Food Technology

No, there is no direct entry into the B.Tech. in Food Technology course at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi. They take admission according to merit by means of the Kerala Engineering, Architecture, and Medical (KEAM) exam, which is conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala. Candidates should pass the 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Maths and obtain not less than 50% of the marks. The course is spread over eight semesters in four years of study, and the total fee for tuition is INR 2.64 Lakh. An admission fee of INR 15,000 is also charged once. The average salary after graduation is INR 2.89 Lakh.

The B.Tech in Food Technology course at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi is a 4-year undergraduate programme. The aggregate tuition fee of the course is INR 2.64 Lakh, along with a one-time admission fee of INR 15,000. Annual library and stationery charges amount to INR 1,000 per annum. Athletic/sports and games charge stands at INR 250 per semester. The median salary provided to the students who were placed was INR 2.89 Lacs in 2023. KEAM rank is used for admissions to the course. The curriculum includes food process technology, food safety and quality assurance. Most of the course has practical and experimental exposure.

KEAM cutoff to enter the B.Tech. in Food Technology course at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi, depends on category and years. For the General HS category, in 2024 the last round closing rank was 23862, whereas for 2023 and 2022, it was 29207 and 22211, respectively. In the case of OBC HS quota candidates, the last round closing rank of cutoff was 30472.

For General-All India category, the closing ranks in the last round were 11825 in 2019, 12368 in 2020, and 10891 in 2021. The cutoffs for the first round for the General-All India category were 6570 in 2019, and 6015 in 2021. Candidates also need to clear the 10+2 exam with a minimum of 45% marks with Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry/Computer Science/Biotechnology/Biology as subjects.

Some of the key advantages of pursuing courses in Food Technology are mentioned below:
• Rising Demand: India's growing population, consumer awareness, and increasing income are driving demand for processed, convenient, and high-quality food products. In order to feed people, India needs people who are skilled in handling, processing, and producing safe and hygienic food items with good nutritional value.
• Diverse Career Opportunities: Students can look forward to a variety of earning opportunities in various work sectors after completing a BTech or BSc in Food Technology. They can work in food processing companies that play a crucial role in product development (creating new food items), quality control (ensuring food safety and quality standards), and production processes. Also, they can contribute to detailed research in areas like functional foods, food production practices, and reducing food waste by working with research institutions, or bring innovative food concepts to life, by working on product development, marketing, and operations through food startups.
• Job Stability and Decent Salary: With the changes in time, big data analytics and AI have brought digital food management to the industry. Lab-grown food and other advancements in Food Technology are expected to transform the sector with private and government recruiters actively hiring for graduates in Food Technology courses. Students can expect decent salary packages and other excellent benefits in the near future.
• Food Processing Focus: Government initiatives promote food processing to minimize food wastage and create jobs. Food technologists play a crucial role in this case.
• Diversification: Growing demand for organic, functional, and ready-to-eat food creates opportunities for innovation in food technology. Everybody needs ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook food packets these days because of their busy schedules.
• Export Potential: India has a strong potential to export processed food items. Food technologists can ensure quality and international standards.