The BSc Nutrition and Dietetics is a popular 3-year undergraduate program (sometimes 4 years with honors/research) that explores the science of food, human nutrition, diet planning, therapeutic diets, biochemistry, and public health. With rising awareness of wellness, preventive healthcare, and lifestyle diseases in India, this course equips students to promote healthy eating, manage clinical conditions, and work in diverse sectors like hospitals, fitness, food industry, and research.
Fees vary widely: government colleges often charge ₹10,000–₹1 lakh total, while top private institutions range from ₹2–₹7 lakhs overall. Leading colleges include Chandigarh University, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Amity University, Jamia Hamdard, CMC Vellore, and Parul University—known for strong practical training and placements.
Career scope is promising: freshers earn ₹2.5–5 LPA as dietitians/nutritionists, rising to ₹6–12+ LPA with experience in clinical roles, sports nutrition, public health, or corporate wellness. Dive in to discover top options, admission tips, and growth potential in this high-demand health field!
What is BSc Nutrition & Dietetics?
BSc Nutrition & Dietetics is a 3-year undergraduate program focused on the science of food, nutrition, and dietetics. The curriculum includes biochemistry, food science, clinical nutrition, therapeutic diets, community nutrition, and food service management. This multidisciplinary field uses biology, chemistry, and medicine to explore the relationship between food, nutrition, and health. Offered by numerous Indian colleges and universities, the typical eligibility requirement is a 10+2 qualification with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) subjects.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| BSc Nutrition & Dietetics | Covers clinical nutrition, food science, and dietetics, with a focus on healthcare and wellness |
| BSc Food Science | Focuses on the science and technology of food production, processing, and safety |
| BSc Home Science | Encompasses a broader range of subjects, including food and nutrition, textiles, and family resource management |
| Career Opportunities | Clinical dietitian, sports nutritionist, food industry professional, public health nutritionist |
| Top Colleges | Lady Irwin College, Delhi; SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai; Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi |
| Salary Range | INR 3-7 LPA for dietitians; INR 5-10 LPA for sports nutritionists; INR 4-8 LPA for food industry professionals |
| Scope | Increasing demand for nutrition and dietetics professionals in healthcare, sports, and food industries |
BSc Nutrition Eligibility
To be eligible for a BSc Nutrition program in India, applicants generally need a 10+2 education with at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) or Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (PCMB), with Biology as mandatory. Some colleges also accept students from the Home Science stream. Admission to BSc Nutrition programs can be based on entrance exams like CUET-UG, state-level CETs, or merit at private colleges. The CUET-UG exam is scheduled for May 2026. Specific college requirements may include additional exams or assessments.
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks in PCB or PCMB.
- Biology is a mandatory subject for eligibility.
- Home Science stream students are also eligible for BSc Nutrition programs.
- CUET-UG exam is scheduled for May 2026.
- State-level CETs are also considered for admission.
- Merit-based admissions are available at private colleges.
- Some colleges may require additional exams or assessments.
- Lady Irwin College, Delhi, and SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, are among the top colleges offering BSc Nutrition programs.
| Entrance – CUET | State CETs | Merit |
|---|---|---|
| NTA conducts CUET-UG in May 2026 | Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, conducts state CET | Lady Irwin College, Delhi, offers merit-based admission |
| CUT-UG exam pattern includes 4 sections | Pilani, Rajasthan, conducts state CET for private colleges | SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, considers merit for admission |
| CUT-UG exam duration is 3 hours | Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi, accepts state CET scores | Private colleges like Indraprastha College offer merit-based admission |
| CUT-UG exam fees are INR 650 for general category | State CETs have varying exam patterns and durations | Lady Irwin College has a total seat intake of 40 students |
| CUT-UG exam results are announced in June 2026 | Private colleges have separate merit lists for admission | SNDT Women’s University has a total seat intake of 50 students |
| CUT-UG counseling starts in July 2026 | State CET counseling is conducted separately by each state | Indraprastha College has a total seat intake of 30 students |
| CUT-UG participating colleges include Lady Irwin College | Private colleges offer scholarships to meritorious students | Lady Irwin College offers a 3-year BSc Nutrition program |
| CUT-UG exam is conducted in 13 languages | State CETs are usually conducted in English and the state language | SNDT Women’s University offers a 3-year BSc Nutrition program |
Top BSc Nutrition Colleges
Top BSc Nutrition colleges in India offer theoretical and practical training in nutrition and dietetics, including labs, hospital internships, and placement assistance. Lady Irwin College (Delhi), SNDT Women’s University (Mumbai), and Indraprastha College for Women (Delhi) are leading government institutions. Private colleges like Amity University, Lovely Professional University, and Christ University also offer the BSc Nutrition program with varying fee structures, generally ranging from INR 20,000 to INR 2,00,000 annually.
| College / University | Approx. Fees (per year) | Labs / Facilities | Hospital Internship | Placements / Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lady Irwin College, Delhi | ₹25,000–₹43,000 | Well-equipped nutrition, dietetics, food science labs | Leading hospitals (e.g., AIIMS, Safdarjung) | Top hospitals, clinics, food industry companies |
| SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai | ₹20,000–₹50,000 | State-of-the-art nutrition, food science, culinary labs | Hospitals (e.g., JJ Hospital, Grant Medical) | Hospitals, clinics, food industry companies |
| Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi | ₹50,000 | Labs for nutrition, food science, home science | Leading hospitals (e.g., St. Stephen’s) | Top hospitals, clinics, food industry companies |
| Amity University | ₹1,50,000–₹2,45,000 | Well-equipped nutrition, food science, culinary labs | Leading hospitals (e.g., Max Hospital) | Top hospitals, clinics, food industry companies |
| Lovely Professional University (LPU) | ₹1,20,000–₹1,60,000 | State-of-the-art nutrition, food science, culinary labs | Hospitals (e.g., Fortis) | Hospitals, clinics, food industry companies |
| Christ University | ₹1,80,000 | Labs for nutrition, food science, home science | Leading hospitals (e.g., St. John’s) | Top hospitals, clinics, food industry companies |
| Avinashilingam University, Coimbatore | ₹40,000 | Well-equipped nutrition, food science, culinary labs | Hospitals (e.g., PSG Hospital) | Hospitals, clinics, food industry companies |
| IGNOU (Distance Learning) | ₹2,400–₹10,000 (total low) | No physical labs; online course materials | No hospital internship | Variable (hospitals, clinics, food industry via self-effort) |
BSc Nutrition Syllabus
The 3-year (6 semesters) BSc Nutrition and Dietetics program covers foundational food science, human physiology, nutritional biochemistry, therapeutic dietetics, community/public health nutrition, and practical skills including labs, diet planning, and hospital internships. It progresses from basics to advanced clinical and professional applications.
| Year / Semesters | Focus Area | Key Subjects / Topics | Practical / Applied Components |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (Sem 1 & 2) | Foundations in nutrition, food, and human body | – Human Anatomy & Physiology – Fundamentals of Food & Nutrition – Nutritional Biochemistry – Food Chemistry & Microbiology – Family Meal Management – Maternal & Child Nutrition – Introduction to Dietetics | – Food Science Labs – Basic Cooking & Nutrition Experiments – Practical Workshops |
| Year 2 (Sem 3 & 4) | Advanced nutrition, community aspects, and intro to therapeutics | – Human Nutrition (Advanced) – Community Nutrition & Epidemiology – Food Science & Preservation – Therapeutic Nutrition / Clinical Dietetics (Intro) – Nutrition Across Lifecycle – Food Microbiology & Safety – Quantity Food Production / Institutional Management | – Diet Planning Labs – Community Surveys & Nutrition Assessments – Food Analysis & Preservation Practical |
| Year 3 (Sem 5 & 6) | Specialization, clinical applications, research, and professional training | – Advanced Therapeutic Nutrition (e.g., Diabetes, CVD, Renal, Pediatric Diets) – Sports Nutrition / Geriatric Nutrition – Food Service Management – Nutrition Counseling & Education – Research Methodology & Statistics – Public Health Nutrition Programs in India | – Hospital / Clinical Internship & Posting – Nutrition Counseling Sessions – Research Project / Dissertation – Seminars & Electives Practical |
BSc Nutrition Syllabus PDF
BSc Nutrition Fees
BSc Nutrition fees in India depend on the institution type. Government colleges are generally more affordable. Delhi University (DU) colleges charge around ₹20,000-30,000 per year, and state universities charge ₹15,000-30,000 per year. Private colleges can range from ₹80,000 to ₹2,00,000 annually. The total program cost ranges from ₹60,000 to ₹90,000 at government colleges and ₹2,50,000 to ₹6,00,000 at private colleges. Scholarships are available based on merit, for SC/ST students, and for women.
- Merit-based scholarships for students with high academic achievement
- SC/ST scholarships for students from scheduled castes and tribes
- Women scholarships to promote gender equality in education
- Scholarships offered by private organizations and NGOs
- Government-funded scholarships for students from low-income families
- College-specific scholarships for students enrolled in BSc Nutrition programs
- Sports scholarships for students who excel in sports and nutrition
- Research grants for students pursuing research projects in nutrition
| Fees – Govt | Private with total cost |
|---|---|
| Rs 20,000 – 30,000 per year (Delhi University) | Rs 1,50,000 – 2,00,000 per year (private colleges) |
| Rs 15,000 – 30,000 per year (state universities) | Rs 2,50,000 – 6,00,000 (total cost for private colleges) |
| Rs 60,000 – 90,000 (total cost for government colleges) | Rs 80,000 – 1,50,000 per year (private colleges in metro cities) |
| Rs 50,000 – 1,00,000 per year (government colleges with hostel) | Rs 1,00,000 – 2,50,000 per year (private colleges with hostel) |
| Rs 30,000 – 70,000 per year (government colleges without hostel) | Rs 1,50,000 – 3,50,000 per year (private colleges without hostel) |
| Rs 20,000 – 50,000 per year (government colleges with scholarship) | Rs 1,00,000 – 2,00,000 per year (private colleges with scholarship) |
| Rs 40,000 – 1,00,000 per year (government colleges with sports facilities) | Rs 1,50,000 – 3,00,000 per year (private colleges with sports facilities) |
| Rs 50,000 – 1,20,000 per year (government colleges with research facilities) | Rs 2,00,000 – 4,00,000 per year (private colleges with research facilities) |
| Rs 30,000 – 90,000 per year (government colleges with internship) | Rs 1,20,000 – 2,50,000 per year (private colleges with internship) |
Career After BSc Nutrition
A BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics opens diverse career paths in India. Graduates can become clinical dietitians in hospitals, sports nutritionists for athletes, or work in the food industry in quality control and research. Opportunities also exist in community settings with NGOs and government programs, or as freelance consultants. Salaries vary: clinical dietitians earn ₹3-6 lakh per annum, sports nutritionists ₹4-10 lakh, and food industry professionals ₹3-7 lakh. Community workers and freelance consultants can earn ₹2.5-5 lakh per annum and ₹500-2000 per session, respectively. Wellness professionals can earn ₹3-8 lakh per annum.
| Career – Clinical | Sports | Food Industry | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Dietitian in Hospitals | Sports Nutritionist for Athletes | Quality Control Specialist | ₹3-6 LPA |
| Clinical Dietitian in Private Practice | Sports Nutritionist for Teams | Research and Development Specialist | ₹4-10 LPA |
| Community Dietitian in NGOs | Wellness Consultant | Food Safety Inspector | ₹2.5-5 LPA |
| Freelance Nutrition Consultant | Celebrity Nutritionist | Food Product Developer | ₹500-2000 per session |
| Public Health Nutritionist | Sports Nutritionist for Fitness Centers | Food Regulatory Affairs Specialist | ₹3-8 LPA |
| Clinical Dietitian in Nursing Homes | Wellness Program Coordinator | Food Quality Assurance Manager | ₹3-6 LPA |
| Nutrition Educator | Sports Nutritionist for Sports Teams | Food Research Scientist | ₹2.5-5 LPA |
| Health Coach | Wellness Consultant for Corporates | Food Industry Manager | ₹3-8 LPA |
| Clinical Dietitian in Rehabilitation Centers | Sports Nutritionist for Individual Athletes | Food Safety Auditor | ₹3-6 LPA |
| Public Health Specialist | Wellness Program Director | Food Product Manager | ₹4-10 LPA |
BSc Nutrition Salary
Salaries for BSc Nutrition graduates in India depend on specialisation and experience. Freshers can expect ₹2.5-4L annually, while hospital dietitians with 3 years of experience can earn ₹5-8L. Sports nutritionists can earn ₹6-15L, and food industry managers ₹8-15L. Celebrity dietitians can earn ₹20-50L. An MSc degree can increase salary by 20-30%.
| Role / Specialization | Freshers / Entry-Level (0–2 Years) | Mid-Level (3–5+ Years) | Senior / Specialized |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshers (General Nutritionist/Dietitian) | ₹2.5–4.5 LPA | — | — |
| Hospital / Clinical Dietitian | ₹2.5–5 LPA | ₹5–8 LPA | ₹8–12+ LPA |
| Sports Nutritionist | ₹3–6 LPA | ₹6–12 LPA | ₹12–15+ LPA |
| Food Industry / Quality Manager | ₹3–6 LPA | ₹8–15 LPA | ₹10–20+ LPA |
| Corporate Wellness / Consultant | ₹3–6 LPA | ₹6–12 LPA | ₹10–20+ LPA |
| Celebrity / Private Consultant Dietitian | — (rare for freshers) | ₹10–20+ LPA | ₹20–50+ LPA |
| With MSc Degree (Premium) | +20–30% over BSc base | +20–30% | Higher potential |
MSc & Further Studies
Higher education after a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics improves career prospects and salaries. Lady Irwin College and SNDT Women’s University offer a 2-year MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics. Specialized courses like MSc Clinical Nutrition and PG Diploma in Sports Nutrition are also available. PhD programs in Nutrition and Dietetics can lead to research and academic roles. Registration with state councils is preferred for professional practice. An MBA in Food Business suits those interested in the business aspects of the nutrition industry.
- Lady Irwin College offers MSc Nutrition and Dietetics with a fee of around INR 50,000 per year.
- SNDT Women’s University provides MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics with a focus on clinical nutrition.
- PG Diploma in Sports Nutrition is available at select institutions, costing between INR 20,000 to INR 50,000.
- PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics can be pursued at universities like Delhi University, with potential scholarships.
- MBA in Food Business is offered by management institutes, with fees ranging from INR 1,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 per year.
- Registration with state dietetic councils can cost between INR 1,000 to INR 5,000.
- MSc Clinical Nutrition is a specialized course focusing on the clinical aspects of nutrition, available at institutions like AIIMS.
- PG Diploma courses are usually 1-year programs, providing specialized knowledge in areas like sports nutrition or food technology.
| Higher Studies – MSc | PG Diploma | PhD options |
|---|---|---|
| MSc Nutrition and Dietetics at Lady Irwin College, Delhi, with a fee of INR 50,000 per year | PG Diploma in Sports Nutrition at select institutions, costing between INR 20,000 to INR 50,000 | PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics at Delhi University, with potential scholarships |
| MSc Clinical Nutrition at AIIMS, focusing on clinical aspects of nutrition | PG Diploma in Food Technology, providing knowledge in food processing and technology | PhD in Food Science and Nutrition, exploring the science behind food and nutrition |
| MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics at SNDT Women’s University, with a focus on community nutrition | PG Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics, offering a broad understanding of nutrition principles | PhD in Public Health Nutrition, concentrating on nutritional aspects of public health |
| MBA in Food Business at management institutes, with fees ranging from INR 1,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 per year | PG Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Control, emphasizing the importance of food safety | PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics at universities like JNU, with a research focus |
| MSc Nutrition at IGNOU, providing distance learning opportunities | PG Diploma in Dietetics, focusing on the application of dietetic principles | PhD in Food and Nutrition at NIFTEM, exploring the technological aspects of food and nutrition |
| MSc in Food Science and Nutrition at CFTRI, Mysuru, with a fee of around INR 30,000 per year | PG Diploma in Food Science and Technology, offering a comprehensive understanding of food technology | PhD in Clinical Nutrition at institutions like St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore |
| MSc in Nutrition at University of Delhi, with a variety of specializations available | PG Diploma in Nutrition and Wellness, focusing on holistic wellness | PhD in Nutrition at IITs, with a focus on the technological applications of nutrition |
| MSc in Dietetics at institutions like NIN, Hyderabad, with a strong research focus | PG Diploma in Public Health Nutrition, emphasizing community and public health nutrition | PhD in Food and Nutrition Policy at universities like TISS, Mumbai |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the duration of the BSc Nutrition & Dietetics course?
The BSc Nutrition & Dietetics course is a 3-year program covering core areas like Clinical Nutrition and Food Science, giving students a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Q2. What are the fees for BSc Nutrition in private colleges?
BSc Nutrition fees in private colleges range from INR 2,50,000 to INR 6,00,000 for the entire course. Annual fees can range from INR 1,50,000 to INR 2,00,000.
Q3. What are the career opportunities after completing BSc Nutrition & Dietetics?
Graduates of BSc Nutrition & Dietetics can work as Dietitians, Sports Nutritionists, or Food Industry Professionals in clinical, sports, or food industry settings, with salaries ranging from ₹3-7 LPA.
Q4. What is the salary increase after pursuing an MSc degree in Nutrition?
An MSc degree in Nutrition can lead to a 20-30% salary increase, reflecting the potential for career advancement and higher earning potential with a postgraduate degree.










