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How to Become a Food Scientist: Your Step-by-Step Guide

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Introduction

Food technology, a fascinating field of science, delves into the intricacies of manufacturing, processing, preservation, packing, labeling, quality control, and distribution of food. This discipline utilizes science, including chemistry, biology, engineering, nutrition, and microbiology, to enhance food safety and accessibility. If you’re wondering how to become a Food Scientist, this is a good starting point.

For those keen on entering the realm of food technology, various courses are available at undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and diploma levels in India. The expertise gained from these courses opens doors to diverse settings such as restaurants, catering enterprises, hospitals, and food processing firms. So, if you’re asking yourself, “How to become a Food Scientist?”, consider pursuing a course in food technology. This could be your first step towards a rewarding career in this field.

Skills Required

IT Skills

Eligibility and Courses

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 in India-

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	—

Top Colleges

College name	Location
Mahatma Gandhi University	Kottayam
St. Xaviers College	Mumbai
Indian Institute 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

Entrance Exams

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

Work Description

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:

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.

Job Profiles

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.

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 Recruiters

Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

FAQs

What is food technology?

Food technology is a field of science that involves the manufacturing, processing, preservation, packing, labeling, quality control, and distribution of food.