Career in Food Science and Technology: Eligibility, Courses, and Exams
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Introduction
Food technology is a field of science that studies the processes used in the manufacturing, processing, preservation, packing, labeling, quality control, and distribution of food. Techniques and procedures for converting raw resources into food are also included in this subject. We need specialists in this sector as we dive into the aspects of food technology. Food technology employs science such as chemistry, biology, engineering, nutrition, and microbiology to make food safer and more readily available throughout the year in the case of seasonal foods.
For students interested in pursuing a course in food technology, there are several options. Food Technology courses are offered at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and diploma levels in India. Graduates and postgraduates from the program can work in a variety of settings, including restaurants, catering enterprises, hospitals, food processing firms, and so on. Students with a postgraduate degree can work in biotechnology and bioinformatics firms, water conservation and research institutions, and the pharmaceutical sector, among other locations.
Food Science and Technology requirements
1. Educational Requirements
Young people are increasingly interested in careers in food science and technology. Students who are interested in a career in the food sector can now do so. To work in this industry, you must have specific qualifications. These are the prerequisites for pursuing this career.
- To get started, you'll need to finish class 12 with biology as the main subject.
- You'll need a bachelor's degree or a certificate in food science and technology after that. The career you choose to pursue will influence the course you take.
- When you finish your degree, you have the option of looking for work or continuing your education.
- Students can study master’s degree and then Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology.
2. Soft Skills
Aside from these fundamental requirements, the candidate should additionally have certain distinct talents. You’ll also need certain unique talents to get started in the food and nutrition industry. These abilities are required to expand your job options. The following are some examples of such abilities:
Communication abilities
Food technologists must be able to communicate clearly and effectively for their suggestions - and the reasons behind them - to be understood.
Computer abilities
Professionals of all sorts require basic computer abilities to do research, connect with colleagues, and, on occasion, clients, and handle client information.
Organizing abilities
Food technologists have a diverse set of responsibilities, and their hours are usually lengthy and uncomfortable. Excellent time management, organizational, and personal boundary skills are essential.
Attention to detail
One needs to have a keen eye while working. They need to pay attention to every single detail in their every work. They should also maintain the quality and safety of the food.
Research
They must research a variety of food science fields. To successfully perform these investigations, the individual must have excellent attention to detail as well as the patience to take several minute measures and properly record them.
Food Science and Technology Eligibility
| Stream | Under-graduation or Diploma | Post-graduation | PG Diploma or P.hD. |
|---|---|---|---|
| The candidate should clear class 12th from any educational board. | You can apply for a bachelor’s degree in food science and technology. Or else candidates can go for a diploma course in food science and technology. | For more specialization, candidates can enroll themselves in a master’s degree in a relevant specialization field. | A one-year postgraduate diploma is also an option to pursue a career in food science and technology. |
| To take admission in higher studies, select Biology as the main subject. | This graduation degree makes you eligible for further studies, or you can take up the job as well. | A post-graduation degree will make you eligible for a job in a specialized food technology field. | A postgraduate diploma qualifies you for work in the specialized subject of food science and technology. |
| Try to gain at least 50% marks minimum. | Try to get at least 55% marks. | Try to maintain good results to get good placements. | To acquire good placements, try to keep decent grades. |
Food Science and Technology Courses
| Undergraduate courses | Postgraduate courses | Diploma courses | Ph.D. |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Sc. Food Technology | M.Sc. in Food science | Diploma Course in Food Analysis and Quality Assurance | Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Food Technology |
| B.Tech in Food Engineering | M.Sc. in Food Technology | PG Diploma in Food Technology and Nutraceuticals | -- |
| B.Sc. in Food science | M.Phil Food Science and Technology | Diploma in Food Science Technology | -- |
| B.Sc. in Food and Nutrition | M.Tech. in Food Technology | Diploma in Food Science, Preservation and Management | -- |
| BSc. in Food Preservation | M.Sc in Food and Nutrition | PG Diploma Food processing and engineering | -- |
| B.Sc in Food Preservation | M.Sc in Food and Fermentation Technology and Food Science | PG Diploma Food microbiology | -- |
The entrance exam for Food Science and Technology
National Level
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| JEE Mains - Joint Entrance Exam Mains | National testing agency (NTA) | 3 hours | Twice a year |
| JEE Advanced- Joint Entrance Exam Advanced | Indian Institue of Technology (IITs) | 3 hours | Once a year |
| IIFT Exam | National testing agency (NTA) | 2 hours | Once a year |
| GATE- Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering | Indian Institue of Technology (IITs) | 3 hours | Once a year |
Other Common Entrance Exams
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Level of Exam | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission) | BITS Pilani | University-Level | 3 Hours | Once a year |
| WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination) | West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board | State-Level | 2 hours | Once a year |
| VITEEE (Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination) | VIT University, Vellore | University-Level | 1 hour 30 minutes | Once a year |
| SRMJEEE (SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Exam) | SRM Institute of Science and Technology | University Level | 2 hour 30 minutes | Once a year |
| UPCET (Uttar Pradesh Combined Entrance Test) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | State-level | 3 hours | Once a year |
| KCET (Karnataka Common Entrance Test) | Karnataka Examinations Authority | State-Level | 1 hour 30 minutes | Once a year |
| AUCET (Andhra University Common Entrance Test ) | Directorate of Admission Andhra University | State-Level | 1 hour 30 minutes | Once a year |
Top Colleges for Food Science and Technology
| College name | Location |
|---|---|
| Mahatama Gandhi University | Kottayam |
| St. Xaviers College | Mumbai |
| Indian Institue of Technology (IIT) | Different Locations in India |
| Andhra University | Andhra Pradesh |
| NIMS University | Jaipur |
| Vellore Institute of Technology | Vellore |
| Delhi Technology University (DTU) | Delhi |
| Anna University | Chennai |
| HITS | Chenna |
| Lovely Professional University | Jalandhar |
| SRMIST - SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai |
Job prospects of Food Science and Technology
| Job name | Job description |
|---|---|
| Quality Control Inspector | A Quality Management Inspector performs inspections, reporting, and operational activities to support the success of their company's supply chain. |
| Organic chemist | Organic chemists specialize in studying and analyzing carbon-based compounds. Organic molecules must be characterized, produced, and used by chemists. They also do calculations and chemical reactions to improve the quality of the meal. |
| Food Technologist | They operate in the food processing business, assisting in the production of nutrient-dense, safe, and convenient foods. They work hard to develop better food preservation procedures, as well as better production and packaging processes. Assists the government with food labeling to verify that it complies with cleanliness and safety requirements. |
| Quality Assurance Manager | Quality Assurance Managers assist firms in establishing quality standards for goods and employees. They must assess data to create strategies to recruit, motivate, and empower personnel while continuing to improve procedures and product quality. |
| Production manager | The production manager keeps an eye on the food processing equipment and processes. At plants, employees are watched and product quality is regulated. A food production manager ensures that employees and systems follow state and federal guidelines. |
| Biochemist | Biochemists research living forms, their functions, and how chemical processes affect them. They conduct research, conduct experiments, and record data to improve our understanding of life, death, and everything in between. |
| Purchasing manager | The role of the Purchasing Manager is to plan and support the work of buyers and experts. They are well-known for guaranteeing that their company obtains the highest quality and quantity of food raw materials. |
| RD Manager | The research and development (RD) manager have a wide range of responsibilities. They are in charge of researching, creating, and implementing new systems and protocols, as well as managing the development of new products in their company or organization. |
| Analytical scientist | Analytical scientists examine a substance's chemical structure and nature. They have abilities that are useful in several situations. Toxicology, pharmacology, and forensics are just a few of the fields in which they specialize. |
| Dietician | Dieticians are in charge of maintaining excellent dietary health and treating medical problems by developing patient-specific eating plans based on nutrition research. Whether they are pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, they may be eligible for NHS financing. |
Work description for people working in Food Science and Technology Sector
Food technologists operate in a variety of locations, including kitchens, factories, labs, and offices, to design the production of food and beverage goods. As a result, particular tasks differ greatly, although they may include:
- They come up with fresh product concepts and recipes.
- To produce recipes on a big scale, it is necessary to adapt and enhance current recipes, as well as create procedures and technology.
- They communicate with marketing personnel.
- They must guarantee that strict cleanliness and food safety regulations are followed.
- They locate and choose items from vendors.
- They must keep an eye on the usage of additives by conducting tests and reviewing samples.
- They need to start writing reports.
Internships in Food Science and Technology
Internships are required for in-depth understanding of the field. Internships allow you to put your skills to the test in a real-world setting with an actual client. Several renowned organizations in the food technology business provide internships to students. FSSAI, for example, gives new talent in this sector an opportunity. You can also gain valuable job experience by working in any private organization. The following are some of the most prevalent perks of interning:
- Working in the field of food technology will also allow you to witness how food scientists research in order to develop novel food processing, packaging, and distribution techniques.
- Internships also help you to build relationships with suppliers and consumers.
- Internships in the food industry help you hone your skills.
Employment opportunities for Food science and technology students
Youth can find great work opportunities that can help them advance in their professions. The fact that a large number of young people are interested in working in the field of food technology. It demonstrates that they have a lot of options. The following are some of the organizations where a food science and technology graduate could find work:
- Hospitals (Government and Private)
- Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
- Nursing Homes
- Community Health Programmes
- Home Health Care Agencies
- Wellness Centers
- Fitness Clubs
- Health Product Companies (Pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and FMCGs)
- Diabetic Clinics
- Wellness Startups
- Government agencies
- International food organizations
Top recruiter for Food Science and Technology
The following are some well-known food technology recruiters:
- MTR Foods limited
- Amul
- Dabur India Ltd
- Godrej Industrial Limited
- PepsiCo India Holdings
- Britannia Industries Ltd
- Nestle India Pvt Ltd
- ITC Limited
- Agro Tech Foods
- Parle Products Pvt Ltd
- Coca-Cola India Limited
- Hindustan Lever Limited
- Cadbury India Ltd
- Milkfood
- Gits Food Products Pvt Ltd
Pros and Cons of studying Food Science and Technology
Pros
- Corporations and food industries are continuously hiring and establishing new roles. Not only that, but as a food scientist, you may choose from a wide range of professions and careers.
- A degree in food science opens up numerous doors to high-paying jobs. People who rose through the ranks of management earned six figures or more.
- Traveling globally is a need for many food scientist jobs, including research, marketing, networking, tasting, and many more.
- A food science degree will benefit you if you are a genuine kitchen master. Fortunately, culinary science provides a plethora of lab-based courses that include the preparation of recipes and delectable foods.
