IHMCT Recruitment 2026 has been announced by the Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (IHMCT), Kovalam, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The institute invites online applications from eligible candidates for the post of Lower Division Clerk (LDC).
The post carries a Level 2 pay scale of ₹19,900–₹63,200 under the 7th Central Pay Commission. The online application process begins on 31 October 2026 and closes on 30 November 2026 at 5:00 PM. Applications must be submitted online through the prescribed CMD recruitment portal.
IHMCT Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (IHMCT), Kovalam |
| Administrative ministry | Ministry of Tourism, Government of India |
| Recruitment notification | CMD/IHMCT/002/2026 |
| Post name | Lower Division Clerk (LDC) |
| Total vacancies | 2 |
| Educational qualification | 10+2 or Higher Secondary School |
| Typing speed | 40 words per minute |
| Computer knowledge | Working knowledge of computers |
| Desirable experience | One year of experience in computer applications |
| Age limit | 18–28 years as on 1 October 2026, subject to relaxation |
| Pay scale | ₹19,900–₹63,200 |
| Pay level | Level 2, 7th CPC |
| Application mode | Online only |
| Application start date | 31 October 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Last date to apply | 30 November 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Application fee | ₹500 for General; ₹300 for SC/ST; eligible ESM candidates exempt |
IHMCT LDC Vacancy 2026 Details
The notification announces two Lower Division Clerk vacancies. The category distribution shown in the vacancy table is:
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 1 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 1 |
| Total | 2 |
The notification separately states that one vacancy is reserved for the Ex-Servicemen (ESM) category. Since the vacancy table shows UR-1 and EWS-1 while the note separately mentions an ESM reservation, candidates should check the official application portal or contact CMD/IHMCT if they need clarification about the reservation arrangement.
Educational Qualification for IHMCT LDC Recruitment 2026
Applicants must have passed 10+2 or Higher Secondary School to be eligible for the Lower Division Clerk post.
In addition to the educational qualification, candidates must satisfy the following requirements:
- Typing speed of 40 words per minute.
- Working knowledge of computers.
The notification also lists one year of experience in computer applications as a desirable qualification as on 1 October 2026. This experience is desirable and is not listed as a compulsory minimum qualification in the vacancy table.
The prescribed educational qualification must be from a recognised university or institute, where applicable. Candidates claiming an equivalent qualification must provide an equivalency certificate issued by the competent authority.
Age Limit for IHMCT Recruitment 2026
The prescribed age limit for the Lower Division Clerk post is 18 to 28 years as on 1 October 2026.
According to the notification, candidates born between 2 October 1997 and 1 October 2008, both dates inclusive, are eligible to apply under the normal age criteria.
Eligible SC/ST, OBC, PwBD and other categories are entitled to age relaxation in accordance with the applicable Government of India rules and instructions.
Age relaxation for Ex-Servicemen will be governed by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) instructions mentioned in the notification. Candidates claiming relaxation must possess the relevant supporting documents.
IHMCT LDC Salary 2026
The Lower Division Clerk post is placed at Level 2 under the 7th Central Pay Commission.
| Salary particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay level | Level 2 |
| Pay scale | ₹19,900–₹63,200 |
| Pay commission | 7th Central Pay Commission |
The pay scale represents the prescribed salary range for the post. Actual monthly earnings may vary according to applicable allowances, deductions and service rules.
IHMCT Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
Candidates must pay the prescribed application fee through the online payment system. The notification specifies the following fee structure:
| Category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| General category | ₹500 |
| SC/ST category | ₹300 |
| Eligible Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | Exempted from payment |
Transaction charges, if applicable, must be paid in addition to the prescribed application fee.
The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Applications received without the prescribed fee, where payment is required, will be rejected.
Important Dates for IHMCT LDC Recruitment 2026
| Recruitment event | Date and time |
|---|---|
| Notification date | 31 October 2026 |
| Online application begins | 31 October 2026, 10:00 AM |
| Last date for online application | 30 November 2026, 5:00 PM |
The application deadline is 5:00 PM on 30 November 2026. Candidates should complete the online form and payment well before the closing time.
Selection Process for IHMCT Lower Division Clerk Recruitment 2026
The notification states that CMD/IHMCT reserves the right to determine the selection process according to recruitment requirements.
The selection process may include:
- Application screening.
- Criteria-based screening.
- Written test.
- Skill test or proficiency test.
The notification does not confirm a fixed examination schedule or a detailed examination pattern. Only shortlisted candidates will receive communication about the selection process through email, SMS or phone call.
Candidates should regularly check their registered email account, including the spam and junk folders, for updates and instructions from CMD/IHMCT.
Documents Required for IHMCT LDC Application 2026
Applicants should keep the required documents ready before starting the online application. Depending on their category and circumstances, candidates may need the following:
- 10+2 or Higher Secondary educational certificate.
- Relevant computer application experience certificate, if claiming the desirable experience.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Scanned signature.
- SC/ST certificate, where applicable.
- OBC certificate, where applicable.
- EWS certificate in the prescribed format, where applicable.
- Disability certificate, where applicable.
- Ex-Servicemen undertaking and Discharge Certificate or PPO, where applicable.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) for candidates employed in Government or Government undertakings.
Candidates must upload the original certificate or provisional certificate issued by the competent authority as proof of educational qualification. Mark sheets, consolidated mark sheets and statements of marks will not be accepted in place of the required certificate.
Special Instructions for Ex-Servicemen and EWS Candidates
Ex-Servicemen (ESM)
Ex-Servicemen claiming reservation benefits must upload the prescribed undertaking and, where discharged from the Armed Forces, the Discharge Certificate or Pension Payment Order (PPO).
Serving Defence Personnel whose Specific Period of Engagement (SPE) is scheduled to be completed on or before 31 January 2027 are eligible to apply under the conditions specified in the notification. Such applicants must submit the Serving Defence Personnel Certificate in the prescribed format, where applicable.
Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
Candidates claiming EWS reservation must upload the Income and Asset Certificate in the prescribed format attached to the notification.
The certificate must be issued by an authority recognised in the notification, such as the District Magistrate, Collector, Deputy Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Revenue Officer not below the rank of Tahsildar or other specified competent authority.
Applicants should ensure that their certificates are valid and issued in the prescribed format before claiming reservation benefits.
Photograph and Signature Upload Instructions
The notification specifies file-format and size requirements for uploading the photograph and signature.
Photograph
- Upload a recent photograph of the candidate.
- The photograph must be in JPG format.
- The file size must be less than 200 KB.
Signature
- Sign on a white sheet of paper and scan the signature.
- The signature must be in JPG format.
- The file size must be less than 50 KB.
- The complete signature must be visible; initials alone are not sufficient.
- Capital-letter signatures are not permitted.
- The signature must be genuine and made by the candidate personally.
Blurred or illegible photographs and signatures may result in rejection of the application.
How to Apply Online for IHMCT Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates must submit their applications online through the prescribed CMD recruitment portal. Follow these steps:
- Visit the application portal: Open the official recruitment application link provided below.
- Read the notification: Check the educational qualification, typing speed, computer knowledge, age limit and fee requirements.
- Complete the application form: Enter your personal details, educational qualifications and other requested information accurately.
- Enter category details: Select the appropriate category and provide the required information if claiming reservation or age relaxation.
- Upload educational documents: Upload the required original or provisional educational certificate issued by the competent authority.
- Upload photograph and signature: Follow the JPG format and file-size requirements in the notification.
- Upload supporting certificates: Attach EWS, ESM, SC/ST, PwBD or other relevant documents, wherever applicable.
- Pay the application fee: Complete the online payment according to your category. Eligible ESM candidates are exempt from the application fee.
- Review the application: Check all entered information and uploaded documents before final submission.
- Submit the form: Complete the online application before 30 November 2026 at 5:00 PM.
- Save the confirmation: Keep a copy of the submitted application and payment confirmation for future reference.