The Kerala Institute of Tourism & Travel Studies (KITTS), under the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, has invited online applications for its Tourist Guide Training and Licence Programme 2026. The programme offers training for State Level Guides and Local Level Guides to improve the quality of tourist services across Kerala.
According to Notification No. CMD/KITTS/01/2026 dated October 19, 2026, eligible candidates can apply for the 9-week State Level Guide training programme or the 4-week Local Level Guide training programme. A total of 168 seats are available across both courses.
Applications must be submitted online by November 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Candidates should check the educational qualifications, age requirements, course fees, selection process and other conditions before applying.
Important: This is a training programme admission notification, not a direct appointment to a government job. Candidates who complete the prescribed training and qualify in the final written examination and viva voce will be considered for the respective guide licence, subject to the applicable rules and procedures.
KITTS Tourist Guide Training 2026: Recruitment Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Kerala Institute of Tourism & Travel Studies (KITTS) |
| Recruiting Authority | Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala |
| Notification Number | CMD/KITTS/01/2026 |
| Notification Date | October 19, 2026 |
| Programme Name | Tourist Guide Training and Licence Programme 2026 |
| Course Categories | State Level Guide and Local Level Guide |
| Total Seats | 168 |
| State Level Guide Seats | 27 |
| Local Level Guide Seats | 141 |
| Training Location | KITTS Headquarters, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | October 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply | November 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM |
| Application Fee | ₹590 plus applicable transaction charges |
| Official Website | https://cmd.kerala.gov.in/ |
| Online Application Link | Apply Online for KITTS Guide Training 2026 |
1. KITTS State Level Guide Training 2026
The State Level Guide training programme is intended for eligible candidates who wish to pursue tourist guiding at the state level. The programme is conducted by the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, through KITTS.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | State Level Guide Training Programme |
| Duration | 9 weeks |
| Number of Seats | 27 |
| Educational Qualification | Any graduation from a UGC-recognised university or institute, OR 10+2 or equivalent with at least six months of regular foreign-language training from a recognised university, approved institution, well-recognised organisation, embassy or its cultural centre. |
| Native Requirement | Must be a native of Kerala |
| Language Requirement | Fluency in English is mandatory |
| Minimum Age | 20 years as on January 1, 2026 |
| Course Fee | ₹32,745, including GST |
State Level Guide Eligibility Criteria
- Educational qualification: Candidates must satisfy either of the two educational qualification routes specified in the notification.
- Graduation route: Any graduation from a UGC-recognised university or institute.
- Foreign-language route: A minimum qualification of 10+2 or equivalent, along with at least six months of regular foreign-language training from an eligible recognised institution or organisation as specified in the notification.
- Kerala domicile/native requirement: Applicants must be natives of Kerala.
- English proficiency: Fluency in English is compulsory.
- Age: Applicants must be at least 20 years old as on January 1, 2026.
Note: The notification does not specify an upper age limit or any age-relaxation provisions in the stated eligibility criteria.
2. KITTS Local Level Guide Training 2026
The Local Level Guide training programme offers candidates an opportunity to receive training for local-level tourist guiding. Candidates must apply under the district quota corresponding to their place of residence.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Local Level Guide Training Programme |
| Duration | 4 weeks |
| Number of Seats | 141 |
| Educational Qualification | SSLC, SSC, CBSE or 10th pass |
| Native Requirement | Must be a native of Kerala |
| Minimum Age | 20 years as on January 1, 2026 |
| Course Fee | ₹20,355, including GST |
Local Level Guide Eligibility Criteria
- Educational qualification: SSLC, SSC, CBSE or 10th pass.
- Kerala native requirement: Applicants must be natives of Kerala.
- Age requirement: Candidates must be at least 20 years old as on January 1, 2026.
- District quota: Candidates must apply only under the quota corresponding to their district of residence.
The notification does not specify a separate mandatory English fluency requirement in the Local Level Guide eligibility table. Candidates should consult the complete official notification for all applicable conditions.
3. District-Wise Local Level Guide Seats 2026
The notification provides 141 Local Level Guide training seats across 14 districts in Kerala. The district-wise distribution is given below.
| Sl. No. | District | Number of Seats |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thiruvananthapuram | 15 |
| 2 | Kollam | 10 |
| 3 | Pathanamthitta | 10 |
| 4 | Alappuzha | 10 |
| 5 | Kottayam | 10 |
| 6 | Idukki | 10 |
| 7 | Ernakulam | 10 |
| 8 | Thrissur | 10 |
| 9 | Palakkad | 10 |
| 10 | Malappuram | 6 |
| 11 | Kozhikode | 10 |
| 12 | Wayanad | 10 |
| 13 | Kannur | 10 |
| 14 | Kasargod | 10 |
| Total Local Level Guide Seats | 141 | |
Important District Quota Instructions
- Local Level Guide applicants must apply under the district quota corresponding to their place of residence.
- Applications submitted under a district quota other than the applicant’s district of residence will be rejected.
- If there is a shortage of applicants in a district, seats may be allocated from the rank list of other districts based on the directions of the Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala.
4. Course Fees and Application Fee
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| State Level Guide Course Fee | ₹32,745, including GST |
| Local Level Guide Course Fee | ₹20,355, including GST |
| Application Fee | ₹590 plus applicable transaction charges |
The application fee is specified as ₹590, plus applicable transaction charges. The notification lists the course fees separately from the application fee. Applicants should check the online application portal for the applicable payment instructions.
The notification does not specify a separate payment method in the extracted fee instructions.
5. KITTS Tourist Guide Training Selection Process
Admission to the training programmes is based on a written test and personal interview. The notification specifies different mark distributions for State Level Guide and Local Level Guide candidates.
State Level Guide Selection Process
| Selection Component | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|
| Knowledge of monuments around the area | 50 |
| Questions on history | 50 |
| General knowledge | 100 |
| Interview | 50 |
| Total | 250 |
- The written-test components account for 200 marks.
- Candidates scoring 50% or above in the written test will be called for the interview.
- The interview carries 50 marks.
- Selection is strictly based on merit.
Local Level Guide Selection Process
| Selection Component | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|
| Knowledge of monuments around the area | 25 |
| Questions on history | 25 |
| General knowledge | 50 |
| Interview | 50 |
| Total | 150 |
- The written-test components account for 100 marks.
- Candidates scoring 50% or above in the written test will be called for the interview.
- The interview carries 50 marks.
- Selection is strictly based on merit.
6. Police Clearance Certificate Requirement
Submission of a valid Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is mandatory for joining the training programme for both State Level Guides and Local Level Guides.
The notification specifies this requirement for joining the programme. Candidates should ensure that they can produce a valid PCC when required.
7. Documents and Scanned Files Required
The notification provides specific instructions concerning photographs, signatures and educational qualification certificates.
Photograph Requirements
- Upload a recent photograph of the candidate.
- The scanned photograph must be less than 200 KB.
- The photograph must be in JPG format only.
Signature Requirements
- Sign on white paper and scan the signature.
- The scanned signature must be less than 50 KB.
- The signature must be in JPG format only.
- The full signature must be uploaded; initials alone are not sufficient.
- Signatures in capital letters are not permitted.
- The signature must be genuine and made by the candidate. Another person must not sign on the candidate’s behalf.
Educational Qualification Certificates
- Upload the original certificate or provisional certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Mark sheets, consolidated mark sheets and statements will not be accepted instead of certificates.
- Applicants with qualifications equivalent to the prescribed qualifications must submit an equivalency certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Applications without the required equivalency certificate will not be considered.
The notification also states that candidates may be required to provide additional documentary evidence supporting their educational qualifications and other eligibility requirements.
8. How to Apply Online for KITTS Tourist Guide Training 2026
Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the online application portal specified in the notification.
- Open the application website: Visit the official application link provided in the notification.
- Read the notification: Review the eligibility conditions for the State Level Guide or Local Level Guide course before beginning the application.
- Select the appropriate course: Choose the course for which you satisfy the prescribed eligibility criteria.
- Check the district quota: Local Level Guide applicants must select the quota corresponding to their district of residence.
- Enter the required details: Complete all relevant fields in the online application form accurately.
- Upload the required files: Upload the photograph, full signature and educational qualification certificate in accordance with the specified requirements.
- Check your information: Verify all entries and uploaded documents before submitting the application. Incomplete or incorrect applications may be rejected.
- Pay the application fee: Pay the prescribed application fee of ₹590 plus applicable transaction charges, following the instructions on the application portal.
- Submit the application: Complete the online submission before November 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM.
- Monitor communications: Keep your registered email address and mobile number active and check your inbox and spam folder for selection-related updates.
Application link: Apply Online for KITTS Guide Training 2026
9. Important Dates for KITTS Guide Training 2026
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | October 19, 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | October 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM |
| Online Application Closes | November 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM |
The notification does not specify the written-test date, interview date, result date or training commencement date. Candidates should monitor official communications for further information.
10. Important Instructions for Applicants
- Applicants must be natives of Kerala.
- Read the complete notification and confirm eligibility before submitting an application.
- Fill in all relevant fields of the online application form.
- Incomplete or incorrect applications will be summarily rejected.
- Information submitted after the application may not be entertained.
- False, fabricated or tampered information, or the suppression of material information, may lead to rejection or cancellation of candidature.
- The qualifications must be from a recognised university, institute or board, as applicable.
- Equivalent qualifications require an equivalency certificate from the competent authority.
- Only original or provisional educational qualification certificates issued by the competent authority are accepted in place of the specified certificates. Mark sheets or statements alone will not be accepted.
- Maintain a valid personal email address and mobile number until the selection process is completed.
- Only shortlisted candidates will receive communications regarding the selection process through email, SMS or phone call.
- Enable email notifications and check spam or junk folders regularly.
- Applications containing blurred or illegible photographs, signatures or ambiguous certificates may be rejected.
- A valid Police Clearance Certificate is mandatory for joining the training programme.
- CMD/KITTS reserves the right to modify or cancel the notification, revise the number of seats, or stop the selection process without assigning a reason.
- Candidates may be debarred for malpractice or fraudulent claims relating to benefits, relaxation or concessions.
11. Official Notification and Website Links
- Online application: https://recruitopen.com/cmd/kitts1.html
- Official website: https://cmd.kerala.gov.in/
The recruitment notification PDF was provided for this article. A separate direct URL for downloading the notification PDF is not specified in the document.
12. Contact Details and Help Desk
Candidates can use the contact details provided in the notification for application-related assistance and programme queries.
Online Application Help Desk
- Phone: 0471-2320101, extensions 237 and 250
- Working hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Working days: Monday to Friday
- Purpose: Assistance with problems encountered while filling out the online application form.
KITTS Training Programme Queries
- Phone: 0471-2329468
- Mobile: +91 8129816664
- Working hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Working days: Monday to Saturday
- Purpose: Queries related to the training programme.
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date to apply for KITTS Tourist Guide Training 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is November 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM.
2. How many seats are available in the KITTS Guide Training Programme?
A total of 168 seats are available: 27 for State Level Guide training and 141 for Local Level Guide training.
3. What is the educational qualification for State Level Guide training?
Candidates must have any graduation from a UGC-recognised university or institute, or a minimum 10+2 or equivalent qualification with at least six months of regular foreign-language training from a recognised or approved institution or organisation as specified in the notification.
4. What is the qualification for Local Level Guide training?
The minimum educational qualification specified is SSLC, SSC, CBSE or 10th pass.
5. What is the minimum age for both courses?
Candidates must be at least 20 years old as on January 1, 2026.
6. Is Kerala nativity mandatory?
Yes. Applicants must be natives of Kerala for both State Level Guide and Local Level Guide training.
7. What is the State Level Guide course fee?
The State Level Guide training course fee is ₹32,745, including GST.
8. What is the Local Level Guide course fee?
The Local Level Guide training course fee is ₹20,355, including GST.
9. What is the application fee?
The application fee is ₹590 plus applicable transaction charges.
10. Is a Police Clearance Certificate mandatory?
Yes. A valid Police Clearance Certificate is mandatory for joining both training programmes.
11. How are candidates selected?
Selection is based on a written test and interview. Candidates who score at least 50% in the written test will be called for the interview. Final selection is strictly merit-based.
12. Can a Local Level Guide applicant apply under any district quota?
No. Applicants must apply under the quota corresponding to their district of residence. Applications submitted under another district’s quota will be rejected.
13. Does this notification guarantee a government job?
No. This notification is for admission to a tourist guide training and licence programme. Successful completion of training and qualification in the final written examination and viva voce may lead to consideration for the relevant guide licence, subject to applicable rules and procedures. Direct government employment is not guaranteed by the notification.
14. Where can I apply online?
Applications can be submitted through the KITTS Guide Training online application portal.
14. Final Reminder
Eligible candidates interested in becoming State Level Guides or Local Level Guides in Kerala should review the complete KITTS notification before applying. Check the educational qualification, age requirement, district quota where applicable, course fee, application fee and document specifications carefully.
Submit the online application before November 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Ensure that all information and uploaded certificates are accurate, as incomplete or incorrect applications may be rejected.
Official application link: Apply Online
Official website: CMD Kerala