.
1. State Level Guide (Total Marks: 250)
- Written Test (200 Marks):
- Knowledge of Monuments around the area: 50 Marks
- Questions on History: 50 Marks
- General Knowledge: 100 Marks
- Personal Interview: 50 Marks
2. Local Level Guide (Total Marks: 150)
- Written Test (100 Marks):
- Knowledge of Monuments around the area: 25 Marks
- Questions on History: 25 Marks
- General Knowledge: 50 Marks
- Personal Interview: 50 Marks
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
Eligible candidates can apply online by following the procedure outlined below:
- Visit the official application portal at recruitopen.com/cmd/kitts1.html.
- Read the detailed eligibility requirements thoroughly before starting the registration form.
- Fill in all mandatory personal, educational, and contact details accurately.
- Upload a scanned copy of your recent photograph in *.JPG format (file size must be under 200 KB).
- Upload your full signature scanned on white paper in *.JPG format (file size under 50 KB; initials or capital letters are not allowed).
- Upload original or provisional educational certificates (mark sheets are not accepted).
- Pay the non-refundable application fee of ₹590/- plus transaction charges through the online gateway.
- Submit the completed online application before November 09, 2026 (5:30 PM) and print a copy for your records.
Help Desk Assistance: For technical queries regarding application submission, applicants can call 0471 2320101 (ext: 237, 250) between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM on working days (Monday to Friday).
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