IGNOU PGDFSQM : Admission 2026, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Last Date & How to Apply

Post Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a flexible and affordable 1 Year postgraduate diploma degree—extendable up to 3 Years. Conducted fully through Online and Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode, it’s ideal for working professionals, homemakers, and learners across India. With a UGC-recognized degree, flexible timelines, and an extensive alumni base, IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management is a popular choice among students aiming for careers across food safety, quality assurance, and food processing industries. 

IGNOU PGDFSQM 2026: Key Highlights

A quick overview of Post Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management at IGNOU is given below.

IGNOU PGDFSQM Eligibility Criteria 2026

To be eligible for admission to the IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management program, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Graduate in Science with Chemistry/Biochemistry or Microbiology as one of the subjects, or degree in allied sciences like Agriculture/Food Science/Food Technology/Post-Harvest Technology/Home Science/Life Sciences/Biotechnology/Horticulture/Dairy Technology/Veterinary Science/Fisheries/Hotel Management and Catering/Hospitality Management, or equivalent.
• Minimum Marks Required: No minimum percentage specified.
• Age Limit: No age limit.
• Entrance Exam (if any): No entrance test required.
• Other Requirements: None.

How To Apply for IGNOU PGDFSQM Online 2026

Admission to Post Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is done entirely online through the IGNOU Online Admission System. Follow the step-by-step process below to successfully submit your application.

Step 1: Review Course Details

• Go to the “Available Programmes” section on the IGNOU admission portal.
• Select Post Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management and check:
  • Eligibility criteria
  • Programme fees
  • Duration
  • Study mode (distance/online)
• Download the IGNOU Common Prospectus and read the university rules carefully.

Step 2: Register on the IGNOU Admission Portal

• Click “New Registration” in the applicant login area.
• Fill in the required personal details:
  • Username: 8–16 characters
  • Password: Alphanumeric, 8–16 characters
  • Use your own active email address and mobile number.
• Click “Submit” — your username and password will be sent via SMS and email.
• Already registered? Click “Login” to continue.

Step 3: Upload the Required Documents

Keep scanned copies of the following documents ready (from originals only):

Step 4: Fill and Submit the Online Application Form

• Log in with your registered credentials.
• Fill in your personal, educational, and communication details accurately.
• Upload the scanned documents in the prescribed format and size.
• Review all details carefully before final submission.
• Download/print the application form for future reference.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

The registration/programme fee can be paid online through:

• Credit Card (Master/Visa)
• Debit Card (Master/Visa/RuPay)
• Net Banking

Important Fee & Refund Rules

• Registration fee is non-refundable.
• Before admission confirmation: full programme fee refundable.
• After confirmation: 15% of the programme fee (max ₹2,000) will be deducted.
• No refund after 60 days from the closing date of admissions.
• Students with fee exemption will have refund rules applied as per IGNOU policy.

Check : IGNOU Admission 2026

IGNOU PGDFSQM Fee Structure 2026

The annual fees to study Post Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management from IGNOU is INR 14,000, and the total fees range between INR 14,000 for the entire duration of the program. This is significantly lower than the traditional Post Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management program offered by institutions like NIFTEM, IIFPT, making it a popular choice for distance learners across India. IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management fee structure 2026 is as follows:

Check : IGNOU Course & Fee

IGNOU PGDFSQM Syllabus

The IGNOU Post Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management syllabus is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge of food safety regulations, quality assurance, and management systems in the food industry. The program totals 32 credits, comprising five theory courses, one practical course, and one project course, covering food safety standards, hazard analysis, quality control techniques, and food laws.

• Key Features:
  • Covers food safety standards, HACCP, and quality management systems.
  • Includes practical training and a project for real-world application.
  • Prepares students for compliance and quality assurance roles in the food industry.

The syllabus for Post Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management covers core and elective subjects to provide comprehensive knowledge.

IGNOU PGDFSQM Career Opportunities

Completing the Post Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management from IGNOU equips graduates with skills to ensure food safety and quality in various sectors. The program prepares professionals for careers in food processing industries, regulatory bodies, quality assurance, and food safety auditing, contributing to safe and compliant food production.

• Career options: Food Safety Officer, Quality Assurance Manager, Food Auditor, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Food Technologist.
• Top recruiters: Nestlé, Amul, FSSAI, Britannia, ITC, food testing laboratories, and export companies.
• Average salary: INR 3-6 LPA for entry-level roles; experienced professionals can earn INR 6-10 LPA.
• Highest salary packages: Up to INR 10-15 LPA in senior quality assurance or regulatory roles.

FAQs about PGDFSQM From IGNOU

1. Is PGDFSQM from IGNOU recognized by UGC?
   Yes, the Post Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management (PGDFSQM) from IGNOU is recognized by UGC, making it valid for jobs and further studies across India.

2. What is the fee for the IGNOU PGDFSQM course?
   The total fee for IGNOU PGDFSQM is Rs. 14,000 for the full program, plus a one-time registration fee of Rs. 300. Exam fees are Rs. 200 per course.

3. Does IGNOU PGDFSQM require an entrance exam?
   No, admission to IGNOU PGDFSQM is merit-based; no entrance exam is required. Eligibility includes a relevant graduate degree in science or allied fields.

4. What is the duration of PGDFSQM at IGNOU?
   The minimum duration for IGNOU PGDFSQM is 1 year, extendable up to 3 years, offering flexibility for working professionals and distance learners.

5. What jobs can I get after completing PGDFSQM from IGNOU?
   Graduates can pursue roles like Food Safety Officer, Quality Assurance Manager, Food Auditor, or Regulatory Affairs Specialist in food industries and regulatory bodies.

6. How can I download the IGNOU PGDFSQM syllabus PDF?
   The detailed PGDFSQM syllabus is available in the IGNOU Common Prospectus 2026, downloadable from the official website at ignou.ac.in under the School of Agriculture section.