Top Food Technology Colleges in India (2025)
The demand for food technologists in India is rapidly increasing as the food processing and FMCG sectors expand. Choosing the right food technology college in India can open doors to careers in research, product development, quality assurance, and even entrepreneurship.
In this article, we’ll explore the best food technology colleges in India, their rankings, admission processes, eligibility criteria, placement opportunities, and much more. Whether you’re planning for a B.Tech in Food Technology or a M.Sc. in Food Science, this detailed guide will help you make the right decision.
What Is Food Technology?
Food Technology is the branch of science that combines biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering to process, preserve, and improve food products. The field involves innovation in food packaging, safety, and nutrition while maintaining product quality.
Students studying food technology learn about topics such as food microbiology, food chemistry, food engineering, quality control, and product development. Graduates often work in industries like beverages, dairy, bakery, snacks, meat processing, and more.
Why Study Food Technology in India?
India is one of the largest producers and consumers of food products in the world. The government has identified food processing as a priority sector, creating new jobs and research opportunities. Here’s why pursuing a food technology degree in India is a smart choice:
- Growing Industry: The Indian food processing industry is projected to reach USD 535 billion by 2025, offering excellent career prospects.
- Government Support: Initiatives like Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and ICAR promote education and research in food technology.
- Strong Research Base: Top institutions such as IITs, NIFTEM, and CFTRI provide cutting-edge labs and industry collaborations.
- Job Opportunities: High demand in FMCG, R&D, and quality control sectors.
- Global Recognition: Indian food technology graduates are in demand worldwide, especially in multinational food corporations.
Scope of Food Technology in India
The scope of food technology is vast. With increasing consumer demand for packaged, nutritious, and safe food, skilled professionals are essential for maintaining quality and innovation. Food technologists work across diverse roles such as:
- Quality Assurance Officer
- Food Product Developer
- R&D Scientist
- Production Manager
- Food Safety Officer
- Entrepreneur in Food Startups
According to IBEF, India’s food processing sector contributes more than 10% to GDP, and skilled food technologists are crucial to its success.
Top Courses in Food Technology
Food technology education in India is offered at various levels — undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and doctoral. The most common programs include:
1. Undergraduate Courses
- B.Tech in Food Technology
- B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology
- B.Tech in Dairy Technology
- B.Tech in Agricultural and Food Engineering
2. Postgraduate Courses
- M.Tech in Food Technology
- M.Sc. in Food Science
- M.Tech in Dairy and Food Engineering
3. Diploma and Certificate Courses
- Diploma in Food Processing and Preservation
- Certificate in Food Safety Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Food Quality Assurance
Eligibility Criteria for Food Technology Programs
Before applying to any of the top food technology colleges in India, students must meet certain eligibility conditions:
- For B.Tech/B.Sc.: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics (minimum 50% aggregate)
- For M.Tech/M.Sc.: Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Biotechnology, or allied science
- For Diploma Courses: 10+2 or equivalent qualification in science stream
Admission is often based on national or state-level entrance exams such as JEE Main, ICAR AIEEA, CUET-UG, or institutional tests.
In the next part, we’ll look at the Top 10 Food Technology Colleges in India (2025) with details on rankings, programs, and placement records.
Top 10 Food Technology Colleges in India (2025)
India is home to some of the best institutes offering advanced programs in Food Technology, Food Science, and Food Processing Engineering. These colleges are known for their high academic standards, research excellence, and strong industry placements. Below is a list of the top food technology colleges in India for 2025 based on NIRF rankings, ICAR accreditation, infrastructure, and placement records.
1. National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Haryana
Location: Sonipat, Haryana
Established: 2012
Affiliation: Deemed University under Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)
About: NIFTEM is India’s flagship institute dedicated solely to Food Technology and Management. It offers B.Tech, M.Tech, and Ph.D. programs in food process engineering, food safety, and management. Known for its modern pilot plants and international collaborations, it’s the top choice for food tech aspirants.
- Courses Offered: B.Tech (Food Technology), M.Tech, Ph.D.
- Entrance Exam: JEE Main / GATE
- Average Fees: ₹1.8 – ₹2.2 lakh per year
- Top Recruiters: ITC, Nestlé, Amul, Britannia, PepsiCo
2. Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru
Location: Mysuru, Karnataka
Affiliation: CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research)
About: CFTRI is one of India’s oldest and most respected food research institutions. It focuses on innovation, R&D, and post-graduate training in food science and technology. The institute has contributed hundreds of food processing patents globally.
- Courses Offered: M.Sc. (Food Technology), Ph.D.
- Average Fees: ₹80,000 – ₹1 lakh per year
- Specialization: Food Processing, Biochemistry, Microbiology
- Top Recruiters: MTR Foods, Hindustan Unilever, Mother Dairy
3. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur
Department: Agricultural and Food Engineering
Location: Kharagpur, West Bengal
About: IIT Kharagpur is among India’s leading engineering institutions, offering B.Tech and M.Tech in Agricultural and Food Engineering. The program integrates food technology with process optimization and agricultural innovations.
- Entrance Exam: JEE Advanced / GATE
- Average Fees: ₹2.2 lakh per year
- Top Recruiters: Mondelez, ITC, Nestlé, Marico
4. Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Affiliation: Deemed University
About: ICT Mumbai is one of the most prestigious technical universities in India offering B.Tech and M.Tech in Food Engineering and Technology. The institute focuses on food chemistry, bioprocessing, and packaging innovations.
- Entrance Exam: JEE Main / MHT-CET
- Average Fees: ₹1.6 lakh per year
- Top Recruiters: Britannia, Godrej, Dabur, PepsiCo
5. Anand Agricultural University (AAU), Gujarat
Location: Anand, Gujarat
Affiliation: ICAR Accredited
About: AAU offers B.Tech and M.Tech programs in Food Processing Technology. The curriculum emphasizes applied learning and industrial exposure, especially in dairy and agricultural food systems.
- Average Fees: ₹60,000 – ₹80,000 per year
- Top Recruiters: Amul, Parag Milk Foods, ITC, Britannia
6. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore
Location: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Affiliation: ICAR and UGC Recognized
About: TNAU is one of the top agricultural universities in India. It offers B.Tech in Food Technology and M.Tech in Food Process Engineering. Known for strong placement support and government tie-ups, TNAU attracts top recruiters annually.
- Entrance Exam: TNAU Entrance / ICAR AIEEA
- Average Fees: ₹75,000 per year
- Top Recruiters: Hatsun Agro, Aavin, ITC, PepsiCo
7. Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab
Location: Phagwara, Punjab
Affiliation: UGC Approved
About: LPU offers B.Tech and M.Tech in Food Technology with modern facilities and industrial partnerships. It is one of the fastest-growing private universities with international collaborations.
- Entrance Exam: LPUNEST / CUET
- Average Fees: ₹1.5 – ₹2 lakh per year
- Top Recruiters: Nestlé, ITC, Coca-Cola, Mondelez
8. Amity University, Noida
Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Affiliation: UGC Recognized
About: Amity offers B.Tech and M.Sc. in Food Technology. Its program is focused on research, innovation, and practical exposure through partnerships with leading food industries.
- Average Fees: ₹2 – ₹2.5 lakh per year
- Entrance Exam: Amity Entrance / CUET
- Top Recruiters: Nestlé, Britannia, ITC, Danone
Visit Amity University Website
9. Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore
About: Karunya offers B.Tech in Food Processing and Engineering, with a strong emphasis on sustainable food technologies and packaging innovations. Its placement record is among the best in South India.
- Average Fees: ₹1.2 lakh per year
- Top Recruiters: ITC, Hatsun, Britannia
Visit Karunya University Website
10. Central Institute of Technology (CIT), Kokrajhar
Location: Assam
About: CIT offers B.Tech in Food Engineering and Technology, with a focus on northeast India’s food industry development. The institute has strong academic collaborations and placement support.
- Average Fees: ₹60,000 per year
- Entrance Exam: CITEE / JEE Main
These colleges represent the best of India’s food technology education system — combining science, innovation, and industrial exposure. In the next part, we’ll discuss the Admission Process, Entrance Exams, and Application Tips for pursuing a food technology degree in India.
Top Food Technology Colleges in India (2025 Edition)
India is home to several world-class food technology colleges that combine science, innovation, and industrial training. These institutions focus on developing skilled food technologists who can work in diverse sectors like quality assurance, product development, food safety, and processing industries. Let’s explore some of the best food technology colleges in India that stand out for their quality of education, research facilities, and placement records.
1. National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Haryana
Location: Sonepat, Haryana
Affiliation: Deemed University under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India.
Courses Offered: B.Tech, M.Tech, Ph.D. in Food Technology.
Why It’s Best: NIFTEM offers an integrated approach combining food science, technology, entrepreneurship, and management. The campus is equipped with cutting-edge labs and innovation centers. Its graduates are highly sought after by companies like Nestlé, ITC, Amul, and Britannia.
Visit NIFTEM Official Website
2. Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru
Location: Mysuru, Karnataka
Affiliation: CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research).
Courses Offered: M.Sc., M.Tech, and short-term industry courses.
Why It’s Best: CFTRI is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions for food technology and applied food science research. It collaborates with international food industries and research organizations. The institute focuses on innovation, new product development, and value addition of Indian foods.
Visit CFTRI Official Website
3. Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT), Thanjavur
Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Affiliation: Autonomous Institute under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
Courses Offered: B.Tech, M.Tech, Ph.D. in Food Processing Engineering.
Why It’s Best: IIFPT is known for its advanced pilot plants, incubation centers, and real-world training programs. It also provides business incubation support for food startups and MSMEs. The curriculum focuses on both theoretical and practical learning.
Visit IIFPT Official Website
4. Anand Agricultural University (AAU), Gujarat
Location: Anand, Gujarat
Affiliation: State Agricultural University.
Courses Offered: B.Tech and M.Tech in Food Processing Technology.
Why It’s Best: Located in the heart of India’s dairy capital, Anand Agricultural University offers excellent exposure to food processing industries. It has strong links with Amul and other dairy cooperatives. The campus emphasizes both agriculture and food engineering applications.
Visit AAU Official Website
5. Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana
Location: Ludhiana, Punjab
Affiliation: State Agricultural University.
Courses Offered: B.Tech, M.Tech in Food Technology, and related disciplines.
Why It’s Best: PAU is a pioneer in agricultural research and food technology education. The university has modern food processing labs and strong placement support, especially in agro-based industries. It also focuses on rural entrepreneurship and post-harvest management.
Visit PAU Official Website
6. College of Food Technology (CFTRI), VNMKV Parbhani
Location: Maharashtra
Affiliation: Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth.
Courses Offered: B.Tech and M.Tech in Food Technology.
Why It’s Best: The college offers specialized labs for cereals, dairy, fruits, and vegetable processing. Students get exposure to research and industrial visits in Maharashtra’s leading food industries.
Visit VNMKV Official Website
7. SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Affiliation: Deemed to be University.
Courses Offered: B.Tech and M.Tech in Food Process Engineering.
Why It’s Best: SRM combines modern technology with industry collaboration. The institute provides strong placement support and global internship programs, making it a popular choice for engineering aspirants interested in food technology.
Visit SRM Official Website
8. Dr. D.Y. Patil University, Navi Mumbai
Location: Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
Affiliation: Deemed University.
Courses Offered: B.Tech and M.Tech in Food Science and Technology.
Why It’s Best: Known for its advanced infrastructure and research-driven learning environment. Students benefit from exposure to food packaging, preservation, and quality assurance programs. It also hosts annual seminars and industry collaborations.
Visit D.Y. Patil Official Website
9. Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab
Location: Phagwara, Punjab
Affiliation: Private University.
Courses Offered: B.Tech, M.Tech in Food Technology, and Nutrition Sciences.
Why It’s Best: LPU has emerged as one of the top private universities offering quality food technology programs with international tie-ups. It has strong placement support, modern labs, and active participation in national-level food innovation competitions.
Visit LPU Official Website
10. Amity University, Noida
Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Affiliation: Private University.
Courses Offered: B.Tech, M.Tech in Food Technology and Processing.
Why It’s Best: Amity offers a globally oriented curriculum that includes exposure to biotechnology, food safety, and quality management. Students gain experience through live projects, internships, and collaborations with reputed food brands.
Visit Amity University Official Website
Food Technology Courses, Eligibility, and Admission Process in India
Before applying to any food technology college in India, students should understand the courses offered, eligibility criteria, and admission procedures. Each institution follows its own process, but most of them align with national-level or state-level entrance exams.
Courses Offered in Food Technology
Food technology programs are available at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. These courses combine subjects like chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and nutrition to train students in the science and technology behind food processing.
- Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Food Technology: A 4-year undergraduate program that covers topics like food preservation, packaging, dairy technology, and quality control.
- Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Food Technology: A 2-year postgraduate program focusing on research and specialization areas such as food biotechnology, food engineering, and product development.
- M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology: Offers an in-depth understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, and quality management systems.
- Ph.D. in Food Technology: Research-oriented program for those aiming for careers in academia, R&D, or industrial innovation.
Eligibility Criteria
To get admission into food technology programs in India, students must meet certain academic and examination requirements:
- For B.Tech: Candidates should have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics/Biology as compulsory subjects with at least 50–60% aggregate marks.
- For M.Tech: A B.Tech/B.E. degree in Food Technology, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field is required.
- For Ph.D.: Applicants should hold an M.Tech/M.Sc. in Food Technology or related discipline with research experience.
Entrance Exams for Food Technology Admissions
Most top food technology colleges in India admit students through entrance exams. Here are the main exams to consider:
- JEE Main – For admission to NIFTEM, SRM, Amity, and several government institutes.
- JEE Advanced – For entry into IITs offering food process engineering courses.
- ICAR AIEEA – Conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research for agricultural and food universities.
- State-level entrance exams such as MHT CET, TNEA, or KEAM also offer admission to local government and private colleges.
Admission Process
The admission procedure generally follows these steps:
- Register for the relevant entrance exam (JEE, ICAR, or state exams).
- Appear for the test and secure a qualifying score.
- Apply through the centralized counseling process or directly to the college.
- Participate in document verification and final seat allotment.
- Pay the admission fee and confirm enrollment.
Top Recruiters for Food Technology Graduates
Graduates from reputed food technology colleges in India have excellent job opportunities in the food and beverage sector. The Indian food processing industry is rapidly expanding, and companies are always in search of skilled professionals.
Some of the top recruiters include:
- Amul
- Nestlé India
- Britannia Industries
- ITC Foods
- Haldiram’s
- PepsiCo India
- Parle Agro
- Mother Dairy
- Godrej Tyson Foods
- Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL)
Career Opportunities in Food Technology
The career scope after graduating from a food technology college is vast and promising. Food technologists work across different stages of the food production chain — from research to manufacturing to quality control.
- Food Scientist: Focuses on food research, innovation, and nutritional analysis.
- Quality Assurance Officer: Ensures compliance with FSSAI and ISO standards.
- Food Processing Engineer: Works on the design and optimization of food manufacturing processes.
- R&D Technologist: Develops new food products and improves shelf life.
- Food Safety Officer: Monitors hygiene, labeling, and contamination control.
- Production Manager: Oversees factory operations and ensures timely production.
Government Opportunities for Food Technologists
Besides private industry roles, food technologists can also work in various government departments and research centers. Major organizations hiring food technology graduates include:
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)
- ICAR Research Institutes
- Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) involved in agro-processing and dairy development
With India’s focus on food security and nutrition, the demand for qualified food technologists will continue to rise in the coming years.
