Career in Food Technology: Courses, Admission, Jobs & Salary

Food technology is the science that combines the technique and process involved in preserving, processing, packaging, preservation and distribution of food.

Food Technology deals with the study of biology, chemistry, engineering and nutrition to ensure safety, quality and innovation in food products.

Candidates who have completed their 12th in the science stream are eligible to pursue various diploma or undergraduate courses in Food Technology.

This field is also ideal for individuals passionate about technology, nutrition, and agro-based products. A bachelor’s degree in Food Technology is an excellent choice for those seeking to build a career in this dynamic and innovative industry.

Food Technology An Overview

Food technology is the branch of food science and engineering and focuses on the processing, preservation, packaging, and quality control of food products.

In the past, food technology was primarily focused on preserving food and enhancing its flavour and colour. However, with advancements in science and engineering, this technology has evolved to include processes like drying, decaffeination, the development of self-cooking foods, and various research applications in food science.

What does a Food technologist do?

A food technologist plays a vital role in the food industry by working on the development, production and ensuring the quality of food products.

Candidates need to have strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology and engineering to make a career in this field. Some of the key responsibilities of a food technologist include:

• Research and Development (R&D)
• Food Safety
• Processing and Prevention
• Quality Control & Assurance
• Product Development 
• Supply Chain Support
• Regulatory Compliance

Professionals in food technology focus on developing methods for food manufacturing and preservation to ensure safety and hygiene. Their work includes enhancing the color, flavor, and resistance of food products against natural threats such as microorganisms and toxins.

Course & Duration

Candidates who are interested in food technology can pursue various courses from a polytechnic to a UG degree course.

Many colleges and universities in India offer diploma, B.Sc, B.Tech, M.Sc and M.Tech related courses. Below is the list of popular courses in the field of food technology.

There are four types of programmes in the field of food technology in India. They are described as follows:

1. Polytechnic diploma course with the duration of 3 years after 10+2 examination

• Diploma Course in Food Analysis and Quality Assurance
• Diploma in Food Science Technology
• Diploma in Food Science, Preservation and Management

2. UG degree courses leading to the B.Sc and B.Tech with the duration of 4 years after 10+2 examination

• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Food Technology
• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Food Science
• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Food and Nutrition
• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Food Preservation
• Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Food Engineering

3. PG degree courses leading to the M.Sc and M.Tech with the duration of 2 years after the completion of UG degree in engineering.

• Master of Science (M.Sc) in Food Science
• Master of Science (M.Sc) in Food Technology
• Master of Science (M.Sc) in Food and Fermentation Technology and Food Science
• Master of Science (M.Sc) in Food and Nutrition
• Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Food Technology

4. Doctoral degree courses leading to the PhD domain with the duration of 3-5 years after the completion of PG degree.

In these courses, the students are taught about the engineering and science techniques and activities which are involved in food processing, fermentation, preservation, microbiology, analytical chemistry, home science and flavor & color index.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the eligibility requirement for admission to UG and PG courses. Below we have given the eligibility criteria for admission to various courses.

Diploma Programs in Food Technology

For pursuing diploma courses, generally science subjects are preferred. Below are the eligibility requirements for admission to diploma programs in food technology or related discipline:

• Completion of 10th grade with a minimum of 50% marks (varies by institution).
• Some programs may accept candidates who have completed 12th grade (science stream preferred).

Undergraduate (UG) Programs in Food Technology

• Completion of 12th grade or equivalent with a science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics).
• A minimum aggregate of 50–60% marks

Postgraduate (PG) Programs in Food Technology

• A bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemistry, or related fields.
• Minimum aggregate of 50–60% marks in UG.

Admission Process

The admission in food technology courses is based on entrance exams scores. Candidates have to qualify the entrance exams and appear in the counselling process.

For admission in diploma programmes and the UG degree leading to the B.Tech and the B.Sc degree courses, the candidate must have passed the plus two examinations/12th class/10+2 with the minimum of 50% with science subjects including chemistry, mathematics, physics, biology.

Some of the top entrance examination for admission to food technology programmes are given below:

• JEEP 2025 (Joint Entrance Examination Polytechnic)
• GATE 2025 (Graduate Aptitude Test Examination)
• CFTRI (Central Food Technological Research Institute Entrance Examination)
• IICPT (Indian Institute of Crop Processing Technology Entrance Examination)

For admission in diploma courses leading to the polytechnic diploma, the candidates must have to appear in the state level polytechnic entrance examination, and for admission to UG programme like B.Tech or B.Sc, the candidates must have to appear in JEE Main 2025  or CUET UG 2025.

Many colleges or universities conduct their own entrance examinations. This is mostly common in private universities which generally consider a university level exam or board percentage marks for admission to their UG programs.

The admission is based on the minimum 50% marks in the qualifying examination and the score in the entrance examination, followed by the counseling and personal interview.

For admission to PG programmes, the students need to attain the GATE entrance examination after the completion of UG degree in the same or related field.

Food Technology Specialization

The specializations in the field of food technology are as the following:

• Food Processing and Preservation
• Dairy Technology
• Food Safety and Quality Assurance
• Packaging Technology
• Bakery and Confectionery Technology

Jobs & Career

India is a growing country in order to the food industries. There are around 500 million high and medium class consumers and any industry that is involved in the food sector, do not want to spoil the opportunity to grab the consumers. That’s why the demand of food technologist is increasing day by day in India.

A professional in the field of food technology can find employment in the field of food manufacturing plant, research and development labs, catering companies, food whole sellers, restaurant and hospitals.

People can choose the area of their working as per the interest of their subject. Some of the regulatory positions are also available by the introduction of new food law. There is a big opportunity to work with across the countries with multinational companies.

Job Profiles

Some of the job profiles in the field of food technology are as the following:

• Food Technologists
• Organic Chemists
• Biochemists
• Analytical Chemists
• Home Economists
• Engineers
• Research Scientists
• Managers
• Accountants
• Senior Food Technologist
• Head Engineer
• Production Manager
• Assistant General Manager
• Senior Manager

Recruiters

Some of the reputed recruiters in the field of food technology are as the following:

• Amul
• Dabur India Ltd
• Godrej Industrial Limited
• PepsiCo India Holdings
• Britannia Industries Ltd
• Nestle India Pvt Ltd
• ITC Limited
• Agro Tech Foods
• Parle Products Pvt Ltd
• Perfetti India Ltd
• Cadbury India Ltd
• FSSAI
• Ministry of Food Processing Industries

Salary

After completing the course, candidates can find the employment opportunities food processing industries, health and nutrition companies, beverage and dairy industries, research and development (R&D) etc.

As a fresher graduate one can start their career with INR 4 lakh to 5 lakh per annum. After getting few years of experience, candidate may go reach upto 6 lakh to 10 lakh per annum.

Candidates can find employment opportunities in both public and private sector companies. In government sector, the job profile are of food inspector, regulatory officer, food analyst etc.

The salaries in the government jobs are as per the norms decided by the government.

Graduates can also work as a scientist, researcher or as a Lecturer/Professor in the educational institutions.

Professionals working with the top MNC’s in the R&D roles or in senior management positions earn handsome salaries often ranging between INR 15 to 25 lakh per annum.

Books

Some of the preferred books and references are as the following:

• Food Process Engineering and Technology by Zeki Berk
• Food borne Infections and Intoxications by J. Glenn Morris, Morris Potter
• Food Preservation Process Design By Dennis Held man
• Sensory Evaluation Practices By Herbert Stone, Rebecca Bleibaum,
• Wine Science By Ronald Jackson
• The Produce Contamination Problem by Karl Matthews, Gerald Sapers
• Starch: Chemistry and Technology by Roy Whistler, James Be Miller,
• Introduction to Food Toxicology By Takayuki Shibamoto, Leonard Bjeldanes
• Thermo bacteriology in Food Processing By C. Stumbo
• Microwaves in the Food Processing Industry by Bernard Schweigert, Richard Mudgett, Robert Decareau
• Statistical Methods in Food and Consumer Research by John Hawthorn, George Stewart, Bernard Schweigert

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