Dietitian/Dietetics: Course Duration, Admission 2025, Colleges, Salary & Scope

Updated on Feb 25, 2025 02:02 IST
Pragati Singh

Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content

Dietetics course comes under the field of science that is concerned with diet and its effects on an individual’s health. The people who are experts in this course are called Dietitians and play a very important role in the Health Management sector. An academic course in dietetics prepares students to use advanced knowledge about food and nutrition to help prevent as well as treat diseases and maintain human health.

Eligibility for Dietetics courses is that you need to complete Class 12 in the Science stream with at least 50 percent aggregate. For PG courses, one should have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field like BSc, or degrees in the Hospitality field would also be acceptable. 

While looking for a career in dietetics, students often confuse the term with Food & Nutrition. However, dietetics and nutrition are similar but two different professions. Dietetics focuses on food management through the proper plan, monitoring, and supervision of a patient’s diet. On the other hand, nutrition is related to the overall promotion of health by advising people on health and food choices.  

There are diverse career opportunities available for candidates possessing a degree or diploma in dietetics. The opportunities in the Dietitian profession are available in both public and private sectors at places such as hospitals, community health centers, nursing homes, NGOs, health clubs, fitness centers, sports centers, hotels, pharmaceutical firms, and so on. 

Dietetics Course Details: Highlights

Candidates can look at some of the key points of the Dietetics course in the table below.

Particulars Dietician Course Details
Dietetics Course Level UG, PG, Diploma & Certificate
Dietetics Course Duration 2-3 years
Dietetics Course Fee INR 25 K - INR 4 Lakh
Dietetics Exams Required KCET, LPU NEST, MDUCEE
Dietetics Job Profiles Clinical Dietician, Pediatric Dietician, Sports Dietician, Dietician in the R&D Department, Teacher, Community Dietician, Consultant Dietician, etc.  
Top Dietetics Recruiters

Nestle, Cadbury, Unilever, GSK, Eli Lilly, Novartis, etc. 

Dietetics Salary  INR 2,5 lakh - INR 4 lakh
Q:   What is a Dietetics course?
A:

A Dietician course can be completed in a number of methods, the most frequent being a bachelor's degree. Yet, an increasing number of people are interested in earning a diploma, master's, or postgraduate Diploma degree, with a small number of dedicated individuals also pursuing higher research. Nutritional sciences, food technology, metabolism, animal nutrition, and food science, to name a few, are now being studied at dietetics departments around the world.

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Q:   Why study Dietetic course?
A:

Graduates will find employment in hospitals, clinical dietetics, food manufacturing enterprises, academic institutions, public health organisations, government agencies, wellness centres, and other settings.
Dietetic jobs include a registered dietician, renal dietician, pediatric dietician, sports dietitian, clinical dietician, and others. Food product development scientists, nutritionists, food labelling specialists, public health nutritionists, nutrition educators, nutrition writers, and other nutrition careers are available.

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Table of content
  • Dietetics Eligibility Criteria
  • Dietetics Exams 2025
  • Dietetics Syllabus
  • Best Dietetics Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Dietetics Colleges in India
  • Dietetics Career, Scope, Salary, and Recruiters
  • Dietetics FAQs
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Dietetics UG Courses
  • Popular Dietetics PG Courses
View More

Dietetics Eligibility Criteria

Candidates can choose to pursue a dietetics course at the undergraduate, postgraduate, or diploma level. Some higher education institutions also offer certificate dietetics courses to candidates. However, such courses are neither very detailed nor highly valuable.

Given below are the basic eligibility criteria for undergraduate and postgraduate dietitian courses:

UG courses:  Candidates should complete Class 12 in the Science stream with at least 50 percent aggregate.

PG courses: Candidates should complete graduation in the Science stream with at least 50 percent aggregate.

It may be noted that the eligibility criteria mentioned above may vary depending on the college/ university to which a candidate is seeking admission.

There are various courses that candidates can choose to pursue at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. However, some of the popular dietetics courses include a BSc in Dietetics & Nutrition, an MSc in Dietetics & Nutrition, and a PG Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Dietetics Course Related Information:

Hospitality Diploma Courses After 12th: Courses, Duration, Career Opportunities

Dietetics Admission Process

The process of getting admission to a Dietetics course begins with the preparation of entrance exams conducted by the respective colleges, and ensuring the dietician course eligibility. Here’s the step-by-step guide for aspirants’ reference on the admission procedure of the Dietetics course.

STEP 1: Visit Official Site

The first step in the admission process for an institution, providing merit-based admissions, is to visit their official website and download the application form.

STEP 2: Form Filling

The next step is to fill out the form carefully and watch out for all the necessary details and documents the college requires.

STEP 3: Entrance Exams

Give the entrance exams and wait for the results, once you clear the cutoff you are ready to go to the next step. 

STEP 4: Uploading Documents

Once the details are filled, it is time to upload all the necessary documents in the application form. It is advised to upload clear and relevant documents to avoid any future complications.

STEP 5: Fee Payment

After submitting the documents and application form, the next step is to pay the fee to the institution to reserve the seat.

STEP 6: Counseling Session

Counselling sessions can vary from college to college. While some colleges take telephonic interviews to provide direct admissions, some colleges invite candidates to physically attend the counselling session.

Q:   What qualifications do you need to be a dietician?
A:

There are diverse career opportunities available for candidates possessing a degree or Diploma in dietetics. One can become a dietician after BSc in Dietetics & Nutrition, MSc in Dietetics & Nutrition and PG Diploma in Dietetics.

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Q:   Is being a dietician a good profession?
A:

Yes, it's really rewarding and well-paying work. When a nutritionist in India has attained a considerable reputation and excellence in their speciality, their pay is fairly high. The following is a list of professionals with high salaries in the fields of nutrition and dietetics: Nutrition Specialist Certified.

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Dietetics Exams 2025

Below are some of the common Hospitality and Hotel Management courses related exams, which you can consider taking before considering Dietetics courses as well:

Exam Name Exam Dates Exam Schedule
CMAT 2025 25 Jan '25 CMAT Exam Date 2025
CAT 2025 Nov '24 (Tentative) CAT Exam Date 2025
MAT 2025

MAT 2024 PBT- 09 Mar '25

MAT 2024 CBT 2- 23 Mar '25

MAT Exam Date 2025
XAT 2025 05 Jan '24 XAT Exam Date 2025
NCHMCT JEE 2025 27 Apr '25 NCHMCT JEE Exam Date 2025
CUET 2025 May'25 (Tentative) CUET Exam Date 2025
UGAT 2025 14 Jun '25 UGAT Exam Date 2025
MAH HM CET 2025 28 Mar '25 MAH HM CET Exam Date 2025
Christ University Entrance Test 2025 Jan '25 (Tentative) Christ University Entrance Test Exam Date 2025

Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.

 

8 Mar ' 25

SAT Test March 2025 Date

25 Feb ' 25

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

1 Jul ' 25 - 9 Jul ' 25

MAH BHMCT CET 2025 Counselling Registration

1 Jul ' 25 - 10 Jul ' 25

MAH MHMCT CET 2025 Counselling Registration

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE
Q:   What are the exams for dietitian?
A:

You can refer to the following table to know about the exams for Dietitian course:

Exam NameExam DatesExam Schedule
CMAT 202525 Jan '25NCHMCT Exam Date 2025
CAT 2025Nov '24 (Tentative)CAT Exam Date 2025
MAT 2025

MAT 2024 PBT- 09 Mar '25

MAT 2024 CBT 2- 23 Mar '25

MAT Exam Date 2025
XAT 202505 Jan '24Christ Exam Date 2025
NCHMCT JEE 202527 Apr '25NCHMCT JEE Exam Date 2025
CUET 2025May'25 (Tentative)CUET Exam Date 2025
UGAT 202514 Jun '25UGAT Exam Date 2025
MAH HM CET 202528 Mar '25MAH HM CET Exam Date 2025
Christ University Entrance Test 2025Jan '25 (Tentative)Christ University Entrance Test Exam Date 2025

Note: This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.

Dietetics Syllabus

The Dietetics syllabus and subjects are separated into two to three-year-long courses, divided into four to six semesters. The course curriculum delves into nutrition and diets for the human body. It introduces students to all aspects of the food industry, nutrition, and research; topics covered include Community Nutrition, Advanced Dietetics, Dietetics and Nutrition, Practical workshops, and more. Given below is an overview of subjects taught in BSc in Dietetics and MSc in Dietetics & Nutrition courses for the reference of candidates.

Dietetics UG Syllabus

BSc in Dietetics & Nutrition is a three-year duration course that includes various theory subjects along with some research projects and industrial training/ clinical internship of a few (usually two) months. Subjects that are usually taught in the course are:

BSc in Dietetics & Nutrition Course Curriculum

Applied Science

Basics in Human Anatomy

Environmental Studies

Family Meal Management

Pathology

Fundamentals of Foods & Nutrition

Fundamentals of Biochemistry

Physiology

Nutritional Biochemistry

Nutrition through Lifecycle

Clinical Psychology

Therapeutic Nutrition & Dietetics

Problems in Human Nutrition

Nutrition for Health, Fitness and Sports

Community Nutrition

Food Microbiology

Institutional Food Administration

Food Science

Food Processing and Technology

Foods in Indian Tradition

First Aid & Nursing

Herbs and Home Remedies

Maternal and Child Nutrition

Nutrition Labeling

Community Development Project

Entrepreneurial Education & Journalism

Diet and Nutrition Counseling

Fermentation Technology Holistic Wellness and Life Skills

Healthcare and Hospital management

Social and preventive medicine

Food Hygiene & Sanitation

Human Development

Dynamics of Extension Education

Enzymes in Food processing

Food Preservation and Bakery

Food Handling & Packaging

Fundamentals of Statistics

Introduction to Information technology

Health Communication

Culinary Science

Health Psychology

Weight Management

Dietetics PG Syllabus 

MSc in Dietetics & Nutrition is a two-year duration course typically divided into four semesters. The course offers various theory subjects as well as practical knowledge in the form of seminars, research projects, dissertations, etc.  

Subjects that are usually taught in the course are:

MSc in Dietetics & Nutrition Syllabus

Fundamentals of Food Science

Nutritional Biochemistry

Human Physiology

Biochemical Techniques

Statistical Methods for Biology

Advanced Nutrition

Community Nutrition

Human Nutrition

Diet Therapy

Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods

Food Preservation and Food Microbiology

Food Analysis

Life Cycle Nutrition

Medical Nutrition and Management

Food Safety and Food Service Management

Sensory Evaluation and Culinary Science

Clinical Nutrition

Epidemiology & Changing Healthcare Sector

Dietary Management

Health Information Management & Decision Making

Q:   What is the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?
A:

Dietetics and nutrition are similar but two different professions. Dietetics focuses on food management through the proper plan, monitoring and supervision of a patient's diet. On the other hand, nutrition is related to the overall promotion of health by advising people on health and food choices.  

Q:   How do Diploma programmes benefit dieticians?
A:

For students who desire to pursue food and nutrition as a first degree from a different domain, the Diploma courses are beneficial. They may choose to pursue UG and PG studies at an accredited university after receiving this credential.

Q:   What subjects are covered in the Diploma programmes in nutrition and dietetics?
A:

Food science, diet therapy, nutrition through the stages of development, nutraceuticals and functional foods, clinical nutrition & dietetics, nutritional biochemistry, clinical nutrition, and other related topics are all included in the Diploma programme's course material.

Best Dietetics Colleges in India

Dietetics subjects are designed to expose students to all aspects of dieting and nutrition. The fees are changeable because numerous factors can influence this fee. Some of these factors include the location of the college, the faculty of the college, and more. Candidates can look at the top government and private colleges for Dietetics courses given in the tables below.

Top Dietetics Government Colleges

Students who complete the course can pursue further education to enter the field of research. Some of the popular government colleges for Dietetics are given below.

College Name Fees (in INR)
IHM Delhi - Institute of Hotel Management, Catering & Nutrition NA
IHM Chennai - Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition 31 K
Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Bhatinda NA
SNDT College 2 L
Andhra University, Visakhapatnam NA
Faculty of Life Sciences, Kurukshetra University NA
University of Calicut NA
Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University, Pune 35 K
Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women 39 K - 39 K
Govt Home Science Girls P G College, Hoshangabad NA

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Top Dietetics Private Colleges

Some of the top private colleges in India for dietetics and nutrition include Amity University, LPU, and Maharishi Markandeshwar University. Some of the popular private colleges for Dietetics are given below.

College Name Fees (in INR)
SVSU - Swami Vivekanand Subharti University 25 K - 37 K
Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, Symbiosis International, Pune 4 L
MGM Institute of Biosciences and Technology, MGM University 3 L
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies 3 L - 4 L
National College, Thane NA
Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University 72 K
St Joseph’s College of Arts and Science for Women NA
All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health NA
Glocal University NA
Martin Luther Christian University 2 L

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

Top Colleges for Dietetics Colleges by Location

Candidates can view the top colleges for Dietetics location-wise.

Dietetics Location-Wise Colleges

 Delhi/NCR

 Kolkata

Meghalaya

 Pune

 Rajasthan

Tamil Nadu

 Maharashtra

 Uttarakhand

Coimbatore

 Punjab

 Haryana

All Locations>>

1 Course
31.07 K
2 Courses
82.34 K
3.3 LPA
1 Course
2.8 L
6.62 LPA
25 K - 37 K
2 Courses
3.48 L - 5.23 L
3.1

Dietetics Applications open. Apply Now

46 K
Q:   Is taking a nutrition course in college enough to work as a food inspector?
A:

For the SSC food inspector exams, a bachelor's degree in nutrition, food science, or another comparable field is sufficient. To clear up your questions, read a food inspector career.

Popular Private Dietetics Colleges in India

75 K - 1.72 L
1.35 L
1.76 L
4.8 LPA
2 Courses
3.48 L - 5.23 L
3.1

Dietetics Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
1.82 L
3.5 LPA

Dietetics Career, Scope, Salary, and Recruiters

With the increasing importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, candidates possessing a degree or diploma in dietetics have bright career prospects. The professionals can be employed at places such as colleges, schools, research institutes, private and government hospitals, yoga centres, government health departments, health clubs, fitness centres, pharmaceutical firms, private clinics, food products manufacturing firms, and the list continues.  

Core Industries in Dietetics

Dietetics jobs are available in both the public and private sectors. Dietetics scope for fresh grads exists in plenty. The course they study is diverse and adaptable, allowing them to master all of the necessary skills to work in the food and beverage business. They can work in many industries after completing their course; some of the popular industries are:

  • Colleges & University
  • Food Production Company
  • Food and Diet Consultancies
  • Medical Content Writing
  • Pharmaceutical Company

Dietetics Job Profiles in India

Some of the job profiles that candidates clearing a dietetics course can take up include -

Dietetics Jobs Job Description Dietetics Salary (in INR)
Clinical Dietician    The basic job responsibility of a clinical dietician is to provide medical nutrition therapy to patients in healthcare settings. The dietician creates proper nutritional programmes based on the health needs of patients and counsels them on how to obtain a healthier lifestyle. 2.5 LPA
Pediatric Dieticians A pediatric dietician works with children of all age groups, such as those suffering from diabetes or obesity and helps them incorporate a balanced and nutritious diet. A pediatric dietician also counsels children or their parents on adopting healthy eating habits. 3 LPA
Sports Dietician  A sports dietician works with different sports clubs and athletic teams. The dietician makes diet plans per the specific needs of sports personnel and helps them maintain their body weight and muscle while keeping their nutrition levels in check. The ultimate goal of a sports dietician is to maximise the performance of the sportspersons. 4 LPA
Dieticians in R&D Department A dietician can also work in the field of research and development to ensure the quality and nutritional standards of food products. Such a dietician can work in laboratories after attaining a doctorate degree and study the effects of various diet forms on the body. 3 LPA
Teacher Candidates interested in the field of academics can choose to become teachers at the school level or lecturers at the college level after attaining the required qualification. For instance, to become a school teacher candidates usually have to obtain a BEd degree and to become professors candidates need to take UGC NET. 4 LPA
Community Dietician  A community dietician typically works with large groups of people to educate them on food nutrition and adopting a healthy lifestyle. A community dietician usually works for fitness clubs and public health agencies. 3 LPA
Consultant Dietician A consultant dietician usually works under a dietician and helps patients with food selection, menu planning, portion control, etc. 3 LPA
Management Dietician A management dietician is responsible for performing business-related tasks such as hiring and training workers as well as developing budgets. A management dietician may also oversee kitchen staff and other dieticians. Such a dietician usually works at cafeterias, hospitals, and schools. 3 LPA

Note: This information is sourced from multiple sources on the web. Hence, is subject to vary. 

Top Recruiters in Dietetics

 The top Recruiter in Nutrition and Dietetic branch is as follows.

Top Recruiters

Nestle 

Cadbury 

Unilever 

GSK 

Novartis 

Eli Lilly 

FNB, Ministry of Women and Child Development

Food & Nutrition Board (FNB)

Read More: 

Dietetics & Nutrition colleges in Delhi/NCR 

Everything you need to know about Food & Nutrition

Q:   What are some of the Job Profiles after doing a dietetics course?
A:

Some of the job profiles that candidates clearing a dietetics course can include Clinical Dietician, Pediatric Dietician, Sports Dietician, Community Dietician, Consultant Dietician, etc.

Q:   What is the highest paying job in Dietetics?
A:

In the dietetics field, management level positions earn more, other than that profiles like Nutrition professor, Food service manager, Corporate dietitian, Dietitian with a doctoral degree, and Board certified specialist in sports dietetics are the ones which have good earning packages in India.

Dietetics FAQs

Below are some commonly asked questions for this course:

Q:   What career options are available after completing the dietetics course?
A:

There are diverse career opportunities available for candidates possessing a degree or Diploma in dietetics. The opportunities in the Dietitian profession are available in both public and private sectors at places such as hospitals, community health centres, nursing homes, NGOs, health clubs, fitness centres, sports centres, hotels, pharmaceutical firms, and so on. 

Popular Dietetics UG Courses

Following are the most popular Dietetics UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Dietetics PG Courses

Following are the most popular Dietetics PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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