Diploma in Food Production: Course Details, Fees & Job Opportunities

A diploma in food production provides useful skills for jobs in the hospitality industry.
UniList Desk

Updated Nov 23, 2025 | 05:06 PM IST

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Are you interested in cooking, catering, or managing a kitchen? If yes, a Diploma in Food Production may be a good choice for you. This program helps students become skilled cooks and trained professionals in food preparation. It focuses on practical cooking, kitchen workflow management, and food safety. Many students in India choose this course because it provides direct employment opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and catering services.

What is a Diploma in Food Production?

A Diploma in Food Production is a short-term, career-oriented course in the hospitality sector. It covers both the artistic and technical sides of cooking. Students learn international cuisine, bakery and pastry skills, food presentation, and kitchen management. They also receive practical training in HACCP, basic nutrition, and safe food handling.
This diploma is offered at many government Food Craft Institutes and hospitality colleges across India. Because it includes strong hands-on training, it is ideal for those who want to start working soon after completing the course.

Eligibility Criteria

Students who want to apply usually need to meet these requirements:
  • Educational qualification: Passed Class 10 or Class 12 from a recognized board. Some institutes prefer Class 12 with English as a subject.
  • Age: Generally between 17 and 25, depending on institute rules.
  • Nationality: Indian citizen.
  • Some institutes may conduct an entrance test or an interview.

Who Should Apply?

This program is suitable for those who:
  • Enjoy spending time in the kitchen and are passionate about cooking.
  • Prefer practical, hands-on learning instead of purely theoretical classes.
  • Want to start working soon after completing the course.
  • Are aiming for careers in hotels, cafes, restaurants, or event catering.
  • Want to eventually start their own food-related business.

Course Duration and Fees

The Diploma in Food Production usually takes one and a half years to complete. It includes three terms, with about nine months of classroom and practical learning followed by a six-month internship.
Since government colleges offer this diploma, fees are generally affordable, but the exact amount varies by institute.

Top Institutes Offering Diploma in Food Production in India

Here are some well-known government institutes that offer this diploma:
  • Institute of Hotel Management, Bengaluru: Centrally funded and affiliated with NCHMCT.
  • IHM Gwalior: A government institute known for strong practical training in cooking.
  • State Institute of Hospitality Management, Kozhikode: Offers a 1.5-year diploma focused on job-ready kitchen skills.
    IHM Dehradun: Under NCHMCT, offers a one-year diploma with six months of food production specialization and industry exposure.
  • Institute of Hotel Management, Bathinda: A government-run college offering diploma programs.
  • Employment Opportunities

    After completing this diploma, students can work in roles such as:
    • Hotels and resorts: Commis chef, junior chef, or kitchen assistant.
    • Restaurants and cafes: Roles in food preparation, cooking, and kitchen operations.
    • Catering services: Preparing food for events, gatherings, and large groups.
    • Government-run hospitality institutions or teaching positions in some cases.
    A diploma from these accredited government institutes provides practical training, affordable education, and strong job prospects. If you enjoy cooking and want a reliable entry point into the hospitality industry, this course can give you the start you need.

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