PhD Food Technology: Admission 2025, Eligibility, Colleges, Syllabus, Jobs and Salary

• Updated on  Aug 18, 2025, by Dharti Bhadla

PhD Food Technology is a research-based doctorate program that focuses on processing, engineering, quality control, and microbiology of food products. It typically takes 3 to 5 years to complete the course, depending on the university, available facilities, research topic, and designed methodology.

 

The eligibility criteria for the Ph.D in Food Technology are that the candidate must hold a master’s degree in the relevant field. The admission to the Ph.D Food Technology is based on the entrance exam scores of the candidates. Students need to have a valid score in exams such as UGC NET/UGC CSIR NET/GATE, etc.

 

The average course fees for the PhD Food Technology are between INR 1,50,000 – 3,00,000, depending on the institute type. Some famous universities offering a Ph D in Food Technology are LPU, Amity University, and Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University.

 

After earning the degree of PhD in Food Technology, the candidates can work in research, academia, and the Food industry. Some of the top job positions candidates can pursue are Professor, Food Technologist, Quality Assurance Manager, etc. The average salary a PhD holder can expect to earn is between INR 6 LPA – 8 LPA

 

Table of Contents
  1. PhD Food Technology Highlights
  2. What is a PhD in Food Technology?
  3. Why Pursue a PhD in Food Technology?
  4. Who Should Pursue a Ph D in Food Technology?
  5. PhD Food Technology Eligibility Criteria
  6. PhD Food Technology Entrance Exam
  7. PhD in Food Technology Colleges in India
  8. PhD in Food Technology Admission Process
  9. PhD Food Technology Syllabus
  10. Ph.D in Food Technology Vs Ph.D in Biotechnology Course Comparison
  11. PhD Food Technology Jobs and Careers
  12. PhD Food Technology FAQs

 

PhD Food Technology Highlights

Given below are some of the basic key highlights for the PhD in Food Technology

Category

Details

Program Name

Ph.D Food Technology

Duration

3 to 5 years

Eligibility

55% in MSc Food Technology or a relevant background from a UGC recognised university.

 

State/National level entrance exam Qualification

Admission

Based on the entrance exam score and PI

 

Exams: UGC NET, CSIR NET, SET, GATE

Course Fee

INR 2,00,000 to 3,00,000

Average Starting Salary

INR 6 – 8 LPA

Top Recruiting Sectors

Colleges and Universities, Quality Control Laboratories, Research Centres, Food Industries, etc.

Top Job Positions

Professor, Lecturer, Food Technologist, Nutritionist, Quality Assurance Manager, Quality Control Inspector, etc.

 

What is a PhD in Food Technology?

PhD in Food Technology is a research-based doctoral program in which further experimental study and original work in food processing, preservation, safety, quality control, nutrition, and food chemistry are discussed. The program typically requires admission with a relevant master's degree and lasts a minimum of three years. Graduates can work as research scientists, product development specialists, quality assurance managers, and regulatory affairs experts.

 

Why Pursue a PhD in Food Technology?

Pursuing a PhD in Food Technology can be a great choice of career for those seeking an opportunity for in-depth research and contribution to advancements in food processing, safety, and sustainability.

  • The course equips the aspirants with various research skills, enabling them to develop new food products, improve food safety.
  • One can contribute to Public Health Initiatives, as food technologists play a vital role in developing healthier food options and addressing nutritional deficiencies.
  • During the course, one may avail a prestigious fellowship from government schemes.
  • PhD programs always bring the opportunity to gain authorship that makes aspirants job-ready for academia.

 

Who Should Pursue a Ph D in Food Technology?

Given below are some of the points on who should pursue a Ph.D in Food Technology:

  • Research-driven students who are interested in developing advanced food processing methods, preservation techniques, and innovative food products.
  • Professionals aiming for academic careers in universities or research institutions who need doctoral-level expertise in food science and technology.
  • Individuals interested in food safety and quality assurance, focusing on solving issues related to nutrition, packaging, and food regulations.
  • Students with a strong background in Food Technology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or related sciences who want to deepen their specialization.
  • Those aspiring for leadership roles in the food industry, such as R&D managers, food scientists, or consultants for government and international food organizations.

 

PhD Food Technology Eligibility Criteria

Given below is the detailed eligibility criteria for the PhD in Food Technology. Students must meet certain criteria if they wish to pursue this course from renowned universities:

  • The candidate must have a master’s degree in Food Technology, such as M.Sc/M.Tech in Food Technology with an aggregate of 55% marks or equivalent degree from a UGC recognized university.
  • Candidates with backgrounds like Food Microbiology/Food Science/Food Biotechnology/Dairy Microbiology or Food and Nutrition majors can also apply.
  • Selection is strictly based on merit or the entrance exam scores, such as UGC NET/UGC CSIR NET/GATE and performance in the PI.
  • Candidates are required to present the research proposal to the Doctoral Advisory Committee for further screening.

 

PhD Food Technology Entrance Exam

Some of the entrance exam scores accepted for PhD Food Technology are:

Entrances

Application Date

Exam Date

Application Fees

UGC NET 2026

April - May 2026

June 2026

General: INR 1,150

 

OBC-NCL/EWS: INR 600

 

SC/ST/PWD: INR 325

GATE 2026

September 2025

February 2026

Female/SC/ST/PWD Candidates Registration Fee: INR 900

 

INR 1800 for all candidates, including foreign nationals

 

Extended registration period with late fee (INR 1400, INR 2300)

CSIR NET 2026

June 2026

July 2026

General/EWS: INR 1150

 

OBC-NCL: INR 600

 

SC/ST/PWD: INR 325

 

PhD in Food Technology Colleges in India

There are several government and private institutes that offer the PhD Food Technology or PhD in Food Science and Technology course. Given below are some of the best colleges offering a Ph D in Food Technology course

College/ University Name

Location

NIRF Ranking 2024 (Engineering)

Total Course Fee (INR)

Lovely Professional University

Phagwara

50

3,00,000

Amity University

Noida

30

3,00,000

Mysore University

Mysore

-

2,50,000

Pondicherry University

Pondicherry

-

2,00,000

Shoolini University

Himachal Pradesh

92

3,50,000

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University

Hyderabad

88

2,50,000

Harcourt Butler Technological University

Kanpur

-

2,00,000

 

PhD in Food Technology Admission Process

Admission to PhD Food Technology is based on cut-off marks scored in any state or national-level entrance exam, such as UGC NET/GATE, etc. Some universities also conduct their entrance test and subsequent interview rounds.

 

Given below is the step by step admission process for the LPU, Phagwara for your reference:

 

Step 1: Start by visiting the official website of the Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, “https://www.lpu.in/programmes/full-time-phd-in-food-technology”

 

Step 2: Students need to register online with the official website; those who have already registered need to log in to their accounts. Students with first-time registration need to register on LPUADMIT with their basic details.

 

Step 3: Admission is strictly based on the entrance exam conducted by LPU, i.e., LPUNEST. Students need to deposit the test fees, fill out the test application form, book the slot and then appear in the exam.

 

Step 4: After receiving your scorecard, appear for the interview conducted by the LPU. Schedule and book the slot for your interview and appear on the time frame.

 

Step 5: After getting selected in the interview, deposit your documents and take admission.

 

Documents Required

  • UG/PG Mark sheets
  • Degree Certificates
  • Entrance Scorecard
  • Research Proposal
  • SOP (Purpose)
  • CV/Resume
  • LORs (2–3)
  • Category Certificate
  • ID Proof
  • Photographs

 

PhD Food Technology Syllabus

PhD Food Technology emphasises research and development for quality food products. It covers subjects like food processing, engineering, quality control, biochemistry of food, maintenance of milk products, preservation, etc.

 

The table below represents the syllabus followed by Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Anantapur.

Core compulsory subjects

Chemistry of Foods.

Food Preservation Technology

Food Analysis

Technology of Fruits and Vegetables

Specialization

Technology of Milk and Milk Products

Technology of Oils and Fats

Bakery and Confectionery Technology

Technology of Meat, Poultry, and Fishery Products

Food Biochemistry and Nutrition

Food Microbiology

Plantation Products and Flavour Technology

Food Processing Engineering

Packaging Technology and Food Laws

Management of Food Processing Industries

 

Ph.D in Food Technology Vs Ph.D in Biotechnology Course Comparison

Given below is the detailed course comparison for the Ph D in Food Technology and PhD in Biotechnology for the students:

Aspect

Ph.D. in Food Technology

Ph.D. in Biotechnology

Course Focus

Advanced research in food processing, preservation, safety, nutrition, and product development.

Research in biological systems, genetic engineering, molecular biology, and bioprocess technology.

Eligibility

Master’s in Food Technology/Food Science/Biotechnology/Chemistry, or related fields + entrance exam (UGC-NET/CSIR-JRF/University test).

Master’s in Biotechnology/Microbiology/Life Sciences, Biochemistry, or related fields + entrance exam (UGC-NET/CSIR-JRF/University test).

Admission Process

Entrance exam + interview + submission of research proposal.

Entrance exam + interview + research proposal evaluation.

Average Course Duration

3–5 years

3–5 years

Average Fees (India)

INR 50,000 – INR 3,00,000 (entire course)

INR 70,000 – INR 3,50,000 (entire course)

Research Areas

Food microbiology, food safety, food packaging, nutrition, functional foods, and post-harvest technology.

Genetic engineering, stem cell research, molecular diagnostics, agricultural biotechnology, industrial enzymes.

Career Options

Food scientist, R&D manager, quality control head, food safety consultant, professor.

Biotech researcher, pharma scientist, genetic engineer, clinical researcher, professor.

Average Salary Range

INR 6 LPA – INR 10 LPA

INR 7 LPA – INR 12 LPA

Top Recruiters

FSSAI, Nestlé, Amul, PepsiCo, ITC Foods, and research institutes.

Biocon, Dr. Reddy’s, Serum Institute, Novartis, research labs, biotech startups.

 

PhD Food Technology Jobs and Careers

PhD Food Technology opens the doors to research, academia, and industry, with opportunities in food science, product development, quality control, and regulatory affairs. Here are some of the high-paying PhD Food Technology jobs with an average estimated salary as per the Indeed and Glassdoor analytics.

Job Profile

Experience Required

Average Salary (INR)

Top Recruiters / Recruiting Areas

Assistant Professor

0–3 years

7–8 LPA

Universities, Colleges, ICAR Institutes, Central/State Agricultural Universities

R&D Manager

5–8 years

7–9 LPA

Nestlé, ITC Foods, Amul, PepsiCo, Britannia, Research Labs

Food Science Researcher

2–5 years

5–7 LPA

CSIR Labs, ICMR, FSSAI, DRDO (DFRL), Food Research Institutes

Quality Control Inspector

1–4 years

4–6 LPA

FSSAI, Food Safety Departments, Hindustan Unilever, Patanjali, Mother Dairy

Product Development Scientist

3–6 years

10–15 LPA

Nestlé, Mondelez, ITC Foods, PepsiCo, Dabur, GSK Consumer Healthcare

 

PhD Food Technology FAQs

Is PhD in Food Science and PhD Food Science and Technology the same?

No, although closely related, these two deal with different aspects of food study. The former is about the study of fundamental principles of food and nutrition. It covers the basic science of various food components at a molecular level. Whereas the latter is applying that knowledge to improve food quality, engineering of food products, and development of new food items that have nutritional value.

How do I become a Food Safety Officer after completing a PhD in Food Technology?

To become a Food Safety Officer, one has to qualify for the recruitment exams conducted by the State PSC or the central agency, FSSAI. They conduct exams in 2 phases, followed by the interview rounds.

What recruitment exam is compulsory to secure a job in a government university after a PhD?

To get a government position in academics, one must have to qualify UGC NET or CSIR NET LS exam. Candidates having a state-level qualification (SET/SLET) can also apply for their respective states.

Is research paper publication compulsory for PhD thesis submission?

No, as per the recent UGC guidelines for PhD programs, paper publication is not mandatory for completion of a PhD. One can submit the synopsis and thesis without having any publications. However, many renowned universities do ask for a minimum 2 publications to submit the thesis.

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CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research)
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