What is Food Production: Course Duration, Fees 2025 Admissions, Colleges, Salary & Scope

Food Production course fees vary significantly depending on the type of institution. In government colleges, the fees range from approximately INR 1,000 to INR 2 lakh, making them a more affordable option for students.

In contrast, private colleges generally charge higher fees, ranging from around INR 10,000 to INR 16 lakh, often reflecting modern infrastructure, advanced training facilities, and stronger industry connections.

Yes, some Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in India offer a Food Production–related course called Food Production (General).

The Food Production course (General) has a minimum age requirement for admission as of 1st August of the particular admission year — 14 years for regular candidates and 18 years for DST candidates. 

The Food Production course in ITI is a Level 3.5 programme with a duration of one year, open to students who have passed the Class 10 examination. 

Food Production course in ITI has an intake of 24 students per batch and falls under the non-engineering category. 

NCVT-affiliated institutes offering Food Production course in ITI include Jail Road (48 seats), BTC (24 seats), Sirifort (48 seats), and Mangolpuri (48 seats for DST). There are 120+ regular seats and 48 DST seats in total, while there are no SCVT-affiliated seats for this program.

The NSQF Level 1 Food Production course is an entry-level skill development program designed to introduce learners to the basics of kitchen operations and food preparation.

Food Production course NSFQ Level 1 focuses on fundamental cooking techniques, hygiene practices, and workplace safety, preparing students for helper or commis roles in the hospitality sector. Suitable for beginners, the Food Production course NSFQ Level 1 aligns with the National Skills Qualification Framework, ensuring industry-relevant training and a pathway to higher-level culinary courses.

Food Production salaries vary widely depending on qualification level, job role, and work experience. Entry-level positions typically offer modest pay, but as chefs and production professionals gain skills, move into supervisory roles, and work with reputed hotels or restaurants, salaries can rise significantly. Senior positions, especially in luxury hospitality, can be highly lucrative.

Note: The data has been taken from external sources and may vary.

A food production course is a programme that teaches students the skills and knowledge required to work in the food industry,  specifically in the areas of food preparation, cooking, and food safety. These courses typically cover topics such as menu planning,  food preparation techniques, food safety and sanitation, and kitchen management.

Food production is a major department in the hospitality industry in which candidates can excel by learning various aspects of food production such as preparation techniques, cooking methods, kitchen management, food cost control, etc. The chef is the backbone of the food and beverage department. The professional has the responsibility of preparing food for all speciality restaurants along with performing some other duties such as deciding the menu, maintaining the quality of food, supervising the kitchen, and so on. Click to learn about Food and Beverage Service Courses.

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.

Yes, there are many colleges offering after Class 10 Diploma in Food Production, so, if you have completed your Class 10 from a recognized board, you can opt for the After 10th Diploma courses.

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.

For the majority of Food Production courses, mathematics is not a prerequisite. However, tasks like inventory management, recipe scaling, and food costing require a basic understanding of numbers.

Students gain knowledge of real-world applications such as measurements and conversions throughout the course, even in the absence of sophisticated mathematics. These abilities guarantee precise kitchen operations and effective resource management.

Many universities base admission to the M.Voc in Food Production programme on CUET PG scores. The test evaluates both subject knowledge and general aptitude.

Merit-based admissions are typically used for undergraduate and graduate-level courses. However, if M.Voc applicants want to enrol in government or reputable private institutions that offer the program, they should get ready for CUET PG.

Here are some well-liked course books for Diploma in Food Production, that can help you gain an in-depth knowledge in the field:

During the Food Production course, students get to learn everything about food from their production to their types, hygiene etiquettes, and more. Importance Of Kitchen In Hotel & Catering Establishments, Methods Of Cooking With Special Application To Meat, Fish, Vegetables, Cheese, Pulses And Egg, Poultry And Game, Theory Of Bread Making, Food Poisoning, Food Storage, and Pest Control are some of the main subjects generally covered under the course curriculum. 

No, cooking is not the only thing covered in the Food Production course. Although cooking is a significant component, other topics include menu planning, food costing, kitchen management, hygiene, and presentation techniques.

Students gain knowledge about how to manage kitchen operations effectively while upholding standards of quality. It is a comprehensive professional training for the culinary industry, encompassing knowledge of food science, storage practices, and plating techniques.

Students in Class 12 from any stream—Science, Commerce, or the Arts—can enrol in Food Production courses. No particular subject is required.

You can gain an extra edge, though, if you take courses like home science, nutrition, or hospitality studies. Before beginning the course, these give students a fundamental understanding of food preparation, hygiene, and related concepts.

In order to prepare students for the various demands of the industry, the majority of Food Production courses in India cover both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cooking.

In accordance with safety and hygienic guidelines, students learn how to handle, prepare, and present both kinds of dishes. This guarantees that they can operate in any type of professional kitchen.

Governmental and private organisations for Food Production courses each have advantages. Government colleges typically have structured curricula, are more reputable, and are more reasonably priced.

Modern facilities, closer industry ties, and specialised training modules are frequently provided by private institutions. The ideal option is determined by personal priorities such as desired exposure, location, and budget.

Examining a college's infrastructure, placement history, faculty experience, and accreditation is essential to selecting the best college for Food Production. Facilities can be evaluated by visiting the campus or going to counselling sessions.

Additionally, seek out universities with industry training partnerships, as hands-on experience is essential for a career in food production. A wise decision is ensured by striking a balance between reputation, price, and educational opportunities.

As food plays an essential role in supporting human society, the skills and knowledge gained in this industry can be applied anywhere. The scope of the Food Production industry has career opportunities in multiple ecosystems, including:

Hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, and catering businesses are all included in the broad category of Food Production in the hospitality industry. In order to prepare high-quality food with efficiency and hygiene, trained professionals are in high demand.

Opportunities in India and overseas are growing as a result of rising dining and tourism trends. Over time, talented graduates can advance from entry-level positions to those of head chef or kitchen manager.

Indeed, working in the Food Production industry can be physically taxing because of the long hours, prolonged standing, and hot conditions.

But for people who are enthusiastic about cooking and hospitality, it's also a fulfilling career. Experience eventually aids in efficient workload management, and collaboration improves the atmosphere.

Graduates in Food Production can work overseas, provided they obtain experience and fulfil local employment standards. Skilled kitchen workers are actively sought after by nations with robust hospitality industries.

International employment prospects may be improved by obtaining additional certifications or improving language proficiency. Many graduates begin their careers in India before travelling overseas via cruise lines or hotel chains.

While the basic difference between Diploma in Food Production and Craftsmanship Course in Food Production is that the one is a Diploma course and the other is a certificate course. Read the table below for more clarity;

Indeed, the Food Production curriculum frequently includes baking and confections. Along with savoury dishes, students learn how to make bread, pastries, desserts, and basic confectionery techniques.

This guarantees that graduates are adaptable and capable of working in catering, hotels, and bakeries. The skill set is industry-ready thanks to practical sessions that enable hands-on learning in both baking and cooking.

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.

The National Skills Qualification Framework Level 1 course in Food Production is actually a basic course that provides knowledge and skills for simple tasks, and the duration of these courses can depend upon the programme type. For instance Diploma in Food Production duration can vary from 12 to 18 months.

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.