Indian Institute of Food Science & Technology

The Indian Institute of Food Science & Technology (IIFST), located in the industrial hub of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra, continues to be a premier destination for food technology education in 2026. The institute is dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional agricultural practices and modern food processing requirements.

• Establishment: Recognized for its specialized focus on food engineering and processing.
• Affiliation: Affiliated with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (BAMU) and approved by DTE Maharashtra.
• Location: Strategically situated near the Shendra and Waluj MIDC areas, providing direct access to food processing giants.
• Focus Areas: Food Quality Control, Post-Harvest Technology, and Food Packaging.
• Campus Facilities: State-of-the-art pilot plants and food testing laboratories.

In 2026, IIFST offers a range of industry-aligned programs that cater to the evolving needs of the global food supply chain. The most sought-after programs include:

• B.Tech in Food Technology: A four-year comprehensive program focusing on food chemistry, microbiology, and engineering.
• B.Sc. (Hons) Food Technology: A three-year degree emphasizing the scientific principles of food preservation and nutrition.
• M.Sc. Food Science & Nutrition: A postgraduate program designed for students aiming for research and development roles.
• Certificate in Food Safety and Quality Management: A short-term professional course popular among working professionals in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar industrial belt.

The admission process for the 2026 academic cycle is primarily merit-based with a focus on entrance examination scores. Key details include:

• Entrance Exams: For B.Tech, scores from MHT-CET 2026 or JEE Main 2026 are mandatory. B.Sc. admissions are based on Class 12th merit.
• Online Registration: Starts in the first week of March 2026.
• MHT-CET Exam Dates: Expected in May 2026.
• CAP Rounds: Centralized Admission Process (CAP) conducted by DTE Maharashtra typically occurs in July-August 2026.
• Document Verification: Required at Facilitation Centers (FC) across Maharashtra.

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

The 2026 cutoffs are determined by the difficulty of the entrance exams and the volume of applicants. Estimated cutoffs for the General category are as follows:

Note: Cutoffs for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) follow government norms and are generally lower.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

The 2025 placement season saw a significant uptick in recruitment from the FMCG and Beverage sectors. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar's local industry played a vital role.

• Highest Package: INR 7.5 LPA.
• Average Package: INR 3.8 LPA.
• Top Recruiters: PepsiCo, Mondelez, Parle, Varroc Food Division, and local dairy cooperatives.
• Roles Offered: Quality Assurance Officer, Production Supervisor, Food Auditor, and R&D Assistant.
• Internships: 100% of B.Tech students secured mandatory industrial internships in 2025.

IIFST facilitates various financial aid options to ensure inclusive education for the 2026 batch:

• Government Scholarships: MahaDBT scholarships for SC, ST, VJNT, and OBC students.
• EBC Concession: Economically Backward Class students receive a 50% tuition fee waiver as per Maharashtra state policy.
• Merit Scholarships: Provided by the institute to top scorers in the university examinations.
• Minority Scholarships: Available for students from religious minority communities.

Beyond the standard degrees, IIFST is known for specialized curriculum tracks that are popular among students aiming for specific food industry niches:

• Bakery and Confectionery Technology: A highly practical course focusing on large-scale production.
• Beverage Technology: Leveraging the presence of major breweries and bottling plants in Aurangabad for training.
• Dairy Technology: Focuses on the processing of milk and milk products, vital for the rural economy of Maharashtra.

The following table outlines the fee structure for the academic year 2026 (subject to Shikshan Shulka Samiti approval):

The application process for 2026 is designed to be user-friendly and digital-first:

1. Online Visit: Visit the official IIFST website or the DTE Maharashtra CAP portal.
2. Registration: Create a profile using a valid email and mobile number.
3. Form Filling: Enter academic details and upload documents (10th/12th marksheet, LC, Caste certificate).
4. Entrance Score: Upload MHT-CET 2026 or JEE Main 2026 scorecards.
5. Preference Filling: Select IIFST Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar as the first preference in the CAP rounds.

The campus is equipped with modern infrastructure specifically designed for food science education:

• Analytical Labs: Equipped with HPLC, Spectrophotometers, and GC for food analysis.
• Processing Hall: Includes machinery for canning, dehydration, and milling.
• Library: A vast collection of journals, E-books, and research papers on food engineering.
• Hostel: Separate residential facilities for boys and girls with hygienic mess services.
• ICT Enabled Classrooms: Smart boards and high-speed internet for digital learning.

The academic structure is divided into specialized departments to ensure focused research and teaching:

• Department of Food Engineering: Focuses on machinery and process design.
• Department of Food Chemistry: Studies molecular compositions and nutritional values.
• Department of Food Microbiology: Focuses on food safety, fermentation, and spoilage prevention.
• Department of Food Business Management: Prepares students for the entrepreneurial and marketing aspects of the industry.