B.Sc. in Food Sciences is a 3-year undergraduate course divided into six semesters.

Food Sciences is the study of the nature of food and the changes that occur in it naturally, and as a result of handling and processing.

The course involves a specialized study of all aspects of food, starting with harvesting or slaughtering, gathering or butchering, and consumption by means of cooking.

The course is career-oriented in nature, and is offered at a number of colleges/ universities through the country.

Some of the institutes that offer the course in India are listed here:

• Mount Carmel College, Bangalore
• Queen Mary's College, Chennai
• Sai Nath University, Ranchi
• Sharda University, Greater Noida.

Some of the top entrance tests conducted for admission to the course in India are:

• AIEEE: All India Engineering Entrance Examination.
• AICET: All India Common Entrance Test.
• IIT JEE: IIT Joint Entrance Examination
• JNU: Engineering Entrance Exam.

The basic eligibility criterion for pursuing the course is a 10+2 or equivalent qualification in the Science stream, from a recognized educational Board, with a minimum aggregate score of 50%.

Admission to the course is based on the candidate’s performance in a relevant entrance exam, or merit obtained in the last qualifying exam.

The average tuition fee charged for the course in India ranges between INR 10,000 to 5 Lacs for a span of 4 years.

Successful graduates of the course can expect anything between INR 3 to 20 lacs as annual salary in the industry, increasing with experience and skillset.

Such graduates are hired in capacities such as:

• Analytical Scientist, Consultants, Food Technologist.
• Computer Operator, Food & Beverage Storekeeper, Junior Analytical Assistant (Food).
• Assistant Analytical Scientist, Food & Beverage Executive, Dietician & Nutritionist, etc.

B.Sc. in Food Science: Course Highlights

Tabulated below are some of the major highlights of the course

B.Sc. in Food Science: What is it About?

Food Science is the academic discipline involving an advanced study of the concepts and processes involved in the processing, protection, preparing, selection, distribution, and utilization of nutritious and healthy food. The discipline is founded on the application of food science to preservation, selection, processing, distribution, packaging, and use of nutritious and safe food.

Subjects typically covered within this course’s curriculum are Food Microbiology, Packaging Technology, Dairy Technology, and Food Chemistry. Food Scientists study the physical, microbiological, and chemical makeup of food.

B.Sc. in Food Science: Who should opt?

Ideal candidates for the course would possess:

• A scientific bend of mind.

• Good observation & concentration.
• Interest in food-related scientific and technological development.
• Interest in health and nutrition.
• A discerning approach to food items.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills as well as an ability to interpret data critically.

Top Institutes offering B.Sc. in Food Science

Some of the top colleges offering the course in the country with the corresponding locations and fees charged by the respective colleges are listed below.

Eligibility for B.Sc. in Food Science

Listed below are the minimum criteria which candidates interested in pursuing the course are required to fulfil, in order to be eligible to apply for the course.

• Successful completion of the 10+2 level of education in the Science stream, completed from a recognized university.
• A minimum aggregate score of 50% (45% for SC/ST candidates) at the 10+2 level.

B.Sc. in Food Science: Admission Process

Most institutes offering the course admit students based on performance in a relevant entrance test, often followed by a round of personal interview, wherein their general aptitude for the course is tested. Admission process generally varies across colleges.

Some institutes such as the following conduct GSAT for admission to the course:

• Mount Carmel College
• Queen Mary's College
• Sai Nath University
• Vidyasagar College
• Sharda University
• Gitam College.

A few institutes also provide direct admission based on the candidate’s performance at the 10+2 level.

Listed below are some of the top entrance exams conducted in the country for admission to the course.

• AIEEE: All India Engineering Entrance Examination.
• AICET: All India Common Entrance Test.
• IIT JEE: IIT Joint Entrance Examination
• JNU: Engineering Entrance Exam
• COMEDK: Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Exam
• AMIE Entrance Exam
• AMIETE Entrance Exam
• DCE CEE Entrance Exam.
• BISAT Entrance Examination
• BIHER Entrance Exam
• NIT Entrance Exam
• VITEEE Engineering Entrance Exam.

B.Sc. in Food Science: Syllabus and Course Description

A semester-wise breakup of the course’s syllabus is tabulated here.

B.Sc. in Food Science: Career Prospects

Such Food Scientists work across packaging companies, food processing companies, manufacturing industries, research laboratories, etc.

Such professionals are hired at various private and public-sector organizations, in job roles such as:

• Production Managers, Assistant Managers, Food Packaging Managers.
• Food Scientists, Research and Development Personnel.
• Food Development Managers, Sensory Scientists, Quality Control Officers.
• Food Safety Auditors, And Even Food Stylists.

Other areas of employment for such professionals include:

• Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry
• Food-related writing for magazines, journals, books, and television shows.
• Food manufacturing plants, research and development labs, catering companies.
• Food whole-sellers, restaurants and hospitals.

Some of the popular professional avenues open to successful graduates of the course are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.