Nutrition & Dietetics

Nutrition and Dietetics course deal with health, fitness, and an overall healthy lifestyle. People who have an interest in this field can pursue it as a full-time career option. The course duration of Nutrition & Dietetics ranges from 3 months to 4 years, depending on the academic level. Nutrition and Dietetics can be pursued as a diploma or a certificate course in the form of both a bachelor's and a master's degree. After getting the primary education, candidates can either work as full-time dietitians and nutritionists or even go for higher studies. Nutrition and Dietetics syllabus and subjectscover various aspects related to Nutrition, Food Management, Food Preservation, Food Service, etc. 

As per the minimum eligibility criteria for Nutrition and Dietetics courses students need to pass higher secondary with at least 45% to 50% marks in aggregate from any recognized institute/board. The average course fee for Nutrition and Dietetics ranges from INR 35,000 to INR 25,00,000 per annum. The admission process for Nutrition and Dietetics includes passing entrance exams like LPU NEST, CUET, and MDUCEE. Candidates can work as Nutrition Specialists, Dieticians, and Food Inspectors after passing the Nutrition and Dietetics course. In India, the average salary range of these professional graduates can fall within INR 2,00,000 to INR 6,50,000 per annum.

Nutrition and Dietetics admission process takes either direct admission on the basis of marks obtained or through an entrance examination based where the coordinating body will release the cut-off marks. Nutrition and Dietetics syllabus includes a wide range of topics and covers most of the topics related to nutrition and dietetics subjects that are taught over the semester. The students can also check the list of Nutrition and Dietetics colleges both at private and government levels in India that offer this course. Nutrition and Dietetics course fee is also affordable as compared to other courses. The student can avail Nutrition and Dietetics degree by doing BSc or MSc in the relevant area.  Here is all the information you require regarding the nutritionist and dietician programme.

The students can check the quick facts about the Nutrition and Dietetics course. Some of the major highlights of the Nutrition and Dietetics  course are given below. 

A constant question that grapples the mind of a person intending to pursue Nutrition and Dietetics is whether it is worth an investment of time, money and energy. Well, the answer is yes! Let’s find out how?

• Nutritionists and Dieticians are professionals who are trained for taking care of the nutritional and health needs of their patients and clients. The main responsibility of a Nutritionist or Dietician is to assist their clients to seek the right nutritional content and take in healthy eating habits. Both of these professions require a combination of ethics and professional assistance.
• After pursuing a degree in nutrition or dietetics, the career path of a person is quite productive as now people are becoming more aware of their health and fitness with each passing day.
• Being a dietician or a nutritionist encourages the betterment of health of the masses by propagating awareness about diet, nutrition and the connection between good eating habits and preventing or managing specific diseases.
• When people pursue a Nutrition and Dietetics course, they consequently teach about health and promote wellness.
• As educators, they teach people about health and promote wellness. They help develop and implement strategies to improve the health of individuals and communities as a whole.
• They can also register themselves as professionals such as Registered Nurses, Rehab Counselors and aid in the caregiving sector. They can also work as Sports Nutritionists and help sportspersons to get proper nutrition to produce active sports results.
• Dieticians and nutritionists also tend to work at Caregiving Facilities, Corporations, Food Manufacturing Industries, Community and Public Health Organizations, Government Agencies and Non-Profit Organizations, therefore making it a lucrative career option.
• Individuals who pursue Nutrition and Dietetics can work in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases and conditions using the power of nutrition as they study how food can be used to improve patient results at all stages of the health and medical journey.
• By their actions and role as Nutritionists and Dieticians, they promote body positivity as they get to the origin of the problem responsible for eating disorders, allowing people the space to heal and find lasting recovery.
• Students who pursue a Nutrition and Dietician course can collaborate professionally with Doctors, Specialists, and Caregivers to create a nutrition and lifestyle strategy that supplements other treatments.

The eligibility criteria for the Nutrition and Dietetics course is mentioned below:

Certificate, Undergraduate Diploma and Degree Courses

All interested candidates may check the eligibility criteria for the Nutrition and Dietetics Certificate, Undergraduate Diploma and Degree courses from the below mentioned  information:

• Candidates can apply for undergraduate diploma, degree and certificate courses after completing their class 12 board exams.
• Admission to 3-year diploma programmes offered by some government institutes is done on the basis of state level entrance exams.
• Admission to certificate and short-term diploma programmes is done directly after candidates have passed 10+2 exams.
• For BSc programmes, it is essential for students to study Physics, Chemistry, Biology till class 12.
• Some of the institutes offer B.Sc. courses in Nutrition and Dietetics on the basis of entrance exams, however others conduct admission on the basis of marks secured by applicants in class 12.

Post Graduate Degree Courses

All interested candidates may check the eligibility criteria for the Nutrition and Dietetics Post Graduate Degree courses from the below mentioned  information:

• Candidates who have pursued BSc in this field with a minimum aggregate of 45% marks can apply for MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Admission to this programme is done on the basis of entrance exams. Some of the reputed institutes also conduct personal interviews to shortlist candidates for these programmes.
• Direct admission without entrance exams and personal interviews are also possible at some institutes.

Post Graduate Diploma Courses

The candidates can check the eligibility criteria for the Nutrition and Dietetics Post Graduate Diploma courses are as follows.

• Aspiring candidates can apply for PG diploma programmes after completing their graduation in Nutrition and Dietetics.
• Some of the institutes also offer this programme to candidates who have pursued diploma courses in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Nutrition and Dietetics is a generic course and there are multiple specializations offered under the umbrella of nutrition and dietetics. The students who want to pursue courses in nutrition and dietetics get varied options as they can get certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree in this field. The branch of nutrition and dietetics offers BSc, MSc, Certificate, and Diploma courses in the relevant field. The students can enroll for any of the desired specialization and follow the admission process accordingly. The list of specialization courses are mentioned below.

• Certificate in Dietetics
• Diploma in Diet Assistant
• Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics
• BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics
• BSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
• MSc in Clinical Nutrition
• MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics
• PG Diploma in Dietetics
• PG Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health
• PGDM in Dietetics and Applied Nutrition

Nutrition and Dietetics admission processes in different colleges and universities are done through merit based and entrance examination. Nutrition and Dietetics admission process differs from college to college. All those institutes that offer admission on the basis of merit consider the marks obtained by the students in their class XII if they applying for BSc in admission. If a student is seeking Nutrition and Dietetics admission at the masters level for post-graduation degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, then the marks obtained by them in their graduation is taken into consideration. In case of entrance based examination process for taking Nutrition and Dietetics admission in some of the colleges and universities, the students must meet the cut off marks as released by the examination conducting authority. 

If the students have qualified in the entrance examination, then they will have to go through the process of counseling. In certain colleges and universities, the students also have to go through the process of personal interview and group discussion. The students who seek to take admission in certificate and diploma courses must possess the relevant skill and interest to do a course in nutrition and dietetics. Most of the students after class XII prefer to do certificate course in nutrition and dietetics to make them more job oriented. 

There are many nutrition courses available in India, varying at various academic levels, including diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, certification, and online nutrition courses. These top nutrition courses in India are listed in this article so you can choose one based on your interests.

There are numerous nutrition and dietetics courses that provide a wide range of opportunities. The top nutrition courses in India are listed below:

• BSc Nutrition and Dietetics
• BSc Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics
• MSc Nutrition and Dietetics
• MSc Clinical Nutrition
• Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Diploma in Nutrition and Health Education
• Diploma in Diet Assistant
• PG Diploma in Dietetics
• PG Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health
• PGDM in Dietetics and Applied Nutrition

The following detailed information is provided about some of the best nutrition courses in India:

There is no fixed entrance test for taking admission to nutrition and dietetics courses in India. Most of the colleges take admission on the basis of the merit and some colleges and universities also conduct entrance tests for taking admission to nutrition and dietetics courses In India. Nutrition and Dietetics course fee is less in government colleges as compared to private colleges. The list of top government nutrition and dietetics colleges in India are mentioned below. 

• Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi
• Daulat Ram College, New Delhi
• University of Rajasthan
• Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana
• Zakir Hussain College, Delhi University
• Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj, Nagpur
• IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University)
• University of Mumbai

The students who have completed their class XII examination from a recognized board can take admission in undergraduate course of nutrition and dietetics in some of the top private colleges in India. The list of top private colleges for nutrition and dietetics are mentioned below. 

• Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
• Christian Medical College, Vellore
• Mount Carmel College, Bangalore 
• Lovely Professional University, Punjab
• Women’s Christian College, Chennai
• Isabella Thoburn Degree College, Lucknow

The popularity and demand for food nutrition and dietetics has increased in last few years and many popular and reputed colleges have started offering this course because of job opportunities after pursuing BSc and MSc in nutrition and dietetics. Nutrition and Dietetics fees are different for all the colleges. The students can check the top Nutrition and Dietetics  colleges mentioned below. 

• Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi
• Quantum University, Roorkee
• University of Kashmir, Srinagar
• Mount Carmel College, Bangalore
• Lady Irwin College, New Delhi
• Banasthali University, Jaipur
• Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh
• Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar
• Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurgaon
• Chandigarh University

Nutrition and Dietetics admission also takes place through various entrance examinations conducted by the colleges and universities. There is no single or specific examination conducted for nutrition and dietetics course. The students takes admission on the basis of marks obtained in class XII for graduation courses and marks obtained at graduate level for postgraduate courses. 

Most of the top colleges in India take admission to different specialization through merit based and the marks obtained in the qualifying examination decide the selection process. The cut off marks for talking admission in nutrition and dietetics ranges from 50% to 80-90% in top colleges. However, there are many colleges that take admission through entrance examination. Some of the entrance examination conducted for taking Nutrition and Dietetics admission are mention below which students can check and prepare for the same accordingly. 

Nutrition and Dietetics admission also takes place through various entrance examinations conducted by colleges and universities. There is no single or specific examination conducted for Nutrition and Dietetics courses. The students can also take admission on the basis of marks obtained in class XII for graduation courses and marks obtained at a graduate level for postgraduate courses. 

Most of the top colleges in India take admission to different specialisations through merit-based and the marks obtained in the qualifying examination decide the selection process. The cut-off marks for taking admission in Nutrition and Dietetics range from 50% to 80-90% in top colleges. However, there are several colleges that take admission through entrance examinations. Some of the entrance examinations conducted for taking Nutrition and Dietetics admission are mentioned below which students can check and prepare for the same accordingly. 

LPU NEST- Lovely Professional University conducts the National Entrance and Scholarship Test annually for admission to different courses at undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by the university. Pass with 60% aggregate marks in 10+2 (with English, Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Biotechnology) or equivalent, subject to qualify the exam. Nutrition and Dietetics course at LPU will of 3 years duration with an average fee of INR 4.80 Lakh (may change). For a candidate, who has not studied English as a subject, the condition of English may be waived off provided the candidate in his qualifying exam has studied in English medium.

CUET- Candidates can also pursue Nutrition and Dietetics program through CUET 2023 Exam. This entrance exam is a Computer Based Test that is conducted as a university level exam. CUET 2023 Exam will allow candidates to enroll for Nutrition and Dietetics course in various universities/colleges.

 MDU CEE- Maharshi Dayanand University conducts MDU CEE exam. It stands for Maharshi Dayanand University Common Entrance Test conducted at the University level for taking admission in different courses offered at undergraduate and postgraduate levels by Maharshi Dayanand University. 

Nutrition and Dietetics syllabus is a combination of both theoretical and practical knowledge. Nutrition and Dietetics UG syllabus has been divided into six semesters and it is a mixture of theory classes, assignments, practical classes, internship, project work, and examination. Nutrition and Dietetics PG syllabus has been divided into 4 semesters. The candidates can check the syllabus for both UG and PG programme.

First Year Nutrition and Dietetics Syllabus 

The candidates can check the Nutrition and Dietetics subject list for 1st and 2nd semesters.

Second  Year Nutrition and Dietetics Syllabus 

The candidates can check the Nutrition and Dietetics subject list for 3rd and 4th semesters.

Third Year Nutrition and Dietetics Syllabus 

The candidates can check the Nutrition and Dietetics subject list for 5th and 6th semesters.

Nutrition and Dietetics subject lists differ from college to college but there are some major Nutrition and Dietetics subject list that are common in most of the Nutrition and Dietetics colleges and universities. The students can check the Nutrition and Dietetics subject list given below.

In any profession a common factor that is seen is that for financial success and growth in the corporate journey, a strong skill set is important. Therefore, students who intend to pursue a nutritionist and dietetics course must also possess the required skills to master the nutritionist and dietetics course. To guide you through this journey we at CollegeDekho have listed some of the key skills that will aid you in professional growth as a nutritionist and a dietician.

Nutrition and Dietetics course is a career oriented profile and students get placed in multiple organizations after completing BSc courses. The students enhance their skills by doing MSc course in nutrition and dietetics course. There are many organizations that deal exclusively with the field of nutrition and dietetics and provide career opportunities in the areas such as government and private hospitals, private health organizations, sports organizations, celebrity management organization, research centres, etc. Most of these organizations look for skilled nutritionists and dieticians for their respective department. 

There are different profiles and career options available to the students who have completed their course in nutrition and dietetics stream. Some of the important profiles that the students can opt for after doing the course are mentioned below. 

Dietician- Dieticians play a crucial role in speedy recovery of the patients. They provide dietary charts to the patients before and after operation. Dieticians are required in every field these days because of fast food habits that people have developed over a period of time. They provide nutritional care not only to patients but also to normal people who seek their support in maintaining their health. They are also hired by celebrities to maintain their diet chart and keep them in shape. 

Consultant Dietician- A consultant dietician is a healthcare professional who is hired by individuals or celebrities for different health purposes such as maintaining diet chart, weight loss program by working on the eating habits, cholesterol reduction, and other health related problems. Most of these healthcare organizations refer their patients to different consultant dieticians. A consultant dietician along with their contract with private healthcare facilities can also do their own practice.

Management Dietician – The different kind of food programs are managed and planned by professionals known as management dietician. They work for schools, hospitals, prisons, cafeterias, etc. They are responsible for supervising the functioning of kitchen staff and other dieticians. 

Nutritionist-A nutritionist takes care of food habits of individuals. They control the dietary supplements by guiding the appropriate quantities of different supplements require by the body. They also guide about food and eating habits that affect your health and may cause health problems. They are also responsible for educating individuals on nutritional values. 

With increasing urbanization and medical problems amongst working individuals rising, a need for proper nutrition is dire. Dietitians are gaining a lot of importance amongst the urban crowd as the young generation of India is realizing the importance of a healthy diet and value of getting proper nutrients.

Therefore, private dietitians and nutrition consultants are earning a lot of money in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. Hospitals also hire professionals in this field. A lot of corporate companies also hire nutritionists in order to keep their employees healthy and active. Following are some of the profiles that nutritionists and dietitians can seek:

• Consultants
• Food Show Host
• Researcher
• Therapeutic Dietitian
• Sports Nutritionist
• Administrative Nutritionist
• Nutritional Sales Executive
• Nutrition Trainer

Salaries in this domain right after graduation varies from INR 1.5 lakh to INR 2.5 lakh. However, private practitioners can earn good money through clinics and proper advertisement i.e. up to INR 4.5 lakhs per year. Experienced professionals earn more money and can also apply for higher education abroad.

Nutrition and Dietetics has become a popular course from the recruiter perspective as they look for young and dynamic graduates and certificate holder in this field. The young minds help in giving new ideas and implementing the same. Some of the top recruiters in this field are mentioned below.

• Cadbury
• Nestle
• Unilever
• GlaxoSmithKline
• Novartis
• Eli Lilly
• Food & Nutrition Board (FNB)
• FNB, Ministry of Women and Child Development

Nutrition and Dietetics course is gaining popularity as it offer multiple job profile in different organization. The students can choose job profile as per their interest and qualification. The salary structure also varies from profile to profile depending upon the job description they get in the respective organization. Some of the top profile after BSc and MSc nutrition and dietetics course is mentioned below. 

Dietician- The average salary of dietician in the current scenario ranges from 3-4 lakhs per annum. The dieticians who are senior and expert in their area are hired by corporate hospitals and their salary can go as high as INR10-12 lakhs per annum. 

Consultant Dietician- The consultant dieticians are hired by organizations and corporates. Their salary structures are better and depend on the experience one has in the relevant field. The average salary structure ranges from INR 4-5 lakhs per annum. 

Nutritionist- A nutritionist salary is getting better with time as the demand is increasing in the current scenario. The salary structure depends on the organization where they are working. On an average, their salary ranges from INR 3-4 lakhs initially but with experience they might get INR 7-8 lakhs per annum. 

Food Inspector- They are involved in checking the quality standards of different food products which are sold in the market. The average salary structure of food inspector is INR 4- lakhs per annum. 

Food Scientist- They are responsible for discovering products that have nutritional value and helpful for the mankind. The average salary structure of food scientists ranges from INR 10-11 lakhs per annum. 

People are becoming more concerned about their health as their lifestyles change. They want to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Nutrition plays an important role in people's lives today in order to achieve the same goal. The industry is critical to the market, and with the pandemic affecting our lives, it is expanding at an alarming rate. As a result, the candidates can benefit from pursuing nutrition and dietetics. Individuals with a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics can work in hospitals and clinics as a Nutritionist, Management Dietician, Consultant Dietician, or Dietician. They earn substantial salaries as professionals in the field.

Like any other industry, there have been phenomenal shifts in the nutrition and dietetics industry in the current scenario especially post lockdown. The people are getting more aware about their diet so that they are physically and mentally strong and have developed immunity properly. Some of the transitional shifts that are being followed in this sector are mentioned below. 

Immunity Booster- The pandemic caused by COVID 19 has made everyone believe in the importance of immunity that helps in fighting against the virus and recovering from its after-effects. All the leading food industry now focuses on developing food products that are enriched with immunity booster minerals such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc Selenium, etc. boost immunity.

Mental Health-The impact of the pandemic has been so vast and aggressive on the mindset of the people that it affected the mental health of the people. The people went through anxiety, stress, depression, etc. in large numbers looking at the scenario around them. It became important for the companies to manufacture food and medicines enriched with antioxidants, magnesium, Vitamin B, zinc, etc., and other bioactive compounds to improve mental health. 

Localism- The pandemic has also generated interest among the people in going local and buying groceries and food products that are organically grown. This has resulted in kitchen farming, developing interest for the farmers, and growing food that are healthy and adulteration free.