Five to twenty years in, no formal packaging education
"I have the practical experience but never had the chance to study packaging systematically."
Printing, packaging, production, QA, operations and technical roles.
One-Year Online PG Diploma in Packaging
Become a Qualified Packaging Professional (QPP)
For people already working in printing, packaging, production, quality or operations who never had the opportunity to study packaging formally. Live online classes are taught by experienced practitioners and scheduled so you can keep working while you study.
- DurationOne yearDistance learning
- ModeOnline3 live classes a month
- EligibilityGraduateor 10+2 with 5+ years' experience
- Fee₹72,000plus GST · 10% off if paid at once
- Next batch1 Dec 202611th batch
Qualified Packaging Professional (QPP)
The main outcome of the PG Diploma. On successful completion, every participant is awarded the Post Graduate Diploma in Packaging (PGDP) and the Qualified Packaging Professional (QPP) recognition by PCRI.
QPP signifies industry readiness, professional competence and a working command of scientific packaging principles. PCRI's QPP holders include quality and laboratory managers in India, a maintenance manager in Zambia and the first QPP from Bangladesh.
Amit SharmaQC Lab Manager
Amit KumarZambia
Abul Kalam Sohel ParvezBangladesh
Amit PrakashQPP
Please note. The PG Diploma in Packaging and the QPP are awarded by PCRI. The programme is not accredited by, or affiliated to, any university.
Who Should Apply
This is not an alternative to a university degree or a full-time packaging college. It is professional education for people who are already working, and for the companies that employ them.
Entering packaging and wanting to stand out
Structured knowledge that most new entrants never get, and a credential that says so on your profile.
Adding packaging to a printing diploma or degree
Study alongside your course or your first job and finish with two disciplines instead of one.
Taking over a packaging business
Understand the business scientifically and commercially while you keep working in it. Materials, quality, cost, production and customer requirements.
Sponsor a promising employee
Develop technically stronger employees and future leaders without removing them from their roles for a year. Ask about sponsored seats and in-plant projects. Discuss employer sponsorship
Academic education builds the foundation. Industry experience builds practical wisdom. Professional education connects the two.
The PCRI approachProgramme Structure
01
Live online classes
Three live online classes a month, 36 technical sessions across the year, so a full-time job and the programme fit together.
02
Three papers
Packaging fundamentals, materials, printing and management; plastics, jute and cloth, metal and glass; distribution, machinery, laws and standards, and product packaging.
03
Projects and practicals
Each paper carries a project (50 marks), ideally on a problem from your own workplace, and three days of practicals (50 marks) complete the course. E-books and national and international packaging standards are provided.
04
Examination and QPP
500 marks: three papers of 100 marks, three projects of 50 marks and practicals of 50 marks. 50% aggregate to pass, with at least 40% in each paper. Successful candidates receive the PG Diploma in Packaging and the QPP recognition.
Curriculum
Three papers, each with a project, plus practicals: 500 marks in all. Topics are from the 11th batch prospectus; the final syllabus is issued at admission.
Paper 1Packaging fundamentals, materials, printing and management
- Packaging fundamentals
- Packaging materials: paper and paperboard, wood, plywood pallets, boxes, crates, drums
- Package printing techniques
- Management concepts and packaging in organisations
- Paper 100 marks · Project I 50 marks
Paper 2Plastics, jute and cloth, metal and glass
- Plastics: rigid packaging
- Plastic, jute and cloth: flexible and ancillary packaging
- Metal: tinplate and cans (2 and 3 piece)
- Glass: manufacturing, properties and applications
- Paper 100 marks · Project II 50 marks
Paper 3Distribution, machinery, laws and product packaging
- Distribution packaging and intelligent packaging systems
- Packaging machinery and packaging development
- Laws, standardisation and more
- Product packaging: food, pharma, cosmetics, engineering, frozen, agro and horticulture products
- Good packaging practices: case studies, sustainable packaging, troubleshooting
- Paper 100 marks · Project III 50 marks
PracticalsPracticals and learning materials
- Three days of practicals (50 marks)
- E-books and national and international packaging standards
- Passing: at least 40% in each paper and 50% aggregate
Fees and Payment
Candidates in India
₹72,000 plus GST
- Admission fee ₹2,000
- GST at 18%
- One-time payment: 10% discount
- Two instalments: 5% discount
- Monthly payment: no discount
- Includes e-reading materials, practicals and examination fees
Overseas candidates
US$1,500 total, all inclusive
- No additional charges
- Includes e-reading materials, practicals and examination fees
- Classes timed for India; recordings for other time zones (to confirm)
Eligibility and Admission
Who can apply
- Graduates in any discipline; science, pharma, engineering or printing graduates are preferred
- Or 10+2 (Intermediate) with at least five years of work experience
- Admission is on merit and an interview
- Basic computer skills for online classes
Documents required
- Degree or diploma certificate and mark sheets
- Work experience certificate, if applicable
- ID proof: Aadhaar, PAN or passport
- Passport-size photograph
Admission process
- 01
Pre-register
Fill in the form on this page, or call 93913 31357 / 91608 14321.
- 02
Documents verification
Submit the documents listed here for verification.
- 03
Interview and admission
Admission is based on merit and an interview.
- 04
Attend the class
Join the online classes and begin the programme on 1 December 2026.
Hear From Our Students
Faculty
Prof. B.K. KarnaDirector, PCRI
Kishor SurtiPrinting Expert
Joji JosephFood Expert
Ashok DasPaper Industry Expert
Sudhakar RaoPlastic Expert
Sunit JainCorrugated and Paper Expert
Supported by industry contributors from converters, brand owners and institutions who teach individual modules.
What Our Alumni Say
From a QC laboratory in Hyderabad to a plant in Zambia and the corrugation industry in Bangladesh.
Completing the Post Graduate Diploma in Packaging (PGDP) at the Packaging Clinic & Research Institute (PCRI), Hyderabad, under the master mentorship of Prof. B.K. Karna, was the defining bridge of my career.
Abul Kalam Sohel ParvezFirst student from Bangladesh to earn the QPP
The course has significantly enhanced my understanding of packaging materials, testing methods, quality control, packaging design, and industry standards. The knowledge gained during this program will help me perform more effectively in my professional career.
Amit SharmaQC Lab Manager, paper and packaging industry
I am happy to express my thanks & gratitude to my Company who entrusted me to do this course. Regular online classes indeed helped at every stage where trouble related to Packaging has been solved.
Anuj RanaQuality and customer complaints, Arihant Technopack Pvt Ltd
I have learned more from this institute about packaging material & quality standards. Prof. Karna sir & PCRI helped to grow my knowledge about packaging materials.
Amit KumarAssistant Maintenance Manager, Tradekings Home Care Ltd, Zambia
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really do this while working full time?
Yes. The programme is designed around a working week: three live online classes a month, projects you can base on your own workplace and a year to complete it. Most candidates are employed throughout.
Do I need a science or engineering degree?
No. Graduates in any discipline can apply; science, pharma, engineering and printing graduates are preferred. Candidates with 10+2 (Intermediate) and at least five years of work experience are also eligible. Admission is on merit and an interview.
Is the PG Diploma accredited by a university?
No. The PG Diploma in Packaging and the QPP are awarded by PCRI. The programme is not accredited by, or affiliated to, any university. It is professional education for people who are already working, not a replacement for a university degree.
What is the QPP?
Qualified Packaging Professional (QPP) is the recognition PCRI awards, together with the PG Diploma, to every participant who successfully completes the programme.
I am outside India. Can I join?
Yes. The programme is online and PCRI has had candidates from the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia. Overseas fees are quoted in US dollars above.
Can my employer pay?
Yes. Many candidates are sponsored. PCRI can invoice the company and discuss projects that use your own plant's packaging problems.
Is there an instalment option?
Yes. Indian candidates can pay in two instalments (5% discount) or monthly (no discount). Paying the full fee at once earns a 10% discount. The overseas fee is US$1,500, all inclusive.
What happens after I apply?
You pre-register, submit your documents for verification and attend an interview. Admission is on merit and the interview, and admitted candidates join the online classes from 1 December 2026. An admissions advisor stays in touch through each step.
Start with a Webinar or a Short Programme
Webinars and executive programmes are a good way to experience PCRI's teaching before you commit to the full diploma.