The Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (IHMCT), Kovalam, has invited online applications from eligible Indian candidates for the post of Lower Division Clerk (LDC). IHMCT is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
As per Notification No. CMD/IHMCT/002/2026, a total of 2 vacancies are available. Candidates who have completed 10+2 or Higher Secondary education and possess a typing speed of 40 words per minute (WPM), along with working knowledge of computers, can apply.
The pay scale is ₹19,900–₹63,200 (Level-2, 7th CPC). The online application process started on 31 October 2026. The last date to submit the application is 30 November 2026, up to 5:00 PM.
IHMCT LDC Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Organization | Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (IHMCT), Kovalam |
| Parent Ministry | Ministry of Tourism, Government of India |
| Recruitment Authority | Centre for Management Development (CMD), Kerala |
| Notification Number | CMD/IHMCT/002/2026 |
| Recruitment Name | IHMCT LDC Recruitment 2026 |
| Post Name | Lower Division Clerk (LDC) |
| Job Location | Kovalam, Kerala |
| Employment Type | Not specified in the official notification. |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Total Vacancies | 2 |
| Application Starting Date | 31 October 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 November 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Official Website | cmd.kerala.gov.in |
IHMCT Vacancy Details 2026
The recruitment notification announces two vacancies for the Lower Division Clerk post.
| Post Name | Category | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) | Unreserved (UR) | 1 |
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) | Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 1 |
| Total | 2 |
Important reservation note: The notification separately states that one vacancy is reserved for the Ex-Servicemen (ESM) category. The vacancy table also shows the distribution as UR – 1 and EWS – 1. Candidates claiming ESM reservation should carefully check the applicable reservation provisions and prescribed certificates in the official notification.
Educational Qualification
Candidates applying for the Lower Division Clerk (LDC) position must possess the following qualifications:
- 10+2 or Higher Secondary School qualification.
- Typing speed of 40 words per minute (WPM).
- Working knowledge of computers.
The prescribed educational qualification must be obtained from a recognized University or Institute.
Candidates possessing an equivalent qualification must submit an equivalency certificate issued by the competent authority. Applications without the required equivalency certificate will not be considered.
Experience and Additional Requirements
One year of experience in computer applications as on 01 October 2026 is mentioned as a desirable qualification.
This experience is listed under desirable qualifications and is not stated as a mandatory eligibility requirement in the notification.
For candidates claiming work experience:
- Experience certificates must clearly mention the date of joining and relieving.
- The certificate must specify duties and responsibilities.
- The signature and seal of the authorized person must be included.
- Appointment letters, salary certificates and payslips will not be accepted as substitutes for experience certificates.
- For the latest experience, candidates may upload an affidavit containing the employer’s details, designation, period of employment, nature of work, tasks and responsibilities.
- The affidavit provision is applicable only to the latest experience.
Salary Details
Selected candidates for the Lower Division Clerk position will receive the following pay scale:
| Post | Lower Division Clerk (LDC) |
| Pay Scale | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| Pay Level | Level-2 |
| Pay Commission | 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC) |
The notification specifies the pay scale. A separate monthly gross salary or in-hand salary is not specified.
Age Limit
The age limit for the Lower Division Clerk recruitment is 18 to 28 years, calculated as on 01 October 2026.
According to the notification, candidates born between 02 October 1997 and 01 October 2008, both dates inclusive, are eligible to apply under the stated general age criteria.
Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST candidates are eligible for age relaxation as per Government of India rules.
- OBC candidates are eligible for age relaxation as per applicable Government of India rules.
- PwBD and other eligible categories are entitled to age relaxation as per applicable Government of India rules.
- Age relaxation for Ex-Servicemen will be as per DOPT, Government of India OM No. DOPT-1766747426976 dated 25 December 2025.
Application Fee
The application fee details mentioned in the official notification are as follows:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General Category | ₹500 |
| SC/ST Category | ₹300 |
| Eligible Ex-Servicemen (ESM) candidates entitled to reservation | Exempted |
- The application fee must be paid through online mode only.
- Applicable transaction charges must be paid in addition to the application fee.
- Applications submitted without the prescribed fee will be rejected.
- The fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
A separate application fee for the EWS category is not specified in the notification.
Reservation Details
The notification mentions the following reservation-related provisions:
- Total advertised vacancies: 2.
- UR category: 1 vacancy.
- EWS category: 1 vacancy.
- One vacancy is separately stated to be reserved for Ex-Servicemen.
- Eligible SC/ST, OBC, PwBD and other categories are entitled to age relaxation according to Government of India rules.
Candidates claiming EWS or ESM reservation must possess the relevant certificates in the prescribed format.
Selection Process
The selection process will be determined by CMD/IHMCT based on recruitment requirements.
According to the notification, the selection process may include:
- Application screening.
- Criteria-based screening.
- Written test.
- Skill test or proficiency test.
The notification does not confirm that every stage will necessarily be conducted. The selection authority reserves the right to decide the selection procedure and shortlisting criteria.
Only shortlisted candidates will receive information regarding the selection process through email, SMS or phone call.
How to Apply for IHMCT LDC Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates must submit their applications through online mode only. Applications should be completed using the prescribed recruitment portal.
- Visit the official CMD Kerala website: https://cmd.kerala.gov.in/.
- Open the IHMCT Lower Division Clerk Recruitment 2026 application link.
- Visit the online application portal: Apply Online.
- Register as a new user if you have not already registered.
- Fill in all the required personal, educational and other relevant information.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and educational certificates in the prescribed format.
- Upload applicable experience and reservation certificates, wherever required.
- Pay the prescribed application fee through online mode, if applicable.
- Review all the information entered in the application form.
- Submit the completed application before the closing date.
Incomplete or incorrect applications may be rejected. Candidates should carefully verify all details before final submission.
Documents Required
Applicants should prepare the following documents, as applicable to their eligibility and claims:
- Latest passport-size photograph.
- Full signature scanned on white paper.
- Original educational qualification certificate or provisional certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Equivalency certificate, if claiming an equivalent qualification.
- Work experience certificate, if claiming experience.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC), if currently employed in Government or Government undertakings.
- EWS Income and Asset Certificate in the prescribed format, if applicable.
- Serving Defence Personnel Certificate as per Annexure-I, if applicable.
- Ex-Servicemen undertaking as per Annexure-II, if applicable.
- Discharge Certificate or Pension Payment Order (PPO), if discharged from the Armed Forces.
Important document-upload instructions:
- Photograph must be in JPG format and less than 200 KB.
- Signature must be in JPG format and less than 50 KB.
- The signature must be genuine and signed by the candidate personally.
- Initials alone are not sufficient.
- Signatures in capital letters are not permitted.
- Mark sheets, consolidated mark sheets or statements will not be accepted instead of original or provisional educational certificates.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 31 October 2026 |
| Employment News Publication Period | 31 October 2026 – 06 November 2026 |
| Online Application Starting Date | 31 October 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 November 2026, 5:00 PM |
Candidates should complete the application process before the specified deadline. Applications submitted after 5:00 PM on 30 November 2026 will not meet the notified submission deadline.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Applicants must be citizens of India.
- Candidates should carefully read the complete recruitment notification before applying.
- A valid personal email ID and mobile number must be maintained until the completion of the recruitment process.
- CMD may send written test or proficiency assessment call-letter information through the registered email ID.
- Candidates should regularly check their email inbox and spam or junk folders.
- All relevant application fields must be completed.
- False, fabricated, incorrect or suppressed information may result in rejection of candidature or cancellation of appointment.
- Original documents must support the information submitted in the application.
- Applications with blurred or illegible photographs, signatures or ambiguous experience certificates may be rejected.
- CMD/IHMCT reserves the right to modify or cancel the notification, revise vacancies or discontinue the recruitment process.
- The recruitment authority also reserves the right to determine shortlisting and cut-off criteria.
Serving Defence Personnel: Personnel whose Specific Period of Engagement (SPE) is scheduled to be completed on or before 31 January 2027 are eligible to apply under this recruitment. They must submit the prescribed Serving Defence Personnel Certificate under Annexure-I, where applicable.
Ex-Servicemen: Eligible candidates must upload the prescribed undertaking under Annexure-II and the Discharge Certificate/PPO, if discharged from the Armed Forces.
EWS Candidates: Candidates claiming EWS reservation must upload the prescribed Income and Asset Certificate under Annexure-III. The notification specifies the competent authorities permitted to issue this certificate, including the District Magistrate, Collector, Revenue Officer not below the rank of Tahsildar and other listed authorities.
Help Desk and Contact Information
Candidates facing difficulties while completing the online application may contact the recruitment help desk.
| Help Desk Phone Number | 0471 2320101 |
| Available Time | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Working Days | Monday to Friday |
| Official Website | https://cmd.kerala.gov.in/ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which organization announced IHMCT LDC Recruitment 2026?
The Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (IHMCT), Kovalam, under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, announced the recruitment through CMD Kerala.
2. How many vacancies are available in IHMCT LDC Recruitment 2026?
There are a total of 2 advertised Lower Division Clerk vacancies.
3. What is the educational qualification required for the LDC post?
Candidates must have completed 10+2 or Higher Secondary education, possess a typing speed of 40 WPM and have working knowledge of computers.
4. Is work experience mandatory for IHMCT LDC Recruitment?
No. One year of experience in computer applications as on 01 October 2026 is mentioned as a desirable qualification in the notification.
5. What is the salary for the IHMCT Lower Division Clerk post?
The pay scale is ₹19,900–₹63,200 under Level-2 of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
6. What is the age limit for this recruitment?
The prescribed age limit is 18–28 years as on 01 October 2026. Eligible reserved categories are entitled to age relaxation under Government of India rules.
7. What is the application fee?
The application fee is ₹500 for the General Category and ₹300 for SC/ST candidates. Eligible Ex-Servicemen entitled to reservation are exempted from payment. Applicable transaction charges are additional.
8. What is the last date to apply for IHMCT LDC Recruitment 2026?
The last date for online application submission is 30 November 2026, up to 5:00 PM.
Final Reminder
Interested and eligible candidates should carefully read the official notification and complete their online applications before the deadline.
Make sure that all educational certificates, photographs, signatures and applicable reservation documents are uploaded in the prescribed format. Incomplete or incorrect applications may be rejected.
Last Date to Apply: 30 November 2026, 5:00 PM.
Official Links
| Official Website | Visit Official Website |
| Official Notification PDF | Download Official Notification PDF |
| Apply Online | Apply Online |
