Central Food Technological Research Institute: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Mysuru Campus Life

About Central Food Technological Research Institute - [CFTRI] Mysore

Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR–CFTRI), established in 1950, is a premier food research institute based in Mysuru, Karnataka. It functions as a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi, and is headquartered in the historic Cheluvambavilas Palace campus in Mysuru. The institute focuses on advanced research, technology development and training in food science and technology for industry and public systems.

CSIR–CFTRI runs specialised academic and training programmes such as M.Sc. Food Technology and professional courses in milling technology, alongside research-driven programmes in nutrition biology and allied areas. The institute has developed hundreds of food products, processes and equipment designs that are commercially licensed, and maintains ISO-certified and NABL-accredited laboratories for food analysis and quality control. It works closely with universities and medical colleges for joint programmes and has emerged as a major national hub for food technology innovation and capacity building.

Key Highlights

Parameter	Details
Full Name	CSIR – Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru
Established	1950
Type	Government Research Institute (Constituent Laboratory of CSIR)
Affiliation	Constituent laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi
Approved By	AICTE (for academic programmes such as M.Sc. Food Technology)
Campus	Cheluvambavilas Palace campus, Mysuru, Karnataka
Popular Programmes	M.Sc. Food Technology; International School of Milling Technology programmes; Research training in Food Science & Technology and Nutrition Biology
Website	https://cftri.res.in

Admission Dates 2026

Admission to M.Sc. (Food Technology) at CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore for the 2026–28 batch is through a national-level entrance examination conducted in July. Selection is based on performance in the entrance test, with application process starting in April and classes commencing in August.

Programme	Event	Date
M.Sc. Food Technology	Application Start	10 Apr 2026
M.Sc. Food Technology	Application Deadline	05 Jun 2026
M.Sc. Food Technology	Admit Card Availability	26 Jun 2026 onwards
M.Sc. Food Technology	Entrance Examination	07 Jul 2026
M.Sc. Food Technology	Result Declaration	30 Jul 2026 onwards
M.Sc. Food Technology	Admission to Batch	09 Aug 2026
M.Sc. Food Technology	Commencement of Classes	12 Aug 2026

Admission Process

CSIR–CFTRI Mysuru admits students mainly through its own CFTRI entrance test for M.Sc. (Food Technology) and AcSIR aptitude test/interview for PhD, with a separate national entrance-cum-merit process for the 1‑year International School of Milling Technology (Flour Milling Technology) course. Applications are invited online for M.Sc./PhD and through a dedicated ISMT portal for Flour Milling Technology.

M.Sc. (Food Technology) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Visit admissions portal link given in the official M.Sc. (Food Technology) 2025‑27 admission notification on CFTRI website.
2. Register with email ID and mobile number and create login credentials.
3. Fill the online application form with academic details and category information.
4. Upload photograph, signature, all semester mark sheets, proof of date of birth, and reservation/income documents where applicable.
5. Pay the notified online application fee through SBI Collect/net banking as instructed in the brochure.
6. Download admit card from the portal on the announced date.
7. Appear for the national‑level MCQ entrance examination at the chosen test centre.
8. Check entrance result by logging into the portal and note rank/selection status.
9. Attend counselling/admission reporting at CFTRI with originals for verification.
10. Pay first‑year course fee within the deadline to confirm the seat and join classes.

AcSIR PhD (at CSIR‑CFTRI) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Go to the AcSIR admissions page and select CSIR‑CFTRI as the chosen lab/centre.
2. Register on the AcSIR online application system and create a profile.
3. Enter academic details, research area preferences, and valid national fellowship details where required.
4. Upload degree certificates, mark sheets, fellowship letters, photograph and signature.
5. Submit the AcSIR online application before the announced last date.
6. Track shortlisting status for aptitude test/interview at CSIR‑CFTRI.
7. Appear for the aptitude test/interview (online or in person) at CSIR‑CFTRI.
8. If selected, receive admission offer through AcSIR/CFTRI and complete joining formalities.
9. Report at CSIR‑CFTRI, submit originals for verification and pay semester fees AcSIR norms.

International School of Milling Technology (Flour Milling Technology, 1‑year) Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Open the ISMT (International School of Milling Technology) admission brochure on CFTRI website.
2. Register on the specific ISMT online application link in the brochure.
3. Fill in personal, academic and experience/sponsorship details in the form.
4. Upload photograph, signature, qualifying degree/diploma certificates and sponsorship/experience certificates where applicable.
5. Pay the prescribed ISMT application fee through NEFT/SBI options indicated in the brochure and upload payment proof.
6. Submit the online application and keep a printout for records.
7. Track communication from ISMT on merit list and aptitude test/interview schedule, if conducted.
8. Appear for aptitude test/interview at CFTRI when called.
9. On selection, receive admission intimation and report to ISMT with originals.
10. Pay full course fee within stipulated time to confirm admission and start the 1‑year programme.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Programme	Qualification	Entrance Exam	Min %	Fees (per year)
M.Sc. (Food Technology)	Bachelor’s degree in Science / Agriculture / Engineering / Technology	CFTRI M.Sc. (Food Technology) Entrance Test	55% for General/EWS/OBC/Defence; 50% for SC/ST/PwD	₹60,000
Integrated M.Sc. + PhD (Nutrition Biology)	B.Sc. in relevant Biological/Physical/ Agricultural Sciences or equivalent; or first‑class B.Tech/B.E./MBBS/B.Pharm in related fields	CFTRI Integrated M.Sc.+PhD Entrance Test + Interview	65% in B.Sc. (60% for SC/ST) or First Class in professional degrees	₹60,000
PhD (Science / Engineering) through AcSIR at CSIR‑CFTRI	Master’s degree in relevant Science/Technology/Engineering discipline; bachelor’s in Engineering for direct PhD routes with national fellowship AcSIR norms	AcSIR aptitude test/interview at CSIR‑CFTRI; often requires valid national‑level fellowship/GATE/NET stream	55% in qualifying degree (50% for reserved categories where applicable)	₹30,000
Flour Milling Technology (International School of Milling Technology, 1‑year)	Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Technology/Engineering/Science or equivalent	Merit in qualifying exam; ISMT aptitude test/interview if required	Pass in qualifying degree/diploma with minimum second class	₹1,50,000

Documents Required

• Class 10 certificate (proof of date of birth)
• All semester/annual mark sheets of qualifying degree
• Provisional/degree certificate of qualifying examination
• Category certificate for SC/ST/OBC‑NCL/EWS (in Government of India format, where applicable)
• PwD certificate from competent medical authority (if applicable)
• Government‑issued photo ID (Aadhaar/passport/PAN/voter ID)
• Recent passport‑size colour photographs
• Income certificate or latest Income Tax Return of parent/guardian (where required in brochure)
• Sponsorship/experience certificate for industry‑sponsored or flour‑milling sponsored candidates
• National fellowship/GATE/NET award letter for applicable PhD candidates
• Admit card and score sheet of CFTRI/AcSIR entrance examination
• Fee payment receipt at the time of admission

Placements 2025

No verified 2025 placement figures for CFTRI Mysore are published by the institute or official authorities. Available reliable data is for the recent M.Sc. Food Technology 2021–23 batch and overall institute-level trends from past years.

Placement Statistics

Parameter	Value
Average Package (M.Sc. Food Technology 2021–23)	₹8–10 LPA
Average Package (overall historical reviews)	₹2.25 LPA
Placement Rate (student review based)	90–95%

Top Recruiters

IT: Infosys

Consulting: —

Core: Hindustan Unilever, ITC, Dabur India Private Limited, Nestlé, Britannia Industries

Branch-wise Placement

Branch	Highest	Average	%Placed
M.Sc. Food Technology (2021–23 batch)	—	₹8–10 LPA	—

Scholarships & Financial Aid

CSIR–CFTRI Mysuru students receive financial support mainly through a limited number of institute-linked CSR merit scholarships and general central/state government schemes routed via the National Scholarship Portal and state portals. Aid focuses on meritorious MSc Food Technology students and eligible reserved-category or economically weaker section learners.

Institute Scholarships

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount
Kerry Ingredients India Pvt Ltd Merit Scholarship	Top-ranked candidates in MSc Food Technology entrance test and top performers in first-year exams at CFTRI	Full tuition fee (₹48,000 for full MSc programme), boarding, lodging and development fees for course duration
M/s Bühler (India) Pvt Ltd Scholarship	Meritorious MSc Food Technology students selected by CFTRI and the sponsor	Typical support covers a substantial part or full tuition for the 2-year MSc (₹48,000 total), exact amount notified in yearly admission circular
CFTRI Institutional Merit Scholarships	High entrance rank or top performance in semester exams in MSc/PhD programmes	Up to 100% waiver of institute tuition and other institute fees for the academic year, renewed based on CGPA and conduct

Government Scholarships

Scheme	For	Amount	Portal
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students	General/OBC/SC/ST students with ≥80th percentile in Class 12 in relevant board and family income ≤₹4,50,000/year studying full-time degree at CFTRI	₹12,000 per year at undergraduate level and ₹20,000 per year at postgraduate level	NSP
Post‑Matric Scholarship for SC Students (Karnataka)	SC students from Karnataka enrolled at CFTRI with parental income generally ≤₹2,50,000/year	Reimbursement of compulsory non‑refundable fees plus maintenance allowance up to about ₹1,200/month for hostellers	NSP / Karnataka state portal
Post‑Matric Scholarship for ST Students (Karnataka)	ST students from Karnataka enrolled at CFTRI with parental income generally ≤₹2,50,000/year	Reimbursement of compulsory fees plus maintenance allowance typically up to about ₹1,200/month for hostellers	NSP / Karnataka state portal
Post‑Matric Scholarship for OBC/EBC/Minority Students (Karnataka)	Eligible OBC/EBC/Minority students of Karnataka studying at CFTRI; usual income ceiling up to about ₹2,50,000–₹3,00,000/year depending on category	Partial or full tuition reimbursement and maintenance allowance (commonly in the range of ₹3,000–₹10,000 per year)	Karnataka state portal / NSP (for central minority schemes)

External Scholarships

• CSIR / UGC / DBT / DST National Fellowships (JRF/SRF): ₹31,000–₹35,000 per month + HRA for eligible PhD scholars working at CSIR‑CFTRI under AcSIR or associated universities, based on national-level fellowship awards.
• National Fellowship for SC / ST Students: Around ₹31,000–₹35,000 per month + contingency for SC/ST PhD scholars registered with CFTRI-linked universities, awarded through UGC/Ministry portals.

Comparison

CFTRI Mysore, NIFTEM Thanjavur, and Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT) Thanjavur are the premier food technology research and education institutions in India. These three institutes are compared as they represent the top-tier specialized food technology centers offering postgraduate and research programs with strong industry placements and research output.

Parameter	CFTRI Mysore	NIFTEM Thanjavur	IIFPT Thanjavur
Type	Government (CSIR)	Government	Government
Established	1950	2007	Not specified
NIRF 2025 Ranking	12th (Research Category)	13th (Agriculture & Allied Sectors)	Not ranked in 2025
Fee (M.Sc. Food Technology)	Not specified	Not specified	₹1.74 L (1st Year)
Average Package	₹8-10 L	Not specified	Not specified
Top Recruiters	Nestlé, Unilever, Britannia, ITC	Not specified	Not specified

### Key Strengths CFTRI Mysore: Oldest and most established institution (since 1950) with 200+ scientists and 16 R&D departments. Ranked 12th in NIRF Research Category 2025. Developed over 300 products and holds multiple patents. Strong placement record with average package of ₹8-10 L from top food companies. NIFTEM Thanjavur: Ranked 13th in NIRF Agriculture & Allied Sectors 2025. Specialized entrepreneurship focus in food technology with government backing. Offers comprehensive food technology education with industry-oriented curriculum. IIFPT Thanjavur: AICTE-approved institution with affordable fee structure (₹1.74 L). Dedicated focus on food processing technology with specialized infrastructure for practical training in food processing operations.

Campus & Infrastructure

CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru, is housed in the heritage Cheluvambavilas Palace campus and functions as a large, research-intensive hub with multiple R&D departments, pilot plants and resource centres spread over a sizeable green estate in the city. The institute runs advanced laboratories and hostels within its self-contained campus dedicated to food science and technology.

Campus Details

Parameter	Details
Area	200 acres
Location	Mysuru, Karnataka
Nearest Railway	Mysuru Junction (1.8 km)
Nearest Airport	Mysuru Airport (13 km)

Hostel

Type	Capacity	Fee/Year

Frequently Asked Questions

What courses does CFTRI Mysore offer for students in Food Technology?

CFTRI offers a 2-year M.Sc. Food Technology, an Integrated M.Sc.-PhD in Nutrition Biology, a Flour Milling Technology course, and PhD programmes in Science and Engineering disciplines related to food science and technology.

What is the eligibility for M.Sc. Food Technology at CFTRI Mysore?

Candidates need a bachelor’s degree in Science, Agriculture, Engineering or Technology with at least 55% marks for General/OBC/Defence and 50% for SC/ST/PwD from a recognised university, plus qualifying the CFTRI entrance examination.

Does CFTRI Mysore conduct its own entrance exam, and how is selection done for M.Sc.?

CFTRI conducts a national-level objective entrance test at Mysuru, usually in July. For M.Sc., selection uses the CFTRI entrance score and marks in the qualifying degree, with both components carrying equal weightage of 50% each.

When does the CFTRI Mysore admission cycle generally run, and how do I apply?

The admission process typically runs from May to August. Candidates apply online through the CFTRI website, fill the form, upload documents, pay the application fee through SBI Collect, then appear for the entrance exam and subsequent interview or counselling where applicable.

What is the total academic fee for the M.Sc. Food Technology programme at CFTRI?

The published academic fee for the M.Sc. Food Technology 2025–27 batch is about ₹1.24 lakh in total, with the first-year fee around ₹62,000 excluding hostel, mess and personal expenses.

How much is the CFTRI application fee and is there any concession for reserved categories?

The application fee is ₹2,000 (including GST) for General/OBC/EWS and ₹1,000 (including GST) for SC/ST/PwD candidates, payable online via SBI Collect, and this fee is non-refundable.

Does CFTRI provide any scholarships or fee concessions for M.Sc. students?

CFTRI, being under CSIR, generally facilitates central and state government scholarships, and eligible students often use externally funded schemes and education loans. Institute-specific teaching assistantships are mainly linked to research and doctoral programmes.

What kind of placements do CFTRI M.Sc. Food Technology students typically get?

CFTRI alumni are recruited by food companies, R&D labs and regulatory bodies for roles in product development, quality assurance, R&D and regulatory affairs. Graduates report strong absorption in food and allied sectors due to CFTRI’s specialised training and industry linkage.

Which sectors and types of companies usually hire from CFTRI?

Recruiters span packaged foods, dairy, beverages, ingredients, nutraceuticals, flour milling, spice processing, and food testing labs. Many students also join CSIR labs, FSSAI-linked organisations, or pursue PhD and research careers in India and abroad.

Does CFTRI help students with internships or industry projects during the course?

The M.Sc. curriculum includes project work and exposure to CFTRI’s pilot plants and industrial-scale equipment. Students frequently work on industry-linked projects or internships through the institute’s collaborations with food processing companies and SMEs.

How rigorous is the M.Sc. Food Technology curriculum and lab work at CFTRI?

The programme is intensive with a mix of theory, advanced practicals and continuous lab work. Students work in departmental laboratories and pilot plants for grains, spices, baking, fruits and vegetables, meat processing and packaging, gaining extensive hands-on experience.

What kind of research exposure do students get at CFTRI?

CFTRI is a CSIR research institute with over 70 years of work in food science, shelf-life extension and food safety. Students interact with scientists, access pilot plants, and engage in translational research areas such as engineering sciences, food protection and technology development.

How are the hostels at CFTRI Mysore in terms of facilities and food?

CFTRI has separate hostels for male and female students, including the International Food Technology Training Centre (IFTTC) hostel for many M.Sc. students, with furnished rooms, electricity, water, indoor games and a mess serving predominantly South Indian food plus regional options.

What is campus life like at CFTRI – are there clubs and cultural activities?

Campus life is active with events organised by groups like the International Food Technology Club. Students celebrate multiple festivals, conduct sports and cultural activities, and CFTRI Alumni Association also runs outreach and social initiatives, creating a close-knit residential community.

Is the CFTRI campus well connected to Mysore city and basic amenities?

The Mysuru campus lies within city limits and is connected by local buses and autos. Students can access city markets, malls and railway station within short commuting distance, while essential facilities like health centre, canteen, library and sports are available on campus.

How strong is the alumni network of CFTRI in the food industry?

CFTRI has an active Alumni Association with members spread across Indian and multinational food companies, regulatory bodies and academia. Alumni organise meets, mentorship, and social initiatives, which helps current students with networking, guidance and career opportunities.

Is studying at CFTRI better than doing M.Sc. Food Technology at a regular university?

CFTRI is a specialised CSIR institute focused exclusively on food science and technology, with in-house pilot plants, referral laboratories and dedicated food R&D. This depth of infrastructure and research exposure is significantly higher than that of most general universities.

What is the long-term career value of a CFTRI M.Sc. for higher studies and research?

CFTRI’s research orientation and association with CSIR give a strong foundation for PhD admissions and research careers in India and abroad. Many graduates join premier institutes or foreign universities for doctoral work in food technology, nutrition, microbiology and related areas.