Updated on Mar 13, 2023 02:28 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content

Dietetics is a 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.

While looking for a career in dietetics, students often confuse the term with 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 centres, nursing homes, NGOs, health clubs, fitness centres, sports centres, hotels, pharmaceutical firms, and so on. 

Table of Contents
  1. Dietetics Highlights
  2. All About Dietetics
    • 2.1 Why Study Dietetics?
    • 2.2 Who Should Study Dietetics?
  3. Dietetics Entrance Exam 2023
  4. Dietetics Eligibility Criteria
  5. Dietetics Syllabus
    • 5.1 Dietetics UG Syllabus
    • 5.2 Dietetics PG Syllabus 
  6. Top Colleges for Dietetics
    • 6.1 Top Government Colleges for Dietetics
    • 6.2 Top Private Colleges for Dietetics
    • 6.3 Top Colleges for Dietetics Colleges by Location
  7. Career Scope in Dietetics
    • 7.1 Core Industries in Dietetics
    • 7.2 Career in Dietetics
    • 7.3 Top Recruiters in Dietetics
  8. Dietetics FAQs

Dietetics Highlights

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

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

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

Average Annual Salary  INR 2,5 lakh - INR 4 lakh

Latest Updates:

KCET registrations are ongoing till April 5, 2023; know how to apply 

LPU NEST registrations are open till Mar 31, 2023; know how to apply

All About Dietetics

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.

Why Study Dietetics?

  • 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, paediatric 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.

Who Should Study Dietetics?

Those who wish to promote a balanced lifestyle and improve people's diets while boosting their immune systems, increasing their energy levels, and reducing the risk of contracting disease should pursue a career in nutrition.

Also Read:

Know about Dietetics & Nutrition

Dietetics & Nutrition Syllabus: Check Subject-wise Latest Syllabus

Dietetics & Nutrition career: Paths, Opportunities & Earnings

Top Medicine & Health Sciences Entrance Exams In India

Dietetics Entrance Exam 2023

In India, there are many colleges that provide undergraduate programmes in the fields of dietetics and nutrition. Depending on the college, a different admissions procedure may be required for enrolment in nutrition and dietetic courses. The eligibility requirements taken into consideration for admissions are shown below.

Entrance Exams Exam Dates Exam Details
MDUCEE To be announced The Maharshi Dayanand University Common Entrance Test is a state-level entrance exam for admission to several M.Sc and M. Pharma courses in Haryana's seven universities.
KCET May 20 - May 21, 2023 KCET is governed by Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA). Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharma), Diploma in Pharmacy (DPharma), Agricultural (Farm Science), and Veterinary programs are among those that accept this exam.
LPU NEST April 5 - April 30, 2023  There is a national entrance examination for scholarships and admissions at Lovely Professional University abbreviated as LPUNEST. Admission to more than 150 programs is conducted online every year.

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 much detailed nor highly valuable.

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

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

PG courses: Candidates should complete graduation in the Science stream with at least 50 per cent 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 BSc in Dietetics & Nutrition, MSc in Dietetics & Nutrition and PG Diploma in Dietetics.

Also Read: Food & Nutrition colleges in India

Also Read: 

Learn about Public Health & Management

Know all about Food & Nutrition

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

Top Colleges for Dietetics

Dietetics subjects are designed to expose students to all aspects of dieting and nutrition. Students who complete the course can pursue further education to enter the field of research. 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 Government Colleges for Dietetics

The top 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

Top Private Colleges for Dietetics

The top 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

Top Colleges for Dietetics Colleges by Location

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

 Delhi/NCR

 Kolkata

Meghalaya

 Pune

 Rajasthan

Tamil Nadu

 Maharashtra

 Uttarakhand

Coimbatore

 Punjab

 Haryana

All Locations>>

Career Scope in Dietetics

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

Career in Dietetics

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

Job Profiles Job Description Annual Average 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 lakh
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 lakh
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 lakh
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 lakh
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 lakh
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 lakh
Consultant Dietician A consultant dietician usually works under a dietician and helps patients with food selection, menu planning, portion control, etc. 3 lakh
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 lakh

Top Recruiters in Dietetics

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

  • Nestle 

  • Cadbury 

  • Unilever 

  • GSK 

  • Eli Lilly 

  • Novartis 

  • Food & Nutrition Board (FNB)

  • FNB, Ministry of Women and Child Development

Read More: 

Dietetics & Nutrition colleges in Delhi/NCR 

Everything you need to know about Food & Nutrition

Dietetics FAQs

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.

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 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: 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. 

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.

Q. How can I become a nutritionist or dietician?

A. Students who are interested in nutrition and dietetics can apply for admission to any programme in this field, including BSc, MSc, and diploma programmes with a variety of specialisations.

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.

Q. After completing this dietetics education, are there any employment opportunities?

A. Yes, there are private universities like Manav Rachna, Sharda, and many others that offer opportunities for placement in various hiring organisations like NPA, CSNN, Tech Connex, Markham Board of Trade, etc.

Q. What is the dietetics programme?

A. Diet and health are topics covered in dietitian courses. A dietetics academic course is structured so that it prepares the student to learn about diet, the human body, various food kinds, and how they affect the body.

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.

Popular Dietetics Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Dietetics Colleges in India. Learn more about these Dietetics colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
5.0
5.0

#4 Outlook

1 Course
31.07 K
2 Courses
82.34 K
2.71 LPA
1 Course
2.8 L
6.62 LPA
25 K - 37 K
46 K

Popular Private Dietetics Colleges in India

65 K
5.0
5.0

#4 Outlook

1 Course
31.07 K
2 Courses
82.34 K
2.71 LPA
1 Course
2.8 L
6.62 LPA
25 K - 37 K

Most Popular Courses

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

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Dietetics. Students interested in pursuing a career on Dietetics, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 5 days ago

There are several government colleges in India offering B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics. Some notable options include:

  1. Lady Irwin College, Delhi University - It offers a B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics with excellent faculty and infrastructure.
  2. Bangalore University - The university offers a B.Sc. in

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Amit Saini

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

WGSHA offers the MSc course in Dietetics & Applied Nutrition which is a two-year programme, comprising of four semesters. The emphasis is on nutrition, dietetics, therapeutic nutrition, and research. This course equips students with hands-on training in hospitals while working alongside dietitians a

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abhishek gaurav

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Students who wish to apply for the B.Sc. Dietetics and Nutrition programme at NSHM Institute of Health Sciences in Kolkata must have completed their 10+2 (Higher Secondary) education in any stream from a recognised board. This is a 3-year programme that covers basic and advanced nutritional subjects

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A

Arindam Modak

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

NSHM Institute of Health Sciences in Kolkata is also a good option for getting an M.Sc. Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. Some of the program’s coursework areas include human nutrition, food Science and food safety, and they form the basis of dietetics. Having industry orientation in the training o

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Kunal Lalwani

Contributor-Level 9