![Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies - [KITTS]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1428144301Capture123.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS) is a government autonomous institution established in 1988 under the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala. It is affiliated with the University of Kerala and approved by AICTE. KITTS is Kerala’s premier dedicated institution for tourism and travel management education, offering programmes from certificate level to MBA, all focused exclusively on the tourism and travel sector.
KITTS does not appear in the NIRF ranked list. As a specialised government institution, it is not covered by most national ranking bodies.
The campus is located at Residency Compound, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala. The central location in Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital and a key tourism hub, gives KITTS direct access to the Kerala tourism ecosystem.
- MBA in Travel and Tourism (2 years) - Flagship, AICTE approved, University of Kerala affiliated
- BBA Tourism Management (3 years) and B.Com Tourism and Travel Management (3 years) - University of Kerala affiliated
- PG Diploma in Public Relations (1 year)
- Diploma in Airport Management Services and Diploma in Logistics Management
- Certificate courses in Travel and Tourism Consultant and Airport Management
The total fee for MBA in Travel and Tourism is INR 1,80,000 (INR 45,000 per semester over 4 semesters). BBA Tourism total fee is INR 78,400 and B.Com Tourism total fee is INR 78,400 for 3 years. As a government institution, KITTS maintains one of the lowest fee structures for tourism management programmes in India.
KITTS alumni work across tourism boards, travel agencies, airlines, luxury hotels, and international tour operators. The institution has strong industry linkages with the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) and private sector tourism companies in Kerala.
KITTS Admission Dates 2026
KITTS manages three distinct admission streams: MBA (through KMAT Kerala or CMAT followed by GD-PI), UG programmes (through merit and Kerala University CET), and short-duration diplomas and certificate courses (direct admission). The 2026-27 MBA application window closed on September 30, 2026. GD and PI for shortlisted candidates will follow.
| Event | 2026-27 Date / Status |
|---|---|
| KMAT Kerala Session 1 Exam | Feb 22, 2026 |
| KMAT Kerala Session 2 Exam | May 31, 2026 |
| MBA 2026-27 Application Deadline | Sep 30, 2026 (Closed) |
| MBA GD and PI Rounds | To be announced |
| BBA Tourism and B.Com Tourism 2026-27 | Regular admissions concluded (Jul 2026) |
| Management Quota UG Seats | May still be available (contact 0471-2329468) |
| Diploma and Certificate Programmes | Direct admission, round the year |
The table below shows the entrance exam accepted per programme at KITTS for the 2026-27 cycle.
| Programme | Admission Route |
|---|---|
| MBA Travel and Tourism | KMAT Kerala or CMAT, then GD + PI at KITTS |
| BBA Tourism / B.Com Tourism | 10+2 merit-based / management quota direct |
| PG Diploma in Public Relations | Graduation merit-based / direct |
| Diploma and Certificate Courses | Direct admission (contact kittsedu.org) |
KITTS Courses and Fees
All KITTS programmes are focused on the tourism, travel, and hospitality sector. The fee structure is subsidised by the Government of Kerala, making KITTS significantly more affordable than private tourism management colleges.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA - Travel and Tourism | 2 years (4 semesters) | Graduation with 50% aggregate | INR 1,80,000 (INR 45,000/semester) |
| BBA Tourism Management | 3 years | Class 12 from recognised board | INR 78,400 |
| B.Com Tourism and Travel Management | 3 years | Class 12 from recognised board | INR 78,400 |
| BBA (General) | 3 years | Class 12 from recognised board | INR 63,280 |
| PG Diploma in Public Relations | 1 year | Graduation in any stream | INR 12,000 |
| Diploma in Airport Management Services | Short duration | Class 12 or equivalent | INR 6,000 |
| Diploma in Logistics Management | Short duration | Class 12 or equivalent | INR 6,000 |
| Certificate - Travel and Tourism Consultant | Short duration | Class 12 or equivalent | INR 15,400 |
| Certificate - Airport Management | Short duration | Class 12 or equivalent | INR 1,667 |
The MBA fee includes an INR 400 application fee (non-refundable) and an INR 1,000 refundable caution deposit. MBA students also have the option to pursue international language certifications in German and French as part of the programme.
KITTS Admission Process
KITTS manages all admissions directly. There is no PGCET or Kerala University centralised seat allocation for KITTS seats. The MBA follows a two-stage selection process.
MBA Admission
Eligibility requires a graduation degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. Final-year students may apply provisionally. The selection process is as follows:
- Obtain a valid KMAT Kerala 2026 (Session 1 or Session 2) or CMAT score
- Apply online at kittsedu.org with supporting documents
- Pay the application fee of INR 400 (non-refundable)
- Attend Group Discussion at KITTS campus, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram
- Attend Personal Interview at KITTS (online or in-person)
- Pay INR 45,000 for Semester 1 to confirm the seat
MBA specialisations offered are Travel and Tour Operations, Hospitality Management, and Systems. Students can also opt for international language certificate training in German and French.
BBA and B.Com Admission
BBA Tourism, B.Com Tourism and Travel Management, and the general BBA programmes admit students on merit based on Class 12 marks. Minimum eligibility is a pass in 10+2 from a recognised board. Management quota seats are available through direct application to the KITTS admissions office.
Diploma and Certificate Admission
All diploma and certificate programmes at KITTS admit students through direct application. Eligibility varies by programme. Contact the KITTS admissions office at 0471-2329468 or visit kittsedu.org for batch schedules and current availability.
KITTS Placements and Career Outcomes
KITTS Thiruvananthapuram operates under the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, giving it direct industry access to Kerala’s robust tourism ecosystem. MBA and BBA graduates from KITTS take roles in travel agencies, tour operations, airline ground services, hotel front office, tourism boards, and event management companies.
Key employment sectors for KITTS graduates include:
- Tourism Boards and Government Bodies: Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), India Tourism, Ministry of Tourism
- Travel Agencies and Tour Operators: Domestic and inbound Kerala-focused travel companies
- Airlines and Airport Services: Ground staff, passenger handling, airport management roles
- Hospitality: Front office, reservations, and guest relations at hotels across Kerala
- Logistics and Freight: Logistics management diploma graduates enter freight and supply chain roles
KITTS does not publish individual placement statistics publicly. For the current placement record and campus recruitment details, contact the placement cell at info@kittsedu.org or 0471-2329468.
KITTS Campus and Infrastructure
KITTS is located at Residency Compound, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram, in the heart of the state capital. The central location provides easy access to Thiruvananthapuram’s tourism industry, the Trivandrum International Airport, and the Kerala Tourism Department offices.
The campus houses dedicated classrooms, a library with tourism and hospitality reference materials, computer labs, and seminar facilities. The proximity to tourism sector companies and government bodies facilitates guest lectures, industry visits, and internship placements. As a government institution, KITTS does not charge commercial fees and focuses on accessible, sector-specific education.
KITTS vs Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management vs Christ University
Aspirants pursuing a career in tourism management compare KITTS with Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) at the national government level and with Christ University (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, which offers tourism management programmes. The key differentiators are government backing, fee structure, location, and programme focus.
| Parameter | KITTS Thiruvananthapuram | IITTM (National) | Christ University Bangalore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Government (Kerala Tourism) | Government (Central) | Private deemed university |
| Location | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | Gwalior + other campuses | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Specialisation | Tourism and Travel only | Tourism and Travel Management | Tourism management within BBA/MBA |
| MBA Total Fee | INR 1,80,000 | Verify at official site | Higher (private institution) |
| Admission Route | KMAT Kerala / CMAT + GD/PI | MAT / CAT / ATMA / state CET | CUET / direct |
| Certification | University of Kerala / AICTE | Central university affiliated | Deemed university |
KITTS stands out for its government-subsidised fee structure and exclusive focus on tourism. IITTM offers a national-level government brand with campuses across India. Christ University provides a private university setting with a broader academic ecosystem. Aspirants focused on Kerala’s tourism sector may find KITTS the most targeted option.
KITTS FAQs
Ques. What is the fee for MBA in Travel and Tourism at KITTS?
Ans. The total fee for the 2-year MBA Travel and Tourism programme at KITTS is INR 1,80,000, payable as INR 45,000 per semester over four semesters. An application fee of INR 400 (non-refundable) and a caution deposit of INR 1,000 (refundable) are also charged. This is among the lowest fees for an AICTE-approved MBA in tourism in India.
Ques. Which entrance exams does KITTS accept for MBA admission?
Ans. KITTS accepts KMAT Kerala (both Session 1 and Session 2) and CMAT scores for MBA Travel and Tourism admission. After shortlisting, candidates attend a Group Discussion and Personal Interview at the KITTS campus in Thiruvananthapuram. Minimum eligibility is graduation with 50% aggregate marks.
Ques. Is KITTS a government college?
Ans. Yes. Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS) is a government autonomous institution established in 1988 under the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala. It is affiliated with the University of Kerala and approved by AICTE. The government backing reflects in its low fee structure compared to private tourism management colleges.
Ques. What BBA Tourism programmes are available at KITTS?
Ans. KITTS offers BBA Tourism Management and B.Com Tourism and Travel Management, both 3-year University of Kerala affiliated programmes. Total fee for each is INR 78,400. Regular 2026-27 admissions have concluded. Management quota seats may still be available. The next regular cycle opens in May 2027.
Ques. What short-duration programmes does KITTS offer?
Ans. KITTS offers Diploma in Airport Management Services (INR 6,000), Diploma in Logistics Management (INR 6,000), PG Diploma in Public Relations (INR 12,000), Certificate in Travel and Tourism Consultant (INR 15,400), and Certificate in Airport Management (INR 1,667). Direct admission is available round the year. Contact 0471-2329468 or email info@kittsedu.org for batch schedules.
Ques. Where is KITTS located?
Ans. KITTS is located at Residency Compound, Thycaud P.O., Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala. The campus is in the heart of the state capital, close to the Trivandrum International Airport and the Kerala Tourism Department. Contact: 0471-2329468 or visit kittsedu.org.
Ques. What careers can KITTS MBA graduates pursue?
Ans. KITTS MBA graduates in Travel and Tourism work in travel agencies, tour operations, hotel management, airline ground services, tourism boards such as KTDC, event management companies, and government tourism departments. The programme includes optional German and French language certification, adding value for careers in international tourism.
Ques. Is KITTS Thiruvananthapuram AICTE approved?
Ans. Yes. KITTS Thiruvananthapuram is approved by AICTE for its MBA in Travel and Tourism and is affiliated with the University of Kerala. It is a government autonomous institution under the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, and has been operational since 1988.
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Comments
Found 4 Comments
The Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, is located at Residency Compound, Thycaud P.O., Thiruvananthapuram - 695014, Kerala, India
The Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS) in Thiruvananthapuram specializes in tourism and travel education, offering programs such as BBA and B.Com with a focus on Tourism and Travel Management. Currently, KITTS does not offer a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) program with a specialization in tourism.
Yes, you can pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Travel and Tourism Management after completing your +2 with a score of 76% from the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS), Thiruvananthapuram. Most colleges offering this program require candidates to have completed their higher secondary education (12th grade) with a minimum percentage, and your score meets this criterion.
Admission starting date
Kindly contact on KITTS Contact number- 9446529467 to know the admission dates.