PhD in Hospitality: Admission 2025, Syllabus, Eligibility, Subjects, Colleges, Careers

• Updated on  Aug 13, 2025, by Kanishka

PhD in Hospitality is a 3-5 year doctoral-level program for individuals aiming to enhance their expertise in hospitality management, focusing on theoretical, strategic, and analytical aspects of the industry, enabling scholars to investigate complex issues.

 

The eligibility criteria for the Ph D Hospitality are that the candidate must have completed a master’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized university. The admission to the Ph.D Hospitality is based on the valid entrance exam scores in exams like UGC NET/CSIR NET/ JRF/SRF, etc, along with personal interview and group discussion.

 

The average course fees for the Ph.D Hospitality range from INR 50,000 – INR 1,70,000, depending on the type of institute. Some of the best institutes offering the PhD in Hospitality are Amity University Noida and GD Goenka University.

 

Graduates holding a PhD in Hospitality can work as a multidisciplinary professional with expertise in a University Professor, Researcher, Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Analyst, Corporate Training Manager, Hospitality Consultant, Hotel Operations Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, and Technical Writer with various roles. The average salary students can earn after earning a Ph.D. Hospitality ranges between INR 7 LPA – INR 13 LPA.

 

Table of Contents

  1. PhD in Hospitality Highlights
  2. What is a PhD in Hospitality?
  3. Why Pursue a PhD in Hospitality?
  4. Who should study a PhD in Hospitality?
  5. PhD in Hospitality Eligibility Criteria
  6. PhD in Hospitality Entrance Exams
  7. PhD in Hospitality Colleges in India
  8. PhD in Hospitality Admission Process 2025
  9. PhD in Hospitality Syllabus
  10. PhD in Hospitality Vs. PhD in Tourism Management Course Comparison
  11. PhD in Hospitality Job Opportunities in India
  12. PhD in Hospitality FAQs

 

PhD in Hospitality Highlights

Given below are some of the basic course highlights for the Ph.D Hospitality:

Parameters

Details

Course Name

PhD in Hospitality

Course Level

Ph.D

Full form

Philosophy of Doctorate in Hospitality

Duration

3- 5 years

Course Type

Full-Time

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and a master's degree with at least 50% marks from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification

Admission Process

The selections are based on UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DBT and JRF/SRF, or equivalent Score along with personal interview and group discussion.

Course Fees

INR 50000 to INR 1.70 Lakh

Top colleges

Amity University Noida and GD Goneka University Noida

Top roles

University Professor, Researcher, Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Analyst, and Corporate Training Manager

Top recruiters

JNU, Delhi University, EFLU, Visva-Bharati, BHU, Amity University, ICSSR, UGC, ICCR, Institute of Hospitality Language, private think tanks, National Council for Hotel Management, Taj Group

Average Salary Offered

INR 3 LPA to INR 13 LPA

 

What is a PhD in Hospitality?

PhD Hospitality is a doctorate course designed to people who want to develop their skills in hospitality and tourism management. It provides a theoretical, strategic, and analytical approach to the industry and prepares scholars with a skill set to explore more complicated questions such as service innovation, consumer behaviour, sustainability, and global trends in hospitality.

 

Graduates tend to pursue interdisciplinary courses such as management, marketing, economics, and the study of culture. It is suited to academic researchers, university professors, policy advisors, or senior consultants to the hospitality, tourism, and leisure industry.

 

Why Pursue a PhD in Hospitality?

Ph D Hospitality also has a lot to offer both academically, professionally and personally to individuals with an interest in hospitality and tourism industry. Here are some reasons why a student should pursue a PhD in Hospitality:

  • The topics covered by this program include theory and practice of hospitality industry, management of services, customer experience, tourism development, and global trends.
  • Based on critical research and scholarly discourse, researchers may address such practical concerns as sustainability, digital transformation, cultural diversity, and post-pandemic recovery strategies.
  • This enhances analytical and problem-solving abilities that enable them to offer evidence-based solutions and novelties.
  • A Ph.D in Hospitality will also provide high-level career opportunities in academia, research, consultancy, and policy-making.
  • Universities and schools of hospitality all over the world require qualified Ph.D. holders to teach and conduct research, and most multinational hotel chains, tourist boards, and government agencies also appreciate the leadership abilities of Ph.D. holders.

 

Who should study a PhD in Hospitality?

PhD in hospitality is a program that is suited to those interested in enhancing the academic, research, and strategic focus of the hospitality and tourism sector. The following are some considerations on who should pursue a PhD in Hospitality:

  • It is most appropriate to individuals who have an academic background in hospitality management, business, or other hospitality-based areas, who wish to contribute to original research, helping to create the future of the industry.
  • The occupation the program is best suited to is an academic career, research think tanks, a consultant of high rank, or policy making in tourism, hospitality, or service management.
  • It demands close dedication to the academic endeavor, such as data mining, field research, literature search, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
  • It also helps the careers of other professionals who may want to change their profession in the hotel industry and join academics or research-oriented occupations after having some experience in the hotel industry.
  • A PhD in Hospitality may lead to opportunities as a policy advisor in government and international organisations where evidence-based knowledge is important in strategic decision-making on tourism development and service-quality related matters.

 

PhD in Hospitality Eligibility Criteria

Given below are the PhD Hospitality eligibility criteria are as follows:

  • Candidates must hold a master's degree, such as M.Com/MBA in Hospitality Management, with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification.
  • A valid national-level fellowship or entrance exam qualification is usually required, such as UGC NET/CSIR NET/ICMR/DBT and JRF/SRF, or equivalent.
  • Female Ph.D. scholars and persons with disabilities over 40% can receive an additional two-year relaxation, but the total completion period for these cases should not exceed ten years from the date of program admission.

 

PhD in Hospitality Entrance Exams

Given below is the PhD in Hospitality entrance exam, along with the application date and application fees.

Entrances

Application Date

Exam Date

Application Fees

UGC NET 2026

April - May 2026

June 2026

General: INR 1,150

 

OBC-NCL/EWS: INR 600

 

SC/ST/PWD: INR 325

GATE 2026

Late August 2025

February 2026

Female/SC/ST/PWD Candidates Registration Fee: INR 900

 

INR 1800 for all candidates, including foreign nationals

 

Extended registration period with late fee (INR 1400, INR 2300)

CSIR NET 2026

June 2026

July 2026

General/EWS: INR 1150

 

OBC-NCL: INR 600

 

SC/ST/PWD: INR 325

 

PhD in Hospitality Colleges in India

Given below are some of the best colleges offering a Ph D Hospitality in India. Let’s have a looka at them:

Institute Name

Course Name

Location

NIRF Rankings 2024

Course Fees (Approx)

Amity University

PhD in Hospitality

Noida

29th (Management)

INR 50000 (First Year Fees)

GD Goneka University

PhD in Hospitality

Noida

-

INR 1.70 Lakh

 

PhD in Hospitality Admission Process 2025

A PhD in Hospitality can be accessed through either the entrance examination mode or direct admission through a quota. The admission process at the Amity University, Noida, is mentioned below:

 

Step 1: Visit the Amity University, Noida admissions official site and choose the PhD in Hospitality.

 

Step 2: Fill in the online application form with all the necessary details, upload scanned images of your photograph and signature, and pay the application fee online.

 

Step 3: Choose your admission mode: With a valid UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DBT and JRF/SRF, or equivalent Score.

 

Step 4: Complete the application and print it out for your records.

 

Step 5: Appear if the UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DBT and JRF/SRF, or equivalent scores are both valid and received.

 

Step 6: Wait for the release of merit lists: Each UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DBT and JRF/SRF, or equivalent participant has a separate merit list prepared by the Amity University, Noida.

 

Step 7: If shortlisted, go to the official site to see whether you have been selected, and follow the process for admission confirmation.

 

Step 8: Confirm your seat by paying the admission fee.

 

Step 9: Complete the document verification as per the institute's requirements.

 

Step 10: Now, receive the details regarding the commencement of classes after completing the formalities.

 

Documentation Required:

  • 10th and 12th mark sheets.
  • Graduation Marksheets
  • Aadhar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Migration certificate
  • Character certificate
  • School Leaving Certificate
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Signature.
  • Caste Certificate (If any)
  • Income proof

 

PhD in Hospitality Syllabus

The PhD in Hospitality syllabus covers advanced research methodology, strategic hospitality management, service marketing, consumer behaviour, and sustainability in tourism, with a dissertation based on original research in a specialised area. Given below is the syllabus of the PhD in Hospitality from Amity University, Noida

Areas of focus

Description

Advances in Hospitality Operations and Management [Specialisation Elective Courses]

Comprehensive Examination in Hospitality [Mandatory Courses]

Advanced Research Methodology [Core Courses]

Quantitative Applications in Management [Core Courses]

Research and Publication Ethics [Core Courses]

 

PhD in Hospitality Vs. PhD in Tourism Management Course Comparison

Given below is a course comparison between the PhD in Hospitality and the PhDs in Tourism Management

Comparison

PhD in Hospitality

PhD in Tourism Management

Duration

3-5 Years

3-5 Years

Focus

Focuses on advanced studies in service management, hospitality operations, consumer experience, and innovation in the hotel and restaurant sectors.

Emphasises tourism systems, destination management, sustainability, cultural tourism, and policy-making.

Eligibility

To enrol in the PhD in Hospitality course, Candidates must have a Master’s degree in Hospitality or a relevant humanities; an entrance test or interview is commonly required; proven fluency in Hospitality

To enrol in a PhD in Slavic Languages, candidates must have a Master’s degree (or equivalent M.A./M. Phil.. in Tourism, Travel Management, or allied subjects with at least 55% marks

Purpose

Designed for those aiming to become educators, researchers, or leaders in the hospitality industry.

Designed to produce tourism researchers, destination planners, policy advisors, and professors.

Admission

Candidates are selected based on UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DBT, and JRF/SRF, or equivalent scores, along with personal interview and group discussion.

Candidates are selected based on UGC, CSIR, ICMR, DBT, and JRF/SRF, or equivalent scores, along with personal interview and group discussion.

Annual fees

INR 1000 – INR 7000

INR 1000 - INR 7000

Salary offered

INR 5 LPA - INR 10 LPA

INR 5 LPA - INR 13 LPA

Top roles

Graduates often become Hospitality Researchers, University Professors, Corporate Trainers, and Hospitality Consultants.

Tourism Policy Analyst, Travel Researcher, Professor, Destination Development Expert.

Top recruiters

Oberoi Centre, Taj Group, IHMCTs, Marriott, research bodies, and academic institutions.

UNWTO, Ministry of Tourism, Thomas Cook, MakeMyTrip, NIDM, academic & research institutes.

 

PhD in Hospitality Job Opportunities in India

Given below are the job opportunities one can pursue after a PhD in Hospitality.

Roles

Experience Level

Top recruiters

Average Salary

University Professor / Lecturer

1-2 years

JNU, Delhi University, EFLU, Visva-Bharati, BHU, Amity University

INR 8 LPA to INR 10 LPA

Researcher / Postdoctoral Fellow

1-2 Years

ICSSR, UGC, ICCR, Institute of Hospitality Language (DU), private think tanks

INR 8 LPA to INR 10 LPA

Research Analyst (Hospitality)

1-2 Years

National Council for Hotel Management, Taj Group, IHCL Research Division

INR 8 LPA to INR 10 LPA

Corporate Training Manager

1-2 Years

Oberoi Centre for Learning & Development, Marriott India, Accor Hotels

INR 8 LPA to INR 10 LPA

Hospitality Consultant

1-2 Years

Deloitte India (Hospitality Division), KPMG, Ernst & Young

INR 8 LPA to INR 10 LPA

Hotel Operations Manager

1-2 years

ITC Hotels, Radisson Blu, Hyatt Hotels, Lemon Tree Hotels

INR 5 LPA to INR 8 LPA

Quality Assurance Manager

1-2 years

The Leela Palaces, Sarovar Hotels, Club Mahindra

INR 5 LPA to INR 8 LPA

Localisation/Technical Writer

1-2 years

Microsoft India, Oracle, SAP Labs, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Accenture

INR 8 LPA to INR 10 LPA

Tour Guide / Cultural Consultant

1-2 years

MakeMyTrip, Thomas Cook, Indian Tourism Board, private travel agencies

INR 8 LPA to INR 10 LPA

Editor / Proofreader (Hospitality Content)

1-2 years

Sage Publishing, Hospitality News Agencies, Indian publishers, and academic journals

INR 10 LPA to INR 12 LPA

 

PhD in Hospitality FAQs

Can a PhD in Hospitality be pursued part-time or through distance learning in India?

Indian PhD in Hospitality are available as full-time / integrated modules in leading universities with few universities like IGNOU or private universities offering part-time / distance learning under strict UGC guidelines. Distance Ph.Ds usually involve campus visits, research guiding/monitoring and progress reviews thus it is important to ensure that the course is recognized and accredited by UGC.

What are the funding or scholarship options available for a PhD in Hospitality in India?

UGC NET-JRF, ICSSR Doctorate Scholarship, ICMR and CSIR Doctorate Research Projects, ICSSR Databank award, UGC and State Awards, and UGC and State Scholarships may be sponsored to the PhD in Hospitality candidates. Stipends may also be allocated to teaching or research assistant opportunities in the privately owned universities. The candidates belonging to SC/ST, OBC and weaker sections may apply.

How is a PhD in Hospitality different from a professional Doctorate like DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) in Hospitality?

PhD in Hospitality is a highly research-focused advanced academic degree suited to academic work or research professions, involving original research and a dissertation. Another alternate however is a DBA in Hospitality and is a professional doctorate of senior executives within an industry and with concentration on research applications to address issues within the context of an actual business scenario, frequently through case studies and leadership guidelines.

What skills are essential for success during and after a PhD in Hospitality?

A doctorate in Hospitality demands analytical skills, research capabilities, data interpretation, scholarly writing as well as awareness of hospitality operations and customers. It is necessary to have time management skills, presentation, interdisciplinary thinking, and adaptability to digital tools. The experience of post-doctorate leadership, networking, and publication experience are also essential towards gaining academic or high level consultancy jobs.

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