National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management: Admission 2026, Courses, Fees, Ranking & Sonipat Campus Life

About National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management - [NIFTEM] Sonepat

The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), established in 2012, is located in Kundli, Sonipat, Haryana. It is a central government autonomous institute under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, dedicated to advancing food technology and entrepreneurship.

NIFTEM holds a NAAC grade of A and is ranked 22nd in the Agriculture category by NIRF 2025. The institute offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in food technology, management, and entrepreneurship, with a strong focus on research, innovation, and industry collaboration. It has a student strength of around 600 and a faculty team committed to excellence in education and research.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Admissions at National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) Sonepat for 2026 are conducted through national level entrance exams: JEE Main for B.Tech, GATE for M.Tech, and CAT/MAT/CMAT or NIFTEM Entrance Test for MBA. Ph.D. admissions require qualifying research entrance tests. The application process is online, followed by counselling and document verification.

Admission Process

Admissions at NIFTEM Sonepat for B.Tech are primarily through JEE Main via JoSAA/CSAB counselling and direct institute-level admission using JEE Main, CUET, or NEET scores. M.Tech admissions require a valid GATE score or institute entrance test, while MBA admissions consider CAT/MAT/CMAT scores or the NIFTEM entrance test followed by group discussion and interview.

B.Tech Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Appear and qualify JEE Main 2025 examination.
2. Register and participate in JoSAA/CSAB counselling or apply directly through NIFTEM’s admission portal for direct admission seats.
3. Select NIFTEM Sonepat and preferred courses during counselling or direct admission registration.
4. Attend document verification and seat allotment as per schedule.
5. Pay admission and mess fees to confirm the seat.
6. Complete final registration formalities at the institute.

M.Tech Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Appear and qualify GATE 2025 examination.
2. Apply through NIFTEM’s admission portal for counselling based on GATE score.
3. For non-GATE candidates, appear for NIFTEM’s entrance test and participate in counselling.
4. Attend document verification and seat allotment.
5. Pay fees and complete registration to confirm admission.

MBA Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Appear and qualify CAT/MAT/CMAT or NIFTEM entrance test.
2. Apply online through NIFTEM admission portal.
3. Shortlisted candidates attend group discussion and personal interview at NIFTEM.
4. Receive admission offer based on merit and interview performance.
5. Pay fees and complete registration formalities.

Ph.D. Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Qualify UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/ICAR-NET or NIFTEM Research Entrance Test (RET).
2. Apply online through NIFTEM portal with required documents.
3. Attend interview and document verification.
4. Complete admission formalities after selection.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
• Entrance exam scorecard (JEE Main/GATE/CAT/MAT/CMAT/RET as applicable)
• Graduation and post-graduation mark sheets and degree certificates (for PG and Ph.D.)
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• Passport size photographs
• Identity proof (Aadhaar card, passport, etc.)
• Proof of payment of application/admission fees

Cutoff 2025

The JEE Main cutoff ranks for admission to the B.Tech Food Technology and Management program at NIFTEM Sonepat in 2025 show a wide range across counseling rounds, with the general category closing rank varying from around 81,078 in the first round to 378,947 in the final round. Reserved categories have significantly lower closing ranks, reflecting category-wise relaxation. The cutoff trend indicates a gradual increase in closing ranks compared to previous years, suggesting a rise in seat availability or changes in applicant pool strength.

Placements 2025

National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) Sonepat achieved a strong placement performance in 2025 with an overall placement rate around 75-80% across its programs. Top recruiters included major food industry leaders such as Amul, Nestlé, ITC, Britannia, and PepsiCo, reflecting the institute's strong industry connections in food technology, supply chain, and management sectors.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: HDFC Bank

Core: Amul, Nestlé, ITC, Britannia, PepsiCo, Dabur, FSSAI, Cargill, ADM Research

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

In the 2025 rankings, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) Sonepat secured the 22nd position in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors category by NIRF, and ranked within the 101-150 band in the Engineering category. It is recognized for its strong academic and research performance in food technology and management.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: Accredited
• NBA: Accredited for relevant programs

Scholarships & Financial Aid

NIFTEM Sonepat offers various scholarships based on merit and financial need, including merit scholarships for top semester performers and merit-cum-means scholarships for students from families with annual income below ₹5 lakhs. Tuition fee waivers and education loans at concessional rates are also available. Additionally, students can avail scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh annually.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

Comparison

National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) Sonepat is compared with Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) New Delhi and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Ludhiana as all three are premier government institutes specializing in agriculture, food technology, and allied sectors, offering strong research, academic programs, and industry linkages in food technology and agricultural sciences.

Key Strengths

• NIFTEM Sonepat: Unique focus on integrating food technology with entrepreneurship and management, strong industry collaborations, and specialized research in food processing and innovation.
• Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) New Delhi: Oldest and top-ranked agricultural research institute in India with extensive research facilities, diverse agricultural programs, and strong government backing.
• Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Ludhiana: Renowned for pioneering agricultural education and research in Punjab, strong extension services, and significant contributions to crop improvement and agri-business.

Campus & Infrastructure

NIFTEM Sonepat is situated in the Kundli industrial area of Sonipat, Haryana, spread over a 100-acre green and clean campus. It features modern, fully air-conditioned academic and residential facilities with extensive sports and research infrastructure.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: 21,170 volumes, 8,705 titles, 3,735+ e-books, 17,000+ e-journals
• Labs: 14 state-of-the-art teaching and research labs covering 7,200 m²
• Classrooms: 100-seater lecture theatres with multi-purpose podium, projection, audio systems, and lecture recording

Other Facilities

• Indoor sports complex
• Two cricket practice nets
• Athletic track (400 meters)
• Two basketball courts
• One football field (11x11)
• Two lawn tennis courts
• Two volleyball courts
• One kabaddi court
• Two outdoor badminton courts and two indoor badminton courts
• Central and outdoor gymnasiums
• Auditorium with 650 seating capacity and advanced sound and lighting systems
• Cafeteria with hygienic food
• Dispensary with medical facilities
• Bank, ATM, and general/departmental store on campus
• Wi-Fi enabled campus with free internet access

Frequently Asked Questions

What entrance exams are accepted for B.Tech admission at NIFTEM Sonepat?

B.Tech admissions at NIFTEM Sonepat are based on valid JEE Main scores. Candidates must qualify JEE Main and participate in JoSAA/CSAB counselling to secure a seat.

What is the eligibility criteria for MBA admission at NIFTEM Sonepat?

MBA candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a valid CAT, MAT, CMAT, or NIFTEM entrance test score, followed by group discussion and interview rounds.

How much is the total fee for the B.Tech program at NIFTEM Sonepat?

The semester fee for B.Tech includes hostel charges; however, mess fees are separate, approximately ₹18,900 per semester. Tuition fees may vary by category and scholarship eligibility.

Are scholarships or fee waivers available at NIFTEM Sonepat?

NIFTEM offers full tuition fee waivers for students from families with income less than ₹1 lakh annually, along with other scholarships based on merit and category.

What is the average placement package for NIFTEM Sonepat graduates?

Placement packages vary by year and specialization, but top recruiters offer packages ranging from ₹4 lakh to ₹8 lakh per annum, with an overall good placement rate in food technology and management sectors.

Which companies commonly recruit from NIFTEM Sonepat?

Recruiters include leading food processing companies, FMCG firms, and startups in food technology, such as ITC, Nestlé, Amul, and Britannia, along with emerging food tech enterprises.

How is the curriculum structured for the Food Technology B.Tech program?

The curriculum integrates core engineering subjects with specialized food technology courses, practical lab work, and entrepreneurship modules to prepare students for industry and research.

What research opportunities are available for students at NIFTEM Sonepat?

NIFTEM provides access to state-of-the-art laboratories, pilot plants, and incubation centers, encouraging students to engage in innovative food technology research and product development projects.

What are the hostel facilities like at NIFTEM Sonepat?

Hostels are compulsory, offering 2-seater rooms until the 3rd year and single rooms in the 4th year for B.Tech students. Facilities include 24/7 electricity, water, LAN, and laundry services at extra cost.

Is the mess food quality good at NIFTEM hostels?

The mess provides four meals daily with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Food quality receives mixed reviews, generally considered average but hygienic and sufficient.

What extracurricular and sports facilities are available on campus?

NIFTEM has a sports complex with basketball, volleyball, badminton courts, football ground, kabaddi court, gym, and indoor sports facilities supporting diverse student activities.

How safe is the campus and hostel environment at NIFTEM Sonepat?

The campus is fully residential with strict anti-ragging policies, 24-hour security, and a green, clean environment ensuring student safety and well-being.

Is there a dress code or any specific laptop requirements for students?

There is no strict dress code; however, students are expected to maintain a neat appearance. Laptop use is encouraged for academics, but no specific brand or configuration is mandated.

How accessible is NIFTEM Sonepat in terms of commute and transport?

The campus is located in Sonepat with good road connectivity. Students typically use personal vehicles or college shuttle services; public transport options are available but limited.

Can students take part-time jobs or internships during their course?

Students are encouraged to pursue internships, especially in food industries and startups. Part-time jobs on campus are limited due to academic rigor and hostel residency requirements.

How does NIFTEM Sonepat compare with other food technology institutes in India?

NIFTEM is considered the premier institute for food technology and entrepreneurship in India, with superior infrastructure, research facilities, and industry connections compared to other government colleges.

What is the return on investment (ROI) for a degree from NIFTEM Sonepat?

Given the specialized curriculum, strong placement record, and industry ties, the ROI is high, with graduates securing lucrative jobs in food tech sectors within 6 months of graduation.

How active and supportive is the alumni network of NIFTEM Sonepat?

The alumni network is growing and actively engaged in mentoring current students, facilitating internships, and providing industry insights, especially in food technology and management fields.

Are there any notable student clubs or cultural festivals at NIFTEM?

NIFTEM hosts various student clubs focused on cultural, technical, literary, and entrepreneurial activities, along with annual fests that promote holistic development and networking.

What is the faculty quality and student-to-teacher ratio at NIFTEM?

Faculty members are highly qualified, many from IITs and IIMs, with a favorable student-to-teacher ratio ensuring personalized attention and quality education.