The Kerala Institute of Tourism & Travel Studies (KITTS), under the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, has invited online applications for its 2026 Tourist Guide Training and Licence Programme. The programme offers training opportunities for candidates interested in becoming State Level Guides and Local Level Guides in Kerala.
According to the latest addendum issued on November 6, 2026, the last date for submitting online applications has been extended to November 23, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Candidates who meet the prescribed eligibility requirements can apply through the official application portal.
A total of 168 training seats are available, including 27 State Level Guide seats and 141 Local Level Guide seats.
KITTS Tourist Guide Training 2026 – Recruitment Overview
| Organization | Kerala Institute of Tourism & Travel Studies (KITTS) |
| Recruiting Authority | Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala |
| Notification Number | CMD/KITTS/01/2026 |
| Addendum Number | CMD/KITTS/01/2026/Addendum-1 |
| Notification Date | October 19, 2026 |
| Addendum Date | November 6, 2026 |
| Programme | Tourist Guide Training and Licence Programme |
| Training Categories | State Level Guide and Local Level Guide |
| Total Training Seats | 168 |
| Training Location | KITTS Headquarters, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| Employment Type | Not applicable – Training and licence programme |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Starting Date | October 19, 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Extended Last Date | November 23, 2026, 5:30 PM |
Vacancy and Training Seat Details
The notification announces two categories of Tourist Guide Training Programmes. The duration and number of available seats differ between the categories.
| Training Category | Duration | Available Seats | Course Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Level Guide | 9 Weeks | 27 | ₹32,745 |
| Local Level Guide | 4 Weeks | 141 | ₹20,355 |
| Total | – | 168 | – |
Note: The above figures represent training seats, not salaried employment vacancies. Both course fees include GST.
Educational Qualifications
1. State Level Guide
Applicants must satisfy either of the following educational qualification requirements:
- Any Graduation from a UGC-recognised University or Institute.
- OR a minimum qualification of 10+2 or equivalent certificate, along with at least six months of regular foreign language course from a recognised University, approved Institution, well-recognised organisation, Embassy or its cultural centre, etc.
2. Local Level Guide
Applicants must possess any of the following qualifications:
- SSLC
- SSC
- CBSE
- 10th Pass
Experience and Additional Eligibility Requirements
The notification does not specify any previous work experience requirement for either training category.
The following additional eligibility conditions are mentioned:
- Applicants must be natives of Kerala.
- Fluency in English is compulsory for State Level Guide applicants.
- Local Level Guide applicants must apply under the district quota corresponding to their place of residence.
- Applications submitted under a district other than the applicant’s district of residence will be rejected.
Salary and Course Fee Details
This notification is for a professional training and licence programme, not direct employment recruitment. Therefore, no salary or monthly remuneration is specified in the notification.
| Course | Course Fee (Including GST) |
|---|---|
| State Level Guide | ₹32,745 |
| Local Level Guide | ₹20,355 |
Application Fee: ₹590 plus applicable transaction charges. This application fee is separate from the course fee.
Age Limit
For both State Level Guide and Local Level Guide training programmes, applicants must be at least 20 years old as on January 1, 2026.
- Minimum age: 20 years
- Maximum age: Not specified in the official notification.
- Age relaxation: Not specified in the official notification.
District-Wise Local Level Guide Seats
The notification provides 141 Local Level Guide training seats across 14 districts in Kerala. Candidates must select the district corresponding to their place of residence.
| Sl. No. | District | 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 | 141 |
If there is a shortage of applicants in a particular district, seats may be allocated to that district from the rank list of other districts, based on the direction of the Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala.
Selection Process
Admission to both training programmes is based on a written test and personal interview. The selection process and marks distribution differ between the two categories.
State Level Guide Selection
| Selection Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Knowledge of monuments around the area | 50 |
| Questions on History | 50 |
| General Knowledge | 100 |
| Interview | 50 |
| Total | 250 |
Only candidates scoring 50% marks or above in the written test will be called for the interview. Selection is strictly based on merit.
Local Level Guide Selection
| Selection Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Knowledge of monuments around the area | 25 |
| Questions on History | 25 |
| General Knowledge | 50 |
| Interview | 50 |
| Total | 150 |
Only candidates scoring 50% marks or above in the written test will be called for the interview. Selection is strictly based on merit.
Licence After Training
According to the notification, candidates who successfully complete the prescribed training and qualify in the final written examination and viva voce will be considered for the respective State Level Guide or Local Level Guide Licence.
Issuance of the licence will be subject to the applicable rules and procedures of the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala.
Police Clearance Certificate
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 training programme.
How to Apply Online
Eligible applicants can submit their applications through the online application portal.
- Visit the official online application portal using the link provided below.
- Select the relevant training category: State Level Guide or Local Level Guide.
- Read the instructions and verify your eligibility before proceeding.
- Fill in all relevant fields in the online application form carefully.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and educational qualification certificates.
- Pay the application fee of ₹590 plus applicable transaction charges.
- Complete the application submission before the extended deadline.
Important: Incomplete or incorrect applications will be rejected. The notification also states that applicants should apply under the correct district quota when selecting the Local Level Guide category.
Documents Required
Applicants should pay attention to the following document and upload requirements mentioned in the notification:
- Latest Photograph: Scanned photograph must be in JPG format and less than 200 KB.
- Signature: Scanned signature must be in JPG format and less than 50 KB.
- Educational Qualification Certificate: Upload the original certificate or provisional certificate issued by a competent authority.
- Equivalency Certificate: Candidates possessing qualifications equivalent to the prescribed qualifications must submit an equivalency certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Police Clearance Certificate: A valid PCC is mandatory for joining the training programme.
Mark sheets, consolidated mark sheets or statements will not be accepted instead of original or provisional educational certificates.
The signature must be genuine, complete and signed by the applicant. Initials alone are not sufficient, and signatures in capital letters are not permitted. No other person may sign on behalf of the candidate.
Important Dates
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Original Notification Date | October 19, 2026 |
| Online Application Starting Date | October 19, 2026 – 10:00 AM |
| Original Application Deadline | November 9, 2026 – 5:30 PM |
| Addendum Issued | November 6, 2026 |
| Extended Application Deadline | November 23, 2026 – 5:30 PM |
Important: The addendum officially extends the application deadline to November 23, 2026, at 5:30 PM. All other terms and conditions of the original notification remain unchanged.
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Applicants must be natives of Kerala.
- Read the complete notification and verify eligibility before applying.
- All relevant fields in the online application must be completed.
- Incomplete or incorrect applications will be summarily rejected.
- False, fabricated or misleading information may lead to cancellation of candidature.
- Educational qualifications must be from a recognised University, Institute or Board.
- Equivalent qualifications require an equivalency certificate from the competent authority.
- Only original or provisional educational certificates are accepted. Mark sheets or consolidated statements are not accepted as substitutes.
- Applicants must maintain a valid personal email address and mobile number throughout the selection process.
- Only shortlisted candidates will receive selection-related communication through email, SMS or phone call.
- Applicants should regularly check their email inbox and spam or junk folders.
- Applications with blurred or illegible photographs, signatures or certificates will be rejected.
- KITTS/CMD reserves the right to modify or cancel the notification, revise the number of seats or discontinue the selection process.
Contact Details and Helpdesk
Applicants can contact the following numbers for assistance:
Online Application Helpdesk:
0471 2320101 – Extensions 237 and 250
Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on working days (Monday to Friday).
KITTS Training Programme Enquiries:
0471-2329468
+91 8129816664
Timing: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many seats are available in the KITTS Tourist Guide Training Programme 2026?
A total of 168 seats are available, including 27 State Level Guide seats and 141 Local Level Guide seats.
2. What is the educational qualification for State Level Guide training?
Candidates must have 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 institution or organisation.
3. Can 10th-pass candidates apply for Local Level Guide training?
Yes. Candidates with SSLC, SSC, CBSE or 10th-pass qualifications are eligible, subject to the other prescribed conditions.
4. What is the minimum age required?
Applicants must be at least 20 years old as on January 1, 2026.
5. What is the course fee for KITTS Tourist Guide training?
The State Level Guide course fee is ₹32,745, while the Local Level Guide course fee is ₹20,355. Both amounts include GST.
6. What is the application fee?
The application fee is ₹590 plus applicable transaction charges.
7. What is the last date to apply for KITTS Tourist Guide Training 2026?
The extended last date is November 23, 2026, at 5:30 PM, as per the addendum dated November 6, 2026.
8. How are candidates selected?
Admission is based on a written test and personal interview. Candidates scoring at least 50% in the written test will be called for the interview. Final selection is strictly merit-based.
Final Reminder
Eligible candidates interested in the KITTS State Level Guide or Local Level Guide Training Programme 2026 should carefully review the official notification and addendum before submitting their applications.
The application deadline has been extended to November 23, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Candidates should ensure that all required information and documents are submitted correctly within the prescribed deadline.
Official Links
| Official Website | Visit Official Website |
| Official Notification PDF (Including Addendum) | Download Official Notification PDF |
| Apply Online | Apply Online |
