PhD in Food Technology: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees

Roumik Roy

Updated on - Jan 5, 2024

PhD in Food Technology is a 3-5 year research-based doctorate degree programme in Food Technology that covers food chemistry, vegetable and cereal technology, dairy and poultry technology, food quality control, etc. It has a good job scope worldwide, students get placed in reputed firms in various job roles such as Professor, Lecturer, Food Technologist, Nutritionist, Quality Assurance Manager, Quality Control Inspector, etc.

About PhD in Food Technology

PhD in Food Technology is also known as a Doctor of Philosophy in Food Technology. The PhD in Food Technology syllabus and subjects are primarily focused on the research of the major topics in Food Science and Technology. PhD in Food Technology job scopes have a broad range in terms of providing potential career opportunities to students in the public and private sectors. 

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in Food Technology

There are some requirements of eligibility for enrolling in a PhD in Food Technology in India. The following are the PhD in Food Technology eligibility requirements for the course:

• Candidates must hold a Master's degree in either Food Science and Technology or Food Technology from an accredited university.
• To be eligible for PhD in Food Technology, candidates must have at least 55% aggregate marks in their Master's degree.
• Candidates should keep in mind that the minimum required marks may differ from one college to another. Some colleges may necessitate a minimum of 60% or even higher.

Who Should Pursue a PhD in Food Technology Course?

Students who are keen to gain specialized knowledge in clinical research can pursue this course. Students who want to acquire advanced knowledge in Research Methodology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Clinical Operations, and clinical research can opt for this course. 

When to do a PhD in Food Technology Course?

Postgraduate students after completing their courses in Life Sciences, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Homeopathy, Ayurvedic, and Veterinary Science can enroll for this course.

How To Get Admission for PhD in Food Technology?

PhD in Food Technology admission requires candidates to pass an Entrance test, participate in group discussions, and appear for a personal interview. Based on their performance in these rounds, students are chosen for final admission. Though the admission process varies from college to college, the following are the general steps to admission:

How to Apply?

Students must first access the online portal or offline which includes visiting the admission office of the colleges to obtain the application form, which must be filled out. After that, the aspirant must attach the required documents in accordance with the guidelines and specifications.

Selection Process

The candidates need to meet eligibility criteria to get admission for the course. Following that, there are entrance exams for candidates to appear for. The aspirant is chosen upon passing with good cut-off marks or the cumulative marks obtained in the aptitude rounds along with entrance exams. Some colleges can take students based on their merit. After securing appropriate cut-off marks aspirants may have to appear for personal interviews to acquire final selection.

Check other important PhD Courses

Types of PhD in Food Technology Courses

As a research-based program, the PhD Food Technology in India can be completed in one of three ways: full-time, part-time, or through distance learning. The different types of the course are discussed in a detailed below. 

Full-Time PhD in Food Technology

Many prestigious institutions and universities offer full-time PhD in Food Technology programs lasting three to five years. This full-time course is primarily composed of assignments, projects, and classroom-based training. There are no age restrictions for candidates.

Part-Time PhD in Food Technology

A part-time PhD program in Food Technology is available for working students or professionals. As a result, having fewer classes is emphasized in a part-time schedule. Part-time PhD in Food Technology programs are based on research rather than individual projects.

Distance PhD in Food Technology

A distance learning course allows you to learn at your own pace and from any location. Many people are interested in taking the course because there is no need to be physically present at the universities and it is also less expensive.

Popular Entrance Exams for PhD in Food Technology

Candidates are required to appear in the state or national-level entrance exams to get selected. Some universities, institutions, and even states may hold separate entrance exams for PhD in Food Technology admissions. The exams are as follows:

A Quick Glance at the PhD in Food Technology Entrance Exams

Students must pass national or state-level entrance exams such as the IIT JAM, VITMEE, GATE, and others. Aspirants can sign up for coaching programs that prepare students for entrance exams. Below are some of the recommendations for performing well in the entrance exams. 

• To attempt all of the questions, the aspirant must learn time management.
• The Question Paper format is based on the MCQ-based or Objective type question.
• Language proficiency is necessary since the exam's language mode is English,
• Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry & Nutrition, Agriculture & Dairy Technology, and Food Engineering are the various subjects that are covered in the exam
• Candidates must keep a scorebook of their daily practise in order to keep track of their progress.

Top 10 PhD in Food Technology Colleges in India

PhD in Food Technology in CFTRI and PhD in Food Technology in IIT provide great scope for students who want to pursue this course. These colleges are known for their excellent course framework. Below is the list of the top best PhD Food Technology colleges in India:

Top PhD in Food Technology Colleges in New Delhi

Some of the best PhD in Food Technology colleges in the country can be found in India's capital city. PhD in Food Technology in Delhi university is widely known for providing this course. The following table lists the top PhD in Food Technology colleges in New Delhi:

Top PhD in Food Technology Colleges in Mumbai

The following list includes the top colleges for PhD in Food Technology in Mumbai:

Top PhD in Food Technology Colleges in Pune

The following list includes the top PhD in Food Technology colleges in Pune:

Top PhD in Food Technology Colleges in Bangalore

Some of India's top universities for PhD in Food Technology programmes are located in Bangalore. Here is a list of top colleges for PhD in Food Technology in Bangalore:

Top PhD in Food Technology Colleges in Kolkata

Check the Table below for the top colleges for PhD in Food Technology in Kolkata:

Fee Structure for PhD in Food Technology

PhD in Food Technology course fees vary depending on the college and the aspirant's category. PhD in Food Technology fees typically range between INR 10,000 PA and INR 1.5 LPA. The fees of the best colleges providing this course are given below: 

Syllabus and Subjects for PhD in Food Technology

The PhD in Food Technology program includes both core and elective courses that may differ slightly depending on the college or university. It is split into two parts: coursework and the research program. The coursework will cover topics such as research methodology, thesis writing, and survey techniques, etc.

A few core subjects in this program are listed below:

• Advances in Food Chemistry and Nutrition
• Advances in Food Engineering
• Food Packaging
• Modern Food Biotechnology
• Food Processing
• Food Analysis

Read More: PhD in Food Technology Subjects and Syllabus

Why Choose PhD in Food Technology Course?

PhD in Food Technology is a very demanding course for students who want to work in food packaging and food processing companies, food manufacturing industries, food research laboratories, and many other fields. It is a course that offers numerous opportunities. This program emphasizes the value of research in expanding students' understanding and advancing their learning.

What is PhD in Food Technology All About?

PhD in Food Technology duration is 3-5 years. This course assists students in developing analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for performing well in the required sector. The PhD in Food Technology course details include a wide range of topics in Food Technology and Food Science. Since it is such a broad topic, students can choose various elective courses and specializations as they wish. 

What PhD in Food Technology Graduates Do?

PhD in Food Technology graduates have a variety of job roles and career-related benefits due to their expert knowledge. The aspirant can choose between working in a laboratory, management, or processing field. Professors, Production Managers, Food Development Managers, Food Packaging Managers, Food Safety Auditors, and other designations are obtainable after course completetion. 

Professor: They teach undergraduate & postgraduate students about various aspects of the subject and also accountable for creating course content, planning the course curriculum, and collecting reference materials.

Related Careers:

Reasons Why PhD in Food Technology Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?

PhD in Food Technology is an accredited graduate program that offers aspirants excellent career opportunities as well as other benefits. The following are the course's advantages:

• High Pay: The job offers a good starting salary for new graduates as well as for senior or experienced graduates, indicating that it is a good one in the economy.
• Exposure: Because of the specialisation, a PhD in Food Technology degree offers a good source of skill as part of a CV and a good job scope even abroad.

Read More: PhD in Food Technology Jobs & Scope

PhD in Food Technology Course Comparison

PhD in Food Technology is typically catered to students interested in and inclined toward research-based degrees and it focuses on various areas of quality control and research and development of food products. Here is a course comparison among PhD in Food Technology with another course:

PhD in Food Technology vs PhD Home Science

Here is a comparison between PhD in Food Technology course and PhD in Home Science:

Preparation Tips for PhD in Food Technology Course

PhD in Food Technology students must maintain discipline and be well-versed in their curriculum. It is also necessary to read research papers in order to keep up with the latest developments in the field. Here are some pointers:

• Time Management: The aspirant should be able to answer all of the questions in the allotted time. It could be lengthy since it involves mathematics.
• Planning: Aspirants should practice with sample question papers, mock tests, and quizzes to prepare thoroughly. Aspirants can improve their chances of passing entrance exams by analyzing their mistakes.
• Reading Newspapers: Questions about general knowledge and current events are frequently asked in entrance exams, as well as in personal interviews and group discussion rounds.

Salary of a PhD in Food Technology Graduates

PhD in Food Technology graduates can expect to start at around INR 4 - 8 LPA [Source: PayScale]. Salary increments will follow as candidates develop knowledge, expertise, skills, and experience. The salary largely depends on whether the job is in the private or public sector, as well as the popularity of the company. 

Read More: PhD in Food Technology Salary

Career Options After PhD in Food Technology

Depending on one's preferences and skills, a Doctor of Philosophy in Food Technology can lead to employment in both the public and private sectors. The PhD in Food Technology degree has a high employment potential course due to the demand, industrialization, and development. The following are some of the positions available to graduates of the PhD in Food Technology programme:

• Professor
• R&D Manager
• Food Science Researcher
• Research Analyst
• Nutritionist

Skills That Make You The Best PhD in Food Technology Graduates

The PhD in Food Technology program is designed to help students advance their careers in various job roles which require candidates to possess soft and hard skills to excel properly. The following are some of the skills required of PhD in Food Technology graduates:

• Communication Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Problem-Solving
• Observational Skills
• Data Analysis