Diploma in Food Technology: Course Details, Eligibility, Fees, Top Institutes, Scope

A Diploma in Food Technology provides fundamental knowledge and useful skills in food processing, quality assurance, and food science. It focuses on the several phases of food production, such as obtaining raw materials, processing, preserving, packing, and guaranteeing the safety of the final product. This diploma prepares students to tackle the intricacies of food manufacturing and safety standards.

Jobs in food manufacturing, quality control, research and development, or food safety inspection are offered to graduates. Graduates are essential in creating new menus, enhancing those that already exist, and making sure that food products adhere to health and safety regulations.

Diploma in Food Technology is a 2-3 years full-time course that offers graduates job opportunities with an average package of Rs. 6.5 Lakhs. Graduates can find employment opportunities in profiles like Food Technologist, Quality Assurance Manager, Packaging Technologist and Food Inspector. The Diploma in Food Technology fees range anywhere between Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 2.5 Lakhs.

Diploma in Food Technology Course Details

Diploma in Food Technology Eligibility

Candidates who wish to pursue a Diploma in Food Technology must fulfil the required eligibility criteria of the programme. These admission conditions can be different for various colleges, however, most of the institutes require the same eligibility conditions to be fulfilled. Some basic admission requirements are as follows:

• Individuals are required to complete their 10+2 in any stream from a recognised board.
• Students must obtain a minimum of 50 per cent in their respective higher education.

Diploma in Food Technology Admission Process

The admission process to pursue a Diploma in Food Technology varies by institute. Candidates are advised to check the admission process of the programme on the official websites of various colleges to get the exact information. However, a general framework of the procedure to be followed is provided below.

• Candidates are required to either visit the institute or fill out the application form through the college’s official website.
• Candidates must upload/ submit the necessary relevant documents along with the application form.
• The candidate's merit is the only consideration in the admissions process. To get admitted to the institution of their choice, applicants must satisfy the cutoff score for admission to certain colleges in certain states.
• Some universities may also choose to conduct personal interviews.

Diploma in Food Technology Entrance Examinations

There are no known entrance examinations for the Diploma in Food Technology in India as of now. The admission of a candidate is based purely on his/her merit scores. However, some universities may choose to conduct their own entrance examinations to grant admissions.

Cutoff of Top Colleges

The Diploma in Food Technology cut-off is dependent on a group of factors such as determining a student's merit and the number of applicants. Admission to the college is provided to those who score above the cut-off percentage, rank, or marks. Each college's cutoff depends greatly on the merit examinations and the number of students who apply for the programme.

Required Skills for Diploma in Food Technology

Students should have a solid background in science, especially in chemistry and biology, as these subjects are crucial for comprehending the composition and safety of food. The ability to think critically and solve problems is essential for handling problems in food production and quality assurance. Some key skills that candidates should ideally possess to pursue the diploma are:

• Knowledge of Food Chemistry & Microbiology
• Scientific Knowledge
• Attention to Detail
• Strong Analytical Skills
• Problem-Solving Ability
• Understanding of Regulations
• Communication Skills

Diploma in Food Technology Syllabus

The Diploma in Food Technology academic curriculum varies from college to college. However, the major subjects in the programme are covered in almost all institutes. We have given below the structure of the syllabus provided by the Institute of Research Development & Training, Kanpur to train individuals with the skills and knowledge to function in the food industry:

Diploma in Food Technology Fees

The fee for a Diploma in Food Technology largely depends on which institution one attends. In comparison to private colleges, government universities will most certainly charge lower fees. The fee structure can depend on the location and the reputation of the institution. The fee for a Diploma in Food Technology varies between Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 2.3 Lakhs.

Scope of Diploma in Food Technology

A Diploma in Food Technology has a wide range of applications and provides many job options in the quickly expanding food sector. Graduates can work in research and development departments, quality control labs, and food manufacturing organisations, contributing to the creation of novel food processing techniques, safer food products, and improved food quality.

Graduates work as inspectors of food safety, hygienic practices, and nutritional labelling for governmental and non-governmental organisations that control food standards. Diploma in Food Technology offers a variety of professional possibilities in a booming business, due to improvements in the field and the ongoing emphasis on health-conscious goods.

Career Options After Diploma in Food Technology

Graduates have many options for employment in the quality assurance, safety, and food production industries. They may be employed by government organisations that oversee food safety, research facilities, or food production enterprises. We have provided below major career options that they can opt for right after the successful completion of a Diploma in Food Technology.

Top Recruiters

Top recruiters in the food business include researchers, quality control organisations, and large food production firms. These organisations provide chances in a vital and dynamic industry by hiring qualified individuals to supervise food production, guarantee quality and safety, and encourage product innovation. Some of the top recruiters in the field of food technology include:

• Nestlé
• PepsiCo
• Britannia Industries
• ITC Limited
• SGS India
• Intertek

Benefits of Diploma in Food Technology

Graduates with a Diploma in Food Technology gain practical expertise in food processing, quality assurance, and safety, which makes them employable in the expanding food sector. The curriculum fills the need in the industry for qualified food technology professionals by providing a range of employment options in food manufacturing, product development, and regulatory compliance.

Expected Salary after Diploma in Food Technology

The salary offered to Diploma in Food Technology graduates vary depending on their skills and knowledge. Employers seek candidates with previous relevant experience. Those who have done internships in the same are preferred over freshers. Below are some of the high-paying job profiles and their corresponding yearly average salaries:

Source: Ambition Box

List of Top colleges in India offering Diploma in Food Technology

Various Government and private educational institutions in India offer Diploma in Food Technology. Admission to these colleges is offered based on previous academic achievements and entrance test results. These colleges are highly reputed for their successful placement reports and technologically advanced facilities. Some of the top institutes offering the programme are:

Top Private colleges in India offering Diploma in Food Technology

Some of the best private colleges in India offer Diploma in Food Technology. The course tuition fee is generally higher as compared to government colleges. However, private colleges promise the best faculty along with a multipurpose infrastructure and a promising placement report. Some of the best private colleges offering the course are:

Top Government colleges in India offering Diploma in Food Technology

Many highly reputed Government colleges offer the programme at an affordable tuition fee. These colleges provide a high return on investment to students by offering high salary packages after graduation. The fee structure of the programme offered by the colleges is very affordable as compared to private institutes. Some of the colleges are:

Diploma in Food Technology gives students the information and abilities they need to succeed in the fast-paced food sector. With a focus on food safety, quality, and innovation, this diploma offers a wide range of professional options and facilitates both direct employment and further specialisation in the subject.