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.
Candidates who have completed an MSc Food Technology, Food Science, Food Biotechnology or an equivalent degree are eligible to apply for the program. Admission to PhD Food Technology is based on an entrance exam, such as UGC NET, GATE, followed by a personal interview. Some of the universities offering PhD Food Technology include LPU, Amity University, and Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University. After Phd Food Technology, one can work in research, academia, and the Food industry.
- PhD Food Technology Course Highlights
- What is a PhD in Food Technology?
- Why Pursue a PhD in Food Technology?
- PhD Food Technology Eligibility Criteria
- PhD Food Technology Admission Process
- PhD Food Technology Entrance Exam
- Top Colleges in India for PHD Food Technology
- PhD Food Technology Syllabus
- Job Prospects for PhD Food Technology
- PhD Food Technology FAQs
PhD Food Technology Course Highlights
PhD Food Technology emphasises applying the fundamental principles of food that are closely related to the domain of Food Science. Therefore, many universities use the PhD Food Technology and PhD in Food Science and Technology interchangeably. The table below showcases the key highlights of the course.
Category | Details |
Program Name | Doctor of Philosophy in 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 4 to 7 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 prestigious fellowship from government schemes.
- PhD programs always bring the opportunity to gain authorship that makes aspirants job-ready for academia.
PhD Food Technology Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility to register PhD in Food Technology is a minimum of 55% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA in MSc/ M.Tech 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 the merit of the entrance exam and performance in the PI.
- Candidates are required to present the research proposal to the Doctoral Advisory Committee for further screening.
PhD 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.
The basic framework of an admission process is as follows.
- Fill out the application form given on the official admission portal.
- Appear in the entrance exam (those who have not qualified for state or national level exams).
- If qualified, appear in a personal interview or project proposal meeting.
- Candidates having a state or national qualification are exempted from the university-level exam. However, they have to appear for an interview.
- Wait for the Committee Decision.
- The institute will release the list of selected candidates.
PhD Food Technology Entrance Exam
Some of the entrance exam scores accepted for PhD Food Technology are:
Exams | Registration | Exam Dates |
UGC NET 2025 | April 16 to May 12, 2025 | June 21 to June 30, 2025 |
SET 2025 | April 16, 2025 | May 5 & 11, 2025 |
CSIR NET 2025 | May 7, 2025 | June 21 to 30, 2025 |
GATE 2026 | October 2025 | February 2026 |
Top Colleges in India for PHD Food Technology
There are several government and private institutes that offer the PhD Food Technology or PhD in Food Science and Technology course. Universities may consider food science and technology, and food biotechnology/ food technology as the same subject area for a PhD. Candidates are advised to check the available specialisations beforehand.
College/ University Name | NIRF Ranking | Total Course Fee (INR) |
Lovely Professional University | 27 (university) | 3,00,000 |
Amity University, Noida | 32 (university) | 3,00,000 |
Mysore University | 54 (university) | 2,50,000 |
Pondicherry University | 101-150 (overall) | 2,00,000 |
Shoolini University | - | 3,50,000 |
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University | - | 2,50,000 |
Harcourt Butler Technological University, Kanpur | - | 2,00,000 |
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 |
Job Prospects for PhD Food Technology
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 | Job Description | Average Salary (INR) |
Assistant Professor | To teach UG and PG students in a university/college and to conduct research in the Food Science and Technology domain. | 7-8 LPA |
R&D Manager | To finalise research projects, depending on the market demands. They also look after the ongoing research work. | 7-9 LPA |
Food Science Researcher | To research and discover new aspects of Food Preservation, Processing, and Production. | 5-7 LPa |
Quality Control Inspector | To verify the quality of the food and ensure the safety of edible products. | 4-6 LPA |
Product Development Scientist | To create new food products or improve existing ones, focusing on taste, texture, and nutritional value | 10-15 LPA |
PhD Food Technology FAQs
Is Food Science and Food 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 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.
