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

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 |
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.
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
23 Jun ' 25 | NCHMCT JEE 2025 Final Merit List |
17 Jun ' 25 | Declaration of vacancy after 2nd round |
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 |
You can refer to the following table to know about the exams for Dietitian course:
Exam Name | Exam Dates | Exam Schedule |
---|---|---|
CMAT 2025 | 25 Jan '25 | NCHMCT 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 | Christ 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.
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 |
Family Meal Management |
|
Pathology |
Fundamentals of Foods & Nutrition |
Fundamentals of Biochemistry |
Physiology |
Nutritional Biochemistry |
Nutrition through Lifecycle |
Therapeutic Nutrition & Dietetics |
|
Problems in Human Nutrition |
Nutrition for Health, Fitness and Sports |
Community Nutrition |
Food Microbiology |
Institutional Food Administration |
Food Science |
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 | ||
---|---|---|
Dietetics Applications open. Apply Now
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
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:
Some of the job profiles that candidates clearing a dietetics course can include Clinical Dietician, Pediatric Dietician, Sports Dietician, Community Dietician, Consultant Dietician, etc.
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:
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.
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- M.Sc. in Clinical Nutrition and DieteticsSNDT College
- B.Sc. in Nutrition and DieteticsSchool of Allied Health Sciences, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies
- M.Sc. in Nutrition and DieteticsSchool of Allied Health Sciences, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies
Popular Dietetics UG Courses
UG Courses
- B.Sc.
9 Colleges
- UG Diploma
4 Colleges
- B.A.
1 College
Popular Dietetics PG Courses
PG Courses
- M.Sc.
12 Colleges
- PG Diploma
11 Colleges
News & Updates
Student Forum
Answered a month ago
BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics at NIILM University offers a comprehensive curriculum combining core Science subjects like biochemistry, physiology, and food Science with specialised topics in nutrition assessment, dietary planning, and therapeutic interventions. Students also gain hands-on skills in
H
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Hi, in India, there are about 260+ best MSc Nutrition and Dietetics colleges in India offering food nutrition courses. Among these, 120+ colleges are owned privately, 100+ colleges are owned by the government and 9 are owned by semi-government institutions. BHU, DU, PSGCAS, Loyola College, VIT Vel
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, MBA Nutrition and Dietetics graduates are eligible to pursue an MBA Hospital Management. This is a great path if you're interested in combining nutrition knowledge with healthcare administration.
It opens doors to managerial roles in hospitals, wellness chains, nutrition startups, and public hea
P
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics lays the foundation for a career in sports nutrition. After graduation, you can pursue a specialised certification or postgraduate Diploma in sports nutrition.
You can work with athletes, gyms, sports academies, or wellness brands. Hands-on experience, additional
M
Contributor-Level 10
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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.