Master of Science or MSc Food Technology is a full-time postgraduate program of 2 years. To be eligible to apply for this program, candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university with an aggregate of at least 50% marks.
Admissions will be based on the candidate’s performance in the entrance exam. However, some institutes/ universities also offer admission based on merit i,e the marks scored by the candidate in Bachelor’s degree examination.
The average tuition fee charged in India for MSc Food Technology course ranges between INR 5,000 and INR 2,00,000 for a period of two years, depending on the university/ college offering the course. Food Technology is the branch of Food Science that involves the processing, preservation, preparation, selection, distribution, and utilization of sheltered, nutritious, and healthy nourishment.
The Food Technology stream is about:
- Lowering the gap between gathered sustenance and food availability by modifying the method of getting the final product i.e. processing, packaging and storing conditions, etc.
- Healthy food, diet, calories, nutrition status, etc.
- Planning and Management of the production activities taking food safety and quality of the product into account.
On completion of this course, candidates can easily get a job as a dietician, food technologist, production manager, food packaging manager, etc. with an average initial salary package ranging between INR 25,000 and INR 75,000 per month.
Some of the major highlights of the course are given below.
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration of the Course | 2 years |
| Examination Type | Semester System/ Yearly |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline. |
| Admission Process | Direct Admission followed by Counselling/ Entrance-based |
| Average Course Fee | INR 5,000 to 5.0 lacs |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 3,00,000 to INR 12,00,000 |
| Top Job Areas | Marketing or Quality Assurance Companies, Production Management Firms, Logistics Department, Research and Development Centers, Hotels and Restaurants, Colleges and Universities, etc. |
| Top Job Companies | Amul, Dabur India Ltd., ITC Limited, Hindustan Lever Limited, etc. |
| Top Job Positions | Dietician, Food Technologist, Technical Brewer, Laboratory Supervisor, Purchasing Manager, Retail Buyer, etc. |
- MSc Food Technology is a 2-year postgraduate program that deals with the technologies to produce, preserve, process, package, and distribute the food. It includes the study of processes and techniques involved from collecting the raw material to reaching the final product to the consumer.
- The aim of the course is to reduce the amount of food waste that has been seen in every step of food processing and distribution.
- The course also focuses on producing a high-quality product, maintaining the nutrition value of the food, increasing the shelf life of the product, and availability of the seasonal fruits and vegetables throughout the year.
- The course imparts knowledge and skills to deal with the technicalities and diverse issues with the food processing technologies.
- The program covers subjects like Food Microbiology, Packaging Technology, Dairy Technology, Food Chemistry, Physical, Microbiological & Chemical structure of food, Designing and production of foods with its health benefits, Food Chemistry, Food Processing, Surface and Colloidal Chemistry, Microbiology, Nutrition and Analysis of Food.
- The graduates can get jobs in various organizations such as the Food Corporation of India, Modern Food Corporation, North-Eastern Agricultural Marketing Corporation. They can also get an opportunity to become Research Scientists and pursue advanced research in the relative field.
- This course also provides skills to the students to work as a Food Technologist in popular food processing firms which in turn helps them to grow as a technical professional.
Why study MSc Food Technology?
There are many benefits to pursuing MSc Food Technology degree program. Some of them are:
- Food industries have been introducing a lot of new technologies and tools to produce products according to the changing lifestyle of the people. With the advancement in the industries, the requirement of skilled professionals is quite high.
- Food is a basic requirement and thus food industries are one of the rising industries in every country. So the MSc Food Tech graduates can get numerous entry-level jobs in Marketing or Quality Assurance Companies, Production Management Firms, Logistics Department, Research and Development Centers, Hotels and Restaurants, Colleges and Universities, etc.
- There is also a great opportunity to learn and grow both on professional and personal terms in this sector. The average salary that one can expect as a fresher in this sector is around INR 7,00,000.
- Students can also pursue jobs as a Dietician, Food Technologist, etc. in various govt. or private organizations.
- Those who wish to pursue higher studies in the field of Food Technology can also pursue a Ph.D. in this field and can easily get a higher position in the public and private sector.
MSc Food Technology Admission Process
Admission to M.Sc. in Food Technology program will be done on the basis of candidate’s performance in the entrance test conducted by the admission authority. However, some universities/ colleges offer admission to this program based on the candidate’s performance in the Bachelor’s degree examination.
- To get direct admission to M.Sc. Food Technology course, candidates are required to score high marks in the Bachelor’s degree examination.
- Based on the marks obtained in the Bachelor’s degree examination and personal interview, candidates will be shortlisted for further admission rounds.
MSc Food Technology Eligibility Criteria
Students seeking admission to MSc Food Technology program are required to fulfill the following minimum eligibility criteria.
- Candidates should have BSc Food Technology/ B.Sc Food Science and Technology/ BSc in Dairy Technology/ B.Tech Food Technology or any equivalent field like Life science, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology, Home Science, etc.
- They should have scored at least 50% aggregate marks in their bachelor’s degree. There is a 5% relaxation for ST/SC/OBC.
- They should have completed a bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
MSc Food Technology Entrance Exams
Entrance examinations are an important aspect of the admission process in any M.Sc. degree. Some of the top entrance examinations conducted for admission to M.Sc. Food Technology program is given below:
| Entrance Exams | Registration | Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
| CUET PG | April 2023 | June 1 – 10, 2023 |
| BITSAT | February 2023 | June 2023 |
| NEST | February 2023 | June 2023 |
| IIT JAM | September 07 – October 11, 2023 | February 12, 2023 |
| DUET | April 2023 | July 2023 |
| TISS NET | December 14 – January 15, 2023 | January 28 – February 28, 2023 |
How to Prepare for M.Sc. Food Technology Entrance Examinations?
The entrance exams for MSc Food Technology usually consist of multiple-choice questions. The syllabus includes topics like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry & Nutrition, Agriculture & Dairy Technology, and Food Engineering.
Important points to keep in mind while preparing for M.Sc. Food Technology Entrance Exams:
- Prepare a timetable and spend around 2-3 hours daily for preparation.
- Learn to manage the time, so that you can attempt all questions within the time provided. Time-based tests can be helpful.
- Solve at least 10-12 Mock Tests after completing your preparation.
- Don’t forget to devote time for revision as well, and don’t leave anything for the day of the exam.
How to get admission to a good MSc Food Technology College?
- Since most of the colleges offer admission to M.Sc. Food Technology program on the basis of the candidate’s performance in the entrance examination, so, it is very important to get a good score in the entrance test.
- It is also equally important to be mentally and physically prepared for further rounds after the entrance exam i.e. counseling and subsequent admission rounds.
- Keep a track of all the important dates of the admission process so that you will never miss any deadline.
MSc Food Technology Syllabus and Course Description
The detailed semester wise syllabus of MSc Food Technology program is provided in the table given below.
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Food Chemistry | Unit Operations in Food Processing |
| Principles of Food Engineering | Dairy Technology |
| Food Microbiology | The technology of Fruits and Vegetables |
| Principles of Food Processing and Preservation | Lab-III (Dairy Technology) |
| Lab-I (Food Microbiology) | Lab-IV (Fruits and Vegetables Analysis) |
| Lab-II (Food Preservation) | Program Elective I |
| Open Elective.I | __ |
| Semester III | |
| Technology of Cereals | Program Elective I |
| The technology of Meat, Fish, and Poultry | Packaging Technology |
| Lab-V (Chemistry and Technology of Cereals) | Pulses and Oilseeds Technology |
| Program Elective I | Technology of Beverages |
| In-Plant Training | __ |
| Program Elective II | Program Elective III |
| Food Standards and Quality Assurance | Bioprocess Technology |
| Food Additives | Food Biotechnology |
| Nutrition and Health | __ |
| Semester IV | |
| Program Elective III | Research Project |
| Seminar | __ |
MSc Food Technology Top Colleges
Some of the top colleges offering M.Sc. in Food Technology program are provided in the table given below:
| Name of the College/ University | Admission Process | Average Annual Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam | Entrance-Based | INR 20,200 |
| Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar | Entrance-Based | INR 45,796 |
| Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana | Entrance-Based | INR 70,370 |
| University of Kashmir, Srinagar | Entrance-Based | INR 27,800 |
| Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar | Entrance-Based | INR 66,955 |
| Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak | Entrance-Based | INR 11,267 |
| Goa University, North Goa | Merit-Based | INR 17,055 |
| Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan | Entrance Based | INR 61,400 |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Anantapur | Merit-Based | INR 42,000 |
| Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar | Entrance Based | INR 25,550 |
College Comparison
The basic differences between the top colleges offering MSc Food Technology program is provided in the table given below:
| Name of the University | Goa University, North Goa | Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Goa University is a government university, established under the Goa University Act of 1984. The university is known for providing higher education in the Indian State of Goa. | Maharshi Dayanand University is a popular university located in Rohtak, Haryana. This deemed university offers a large number of courses at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels. |
| NIRF Ranking | 101-150 | 101-150 |
| Average Fees | INR 17,055 | INR 11,267 |
| Average Salary Package | INR 5,70,000 | INR 6,24,000 |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Govt. and Private Offices, Research Laboratories, Food Processing Units, etc. | Govt. and Private Offices, Research Laboratories, Food Processing Units, etc. |
Course Comparison
There are many similar courses in the Food Technology field such as M.Sc. in Food Science, M.Sc. in Biotechnology, etc.
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MSc Food Science and MSc Food Technology
Both these postgraduate degrees are of 2-year duration and aimed to make students competent in the field of Food Science and Technology.
The major differences between MSc Food Science and MSc Food Technology are provided in the table given below:
| Parameters | M.Sc Food Science | M.Sc. Food Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Master of Science in Food Science | Master of Science in Food Technology |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university. | Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline from a recognized university. |
| Admission Process | Entrance/ Merit-Based | Entrance/ Merit-Based |
| Course Overview | M.Sc. Food Science is the study of the physical, biological, and chemical composition of food and the concepts of food processing. | M.Sc. Food Technology is the application of food science to the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution, and usage of safe food by all. |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 25,000 to 1 Lakh | INR 5,000 to 2 Lakhs |
| Average Salary | INR 2-10 LPA | INR 3-12 LPA |
| Colleges | Chandigarh University, Maharshi Dayanand University, JNTU Hyderabad, etc. | Chandigarh University, Maharshi Dayanand University, JNTU Hyderabad, etc. |
MSc Food Technology Specializations
MSc Food Technology is a course that includes various areas of study like Dairy Technology, Poultry, Meat & Seafood, Fruits & Vegetables, Packaging, Dietetics, Nutraceuticals, Bakery science, etc. Students can choose to specialize in any of these areas by doing an MSc or a postgraduate diploma in a specific field or a Ph.D. later.
Some of the specialization in Food Technology are:
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MSc Dairy Technology - This course deals with the study of milk and milk products. It includes different processes and techniques involved in transporting, storing, handling, planning, processing, etc of the milk and milk products.
Check out the top MSc Dairy Technology Colleges in India.
| Annual Fees | INR 25,000 - INR 50,000 per annum |
| Average Salary | INR 3 - 4 lakhs per annum |
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MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics - This is a science of nutrition that involves the study of food elements & nutrients, and its impact on the human body. Students learn to prepare a properly balanced diet for normal people to patients dealing with severe or chronic diseases.
Check out the top MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Colleges in India.
| Average Fees | INR 20,000 - INR 4 lakhs |
| Average Salary | INR 2 - 12 lakhs per annum |
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PG Diploma in Food Packaging - The course usually deals with the study of different types of packaging done to increase the shelf life of the product, the technologies & processes used, different materials used to prepare the packaging material, and designing of the packaging material.
| Average Fees | INR 18,000 - INR 20,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 4,18,000 per annum |
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PG Diploma in Bakery Science and Technology - It includes the study of various processes involved in the preparation of various bakery products, how each ingredient plays an important role, quality testing, and how to modify products with desirable nutritional requirements. This course is for bakery professionals or the ones who want to build their career in the bakery and confectionary industry.
| Average Fees | INR 90,000 - INR 2,00,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 1,92,000 - INR 3,60,000 per annum |
MSc Food Technology Career Prospects
Qualified postgraduates in Food Technology can easily get jobs in sectors such as Food Packaging Companies, Food Processing Companies, food manufacturing industries, food research laboratories, etc.
- Students completing post-graduation in Food Technology can also move forward in laboratory-based careers in clinical or technical roles not involving research.
- There are a large number of job opportunities for those who want to pursue a career in the field of Food Technology. Students can opt for various jobs such as Production Managers, Food Development Manager, Food Packaging Manager, Food Safety Auditors, etc.
- M.Sc. Food Technology postgraduates can also opt for a career as a food writer and write articles for magazines, journals, books, and television shows.
Some of the popular professional jobs available to M.Sc. Food Technology graduates along with the corresponding salaries are provided in the table given below:
| Job Position | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Food Technologist | The main job of a food technologist is to explore and grow new items and contribute to working towards enhancing the nature of existing food items. | INR 408,407 |
| Dietician | Dieticians are persons who promote dietary health and help in treating medical conditions by suggesting healthy dietary habits to patients. | INR 253,428 |
| Technical Brewer | Technical Brewers are known for handling a variety of specialized and administrative journeys which includes overseeing the blending procedure, managing, and maintaining the hardware involved. | INR 591,000 |
| Production Manager | Production Managers are known for creating and executing plans for surveying, assessing, arranging, and tallying plans of expenditure and time scales with customers and other managers. | INR 792,720 |
| Purchasing Manager | The Purchasing Manager’s job is to design and facilitate the work of purchasers and specialists. They are known for ensuring that their organization secures the best quality and quantity of raw material for food. | INR 828,739 |
Salary Trends
Students who have completed M.Sc. Food Technology programs are offered with a large number of job opportunities. The salary trends of some of the top posts that M.Sc. Food Technology postgraduates can opt for are given below:
MSc Food Technology Scope
MSc Food Technology offers a large number of attractive career options. The graduates can choose to go for higher studies or opt for a decent job. Some of the higher study options are:
- M.Phil in Food Science and Technology: If the graduate is looking forward to a job in the field of research, then they are advised to pursue M.Phil Food Science and Technology.
- Ph.D in Food Technology: The candidates can opt for a Ph.D. in Food Technology, to become specialized in the field of Food Science.
- Specialization courses in any of the related fields like dairy technology, Alcohol technology, poultry, dietetics, packaging, Nutraceuticals, Bakery science, etc.
- MBA in Food and Agribusiness Management: This MBA course specially deals with management and marketing in the food industry. There are very few institutes in India that offer this course.
Check for the Top Agri-business Colleges in India
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General MBA in HR, Marketing, or Finance - This helps the students to land into high paying jobs and to transfer themselves from production to management department in the food industry.
MSc Food Technology FAQs
Some of the most frequently asked questions pertaining to M.Sc. Food Technology course is given below:
Ques. What is the full form of M.Sc Food Technology?
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria to pursue M.Sc Food Technology program?
Ques. What after M.Sc. Food Technology?
Ques. Is there any entrance exam for admission to M.Sc. in Food Technology program in Indian Universities?
Ques. Where can I pursue an M.Sc Food Technology program in India?
| Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam |
| Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar |
| Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana |
| Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak |
| Goa University, North Goa |
| Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan |
| JawaharLal Nehru Technological University, Anantapur |
| Indian Academy Degree College, Bangalore |
Ques. Which is the better course between M.Sc Food Technology and M.Sc Biotechnology?
Ques. Are there placements for M.Sc. in Food Technology postgraduate?
Ques. What is the fee structure to pursue M.Sc. in Food Technology in India?
Ques. What is the difference between M.Sc Food Technology and M.Sc Food Science? Does it make any difference while seeking a job?
When itMSc Food Technology Syllabus and Course Description comes to jobs both are having the same and equal job opportunities.
Ques. Is Food Technology a good career option?
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