The full form of MSc Food Technology is a Master of Science in Food Technology. It is a two-year postgraduate course.
MSc Food Technology is the study of various aspects of food processing, preservation, and quality control. It involves understanding the scientific principles and techniques used in food production, processing, packaging, and distribution.
Related Article: What is MSc ?
Admission into this course is done on both merit and entrance basis. MSc Food Technology entrance exam includes DUET, NEST, IIT JAM, and TISS NET.
MSc Food Technology eligibility is a BSc degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or any other related field with a minimum of 50% marks.
The fees for MSc Food Technology is INR 5,000 – 5 Lakhs. Some of the top MSc Food Technology are the University of Delhi, Guru Nanak Dev University, Banaras Hindu University, and Amity University among others.
MSc Food Technology syllabus includes topics on Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Food Quality and Safety Management, Food Product Development, and Food Analysis.
MSc Food Technology subjects include Food Engineering, Food Quality Control, Food Safety and Sanitation, Food Packaging Technology, Food Supply Chain Management, and Food Laws and Regulations.
MSc Food Technology jobs include Food Technologist, Food Scientist, Quality Assurance Manager, Product Development Specialist, Food Safety Officer, Food Quality Control Analyst, Food Supply Chain Manager, and Food Safety Consultant. MSc Food Technology salary ranges from INR 3 – 12 LPA.
Some of the top recruiters for this course are Nestlé India, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), ITC Limited, Britannia Industries Limited, Coca-Cola India, MTR Foods, Dabur India Ltd., etc.
More MSc Courses:
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MSc Food Technology: Course Details
Details | Particulars |
Course Name | MSc Food Technology |
Course Level | Postgraduate |
Course Full Form | Master of Science in Food Technology |
Course Duration | 2 Years |
Course Types | Full-time/Distance Education |
Admission Process | Merit and Entrance Based. |
Eligibility Criteria | BSc degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or any other related field with a minimum of 50% marks. |
Eligibility Criteria | BSc degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or any other related field with a minimum of 50% marks. |
Entrance Exams | |
Course Fees | INR 5,000 – 5 Lakhs |
Top Colleges | University of Delhi, Guru Nanak Dev University, Banaras Hindu University, and Amity University. |
Average Salary in India | INR 3 – 12 LPA |
Job Profiles | Food Technologist, Food Scientist, Quality Assurance Manager, Product Development Specialist, Food Safety Officer, Food Quality Control Analyst, Food Supply Chain Manager, and Food Safety Consultant. |
Top Recruiters | Nestlé India, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), ITC Limited, Britannia Industries Limited, Coca-Cola India, MTR Foods, and Dabur India Ltd |
What is Food Technology?
Food technology, also known as food science or food engineering, is a multidisciplinary field that combines science, engineering, and technology to study and improve various aspects of food production, processing, preservation, and distribution. It involves the application of scientific and engineering principles to develop new food products, improve existing ones, and ensure their safety, quality, and nutritional value.
What is MSc Food Technology?
MSc Food Technology focuses on the scientific and technological aspects of food production, processing, preservation, and quality control. Students learn about the composition of different food components, the effects of processing techniques on food products, the preservation methods to maintain food quality and safety, and the quality control measures to ensure the nutritional value, sensory attributes, and shelf-life of food products.
Why pursue MSc Food Technology?
MSc Food Technology allows an in-depth study of various areas of food science and technology. There are several factors why pursuing an MSc Food Technology degree in India might be a wise choice. Given below are some of the factors:
- Career Opportunities: The food industry is a rapidly growing sector that offers a wide range of career opportunities in areas such as food processing, product development, quality assurance, food safety, and research.
- Scientific Understanding: The program provides a deep understanding of the scientific principles and technologies involved in food production, processing, and preservation. Students gain knowledge in areas such as food chemistry, microbiology, processing techniques, and analysis methods.
- Innovation: The food industry is always in demand for new and innovative food products. By pursuing an MSc in Food Technology, individuals gain expertise in food product development, sensory evaluation, and consumer research which allows the creation of new food products that meet market trends and consumer preferences.
- Social Impact: Food plays a vital role in human health and well-being. This field allows you to make a positive impact on society by ensuring the availability of high-quality food and addressing global food challenges.
Who Should pursue MSc Food Technology?
- Graduates with a BSc degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or any other related field with a minimum of 50% marks.
- If one enjoys conducting scientific investigations, exploring new ideas, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in food science and technology.
- Students who have a strong interest in scientific principles, technological advancements, and their application in the food industry.
- Individuals who are fascinated with food, its composition, flavours, and the science behind it.
MSc Food Technology: Course Duration
The duration of MSc Food Technology in India is 2 years, which is divided into 4 semesters. However, the exact duration may vary depending on the university or institution offering the course. MSc Food Technology distance education programs may have a longer duration, up to 5 years, compared to the regular full-time course.
MSc Food Technology: Course Types
MSc Food Technology is offered to students in two modes:
- MSc Food Technology Full-time: Regular MSc Food Technology programs are courses that are typically completed within a duration of two years. These programs involve attending classes, practical sessions, laboratory work, and research projects on a regular basis. Regular courses often provide a more immersive learning experience and allow for greater interaction with professors and peers.
- MSc Food Technology Distance Education: This option is available for students who cannot pursue this course on a full-time basis due to personal or professional commitments and require flexibility in choosing their study time. Distance learning programs utilize online platforms, study materials, and virtual interactions to deliver course content. Students can access lectures, submit assignments, and participate in discussions remotely.
MSc Food Technology: Distance Education
MSc Food Technology distance education is a feasible option for students who are working professionals or are unable to pursue the course regularly. Given below are some of the key highlights of this course:
- Candidates who have a BSc degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or any other related field with a minimum of 50% marks.
- MSc Food Technology distance education in India generally takes 2 years to complete, although some universities may offer longer-duration programs.
- MSc Food Technology distance education curriculum is the same as a full-time course and covers topics related to the scientific and technological aspects of food production, processing, preservation, and quality control.
- The study material for a distance education program in India is provided through printed books, e-books, and online resources.
- Students are required to complete assignments and appear for exams as part of the MSc Food Technology distance education program.
Some of the top Colleges/Universities offering MSc Food Technology distance education are:
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
- Annamalai University
- University of Madras
- Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University
MSc Food Technology: Fees
MSc Food Technology in India normally costs anywhere between INR 50,000 – 2 Lakhs. Depending on the university, college, and region, different MSc Food Technology programs may have different costs. Given below is an overview of the fees for this course.
- Government Colleges/Universities: In comparison to private colleges, the cost of a MSc Food Technology at government institutions is significantly lower. The annual fees for students in the general category might be anywhere from INR 10,000 – 50,000 per year.
- Private Colleges/Universities: The fee in a private institution is generally higher and can also vary depending on the college's standing and location. The costs typically range from INR 50,000 to 2 Lakhs or more.
Note: Students in the reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) may pay less in tuition or be eligible for fee exemptions or grants in both government and private institutions.
MSc Food Technology: Colleges
Given below is a list of the top colleges that offer MSc Food Technology in India along with their fees:
Name of the College/University | Location | Average Annual Fees |
Noida | INR 80,000 | |
Srinagar | INR 27,800 | |
Greater Noida | INR 1,00,000 | |
Kottayam | INR 20,200 | |
Meerut | INR 62,500 | |
Meerut | INR 27,100 | |
Hisar | INR 25,550 | |
Rohtak | INR 11,267 | |
Amritsar | INR 66,955 | |
Meerut | INR 4,600 | |
North Goa | INR 17,055 | |
Meerut | INR 46,200 | |
Anantapur | INR 42,000 | |
Greater Noida | INR 72,500 |
MSc Food Technology: Admission Process
It is highly recommended that aspirants score well in their undergraduate examinations or prepare well for the entrance exam. Given below is an overview of both modes of admission:
Related Article: MSc Admission 2024
MSc Food Technology Admission: Merit Based
- An aspirant should score more than 50% marks in their undergraduate examinations to be applicable for merit-based admission.
- Apply to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
- Make sure to check the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents (10th and 12th Certificates, Undergraduate degree, Aadhar Card, Photographs, etc.) in hand.
- Merit lists are usually updated on the official website of the colleges and need to be checked regularly by the aspirant.
- If selected, the aspirant can pay the required fees and the admission process will be complete.
- Finally, candidates must attend the counseling or orientation organized by the institution for further details, if selected from the merit list.
MSc Food Technology Admission: Entrance Based
- Apply to the desired college through their official website or by physically visiting the institution and filling out the application form.
- The application form will require the candidate to register themselves with an email ID, password, and mobile number along with academic and course details.
- The candidate is required to upload the necessary documents online, such as Photograph, 10th, and 12th Certificates, Undergraduate degree, Aadhar Card etc.)
- Once the form is complete, the candidate will be asked to pay a minimal amount of application fee.
- It is advised to check the website regularly for updates on the admit card, entrance exam, and entrance exam syllabus.
- Admit cards will be issued to all the eligible students which will have important information such as the date of the examination, examination center, and timings.
- The college/university will then publish lists according to their cutoff and seat availability.
- If selected, a candidate should pay the course fee as soon as possible and attend the orientation/counseling organized by the college for further information.
MSc Food Technology: Eligibility
- A BSc degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Food Engineering, Food Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or any other related field with a minimum of 50% marks.
- There is no minimum or maximum age for this course.
MSc Food Technology: Entrance Exams
MSc Food Technology entrance exam in India is often composed of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and normally lasts 2-3 hours, with the total amount of questions and marks varying depending on the institution. In some colleges or institutions, there might be negative markings as well.
Given below are the details of some of the entrance exams conducted by various universities along with their details:
Entrance Exam | Registration Dates | Exam Dates |
December 27th, 2023 | 11th March - 28th March, 2024 | |
January 2024 | Last week of May 2024 | |
TBA | TBA | |
September 05th 2023 | February 11, 2024 |
Further Reading: MSc Entrance Exams in India
MSc Food Technology: Entrance Exam Syllabus
MSc Food Technology Entrance Exam syllabus may vary slightly depending on the college or university. However, here are some common topics that are usually included in the syllabus:
Subjects | Topics |
Food Chemistry | Composition and Structure of Food Components, Food Additives, and Food Quality Evaluation. |
Food Microbiology
| Microorganisms in Food, Food Spoilage, Foodborne Diseases, and Food Preservation Techniques. |
Food Processing | Principles of Food Processing, Unit Operations, Food Preservation Methods, and Food Packaging. |
Food Engineering | Heat and Mass Transfer, Food Rheology, and Food Processing Equipment. |
Food Analysis and Quality Control
| Basic Principles and Applications of Analytical Techniques in Food Analysis, Sensory Evaluation, Instrumental Analysis, Quality Control and Assurance. |
Nutritional Science | Basics of Nutrition, Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Dietary Guidelines. |
Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering | Principles of Genetic Engineering, Recombinant DNA Technology, and Fermentation Technology. |
Food Packaging and Storage
| Types of Packaging Materials, Packaging Design, Active and Intelligent Packaging, Factors Affecting Shelf Life, Accelerated Shelf-Life Testing, Packaging and Storage Conditions. |
Food Safety and Quality Management
| Food Safety Regulations, HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), Foodborne Pathogens, and Food Safety Systems. |
General Science and Aptitude | Current Affairs, General Awareness, Basic Mathematical Concepts, Numerical Problem-Solving, Analytical and Logical Thinking Skills. |
MSc Food Technology: Subjects
MSc Food Technology subjects may differ from one college to another. Nevertheless, given below is a list of potential subjects in MSc Food Technology that students will study:
MSc Food Technology Subjects: 1st Year | |
Food Chemistry | Food Microbiology |
Food Engineering | Food Processing Technology |
Food Analysis and Quality Control | Food Preservation Techniques |
Food Product Development | Food Safety and Quality Management |
Food Biotechnology | Sensory Evaluation of Food |
Food Packaging Technology | Food Laws and Regulations |
MSc Food Technology Subjects: 2nd Year | |
Advanced Food Chemistry | Advanced Food Microbiology |
Food Process Engineering | Food Quality Assurance |
Food Fermentation Technology | Food Nanotechnology |
Food Plant Design and Layout | Food Product Formulation and Optimization |
Food Supply Chain Management | Food Waste Management |
Food Marketing and Consumer Behavior | Research Methodology and Statistical Analysis |
MSc Food Technology: Syllabus
The course is divided into 4 Semesters which must be covered in 2 years. The syllabus of MSc Food Technology will vary from college to college; however, a brief of the syllabus is given in the following tables:
MSc Zoology Syllabus: 1st Year | |
Semester – 1 | Semester – 2 |
Food Chemistry | Food Preservation Techniques |
Food Microbiology | Food Safety and Quality Management |
Food Engineering | Food Biotechnology |
Food Analysis and Quality Control | Sensory Evaluation of Food |
Food Processing Technology | Food Product Development |
MSc Zoology Syllabus: 2nd Year | |
Semester – 3 | Semester – 4 |
Advanced Food Chemistry | Food Nanotechnology |
Advanced Food Microbiology | Food Plant Design and Layout |
Food Process Engineering | Food Product Formulation and Optimization |
Food Quality Assurance | Food Supply Chain Management |
Food Fermentation Technology | Research Methodology and Statistical Analysis |
MSc Food Technology: Recommended Books
Given below are the names of some recognized books along with their authors in the field of Food Technology that a candidate must read to gain further knowledge in the course:
Name of the Book | Author’s Name |
Food Science | B. Srilakshmi |
Food Science and Technology | Sunetra Roday |
Food Analysis | S. Suzanne Nielsen |
Introduction to Food Biotechnology | Perry Johnson-Green |
Food Packaging Technology | P. K. Banerjee and S. Sarkar |
Food Product Development: From Concept to Marketplace | Desai, Ashok, and Ranganna, S. |
Food Process Engineering | N. K. Das |
Food Processing Technology: Principles and Practice | P.J. Fellows |
Food Packaging Science and Technology | Dong Sun Lee and Kit L. Yam |
Food Analysis | S. S. Murthy |
Food Engineering | J. S. Chauhan |
Food Engineering: Integrated Approaches | Gustavo V. Barbosa-Cánovas and Maria S. Tapia |
MSc Food Technology: Jobs
There are various jobs after MSc Food Technology degree in India. Some of the popular job profiles along with their description are given below:
Job Profile | Job Description |
Food Safety Manager
| Overseeing and implementing food safety programs, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing food safety audits and certifications. |
Quality Control Manager | Responsible for ensuring that food products meet quality and safety standards through testing, inspection, and implementing quality control procedures. |
Food Technologist/Scientist
| Working in research and development (R&D) departments, food technologists develop and improve food products, conduct sensory evaluations, and ensure product quality and safety. |
Product Development Manager
| Leading the development of new food products from concept to commercialization, conducting market research, and managing the formulation, sensory evaluation, and scale-up processes. |
Food Processing Engineer | Designing and optimizing food processing equipment, developing efficient production processes, and ensuring product quality and safety during processing. |
Food Quality Auditor | Conducting internal and external audits to assess and improve food safety and quality management systems, ensuring compliance with standards and regulations. |
Food Sales and Marketing Manager | Promoting and selling food products, understanding consumer preferences and market trends, and developing marketing strategies for food brands. |
Further Reading: MSc Jobs
MSc Food Technology: Salary
Given below are the MSc Food Technology jobs along with their respective salaries:
Job Profile | Average Salary |
Food Safety Manager | INR 3 – 13 LPA |
Quality Control Manager | INR 4 – 10 LPA |
Food Technologist/Scientist | INR 4 – 12 LPA |
Product Development Manager | INR 6 – 12 LPA |
Food Processing Engineer | INR 3 – 14 LPA |
Food Quality Auditor | INR 2 – 10 LPA |
Food Sales and Marketing Manager | INR 3 – 12 LPA |
MSc Food Technology: Top Recruiters
After completing MSc Food Technology, graduates can apply to both private as well as public sector companies for job opportunities. Given below is a list of the top recruiters of this course:
- Nestle India
- Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL)
- Britannia Industries Limited
- ITC Limited
- Amul (Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd.)
- PepsiCo India
- Coca-Cola India
- Cadbury (Mondelez India Foods)
- Godrej Consumer Products Limited
- Patanjali Ayurved Ltd.
- Mother Dairy
- MTR Foods
- Parle Products Pvt. Ltd.
- Dabur India Limited
- Marico Industries Limited
MSc Food Technology: Scope
MSc Food Technology scope includes various further study options for graduates in India. Some of the popular ones are:
- Ph.D. in Food Science or Food Technology: A Ph.D. program typically involves conducting original research, publishing scientific papers, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
- Specialization in a specific area: One can choose to specialize in a specific area such as such as food microbiology, food engineering, food chemistry, sensory science, and food product development by pursuing a specialized master's degree or diploma program.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management: This program focuses on in-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, quality management systems, and food safety auditing. It equips students with specialized skills for ensuring food safety and quality in the food industry.