PhD in Food Science and Technology is a research-based doctorate course in Food Technology and its related fields. It deals with all the fields of food technology including Food Chemistry, Vegetable and Cereal Technology, Dairy and Poultry Technology, Food Quality Control, etc. During a PhD in Food Science and Technology, the candidates will have to research any one of the major topics of Food Science and Technology and will have to submit the thesis to gain a PhD degree. The minimum duration of the course is 3 years, but it can be extended up to 5 years depending on the length of the research.To be eligible for PhD in Food Science and Technology, a candidate must complete an MSc or MTech in Food Technology or Food Science and Technology with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks. The candidates will be selected on the basis of entrance exam scores.
Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Food Technology |
Level of Study | Doctorate Degree |
Course Duration | 3 - 5 years |
Eligibility | Master's in Food Technology or Food Science and Technology |
Admission Process | Entrance Based |
Examination type | Semester |
Course Fee | INR 50,000 to 1,25,000 |
Average Starting Salary | INR 4,00,000 to 10,00,000 |
Job Options | Professor, Lecturer, Food Technologist, Nutritionist, Quality Assurance Manager, Quality Control Inspector, etc. |
Areas of Employment | Colleges and Universities, Quality Control Laboratories, Research Centres, Fisheries and Poultries, etc. |
The entrance exam requirements may vary by university, but most universities require a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score. Some universities may also require a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score for international students.
Entrance Exam |
IIT JAM |
VITMEE |
UGC NET |
1 | The candidates must complete their Master's in either Food Science and Technology or Food Technology from a recognized university. |
2 | The candidates must attain minimum 55% aggregate marks in Master's to become eligible for PhD Food Technology. |
3 | The candidates must keep in mind that the minimum required marks may vary from college to college. Some colleges may set the minimum marks to 60% or even higher. |
4 | The candidates must have a thorough idea of their research idea, on which they will be questioned during the interview. |
The duration of a PhD program in Food Science and Technology varies by university, but typically ranges from 3-5 years.
Applicants can typically apply to a PhD program in Food Science and Technology online through the university's website. |
The application usually requires transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and a resume/CV. |
International applicants may also need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. |
It is essential to check the specific application requirements of the university to which you plan to apply. |
Application Process: | The candidates will have to apply for the entrance exams and colleges where they wish to get admission separately. The candidates must check the application form before submission to ensure that it is correct. |
Entrance Exam: | Most of the PhD entrance exams are conducted on online mode. The admit cards are generally released 10 days prior to the entrance exam. |
Merit List: | Once the results of the entrance exams are announced, the candidates who qualified the cutoffs will be shortlisted by the college. The name of these candidates will be published in the form of a merit list. |
Personal Interview: | The shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview. The candidates will be asked questions on their research ideas during this interview. |
Document Verification: | The selected candidates will have to present appropriate documents to prove their eligibility. |
Enrollment: | Finally, the eligible candidates will be granted admission to the course. |
The application fee for a PhD program in Food Science and Technology varies by university, but it typically ranges from $50-$100.
The syllabus for a PhD program in Food Science and Technology typically includes advanced topics in food chemistry, food microbiology, food processing, food safety, food engineering, and sensory analysis. The program also includes significant emphasis on original research and dissertation writing.
Major Courses
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Minor Courses
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Graduates of a PhD program in Food Science and Technology are well-positioned for careers in academia, government agencies, food research and development, food processing companies, and regulatory bodies. The average salary for food scientists and technologists with a PhD is around $80,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Graduates of a PhD program in Food Science and Technology can pursue a variety of career opportunities, including roles such as food scientists, research scientists, quality assurance managers, food safety specialists, and academic researchers.
Job Profile | Job Description |
Professor | Food Technology Professors teach the various aspects of the subject to the undergraduate and postgraduate students. |
R&D Manager | Research and Development Managers decide which new research to take on depending on the market demands. They also look after the ongoing research works. |
Food Science Researcher | Food Science Researchers research and discover new aspects of Food Preservation, Food Processing, Food Production, etc. |
Research Analyst | Research Analyst research on the different aspects of Food production, food processing and food toxification. |
Nutritionist | Nutritionists prescribe the kind of Nutrition, Food and Diet that one needs to take depending on the physical requirement of the person. |
Food Technologist | Food Technologists work to produce new food products, flavours, processes, etc for the food company where they work. |
Some top universities for a PhD program in Food Science and Technology include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.