Team1 · August 10, 2026 
Introduction
So you’ve discovered BA Tourism & Himalayan Studies through CUET UG, and now you’re staring at two names on your list — Doon University, Dehradun and HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar. Both sit in the mountains of Uttarakhand. Both seem like solid choices. And both are leaving you a little confused about which one to actually pick.
You’re not alone. Every year, hundreds of students who fill in CUET BA Tourism & Himalayan Studies as their preferred programme get stuck at exactly this crossroads. This blog is going to break it all down for you — the courses, the fees, the campus vibe, the career options, and everything in between — so you can walk away with a much clearer head.
What Is BA Tourism & Himalayan Studies?
Let’s be honest. When a lot of students first hear “BA Tourism,” they picture something light — like learning to plan holidays for a living. But this course, especially with the Himalayan Studies component, goes much deeper than that.
It blends tourism management with the geography, ecology, culture, and history of the Himalayan region. You study how ecosystems work, how communities depend on tourism, and how sustainable development can protect these fragile mountain landscapes. You learn about heritage, pilgrimage routes, adventure tourism, and regional policy. In short, it prepares you to work in one of the most unique and growing sectors in India — Himalayan tourism — with actual knowledge of the terrain, not just the theory.
India’s tourism sector is one of the fastest-growing in the world, and the Uttarakhand government alone has been investing heavily in eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism corridors. A degree that specifically focuses on this region puts you a step ahead of general tourism graduates when it comes to opportunities here.
How Does CUET UG Work for This Programme?
CUET (Common University Entrance Test) is a standardized test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate programmes in universities across India, and it is mandatory for all 45 central universities.
Eligibility & Subject Requirements
For BA Tourism & Himalayan Studies at both Doon University and HNB Garhwal:
- You need to have passed Class 12 from any recognised board
- Doon University requires a minimum of 50% in Class 12 (45% for reserved category students from Uttarakhand), as per their official admission notification (doonuniversity.ac.in)
- HNB Garhwal University requires a minimum of 40–45% in Class 12 for general category, with relaxation for reserved categories as per Government of India rules (hnbgu.ac.in)
For CUET, candidates who wish to get admission to BA in Tourism Management need to select Tourism as the domain-specific subject while applying for the exam. The CUET Tourism paper includes 50 questions, of which candidates need to attempt 40, covering topics like Travel & Tour Operations, Transport Networks, Itinerary Planning, Tour Packaging, and Global Distribution Systems.
CUET Score Acceptance
This is where the two universities differ significantly:
- HNB Garhwal University offers admission to candidates mainly based on CUET scores. The university accepts CUET-UG for BTech, BA, BPharm, and other UG courses, and seat allotment is done via CUET counselling after the merit list is released. You can apply through their CUET-UG portal at hnbgucuet.samarth.edu.in
- Doon University, on the other hand, primarily conducts its own entrance exam for most BA programmes. All applicants, including those belonging to reserved categories, are required to appear in the Doon University entrance test. If received applications are less than the total intake in any course, the entrance test may not be conducted and admission may be given on the basis of marks obtained in the qualifying exam. Check their official admissions page at doonuniversity.ac.in for the latest updates.
What this means for you practically: If you’re appearing for CUET UG and Tourism is your domain subject, HNB Garhwal directly uses that score. For Doon University, you may need to separately appear for their entrance test as well. Always verify the latest admission mode on the official university website before applying.
Have Any Doubts?
Doon University — A Closer Look
About the University
Doon University was established in 2005 and is located in the lush green Shivalik range of Uttarakhand. The university has a campus area of 22.26 acres and is a State Government University. It is recognised by the UGC and accredited with an ‘A’ grade by NAAC, which is a good indicator of academic quality.
The university has built a reputation for being one of the more progressive public universities in the state — with a strong push for research, interdisciplinary learning, and environmental studies. Interestingly, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change awarded Doon University Himalayan Fellowships worth Rs. 2.39 crore under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS), which says a lot about the university’s commitment to Himalayan research.
Course Structure & Highlights
The BA programme at Doon University follows a semester-based system, integrating classroom learning with field exposure. Given its proximity to Dehradun — the gateway to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and the Char Dham circuit — students have real-world tourism corridors practically at their doorstep for case studies and internships.
The curriculum generally covers: tourism geography, heritage tourism, hospitality basics, Himalayan ecology, travel agency management, and tourism policy. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme means you’re not just learning tourism — you’re learning about the region it sits in.
Fees, Seats & Admission
Doon University BA fees (tuition) range from INR 42,000 to INR 60,000 for the entire duration. Apart from the tuition fee, there is a one-time admission fee of INR 7,000, and a hostel fee of INR 48,000 for students requiring residential accommodation.
Doon University follows the policy of the Uttarakhand State Government for seat reservation. 50% of seats are filled on an all-India basis, while the remaining 50% are reserved for students from Uttarakhand.
Key numbers to remember:
- Application fee: INR 800 (General) | INR 400 (SC/ST)
- Mode: Online at doonuniversityadm.samarth.edu.in
- Admission: Through Doon University Entrance Test (CBT format)
HNB Garhwal University — A Closer Look
About the University
Nestled in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, HNB Garhwal University is a residential and affiliating institution. It has jurisdiction over seven districts of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, with three campuses located at Birla Campus (with its extension at Chauras Campus) in Srinagar Garhwal, B. Gopal Reddy Campus in Pauri, and Swami Ram Teerth Campus in Tehri.
Here’s the key distinction — HNB Garhwal is a Central University, which means it is funded by the central government and comes under the UGC’s direct purview. It was established in 1973 and is NAAC accredited with an ‘A’ grade and is ranked 22nd in the overall category by IIRF.
The fact that it is a central university also means the fees are significantly lower — a huge factor for many students and parents.
Course Structure & The Himalayan Advantage
In addition to conventional courses, HNB Garhwal also offers regionally relevant courses tailored to the needs of the mountainous areas. The Tourism programme here isn’t taught with a textbook-only approach — you’re literally surrounded by what you’re studying. The Chauras and Srinagar campuses sit along the Alaknanda River, with the Himalayas as a backdrop. Field trips, river valley studies, and cultural immersion are practically built into the geography.
HNBGU also offers a Post Graduate Diploma in Tourism and Hoteliering and an MBA in Tourism, which means if you begin your BA here, you have a clear academic ladder to climb within the same university ecosystem.
Fees, Seats & Admission
For undergraduate programmes at HNBGU, fees typically range between ₹2,625 to ₹48,500 per year, and for MA programmes, the total fees are approximately ₹7,300 for two years. The BA programme fees are among the most affordable you’ll find at a NAAC-accredited central university in India.
HNBGU admission 2025-26 through CUET ensures a fair and transparent process. The course fee ranges between Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 60,000 for the whole course, and the application fee is INR 300.
Counselling sessions take place at three campuses: Pauri, Tehri, and Srinagar, and candidates can apply for any campus using the form on the university portal.
Key numbers to remember:
- Apply via CUET UG scores at hnbgucuet.samarth.edu.in
- Application fee: INR 300 (General)
- Minimum eligibility: 40–45% in Class 12
Have any doubts?
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Parameter | Doon University | HNB Garhwal University |
|---|---|---|
| University Type | State Government University | Central University |
| Established | 2005 | 1973 |
| NAAC Grade | A | A |
| Location | Dehradun, Shivalik foothills | Srinagar Garhwal, Alaknanda Valley |
| Admission Mode | Own Entrance Test (CBT) | CUET UG Score |
| BA Fees (Total) | ~INR 42,000–60,000 | ~INR 7,000–48,500 |
| Himalayan Research | NMHS Fellowship funded | Himalayan Studies integrated into curriculum |
| Campus Environment | 22.26-acre campus, urban proximity | Multi-campus, deeply immersive Himalayan setting |
| Tourism PG Options | MA programmes available | MBA Tourism, PG Diploma in Tourism & Hoteliering |
| 50% Seat Reservation | Uttarakhand state students | As per Government of India norms |
Career Scope After BA Tourism & Himalayan Studies
This is the question that really matters, right? “What do I actually do after this degree?”
The good news is that this isn’t a degree that leads you into a narrow box. The career paths are genuinely wide.
- Jobs you can directly pursue after graduation: A graduate can work as a travel consultant, tour operator, tour guide, or travel desk executive in agencies, hotels, and tourism boards. They can also work as event coordinators, destination managers, and airline service staff, and find careers in government tourism departments, cruise lines, and heritage management. Graduates can also build careers as travel bloggers, vloggers, and tourism marketers.
- Government sector opportunities: They are particularly strong for students with a Himalayan Studies specialisation. Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, the Ministry of Tourism’s regional offices, National Mission on Himalayan Studies projects, and forest department eco-tourism initiatives all look for graduates with this specific regional knowledge.
Higher education options after your BA:
- MA in Tourism or Himalayan Studies (available within both universities)
- MBA in Tourism & Travel Management
- PG Diploma in Tourism and Hoteliering (HNB Garhwal offers this in-house)
- Research programmes and fellowships in Himalayan ecology and heritage
Having a legitimate IATA certification alongside your degree will be an absolute advantage in international placements, especially in the absence of foreign language skills.
Which University Should You Choose?
There’s no universal answer — and anyone who gives you one without knowing your situation isn’t being honest with you. But here’s a practical way to think about it:
Choose Doon University if:
- You want a university that is close to Dehradun’s growing tourism and hospitality industry ecosystem
- You’re comfortable with Doon University’s own entrance exam process
- You value the NMHS-funded Himalayan research environment
- You prefer an urban campus setting with easy connectivity
Choose HNB Garhwal University if:
- You want the full Himalayan immersion experience — not just studying about mountains but living among them
- You want to use your CUET UG Tourism score directly for admission
- Budget is a key consideration (significantly lower fees as a central university)
- You want a longer academic track within the same university (BA → MBA Tourism in-house)
- You are drawn to the idea of a university with 50 years of mountain education heritage
How Career Plan B Helps
Career Plan B supports students in building a complete academic and career roadmap beyond just university selection:
- Personalized Career Counselling: Helps students understand whether a course truly aligns with their strengths and long-term goals.
- Psycheintel & Career Assessment Tests: Provides psychometric insights to guide informed, best-fit decisions.
- Admission & Academic Profile Guidance: Assists in building a strong, standout profile and making strategic application choices.
- Career Road mapping: Connects current decisions to future outcomes—so students don’t just choose a university, but a direction.
For Latest Information
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is BA Tourism & Himalayan Studies a good career choice or is it too niche?
It is niche — but that’s exactly what makes it valuable. With India’s adventure tourism, pilgrimage tourism, and eco-tourism sectors booming in the Himalayan region, graduates with this specific combination of skills are genuinely sought after in both government and private sectors. - What CUET subject should I select for Tourism admission at HNB Garhwal?
You need to select Tourism as your domain-specific subject in the CUET UG application. The CUET Tourism paper covers topics like Travel & Tour Operations, Transport Networks, Itinerary Planning, Tour Packaging, and Global Distribution Systems, with 50 questions of which 40 need to be attempted. - What is the minimum percentage required for admission to BA at Doon University? Candidates should have passed Class 12 in any stream with a minimum of 50% (45% for reserved categories from Uttarakhand).
- Does HNB Garhwal University offer MBA Tourism too?
Yes. HNB Garhwal University offers a two-year MBA programme in Tourism & Travel Management, which makes it a great option if you want to build your entire academic track within one institution. - Are hostels available at both universities?
Yes, both universities offer separate hostel accommodation for boys and girls, subject to availability. Hostel fees are charged separately. Check the respective official websites for current hostel fee structures.
Have Any Doubts?
Conclusion
At the end of the day, both Doon University and HNB Garhwal University are credible, NAAC-accredited institutions that offer a genuinely interesting path for students who love mountains, travel, and the idea of building a career in a space that combines the two. One gives you the energy of Dehradun and the urban academic environment; the other gives you the Himalayas as your classroom and a 50-year-old central university legacy backing your degree.
What matters most is that you choose the one that fits your goals, your learning style, and your financial reality — not just the one that sounds better on paper. If you’re still unsure, that’s completely okay. That’s what career guidance is for. Take your time, do your research, and don’t let anyone rush a decision that shapes the next three years of your life.
