What is Diploma in Food Production: Course Duration, Admission 2026, Colleges, Salary & Scope
Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content
Diploma in Food Production course is designed to train students in preparation of health and safe food eating habits fit for customers and general public. It teaches practical kitchen managing techniques.
Eligibility criteria for this course is to clear class 12 in any stream. Admission is offered on the base of exams such as the NCHM JEE, IIHM eCHAT, AIMA UGAT – HM
Colleges in India offering such courses are IHM Delhi, IHM Mumbai, Culinary Academy of India and College of Hospitality Administration, etc. Their average course fee is around INR 50,000 to INR 1 Lakh.
Students of this course mainly go for chef related job profiles with an average salary of INR 4-5 LPA.
Diploma in Food Production Course Details: Highlights
Learn the details and highlights of this course through the following table:
| Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility |
Class 10 |
| Entrance Exams |
NCHMCT JEE IIHM eCHAT |
| Admission Process |
Merit or entrance based |
| Top Colleges |
Chandigarh University Guru Nanak Institute IIHM Ashok Institute of Hospitality |
| Average Annual Salary |
INR 3 LPA |
| Top Recruiters |
Taj Hyatt Oberoi Hotels Hilton Resorts Air India Indian Railways |
| Job Profiles |
Commis Chef, Sous Chef, Food Production Manager, Kitchen Assistant |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
The demand for skilled professionals in the food industry is on the rise, and this course can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a successful career in this field.
- This course can help you develop a strong foundation in theoretical knowledge as well as specialised practical training, which can open up a wide range of career opportunities for you.
- The Food Production course can expose you to various fields of life sciences with their applications in biotechnology, enabling you to understand the basic concepts and develop an inclination for entrepreneurship.
- A person can gain valuable practical experience through exhaustive practical training, industry-linked specialization, personality enhancement programs, skills development, and student development programmes.
- Diploma in Food Production Eligibility Criteria
- Top Diploma in Food Production Entrance Exams
- Diploma in Food Production Syllabus
- Top Diploma in Food Production Colleges
- Popular Private Diploma in Food Production Colleges in India
- Diploma in Food Production Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Recruiters
- Diploma in Food Production FAQs
- Course Cutoffs
- Popular Diploma in Food Production Specializations
Diploma in Food Production Eligibility Criteria
Check out the general admission process for the Diploma Food Production Course:
- Do a complete research about the program. Look for the specific colleges offering it
- Submit the documents asked. These would be mark sheets, certificates, passport pics, entrance exam marksheet, and similar.
- Fill the Application Form. You can do this from the official website of the college.
- Thoroughly prepare for the Entrance Exams and clear cutoffs (if applicable).
- The college will announce the result within a particular time frame. Wait for it!
- Next you need to confirm your admission and pay fees.
- Complete any remaining formality and then you are free to proceed with your classes.
To join a Diploma in Food Production course, you usually need to have finished either your 10th or 12th grade (or something similar) from a school that's officially recognized.
Some colleges might also look at your marks and want you to have a certain percentage, often around 50%, in your exams
Both online and offline application submissions are accepted from candidates.
- Start your college application as early as possible and submit all necessary documents.
- Complete your registration form and submit application fees.
- Give an Entrance exam (if required), Students can directly contact the college admission department in regards to check whether an entrance is needed or not.
- Prepare for selection rounds in advance and Ace the selection procedure.
- Submit Non-refundable fees (If get selected), before the due date.
Top Diploma in Food Production Entrance Exams
Although national level entrance tests are not of much relevance for diploma courses, but few universities ask for the marks gained in such exams. Many colleges conduct their own test or provide admissions based on their merit scores.
|
Exam Name |
Exam Dates |
Exam Schedule |
|---|---|---|
|
NCHMCT JEE |
27 Apr '25 |
|
|
CUET |
May '25 - Jun '25 (Tentative) |
|
|
MAH HM CET |
28 Mar '25 |
|
|
IHM-A |
To Be Notified |
Important Exam Dates
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| 02 Feb ' 26 - 15 Apr ' 26 | JEEP 2026 Offline Application Form ONGOING |
| 15 Jan ' 26 - 15 Apr ' 26 | JEEP 2026 Online Application Form ONGOING |
| May ' 26 | JEEP 2026 Exam Date TENTATIVE |
| 06 Feb ' 26 - 24 Apr ' 26 | IMU CET 2026 Registration window ONGOING |
| May ' 26 | IMUCET Online City Selection Start Date TENTATIVE |
| 24 May ' 26 | IMUCET 2026 Exam Date |
| Jun ' 26 | IMU CET 2026 Counselling TENTATIVE |
Getting into a Diploma in Food Production course might involve taking an entrance exam, but it really depends on the college you're aiming for.
Government colleges, especially the Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs), often use a national-level exam called NCHMCT JEE to select students for their Diploma programs, just like they do for their degree courses.
Other than that, many colleges can ask for other exams like, IIHM eCHAT, AIMA UGAT – HM, CUET, etc.. Some may also conduct their own exams.
Diploma in Food Production Syllabus
Check the subjects of the syllabus in food production:
|
Subject/Module |
|---|
|
Introduction to Food Production |
|
Commodities and Ingredients |
|
Culinary Skills – Indian Cuisine |
|
Menu Planning & Costing |
|
Communication Skills |
|
Industrial Training/Internship |
|
Food Production Practical Labs |
The curriculum of the Diploma in Food Production at IHM Goa is a blend of theoretical and practical subjects, ensuring that students gain both knowledge and hands-on experience in food preparation, presentation, and kitchen operations. Check out the list of the subjects in the table below:
| Theory Subjects | Practicals |
|---|---|
| Cookery | Cookery |
| Larder | Larder |
| Hygeince and Sanitation | Computer Awareness |
| Nutrition | Library |
Top Diploma in Food Production Colleges
Few colleges which offer this course are mentioned below.
Top Diploma in Food Production Government Colleges
Here are the top government colleges, including the IHMs, that offer Diploma in Food Production courses:
|
College |
Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
|
INR 70 K |
|
|
Institute of Hotel Management |
INR 70 K |
|
INR 49.86 K |
|
|
INR 35.45 K |
|
|
UPRTOU |
INR 11.2 K |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Top Diploma in Food Production Private Colleges
Below are the private colleges that provide Diploma courses in Food Production:
|
College |
Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
|
INR 1.33 L |
|
|
INR 45 K |
|
|
INR 12 K - 45 K |
|
|
INR 1.57 L |
|
|
INR 59 K |
Hospitality & Travel Applications open. Apply Now
Here are the top government colleges, including the IHMs, that offer Diploma in Food Production courses:
College | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
IHM Delhi - Institute of Hotel Management, Catering & Nutrition | INR 70 K |
Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Mumbai | INR 70 K |
Guru Ambedkar Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition | INR 49.86 K |
INR 35.45 K | |
INR 11.2 K |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Below are the private colleges that provide Diploma courses in Food Production:
College | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
INR 1.33 L | |
INR 45 K | |
INR 12 K - 45 K | |
INR 1.57 L | |
INR 59 K |
Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.
Popular Private Diploma in Food Production Colleges in India
Hospitality & Travel Applications open. Apply Now
Hospitality & Travel Applications open till Apr 6, 2026. Apply Now
Diploma in Food Production Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Recruiters
Some major job roles in this field are specified below:
|
Job Profile |
Average Salary |
|---|---|
|
Line Cook |
INR 3.0 – INR 4.5 LPA |
|
Kitchen manager |
INR 1.8 – INR 2.5 LPA |
|
Catering organizer |
INR 4.0 – INR 6.0 LPA |
|
Cruise Chef |
INR 4.5 – INR 7.0 LPA |
Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.
Diploma in Food Production Top Recruiters
Look at the recruiters of this course:
|
Top Recruiters for Diploma in Food Production Candidates |
|
|---|---|
|
The Oberoi Group of Hotels |
Hyatt Regency |
|
The Trident |
Le-Meridian |
|
Air India |
India Railways |
|
Indian Accent |
Vistara |
|
Karavalli |
Spice Jet |
This Diploma opens doors to many exciting roles where you'll be involved in creating and preparing food. Think about being a chef in a restaurant, a cook in a hotel, working in the kitchen of a hospital or school, or even preparing food for big events as a catering assistant. You could also work in places that make food products, like bakeries or food processing plants.
Yes, hotels of all sizes need skilled people in their kitchens. A Diploma in Food Production is a great starting point to work in the fast-paced and diverse culinary environment of a hotel. You could start as a commis chef (a junior chef) and work your way up the ranks.
Diploma in Food Production FAQs
Here are some common FAQs for Diploma in Food Production courses:
If you love cooking and want to start working in the exciting food and hotel world quickly, a Diploma in Food Production could be a really good choice. It's a focused, hands-on way to learn the essential skills for cooking, working in a kitchen, and keeping food safe, and it usually takes less time (one to two years) than getting a full degree. This means you can get a job and start gaining experience sooner.
The food industry is growing a lot, so there's a big need for people who know how to cook in places like hotels, restaurants, catering companies, airlines, and even food factories.
To take Admission in Diploma in Food Production, One should have Passed 10+2 or equivalent with English as one of the subjects with 50% aggregate marks from a recognised board.
There are only 40 seats available for Diploma in Food Production at State Institute Of Hotel Management (SIHM) Rohtak. To be eligible for the course, the candidate needs to have a minimum of 50% marks in Class 12th with English as one of the subjects in a relevant stream from any recognised board.
Course Cutoffs
4
| College | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMU - IMU Navi Mumbai Indian Maritime University | 2022 | 579 | 2888 |
| Indian Maritime University (Chennai Campus) | 2872 | 2570 | 3579 |
Popular Diploma in Food Production Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Food Production
115 Colleges
- Food & Beverage Service
6 Colleges
- Front Office Management
5 Colleges
- House Keeping
4 Colleges
- Patisserie
4 Colleges
- Travel & Tourism Management
2 Colleges
- Bakery & Confectionery
1 College
- Food Styling & Presentation
1 College
- Indian Cuisine & Culture
1 College
- Supply Chain
1 College
News & Updates
Feb 26, 2026
Feb 24, 2026
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
Yes, some private colleges offer admission without IIHM eCHAT. However, IIHM colleges mainly give admission through this exam, so appearing for it gives better chances.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, you can study hotel management without giving Oberoi STEP exam. Many other colleges and universities offer hotel management courses through different entrance exams or direct admission processes.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
NFCI certificate courses are short-term and focus mainly on practical cooking skills. In comparison, hotel management colleges like IHM offer 3-year degree programmes covering management, theory, and operations. NFCI is suitable for students who want quick job-ready skills, while degree colleges are
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Yes, attempting English section is compulsory for MAH HM CET exam. It helps in improving overall score. Skipping it can reduce your chances of getting a good rank.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
MAH HM CET is considered moderate in difficulty. With regular practice and revision, most students can crack it easily.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The MAH HM CET exam duration is usually 90 minutes. Students must complete all questions within this time, so time management is very important.
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Answered a week ago
The MAH HM CET exam is generally easy to moderate. Students who prepare well and practice mock tests can easily score good marks.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
You need to study English, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and Hospitality basics. These subjects test communication, thinking ability, and industry knowledge.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
For many students, General Knowledge is the toughest section of MAH HM CET because it needs regular reading and updates. Practicing daily GK questions can improve performance.
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Answered a week ago
A score of 60+ marks is considered good MAH HM CET score for General category students. It can help in getting admission to top government colleges.
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Answered a week ago
Many students find Reasoning and General Knowledge slightly difficult. However, difficulty depends on individual strengths. With regular practice, all sections can be managed well.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
You can download the syllabus PDF from the official CET Cell website. It is available in the notification section along with the exam brochure.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
MAH HM CET expected result date depends on the exam schedule. Generally, it is released in May or June. However, students should follow official updates for accurate information.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
MAH HM CET result is usually declared 3 to 4 weeks after exam. It is published online on official website. Students need their login details to check result.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Candidates must pass Class 12 from a recognised board. Some institutes may require minimum marks. Indian nationality is usually required. Detailed eligibility is given in the official brochure.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The deadline for MAH MHMCT CET (Postgraduate) is February 23, 2026. The deadline for MAH BHMCT CET (Undergraduate) has been extended to March 4, 2026.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
MAH HM CET good books: English grammar books, reasoning practice guides, and general knowledge books. Use previous year question papers and online mock tests for better preparation.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
You can check the syllabus on the official website of Maharashtra CET Cell. It is also available in the information brochure released with the application form.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, knowing exam pattern is very important. It helps you understand question types, marks distribution, and time. This allows you to plan your study and exam strategy properly.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, MAH HM CET is generally conducted only once a year. Students should prepare well for that single attempt and not depend on another exam chance in same year.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
MAH HM CET has only one online paper. It contains multiple-choice questions from different sections. There is no separate paper for each subject.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, you can study hotel management without MAH HM CET by applying to private colleges or institutes that offer direct admission. However, government colleges usually require CET scores for admission.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
You should study syllabus properly, practice mock tests, revise daily, and improve your English and GK. Solving previous year papers and managing time well can help you score better.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
MAH HM CET cut off depends on factors like exam difficulty, number of students, and available seats. Cutoffs are different for General, OBC, SC, ST, and other categories.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Syllabus includes English Language, Reasoning Ability, General Knowledge, and Hospitality-related awareness. It tests basic skills needed for hotel management studies.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Total score in MAH HM CET is based on number of questions and marks per question. Most years, exam carries around 100 marks, but students should always check official notification for exact details.
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, you can. Many private colleges offer hotel management courses without this exam. They give admission through direct entry, management quota, or their own tests.
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Answered 2 weeks ago
There are various meal plans that students can opt for at ETH Zurich. Students can find ramen soup at Mendokoro and some other restaurants and cafes located nearby the university include bQm, CafeBar, Eureka Take Away and Flavour Kitchen
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No, CGC Landran no longer offers the BSc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration course in 2026. The aforementioned BSc specialisation was discontinued by CGC Landran since January 2025. CGC Landran only offers four BSc specialisations for admissions in the academic year 2026.
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Yes, the Panache Academy BBA in Airlines, Tourism and Hospitality Management is a single course that covers subjects related to all three fields. The curriculum of this Panache Academy BBA course covers the subjects of hospitality in first year, tourism in second year and the third year covers the s
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A Diploma in Food Production is a course that teaches candidates the management of kitchen and hospitality. The food production Diploma is a 12-18 months’ programme and is open to 12th-pass students who must have studied the English language as one of the subjects.
Candidates aspiring to build their career in the field of food production have bright prospects if they are focused on learning all the required skills starting from chopping to preparing a variety of dishes in cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, Continental, etc. Candidates having a Food Production Diploma course can work in various hotels and restaurants as Production Managers.