IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus and Admission
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| Detail | MSc Food Safety & Quality Management |
|---|---|
| Programme code | MSCFSQM |
| School | School of Agriculture (SOA) |
| Eligibility | a) Graduation in Science/Tech in Food Safety and Quality Management/ Agriculture/ Food Science/Food Tech/Engineering having chemistry and microbiology subjects/ Post Harvest Technology/ Home Science/ Life Science/ Microbiology/ Chemistry/ Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Pharmacy/ Medical Lab Tech/ Horticulture/ Dairy Technology/ Veterinary/ Fisheries/ Medical/ Dental Sc./ Nursing/ BAMS/ BHMS/ Hotel Management and Catering etc. b) PG Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management (lateral entry for 2nd year of M. Sc). These diploma holders should also have one of the qualifications mentioned at (a). Who have completed 32 credits will also have to complete one additional project work of 4 credits in the second year. |
| Medium | English |
| Duration | 2 years minimum, 4 years maximum |
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 13,200/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 26,400 (Rs. 13,200 x 2 years) |
| Total credits | 80 |
| Admission cycles | January & July |
IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management: what the programme covers
The IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme develops qualified human resources for regulators, industry, and research institutions in food safety and quality management. It covers food standards, quality management systems, food analysis, and risk analysis. The programme has a total of 80 credits. A special feature is a modular design, allowing an exit option with a PG Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management (PGDFSQM) after successfully completing the first year. PGDFSQM diploma holders can also enter the second year directly, but must apply for credit transfer from PGDFSQM to MSCFSQM as per University norms.
The first year of the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme comprises 36 credits. Key courses include MVP 001 Food Fundamentals and Chemistry (4 credits), MVPI 001 Food Microbiology (4 credits), and MVP 002 Food laws and Standards (4 credits). Students also complete MVPP 003 Project Work -1, which carries 8 credits. The second year accounts for 40 credits, with courses such as MVP 005 Food Toxicology and Public Health (4 credits) and MVP 009 Research Methodology (4 credits). A significant component of the second year is MVPP 002 Dissertation, which is worth 16 credits.
IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management eligibility: who can apply
IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management eligibility requires a Bachelor’s degree in a science or technology field. Candidates must hold a degree in subjects such as Food Safety and Quality Management, Agriculture, Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering with chemistry and microbiology, or Home Science. Other eligible fields include Life Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Medical Lab Technology, Horticulture, Dairy Technology, Veterinary, Fisheries, Medical, Dental Science, Nursing, BAMS, BHMS, or Hotel Management and Catering.
A postgraduate diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management also allows for lateral entry into the second year of the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme. These diploma holders must also possess one of the Bachelor’s qualifications listed above. Students entering laterally with 32 credits must complete an additional project work of 4 credits in their second year. The medium of instruction for the entire programme is English.
Before you apply: IGNOU admission step by step; checking your IGNOU admission status and IGNOU last dates.
IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management fees 2026: programme fee and other charges
The IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme fee is Rs. 13,200 per year for the July 2026 session. For the minimum two-year duration, the total programme fee is Rs. 26,400. This amount does not include additional charges such as registration, development, or examination fees.
A non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 is payable at admission, along with a University Development fee of Rs. 400. Learners can pay these fees and the programme fee online via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI through the payment gateway on the ODL admission portal. Applicants who choose to receive soft copies of self-learning material instead of printed books receive a 15% discount on the programme fee. Printed self-instructional study material is available as a print book and/or e-book, with over 3923 courses from 384 programmes accessible on eGyanKosh.
MSc Food Safety & Quality Management fees, July 2026 session
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Programme fee (July 2026) | Rs. 13,200/- per year |
| Full-course programme fee | Rs. 26,400 (Rs. 13,200 x 2 years) |
| Registration fee (once, non-refundable) | Rs. 300 |
| University Development fee (once) | Rs. 400 |
| Term-end exam fee | Rs. 200 per theory course |
Paying IGNOU fees: IGNOU fee structure for every programme.
IGNOU student services
IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management duration and credits
The IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme has a minimum duration of 2 years and a maximum duration of 4 years. Students must complete all requirements within this 4-year period. The programme requires a total of 80 credits to graduate.
The first year of the programme carries 36 credits. The second year requires 40 credits.
IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management syllabus: semester-wise courses
The first year focuses on foundational food science, microbiology, and quality management systems, totalling 36 credits. The second year covers advanced topics like food toxicology, biotechnology, and research methodology, with 40 credits.
The first year includes eight courses and one project work. MVP 001 Food Fundamentals and Chemistry, MVPI 001 Food Microbiology, MVP 002 Food laws and Standards, MVP 003 Principles of Food Safety and Quality Management, MVP 004 Food Safety and Quality Management Systems, MVPL 001 Food Safety and Quality Auditing, and MVPL 002 Chemical Analysis and Quality Assurance each carry 4 credits. MVPP 003 Project Work -1 accounts for 8 credits. Learners can exit after the first year with a PG Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management (PGDFSQM).
MVP 005 Food Toxicology and Public Health, MVP 006 Food Biotechnology, MVP 007 Recent trends in Food Technology and Safety, and MVP 009 Research Methodology each contribute 4 credits. MVP 008, a MOOC on Novel Technologies for Food Processing and Shelf-Life Extension, is worth 3 credits. MVPS 001 Seminar is a 1-credit course. The dissertation, MVPP 002, carries a significant weight of 16 credits. PGDFSQM diploma holders entering the second year must also complete MVPP 004 Project Work -2, which is 4 credits.
The programme’s structure ensures a full understanding of food safety and quality management. The eGyanKosh study blocks for MVP 001 include Introduction to Food Science, Food Chemistry, Food Analysis, and Food Processing and Preservation.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MVP 001 | Food Fundamentals and Chemistry | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MVPI 001 | Food Microbiology | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MVP 002 | Food laws and Standards | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MVP 003 | Principles of Food Safety and Quality Management | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MVP 004 | Food Safety and Quality Management Systems | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MVPL 001 | Food Safety and Quality Auditing | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MVPL 002 | Chemical Analysis and Quality Assurance | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MVPP 003 | Project Work -1 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MVP 005 | Food Toxicology and Public Health | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MVP 006 | Food Biotechnology | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MVP 007 | Recent trends in Food Technology and Safety | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MVP 008 | MOOC on Novel Technologies for Food Processing and Shelf-Life Extension | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MVP 009 | Research Methodology | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MVPS 001 | Seminar | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Semester / group | Courses | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | 8 courses | 36 |
| 2nd year | 8 courses | 40 |
IGNOU's July 2026 prospectus lists the courses for the 1st year and 2nd year (76 credits). The courses for the remaining 4 of the programme's 80 credits are not listed in it yet.
MSc Food Safety & Quality Management 1st year
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MVP 001 | Food Fundamentals and Chemistry | 4 | |
| MVPI 001 | Food Microbiology | 4 | |
| MVP 002 | Food laws and Standards | 4 | |
| MVP 003 | Principles of Food Safety and Quality Management | 4 | |
| MVP 004 | Food Safety and Quality Management Systems | 4 | |
| MVPL 001 | Food Safety and Quality Auditing | 4 | |
| MVPL 002 | Chemical Analysis and Quality Assurance | 4 | |
| MVPP 003 | Project Work -1 | 8 | Project |
MSc Food Safety & Quality Management 2nd year
| Course code | Course title | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| MVP 005 | Food Toxicology and public health | 4 | |
| MVP 006 | Food Biotechnology | 4 | |
| MVP 007 | Recent trends in Food Technology and safety | 4 | |
| MVP 008* | MOOC on Novel Technologies for Food Processing and Shelf-Life Extension | 3 | |
| MVP 009 | Research methodology | 4 | |
| MVPS 001 | Seminar | 1 | |
| MVPP 002 | Dissertation | 16 | Dissertation |
| MVPP 004** | Project Work -2 | 4 | Project |
Syllabus for other programmes: IGNOU syllabus, programme by programme.
IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management admission 2026: how to apply on the Samarth portal
The IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme has two admission cycles each year: January and July. For the July 2026 cycle, applications are processed through the IGNOU Samarth admission portal.
The programme fee for the July 2026 session is Rs. 13,200 per year. Plus this, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs. 300 and a University Development fee of Rs. 400 are paid at the time of admission. Eligibility for the programme includes a graduation in Science/Tech in Food Safety and Quality Management, Agriculture, Food Science, or related fields with chemistry and microbiology subjects. Lateral entry into the second year is possible for those with a PG Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management who also meet the initial graduation criteria.
IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management exams and assignments
Assignments are compulsory for the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme. Learners must write and submit their assignment responses before taking the Term-End Examination (July 2026). Assignments for the current session are available for download from the University website (July 2026). Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) must be submitted to the Coordinator of the learner’s Learner Support Centre (July 2026). If an assignment fails, it must be re-submitted; once passed, it cannot be re-submitted to improve the grade.
Term-end examinations are held twice a year, in June and December, throughout the country. Examination centres are available across India and abroad (July 2026). There are two daily exam sessions: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM (December 2026 TEE). Learners may write the exam in Hindi, even if registered in English medium, except for language programmes (December 2026 TEE).
The examination fee is Rs. 200 per theory course (December 2026 TEE). For project and practical exams, the fee is Rs. 300 for up to 4 credits and Rs. 500 for above 4 credits, applicable from the January 2023 admission cycle (July 2026). Hall tickets are uploaded on the University website and are not sent by post (July 2026). The University provides numerical marks and division (I, II or Pass) for master’s degrees upon request (July 2026). A copy of the answer script costs Rs. 100 per course (January 2026). Only term-end theory exams can be re-evaluated; projects, practicals, workshops, assignments, or seminars are not eligible for re-evaluation. Students who fall short of 2% marks for a 2nd or 1st division may improve their grade, with one opportunity only (January 2026). An early declaration of result costs Rs. 1000 per course for Indian students, and requires proof of selection for a post or further studies (January 2026).
Exam and assignment guides: IGNOU assignment format; IGNOU TEE date sheet and IGNOU result and grade card.
Notices and Documents from IGNOU
Common IGNOU Questions
What is the total fee for the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management programme?
The total programme fee for the minimum two-year duration of the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management is Rs. 26,400. This amount is calculated at Rs. 13,200 per year, as stated in the July 2026 prospectus, and does not include registration, development, or examination fees.
Can I join the second year of the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management directly?
Yes, you can join the second year directly if you hold a PG Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management (PGDFSQM). You must also have one of the science or technology qualifications listed for first-year admission. After admission, apply for credit transfer from your PGDFSQM to the MSc programme as per University norms.
How many credits are in the first year of the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management?
The first year of the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management comprises 36 credits. These credits are distributed across eight courses, including MVP 001 Food Fundamentals and Chemistry, MVPI 001 Food Microbiology, and MVPP 003 Project Work -1, which is an 8-credit project.
Which courses in the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management involve project work?
The IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management includes two project courses. MVPP 003 Project Work -1 carries 8 credits in the first year, and MVPP 002 Dissertation carries 16 credits in the second year. Additionally, lateral entry students must complete MVPP 004 Project Work -2, a 4-credit project, in their second year.
Is there a compulsory MOOC for the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management?
Yes, successful completion of the MOOC titled “Novel Technologies for Food Processing and Shelf-Life Extension” is required for the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management. This 3-credit course, MVP 008*, is offered by Prof. Hari Niwas Mishra, IIT Kharagpur, on the SWAYAM platform.
What is the minimum and maximum duration to complete the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management?
The minimum duration to complete the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management is 2 years. Learners have a maximum of 4 years to complete the programme from their date of admission.
What is the total number of credits for the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management?
The IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management has a total of 80 credits. The July 2026 prospectus lists courses covering 76 credits across the first and second years; the courses for the remaining 4 credits are not yet published.
Can I exit the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management with a PG Diploma?
Yes, the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management is a modular programme with an exit option. You can exit with a PG Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management (PGDFSQM) after successfully completing the first year of the programme.
Which year of the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management has the heaviest workload?
The second year of the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management has a heavier workload with 40 credits, compared to 36 credits in the first year. This includes a substantial 16-credit Dissertation (MVPP 002) and a 4-credit Research Methodology course (MVP 009).
Are there any practical sessions or labs in the IGNOU MSc Food Safety & Quality Management?
The programme includes courses like MVPL 001 Food Safety and Quality Auditing and MVPL 002 Chemical Analysis and Quality Assurance, which often involve practical components. Attendance at practical sessions is compulsory where a programme has them, as per University rules.