Introduction to Dairy Technology Course
The dairy technology course is a specially designed 4-year course of the UG degree program aimed to provide the students with a detailed understanding and practical skills related to the dairy industry. Some of the most important subjects are the latest knowledge in various aspects of dairy production, processing, quality control, packaging, and distribution, learning about the science and technology of milk, as well as cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream, alongside food safety standards, sustainability, and innovation in the dairy industry.
The global demand for milk and milk products is increasing rapidly, while India is leading as the world’s largest milk producer. This growth highlights the immense potential of a career in Dairy Technology. It offers opportunities in the food production sectors, making it an appealing choice for students passionate about dairy science and technology. This article explores India’s top dairy technology colleges, courses offered, admission processes, and career prospects, providing a roadmap for aspiring students.
What is Dairy Technology?
Dairy Technology is an interesting field of engineering that combines science and technology to produce milk and dairy products that are safe, nutritious, and enjoyable for people to consume. It focuses on a farm-to-fork approach, dealing with everything from the moment the milk is procured from the farm until it reaches consumers in the form of products such as liquid milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
In this field, you will learn how to use scientific principles of chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, technology, and engineering to convert milk into final products that are safe for consumption. For example, in this course you will study methods like pasteurization, which helps in the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms from milk. You will also explore processing, packaging, storage, and distribution-related aspects of dairy products to maintain their quality and safety throughout the process.
You will gain hands-on experience with advanced equipment in laboratories and at dairy processing plants through mandatory industrial training programs conducted each year. These programs help to gain practical knowledge in areas such as milk procurement, processing, equipment handling, quality assurance, and real-world operations, allowing you to apply the theoretical concepts learned in class to actual industry scenarios.
In the final year, you will be having a six-month hands-on training program, where you will be involved in every step of the process, from milk procurement to production and sales, all within your college’s dairy processing plant. Along with this, you will have experience of actual milk processing in the context of the industry during the “Industrial training program” in the reputed industrial dairy plants (6 months).
Why Study Dairy Technology?
- High Demand: With the increasing global demand for dairy products, skilled professionals are required.
- Career Opportunities: Dairy technology opens doors to diverse roles, including quality control, production management, and research & development of new products.
- Innovation Scope: The field allows for innovations in dairy processing, packaging, and sustainable production practices.
Eligibility Criteria for Dairy Technology Course
The eligibility criteria for dairy technology courses vary depending on the course level and the institution. You need to meet the necessary criteria required by the particular institute. You can check the eligibility criteria for the desired institute on their official website or ICAR educational portal.
The general eligibility criteria for the course are outlined below.
- 10+2 or its equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) or Physics, Chemistry, Biology(PCB) and English from a recognized Board/University.
- Must have cleared their degrees with a minimum of 50% marks with some relaxation for reserved categories (40% marks).
- Certain institutes conduct common entrance exams, which you need to clear depending on the cut-off for that year.
How to Get Into the Best B.Tech. Dairy Technology Colleges:
| University/website | Institute | Entrance exam | Seats | Fees (Approx./ Year) |
| ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal | ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal | ICAR-AIEEA-UG | 61 | Rs, 25,000 (approx.) |
| Kamdhenu University, Gandhinagar | Dairy Science College, Amreli | Gujarat Common Entrance Test (GJUCET) (85% seats) & ICAR-AIEEA-UG (15% seats) | 40 | Rs 28,000 (approx.) |
| Kamdhenu University, Gandhinagar | Sheth M C College of Dairy Science, Anand | Gujarat Common Entrance Test (GJUCET) (85% seats) & ICAR-AIEEA-UG(15% seats) | 65 | Rs 28,000 (approx.) |
| Guru Angad Dev Veterinary And Animal Sciences University | College of Dairy and Food Science Technology | Residents of Punjab State and Chandigarh. (85% seats) & ICAR-AIEEA-UG (15% seats). | 45 | Rs. 69,230 (approx.) |
| Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur(Admission prospectus) | College of Dairy Technology, Warud | Maharashtra Common Entrance Test MHT-CET (80% seats) & ICAR-AIEEA-UG (20% seats) | 32 | Rs. 53,000 (approx.) |
| College of Dairy Technology, Udgir | 32 | |||
| Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University | College of Dairy Science and Technology, Mannuthy | Kerala Engineering Entrance Exam (80% seats) and
ICAR-AIEEA-UG . (15% seats) (5% seat for the backward Meghalaya tribes) |
40 | Rs. 17,000 (approx.) |
| College of Dairy Science and Technology, Thriuvananthapuram | 20 | Rs. 17,000 (approx.) | ||
| College of Dairy Science and Technology, Pookode | 20 | Rs. 17,000 (approx.) | ||
| College of Dairy Science and Technology, Kolahalamed | 20 | Rs. 17,000 (approx.) | ||
| Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar | College of Dairy Science and Technology, Hisar | JEE (Main) and
ICAR-AIEEA-UG |
32
(26 for Haryana residents and 4 filled by ICAR) |
Rs 50,000 (approx.) |
| West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata | Faculty of Dairy Technology, Mohanpur | West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination for Engineering/ Technology (WBJEE) (80% seats) & ICAR-AIEEA-UG (20% seats) | 44 | Rs.10,000/sem (approx.) |
| Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur | COLLEGE OF DAIRY AND FOOD TECHNOLOGY (CDFT), UDAIPUR | JET entrance exam | 45 | Rs. 42770 (approx.) |
| Banaras Hindu University | Department of Dairy Science & Food Technology | Through ICAR Exam.
Vacant seat filled through the CUET on merit basis. |
30 | Rs. 24000 (approx.) |
*The All India Entrance Examination for Admission (AIEEA) (UG) is an exam for admission to undergraduate agricultural and allied science programs. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
You can check out the list of B.Tech Dairy Technology colleges here.
You can check out the list of top agricultural universities in India: India Rankings 2024: Agriculture and Allied Sectors
Overview of B.Tech Dairy Technology Course:
| Duration | 4 years (8 semester) |
| Course Level | Undergraduate degree program |
| Mode of course | Full time |
| Departments | Dairy Technology, Dairy Chemistry, Dairy Microbiology and Dairy Engineering, Dairy Business Management. |
| Subjects studied | Depends on the Institute but most of the subjects taught are the same |
| Average starting salary at Job | INR 3 LPA -8 LPA |
| Major recruiters | GCMMF (Amul) & Unions, Mother Dairy, Banas Dairy, Tetra pack, Nestle, Haldiram, Red cow, Shalimar etc |
| Job profiles | Technical officer, Sales & Marketing Executive, Quality control officer, Dairy engineer, Microbiologist, Lab chemist, Lab Technician |
Know more about the scope and opportunities after B.Tech (DT) here.
How to Choose the Right College?
Consider factors such as:
- Accreditation: Look for ICAR, UGC, or AICTE-approved colleges.
- Placements: Check the placement records and top recruiters.
- Infrastructure: Ensure the college has well-equipped labs and pilot plants.
- Fees and Scholarships: Compare course fees and available financial aid.
Conclusion / Career Advice
Choosing the right career path is one of the biggest decisions you will make and it all begins with getting into that college that meets your aspirations. Your career choice decides your future growth, and opportunities and will impact the world around you. And as you move toward that college dream, remember that the journey is more important than the destination.
Take your time to look around and explore what sparks your soul, find what you’re good at, and decide on your field with better cognition. That’s how you can unlock doors to an infinity of possibilities and enter into a truly fulfilling career. So, choose wisely, stay focused, and make every step count towards building the future you’ve always dreamed of.
