BSc in Food Technology is a three-year full-time undergraduate programme that takes into account the examination of the processes and technologies involved in the production, preparation, and preservation of food that is entirely safe for people to eat. Through this programme, candidates are capable of understanding essential concepts like nutrition, dietary composition, and physical and microbiological depictions. The B.Sc in Food Technology syllabus and subjects include topics such as microbiological, nutritional, chemical, and biological research. It also helps students grasp different methods of food preparation and preservation. After obtaining at least 50% aggregate marks in a science-related 12th grade, prospective candidates are eligible to enrol in this programme.
Popular entry tests for this course include the CFTRI Aptitude Test, IIFPT, SET, and IMU CET. Students are chosen for admission to the BSc in Food Technology course either directly based on their 12th-grade test results or via university entrance tests, which are followed by a round of personal interviews, if any. Furthermore, depending on whether the institute is government or private, the average course fee varies from INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000 per year. In India, Dr Punjabrao Vidyapeeth, ITM University, Adikavi Nannaya University, Hindustan University, Baba Farid College, and other prestigious universities are among the top choices for BSc in Food Technology students. Graduates of this programme may expect to make an average starting salary of INR 3.8 LPA in roles like purchasing manager, nutrition consultant, research scientist, quality manager, and more.
BSc in Food Technology Highlights
The major highlights of the BSc in Food Technology course are mentioned in the infographic below and explained further in the table.
| Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | BSc in Food Technology Course |
| Course Name | Bachelor of Science in Food Technology |
| Level of Programme | Bachelor |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Exam Type | Semester-wise |
| Eligibility Criteria | 10+2 with at least 50% aggregate marks in Science-related subjects |
| Admission Process | Merit-Based + Entrance Exam |
| Top Entrance Exams | IMU CET, SET, IIFPT, CFTRI Aptitude Test, and more. |
| Average Course Fees | INR 50,000 p.a. to INR 2 LPA |
| Average Annual Salary | INR 3.8 LPA |
| Job Profiles | Bacteriologist, Food Technologist, Toxicologist, Dairy Technologist, Farm manager, Agricultural Inspector, Organic Chemist, Biochemist, Home Economist, Research Scientist, Head Engineer, Production Manager, Recruiter, etc. |
| Top Recruiters | Nestle India Private Limited, Dabur India Limited, PepsiCo India, MTR Foods Limited, Agro Tech Foods, Perfetti India, Amul, Godrej India Limited, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Cadbury India Limited, etc. |
| Top Employment Area | Marketing or Quality Assurance Firms, Production Management Companies, Logistics Departments, Research and Development Centers, Hotels and Restaurants, etc. |
Why Choose a BSc in Food Technology Degree?
There are numerous advantages to earning a BSc in Food Technology degree. Candidates who take this course will have an easier time grasping fundamental ideas including food composition, nutrition, and the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of food. Additionally, it gives them a thorough understanding of the technical and scientific methods needed to comprehend the nature of unprocessed dietary ingredients. It is, after all, a chance to become fully informed about the food technology that controls our everyday existence. Here are a few examples for choosing a career as food technologist or pursuing a BSc in Food Technology course as listed in the infographic below and explained further.
What is an Online BSc in Food Technology Degree?
One of the easiest methods to learn without taking time away from other responsibilities is through the distance learning BSc in Food Technology course. It is a preferred degree programme that allows individuals to complete their education and keep working. The course curriculum is just as promising as that of a regular BSc programme in food technology. This course is offered by universities like SCDL, BRAOU, and IGNOU.
Applicants will gain knowledge in food microbiology, nutrition and dietetics, and the foundations of food chemistry through this programme. These graduates can find employment as nutritionists, food research scientists, and quality control officers, among many other positions. DEB has validated all of the institutions that are providing this course. There is no entrance exam required for admission, and the course fee ranges from INR 10,000 to 45,00,000 annually.
Types BSc in Food Technology Programs
BSc in Food Technology courses are in high demand in India. Students can select from a variety of courses based on their interests and preferences such as full-time and online/distance learning. However, a part-time course is not provided for this programme by almost any university. Discussed below are a few BSc Food Technology course types:
Full-Time BSc in Food Technology Courses
In this type of course, students must attend full-time in-person classes, complete regular assignments, and take semester-wise offline exams on campus. They must also propose projects and perform practicals as part of the diverse course curriculum. With this, candidates gain practical experience in the subject as well as in-depth learning through actively engaging with their instructors and other fellow students.
Distance/Online Learning BSc in Food Technology Courses
Distance/online BSc Food Technology education is the most rewarding three-year UG degree programme. It takes six semesters to complete the programme. The fact that it is less expensive than ordinary courses is the most remarkable feature of this course. Second, it allows you to study in any area that is convenient for you. The third advantage is that it gives you more scheduling flexibility. Further, BSc in Food Technology distance/online course admissions are completely based on merit and do not require one to sit for an entrance exam. In India, institutions such as NIFTEM, IGNOU, and others provide this course through distance learning.
BSc Food Technology Eligibility Criteria
The candidates who wish to pursue a degree in this field must fulfil certain BSc Food Technology eligibility criteria. Though these criteria vary from one university to another, certain requirements are common with all. The eligibility criteria required for admission to BSc Food Technology are listed below:
- Candidates must have passed 12th grade or an equivalent degree from a recognised institute/board in India.
- Students must have opted for Mathematics, Chemistry/ Biology/ Biotechnology, and Physics as the major subjects in class 12th.
- The prospective applicant must have received a minimum aggregate of 50% marks (45% for the reserved candidates) in 12th grade.
- Applicants who are appearing for the final exam or waiting for their final result from class 12 can also apply for admission.
How to Get Admission to BSc Food Technology?
For the BSc Food Technology degree programme, each university has its unique admissions procedure that is either entrance-based or merit-based. Most institutions provide merit-based admission, which is an easy procedure. Students can find the admissions procedure for the BSc in Food Technology listed below:
- The majority of institutions and colleges that offer the BSc Food Technology programme admit students based on how well they perform in the entrance exam held by the admission authorities, which is followed by additional rounds of admission.
- However, some colleges and universities grant admission to this programme based on how well the applicant performed on their class 12 examination.
- Students must achieve high scores in both the entrance exam and the 12th-grade exam to be directly admitted to the BSc in Food Technology programme.
- Based on the results of the admission exam and class 12 grades, colleges and universities will produce a merit list.
- For document verification, those who have been selected will be contacted.
- Prospective students will be given admission to the programme upon the successful completion of the document verification process.
BSc Food Technology Scope in India
BSc Food Technology course is not a new field, but it has advanced at a breakneck pace in the previous decade. To strengthen their product range, top corporations are in desperate need of skilled food technologists. Here are a few reasons why a job in food technology might be rewarding:
Healthy Lifestyles are Increasingly Popular: People are becoming increasingly concerned about their health and lifestyle. Companies must create items that are not just profitable but also beneficial to customers. Because of this, food technologists have a bright future working in this business.
High-Paying Jobs: Aspirants with a PhD in food technology who work in research and development earn a fantastic wage.
In addition, candidates with a BSc in Food Technology degree can pursue a variety of careers. Students with a BSc Food Technology degree can pursue careers as food technologists, organic chemists, technical brewers, production managers, and so on. This BSc Food Technology scope is rapidly expanding and will continue to do so in the future. Postgraduates with a BSc Food Technology course can work in a variety of settings, both in the private and public sectors.
What is the BSc Food Technology Salary?
BSc Food Technology salary varies depending on experience, study subjects, and other criteria. Graduates are sometimes portrayed as having a little difficulty getting work in educational institutions or other sectors. On average, a BSc in Food Technology salary ranges between INR 4 and INR 8 LPA. Years of experience, as well as the quality of one’s job, can all contribute to increased earnings.
Further, the salary packages for various job profiles, as well as recruiters, differ. One can work for a range of companies in a variety of positions after earning a BSc in Food Technology course. Some of the job characteristics and BSc Food Technology salary earned are as follows:
| Designation | Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Food Technologist | 3.8 LPA |
| Food Safety Officer | 3.7 LPA |
| Quality Assurance Executive | 5.5 LPA |
| Laboratory Assistant | 3 LPA |
Skills That Make You the Best BSc Food Technology Graduate
Students interested in pursuing a career in the field of food technology should place problem-solving at the core of their technological competencies. Listed below are some skills that may make you the best BSc Food Technology graduate:
- Food science piques your interest
- Interest in diet and health
- Technical/practical/organisational/problem-solving abilities
- Skills in research and observation
- Taking a scientific approach
- Organise your time
- Consumer market awareness
- Mind that is analytical
- Possess the ability to work with a wide range of details
BSc Food Technology Career Options and Job Prospects
Students can work in the field of food technology as undergraduates or postgraduates. While a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for employment as a food technologist, a master’s degree provides candidates with the necessary competitive advantage. A master’s or doctoral degree is also required for people who desire to pursue a research job.
BSc Food Technology Career: Hospitals, restaurants, food processing companies, catering establishments, soft drink manufacturing companies, spice, cereal, and rice mills, quality control organisations, food research laboratories, and the packaging industry are all places where graduates or postgraduates in food technology can find work. Students with a postgraduate degree can work in biotechnology and bioinformatics firms, water conservation and research organisations, and the pharmaceutical business, among other locations.
You can pursue a variety of employment opportunities with a BSc in Food Technology. Some of the most common BSc Food Technology jobs and career opportunities are as follows:
| Job Profiles | Description |
|---|---|
| Lab Technician | A lab technician’s main role is to provide all technical support required to keep the lab running smoothly. A lab technician’s responsibilities include sampling, testing, measuring, and interpreting results. |
| Research scientist | Experiments that lead to improvements in yield, flavour, nutrition, and general acceptability of packaged food are part of a research scientist’s job description. |
| Organic chemist | An organic chemist is a specialist who advises on how raw materials should be transformed into processed foods. |
| Biochemist | A biochemist’s job is quite similar to that of an organic chemist. A biochemist offers ways to improve food quality, flavour, texture, storage, and other factors. |
| Quality controller/ food inspector | A quality controller/food inspector’s task is to guarantee that the quality of the food produced is maintained. A food inspector does the same thing, running a range of tests on both the packaging and the food to guarantee that the food that reaches people is safe to eat. |
| Managers and accountants | Supervising the processing work is one of a manager’s main tasks. Apart from that, a manager is in charge of food administration and money. |
| Home economist | A nutrition and dietetics expert is a home economist. The major responsibility of the expert is to test the food and recipes according to the directions on the containers. |
| Engineer | Engineers in the food technology industry are responsible for planning, designing, improving, and maintaining processing systems. |
| Food product development director | A food product development director aids in the development of innovative technologies that aid in the preservation and packaging of food products. |