Content Curator | Updated on - Apr 8, 2026

The Ph.D. in Tourism Management at Pondicherry University is a full-time, on-campus doctoral research programme offered through the School of Management. Pondicherry (Puducherry), with its rich French colonial heritage, vibrant tourism industry, and coastal geography, provides an ideal setting for tourism research. The programme covers research areas such as heritage tourism, sustainable tourism, hospitality management, ecotourism, tourism policy, destination management, and tourism marketing. With a minimum duration of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years, the programme is designed for candidates with a background in tourism, hospitality, or management who wish to pursue academic or research careers. The total fees for the programme are approximately Rs. 48,180 for the complete course duration (Humanities/Non-Science category). Admission is through the University Entrance Examination (CBT mode) or through the NET/JRF exempted category.

Admissions for the academic year 2026-27 are currently ongoing. The online application window opened on 19 November 2025 with an original last date of 30 December 2025, which has been extended to 31 March 2026 (11:50 PM). The entrance examination is expected to be conducted in April-May 2026, followed by interviews for shortlisted candidates. With 14 seats available for 2026-27, the programme offers a focused research environment with personalized mentorship.

Key Points

Pondicherry University is uniquely positioned for tourism research given Puducherry's status as a major tourist destination with French heritage, beaches, and spiritual tourism (Auroville).
The programme has a seat intake of 14 for 2026-27 (PHD 142 - Tourism Studies), with reservations: Gen-5, OBC-4, SC-2, ST-1, PH-1, EWS-2.
Research areas include heritage tourism, sustainable and eco-tourism, hospitality management, destination marketing, tourism policy and planning, and rural tourism.
Full-time PhD scholars admitted to University Departments are eligible for a Non-NET Fellowship of Rs. 8,000 per month along with a contingency grant.
The programme follows UGC PhD Regulations 2022 and uses the PU-RAMS system for managing all research activities online.
The School of Management at Pondicherry University is NAAC A+ accredited and has strong industry linkages with the tourism and hospitality sector.

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Fees
Admission
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FAQs

Pondicherry University Latest Updates and News

03 Feb, 2026 Pondicherry University Ph.D Tourism Management Fee Structure 2026 is out. The total academic fee is ₹ 96,655 .

PU Ph.D. (Tourism Management) Fees

The Ph.D. in Tourism Management at Pondicherry University is offered at highly affordable fees, being a Central University. The programme falls under the Humanities/Non-Science category for fee purposes. The initial payment at the time of admission is Rs. 19,430, followed by a subsequent semester-wise payment of Rs. 5,750 per semester. For a typical 3-year (6 semester) PhD, the total fees work out to approximately Rs. 48,180 (excluding hostel). Caution deposit of Rs. 1,000 is refundable on leaving the university.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Initial Payment (at Admission)	Subsequent Semester-wise Payment
Research Fee per annum (Non-Science)	Rs. 2,500	Rs. 2,500
Registration Fee	Rs. 1,000	-
Matriculation Fee	Rs. 500	-
Recognition Fee	Rs. 500	-
Sports Fund	Rs. 250	Rs. 250
Medical Examination / Facilities Fund	Rs. 250	Rs. 250
Library Fund	Rs. 1,000	Rs. 1,000
Amenities Development Fund	Rs. 6,000	-
Students' Welfare Fund	Rs. 250	Rs. 250
Alumni Association Fund	Rs. 500	-
Caution Deposit (Refundable)	Rs. 1,000	-
ICT Fund & Computer	Rs. 1,500	Rs. 1,500
Group Medical Insurance (Full-time only)	Rs. 1,180	-
University Development Fund	Rs. 2,000	-
Total (Humanities - Full Time)	Rs. 19,430	Rs. 5,750 per semester
Total Fees (3 years / 6 semesters approx.)	Rs. 48,180

Caution Deposit of Rs. 1,000 is refundable on leaving the university after clearing all dues.
Differently abled students are exempted from all fees except caution deposit and Group Medical Insurance premium.
SC/ST students eligible for Post-Matric scholarships may pay fees after receiving scholarship amounts (within 90 days of admission).
Late payment fine: Rs. 5 per day for first 10 days; Rs. 10 per day thereafter.
Hostel fees are separate and will be notified by the Hostel Office on the university website for 2026-27.
Hostel accommodation is optional (not mandatory); hostel mess dining is compulsory for hostel residents.

PU Ph.D. (Tourism Management) Admission 2026-27

Pondicherry University admits PhD students in Tourism Management through a University Entrance Examination (CBT mode) for the 2026-27 academic year. The application process is currently active with the deadline extended to 31 March 2026. Candidates with an MBA (Tourism), MTA, MA (Tourism), MTM, or equivalent Master's degree in Hospitality Management with a minimum of 55% marks are eligible to apply. Selection is based on 70% weightage to the entrance exam and 30% to personal interview and academic record.

Admission Dates

Event	Date
Application Window Opens	19 November 2025
Original Last Date to Apply	30 December 2025
Extended Last Date to Apply	31 March 2026 (11:50 PM)
Entrance Examination (CBT)	April - May 2026 (Tentative)
Interview for Shortlisted Candidates	May - June 2026 (Tentative)
Batch Commencement	July 2026 (Tentative)

Relevant Exam Dates

Exam	Event	Date
UGC-NET (Phase 1)	Exam Conducted	December 31, 2025 - January 7, 2026
UGC-NET (Phase 1)	Result Declared	February 4, 2026
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Registration	April 1, 2026 - May 1, 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Exam Date	June 2026 (Tentative)
UGC-NET (Phase 2)	Result	July 2026 (Tentative)

Note: UGC-NET qualified candidates (JRF) are given Preference 1 in PhD admissions and are eligible for the exempted category (no entrance exam required). Candidates who qualify for Assistant Professor eligibility (NET without JRF) are given Preference 2. Candidates appearing in the University Entrance Exam are considered under Preference 3.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold an MBA (Tourism), MTA, MA (Tourism), MTM, Master's degree in Hospitality Management, or MBA with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC/Differently Abled/EWS candidates) from a recognized university.
Final year PG students are also eligible to apply, subject to producing mark sheets/degree certificate before the date notified by the university.
For Part-Time (Internal) PhD: Minimum 2 years of continuous teaching experience at degree/PG level in the subject concerned is required.

Admission Process

Apply online at www.pondiuni.edu.in by the last date (31 March 2026).
Pay application fee: Rs. 1,500 (General/OBC/EWS); Rs. 750 (SC/ST); Nil (PH/Transgender).
Download hall ticket from the university website after the application window closes.
Appear for the Computer Based Test (CBT) - 100 MCQs in 120 minutes; 50% Research Methodology + 50% Subject Specific (Tourism Management); +4 marks for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer.
Candidates scoring 50% or above in the entrance test are eligible to be called for interview.
Attend personal interview and submit a written research proposal at the time of interview.
Final selection based on 70% entrance exam + 30% personal interview and academic record.
Pay admission fees and complete registration formalities upon selection.

PU Ph.D. (Tourism Management) Scholarships 2026-27

PhD scholars in Tourism Management at Pondicherry University can avail multiple fellowship and scholarship options. The university's own Non-NET Fellowship provides Rs. 8,000 per month to all full-time scholars admitted to university departments. UGC-NET qualified candidates with JRF receive significantly higher fellowships, making the programme financially supportive for tourism researchers.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship / Fellowship	Eligibility	Amount	Remarks
Ph.D. Non-NET Fellowship (UGC)	Full-time PhD scholars admitted to PU Departments (without JRF)	Rs. 8,000 per month + Contingency Grant	Scholar must not leave the programme before thesis submission; else full amount to be reimbursed
UGC-JRF Fellowship	UGC-NET qualified with JRF	Rs. 37,000 per month (Year 1-2); Rs. 42,000 per month (Year 3-5)	Awarded by UGC; valid for 5 years
NFOBC / NFSC / MANF Fellowship	OBC/SC/Minority students with national fellowship	As per UGC norms	Treated on par with JRF candidates for admission
SC/ST Post-Matric Scholarship	SC/ST students	As per Government of India norms	Fees can be paid after receiving scholarship (within 90 days)
Differently Abled Fee Exemption	Differently abled students	Full fee exemption (except caution deposit and insurance)	Not applicable if availing Govt. scholarship
ICCR Scholarship	Foreign nationals	As per ICCR norms	For international students

The Non-NET Fellowship is available only to full-time scholars in University Departments (not affiliated colleges).
JRF fellowship amounts are as per UGC norms and are subject to revision.
Scholars must give an undertaking that they will reimburse the Non-NET fellowship amount if they leave the programme before thesis submission.

Pondicherry University Ph.D Tourism Management Ranking

Outlook Ranking

#15 out of 25 in Top Public Colleges in India 2026

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PU Ph.D. (Tourism Management) FAQs

Ques. Why is Pondicherry University a good choice for PhD in Tourism Management?

Ans. Pondicherry University is uniquely positioned for tourism research. Puducherry is one of India's most visited tourist destinations, known for its French colonial heritage, beaches, Auroville (a UNESCO-recognized spiritual township), and wellness tourism. This provides PhD scholars with a live laboratory for research in heritage tourism, sustainable tourism, destination management, and cultural tourism. The School of Management has experienced faculty with expertise in tourism and hospitality research, and the university's NAAC A+ accreditation adds credibility to the degree.

Ques. What are the key research areas available under PhD Tourism Management at Pondicherry University?

Ans. The School of Management at Pondicherry University has active research in: (i) Heritage and Cultural Tourism, (ii) Sustainable and Eco-Tourism, (iii) Destination Marketing and Management, (iv) Hospitality Management, (v) Tourism Policy and Planning, (vi) Rural and Community-Based Tourism, (vii) Medical and Wellness Tourism, and (viii) Tourism and Technology (e-tourism, digital marketing). Candidates are advised to identify a research supervisor with expertise in their area of interest before applying.

Ques. Is an MBA (Tourism) mandatory for PhD Tourism Management, or can candidates with other backgrounds apply?

Ans. The primary eligibility is MBA (Tourism), MTA, MA (Tourism), MTM, or Master's degree in Hospitality Management. A general MBA is also accepted. Candidates with other management or social science backgrounds may be considered if their research interest aligns with tourism. Candidates are advised to check with the School of Management directly for eligibility confirmation if their degree is not explicitly listed.

Ques. What is the seat intake for PhD Tourism Management at Pondicherry University for 2026-27?

Ans. The tentative seat intake for PhD Tourism Studies (PHD 142) for the academic year 2026-27 is 14 seats, distributed as: General - 5, OBC - 4, SC - 2, ST - 1, PH - 1, EWS - 2. The actual intake may vary based on the availability of vacancies with concerned supervisors.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for PhD Tourism Management scholars at Pondicherry University?

Ans. Pondicherry University has 21 hostels on campus, including 4 boys' hostels and 1 girls' hostel specifically for research scholars. However, accommodation is not guaranteed and is subject to availability. Scholars who need hostel accommodation must report to their departments prior to registration and counselling. Hostel fees for 2026-27 will be notified separately on the university website. Dining in the hostel mess is compulsory for hostel residents.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing PhD Tourism Management from Pondicherry University?

Ans. A PhD in Tourism Management from Pondicherry University opens diverse career pathways. Graduates can pursue academic careers as Assistant Professors or Associate Professors in tourism, hospitality, and management schools. They can also work as tourism policy consultants, destination management specialists, and researchers with government tourism bodies (Ministry of Tourism, State Tourism Departments), international organizations (UNWTO, WTTC), and hospitality corporations. The UGC-NET qualification (often obtained before or during PhD) enables teaching positions in colleges and universities.