Eligibility

Science and engineering graduates with a diploma or certificate course in packaging technology are employed as packaging technologists in the industry. However, as there are a limited number of technical institutes providing this training, young engineers and science graduates are given on-the-job training by organizations that employ them.

Those working in the area of manufacturing will necessarily have to be engineers. Science graduates can be employed in the design and marketing fields.

The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) established by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, with its headquarters in Mumbai, is the only recognized institute-offering training in this field. The institute has branches in Calcutta, New Delhi and Madras.

Science and engineering graduates are eligible for the two-year postgraduate course in packaging technology, offered at the IIP in Mumbai. There are 30 seats for all-India selection through an entrance examination. There is also a three month Certificate course in packaging technology available at the three branches of the IIP in Calcutta, Madras and Delhi, besides Mumbai, for graduates in any discipline.

However, preference is given to company-sponsored candidates. The institute also conducts a two-year distance education programme in packaging technology for students from all over India, as also other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Graduates with a minimum of two years work experience in packaging or related fields can apply for the course. Eligibility for undergraduates is considered on the basis of number of years of work experience.

The syllabus for the course in packaging technology is broadly based on topics connected with primary and ancillary materials used in the industry, as also environment protection, economics, and laws relating to disposal of packaging wastes and bio-degradable material.

Effective management, marketing, and functional and graphic design are also taught. Machinery for packaging, quality control, product packaging and packaging management also form part of the curriculum.

A background in science, especially physics and chemistry, an analytical approach in order to assess the package design and quality, innovative skill in designing the packages.