Overview

• Official Name: Department of Food & Technology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), commonly known as PAU Food Technology Dept, Amritsar
• Type: State University Department (Constituent Department of Punjab Agricultural University)
• Established: Department formed as a part of PAU which was established in 1962
• Campus Location: Ludhiana, Punjab (PAU main campus), with department activities in Amritsar (regional extension); primary campus Ludhiana, Punjab
• Approvals & Affiliations: Recognized by UGC, accredited by NAAC (Grade A, 2017), affiliated to Punjab Agricultural University, Chandigarh; AICTE approval applies for technical courses, if any
• Official Website: http://www.pau.edu

Quick Facts

• Founder: Punjab Agricultural University established under Punjab Act No. 35 of 1961
• Vice Chancellor: Refer PAU official site (current incumbent varies)
• Head of Department: Check official departmental page on PAU website
• Student Population: Approx. 10,000+ students across PAU including the Department of Food & Technology
• Departments/Faculties count: PAU has multiple faculties including Agriculture, Basic Sciences, Food Technology, etc.
• Contact: Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab – Phone: +91-161-2401714, Email: arm@pau.edu
• NAAC Grade: A (2017)
• Rankings: NIRF Agriculture Rank 8 in India (2022) - source

Courses & Programs

• Faculty: Food Technology and Sciences
• Popular Courses:
  • B.Tech Food Technology - Duration: 4 years, Regular mode
  • M.Tech Food Technology - Duration: 2 years, Regular mode
  • PhD Food Technology - Duration: 3+ years, Research mode
  • Diploma/Certificate courses - Not widely listed on official sources
• Intake: Approx. 45-60 students annually in UG (B.Tech)

Admissions

• Admission Modes: Based on JEE Main for B.Tech; Merit-Based/Entrance Test for PG (GATE scores accepted for M.Tech)
• Accepted Entrance Exams:
  • JEE Main (B.Tech Food Technology)
  • GATE (M.Tech Food Technology)
  • University Entrance Test/Merit based for PhD
• Admission Timeline:
  • Admission notification: Typically May-June
  • Entrance exams results and counseling: June-July
  Refer official page for detailed timeline: PAU Admission Portal
• Application Process:
  1. Visit PAU Admission Portal
  2. Register online and fill application form
  3. Upload required documents and pay application fees online
  4. Submit application and keep acknowledgment
  5. Offline application available on request or as specified in prospectus

Eligibility Criteria

• B.Tech Food Technology: 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology with minimum 50% marks
• M.Tech Food Technology: B.Tech/B.E. in Food Technology or equivalent with minimum 55% marks
• PhD Food Technology: Master's degree in relevant discipline with minimum 55% marks
• Documents Required:
  • Mark sheets and certificates of qualifying exams
  • Identity proof (Aadhar/PAN card)
  • Passport size photographs
  • Entrance exam score cards (JEE Main, GATE)
  • Domicile certificate (if applicable)

Fee Structure & Scholarships

• Indicative Fees:
  • B.Tech Food Technology: INR 60,000 - 80,000 per year (tuition and other fees)
  • M.Tech Food Technology: INR 50,000 - 70,000 per year
  • Hostel fees: Approx. INR 10,000 - 15,000 per year
• Scholarships & Financial Aid:
  • Government Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS from Punjab Govt and central schemes
  • PAU Merit-based scholarships (official site)

Placements & Career Outcomes

• Placement Percentage: Approx. 70-80% for Food Technology graduates at PAU
• Average CTC: Approx. INR 3.0 - 4.5 LPA
• Top Recruiters: Nestle, ITC, Amul, Haldiram, Britannia, Parle Agro
• Placement Cell: PAU Placement Cell
• Internship Support: Strong industry collaborations for summer internships and projects

Campus & Facilities

• Hostels: Separate hostels for boys and girls with mess facility
• Sports Facilities: Grounds for cricket, hockey, football and indoor games
• Laboratories: State-of-the-art Food Technology labs and pilot plants
• Library: Central library with digital access and latest food technology journals
• Healthcare: On-campus health center
• Transport: University buses and connectivity to Amritsar and Ludhiana city
• Wi-Fi: Campus-wide Wi-Fi
• Research Centres: Multiple research projects under PAU’s Food Technology Department
• Student Clubs & Festivals: Cultural and technical fest annually, various student clubs for tech, drama, and arts.

Faculty & Research

• Notable Faculty: Experienced professors with doctorates from premier Indian and foreign institutes
• Research Centres: Centre for Food Quality and Safety, Dr. Y S Parmar University Collaborations
• Major Grants: Funding from ICAR, DST, DBT for food tech related research projects
• Patents / MoUs: Collaboration with food industry leaders for research and internships

Rankings & Reputation

• NIRF 2022: PAU ranked 8th in Agriculture category (NIRF Official)
• NAAC Accreditation: Grade A (2017) (NAAC Site)
• India Today/Outlook: Not separately ranked for Department but PAU featured in top Agriculture universities

Results, Cut-Offs & Seat Matrix

• Results and Seat Allotments: Published on PAU Admission portal (link)
• Typical Cut-Offs:
  • JEE Main category-wise percentile-based cut-offs (~85-92 percentile)
  • M.Tech admission cutoffs based on GATE score above 500 marks in relevant papers
• Seat Matrix: Approx 45 seats for B.Tech Food Technology; 15-20 for M.Tech

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Chandigarh International Airport (~100 km from Ludhiana)
• Nearest Railway Station: Ludhiana Junction Railway Station (well-connected to major cities)
• City Connectivity: Regular buses, taxis from Amritsar to Ludhiana and Chandigarh
• Local Transit: University buses and city transport available for commuting within campus and nearby areas

FAQs

• Q1: What is the mode of admission for B.Tech Food Technology at PAU?
  A: Admission is based on JEE Main ranks.
• Q2: Does PAU offer scholarships for Food Technology students?
  A: Yes, various merit and government scholarships are available.
• Q3: What is the fee structure for the Food Technology courses?
  A: Typically INR 60,000 - 80,000 per year for UG courses.
• Q4: Are hostel facilities available for Food Technology students?
  A: Yes, separate hostels with mess facilities are available on the PAU campus.
• Q5: What internships opportunities does the department offer?
  A: Internships with leading food industry companies like Nestle, ITC, and Amul are facilitated.
• Q6: How can one apply for M.Tech Food Technology?
  A: Apply through PAU admission portal with GATE score submission and/or university entrance test.
• Q7: Is there any reservation policy at PAU for Food Technology admissions?
  A: Yes, PAU follows Punjab Government reservation policies for SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories.
• Q8: When does the admission process start?
  A: Usually in May-June each year. Check PAU official admission page for updates.
• Q9: Are distance or online programs available for Food Technology?
  A: Currently, courses are offered in regular mode only.
• Q10: How can I contact the Department of Food & Technology?
  A: Contact via PAU Helpline Phone: +91-161-2401714 or Email: arm@pau.edu