Table of Contents
Nutrition and Dietetics course is among the allied fields of medicine. It involves learning and gaining practical knowledge on fitness and overall nutrition. The course is usually a B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics course. Each subject covers an in-depth understanding of the biochemistry, physiology, and nutrients required.
Upon completing this course, the core job role involves the health & fitness industry. Includes disease management and health improvement. This field presents a versatile scope of opportunities in hospitals and private practice. Students can pursue a B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics in multiple ways.
In general, this course is available at private and public institutions. However, the fee structure is more expensive in private institutions. Additionally, to complete the course, students must undertake an internship. However, this course is among the more economical courses compared to other professional courses.
B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics Highlights
| Course Name | B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics Highlights |
| Nutritionist course eligibility Criteria | Candidate must pass the 12th board with a minimum 50% aggregate |
| Course Duration | 3 years |
| Admission Process | Merit-Based: Most colleges have eligibility criteria that suggest a minimum of 50%. It must be from the pure sciences field. In addition, students must complete their 12th standard in science. Entrance Exam based: Few colleges also curate their entrance exam in addition to the basic criteria of marks. |
| Course Fee | This varies from institute to institute. However, it could range from Rs. 50,000/- to Rs. 2,00,000/- |
| Average Salary | The salary may vary depending on the nature of the job, company, and location. However, the starting salary can range from 4 LPA to 8 LPA. |
| Top Colleges that offer these courses | Christian Medical College, Vellore Jamia Hamdard, Delhi MCC Bangalore Punjab Agricultural University Chandigarh University NIMS University Sharda University Jain University Mumbai University |
Skills Required for BSc Nutrition and Dietetics
Here are the skills that you will require for BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Scientific Curiosity
Curiosity is an essential requirement to have to follow this field. This course demands continuous research and learning. Therefore, students must be naturally inclined toward learning.
Undergraduates need to have a scientific temper that excites them to learn more. They must follow the latest research and market trends. Students that prefer working food and its health aspects are ideal for this role. This course is for those interested in the relationship between food and the body.
Discipline & Focus
The syllabus of the course is quite extensive and needs further reading. It involves thorough study and practical knowledge. Students must also be keen on learning about food regulations and staying updated on them.
Only students willing to practice discipline can go through this course. Additionally, an inclination towards good health and nutrition practices is a must. Practice what you preach is the mantra that one must follow. Self-discipline to practice wellness and good food practices is expected.
People Skills
Unlike most science courses, this one involves direct client interaction. A nutritionist must be able to communicate well. Students need to be smart, effective, and excellent at crisp communication. Understanding client problems and dealing with tough clients are a part of the job.
Understanding the psyche of an individual and helping them is necessary. In addition, being prompt with response and learning to troubleshoot issues quickly is important too.
Problem-Solving Skills
The field of nutrition and dietetics needs sharp problem-solving skills. A prompt, honest approach to work is a must. E.g: the Diet of an ailing pregnant woman and a healthy one can be different. Since it is a matter of quality of life, a dietician should provide good solutions promptly.
If someone has allergies, what are the solutions? If someone can’t work out, what are the alternatives? The use cases are constantly shifting; a B.Sc. Nutrition And Dietetics must be able to resolve them.
Persuasion and Negotiating Skills
Most times, those pursuing this course are practising independently. Therefore, nutrition and dietetics course require individuals who can have sharp persuasion skills. A B.Sc graduate must convince an individual of the need for good health practices. Building a client base requires effective communication and persuasion.
Even when working with an institution, most patients may have existing illnesses. This may affect their morale. Being persuasive in helping patients/ clients build a positive mindset and change is important in the long run. To bring long-term changes in patients, developing good trust is important.
The demand for overall good health practices is constantly increasing. Therefore, students must be able to communicate effectively and with confidence.
BSc Nutrition and Dietetics Subjects and Syllabus
To confidently choose B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics, know the core subjects. Listed below is a year-by-year bifurcation of the list of subjects listed. The course contains a range of theoretical and practical knowledge :
The subjects in B.Sc. nutrition and dietetics include :
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Soft skills and communication skills | Public health and nutrition |
| Human Physiology | Human nutrition |
| Food and Nutrition | Mother and child health |
| Food Chemistry | Nutritional Biochemistry |
| Year 2 | |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Food Microbiology | Introduction to food science |
| Family meal and diet planning | Science of bakery and confectionery |
| Food quality analysis | Introduction to food preservation |
| Food industry management | – |
| Year 3 | |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
| Nutritional ethics | Food Biotechnology |
| Introduction to Dietetics | Dietetics 2 |
| Food packaging and marketing management | Foodservice management |
| Food processing operations and management | Diet and patient counseling |
The course includes building competencies in
- Nutrition includes overall nutrition, lactation, sports, and community nutrition.
- Food science – It includes understanding food chemistry, nutrition, and the physiology of the body. Getting insights into the relationship between humans and food.
- Quality Control – The subject is about analyzing food in terms of hygiene and wellness.
- Industry Ready – Students must be industry ready and this can happen once they understand how food is packed, processed, and managed.
Entrance Exams BSc Nutrition and Dietetics
In order to pursue B.Sc. in food nutrition and dietetics, here’s a run-through of the entrance exams.
- Merit-Based
Colleges that rely on merit require a 50% aggregate. Most colleges demand students from a science background only. This is because the students will understand the subject matter better.
- Entrance Exam Based
Some colleges demand that students must know the basics of the subject. Therefore an entrance exam gives the college an idea about the student’s knowledge. Few colleges prefer having both merit and entrance as a factor. Entrance tests allow colleges to gain insight into students’ interests and aptitudes.
Please find below the list of entrance exams the aspirants must look out for
JET
- Description: This is the Jain University entrance test.
- Eligibility – UG: Qualified 10+2 exam with 60% aggregate
- Mode of Exam – Online exam
- Selection process – Objectives + Group Discussions
- Website: www.jainuniversity.ac.in
- Duration – 3 hours
- Important Date: May 19, 2022
NPAT
- Description This is a part of the NMIMS college exam, National Test for Programs After Twelfth (NPAT), designed for undergraduate
- Mode of Exam – Online exam
- Type – Objectives
- Website: https://www.nmims.edu/undergraduate-science
- Duration – 3 hours
- Important Date: December 23, 2021 – June 20, 2022
BHU UET
- Description: Banaras Hindu University offers this entrance for courses across BA, B.Sc., B.Ed., and others.
- Mode of Exam: Online
- Duration of Exam: Maximum 2:30 hours
- Type and Number of Questions: Objectives
- Important Date: April 6- May 22, 2022
SUAT
- Description: Sharda University offers this entrance for courses across BA, B.Sc., B.Ed., and others.
- Mode of Exam: Online
- Type and Number of Questions: Objectives
- Website: in
- Important Date: 4th week of May 2022
Various other colleges also demand entrance exams. However, it depends on the college the aspirant is looking for. Here are nutritionist course fees along with colleges
Top Colleges for B.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics
| College Institute | Location | Approx Fee Structure |
| Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College for Women | Tamil Nadu | INR 1 Lakhs (approx) |
| Chandigarh University | Chandigarh | Rs.3 Lakhs (approx) |
| Lovely Professional University | Jalandhar | INR 2.5-3 Lakhs (approx) |
| Andhra University | Andhra Pradesh | INR 2-2.5 Lakhs (approx) |
| Chandigarh University | Chandigarh | Rs.3 Lakhs (approx) |
| Queen Mary’s College | Tamil Nadu | INR 4000-5000 (approx) |
| Mount Carmel College | Bangalore | INR 1-1.5 Lakhs (approx) |
| Shoolini University | Himachal Pradesh | INR 3-4 Lakhs (approx) |
| RVS College of Arts and Science | Tamil Nadu | INR 1-2 Lakhs (approx) |
| Manav Rachna International University | Haryana | INR 4 Lakhs (approx) |
| SGT University | Haryana | INR 3 Lakhs (approx) |
Jobs after B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics in India
Students looking to choose the nutrition and dietetics course have bright career prospects ahead of them. This field is among the fastest-growing segments in the undergraduate segment. It offers great opportunities for students in both the public and private sectors.
One of the best parts about this is that one can pursue entrepreneurship by choosing a private practice. Listed below are some of the job roles
Dietician
If students are looking for a bright B.Sc. nutrition and dietetics scope, becoming a dietician is lucrative. The core role involves creating diet plans for individuals. This could be in gyms, as an entrepreneur, or under another dietician.
The average salary for this profession ranges from Rs. 2.8 lacs starting pay
Clinical Dietician
A Clinical Dietician works in hospitals. They are more inclined towards providing ailments-related diets. The intention is to help clients maintain good health and fitness given their illnesses.
The average salary for this profession ranges from Rs. 2.1 lacs starting pay
Marketing Manager
Large firms need dieticians and nutritionists who can help formulation teams develop health-based products. Alternatively, they could also educate individuals about the nutritional product and its importance.
The average salary for this profession ranges from Rs. 5.8 lacs starting pay
Research & Development Manager
Ideal for those looking to make research-based advances. B.Sc. graduates can work towards innovating and researching in the field of nutrition and taking it forward.
The average salary for this profession ranges from Rs. 7 lacs starting pay
Choose the right career choice within nutrition and dietetics that can help transform your career.
Also Read: How to Become a Nutritionist in India
Frequently Asked Questions
B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics offer a wide range of scope for aspirants. Students can work for private & public institutions such as hospitals. Most nutritionists take up a private practice. In addition, students can pursue the role of a marketing manager. Research also is a lucrative career option for students.
B.Sc. Nutrition is a lucrative career option for those looking to take the entrepreneurship route and be self-employed. They can run their practice. Even as a marketing manager, the field offers good scope for growth both personally and financially.
Various colleges across India offer the B.Sc. Nutrition and Dietetics course. Some top colleges include
1. Mount Carmel College – Bangalore
2. Mumbai University
3. Amity University
4. Sharda University
5. CMC Vellore
Nutritionists aren’t doctors. They do not have the expertise in human physiology that doctors do. While nutritionists can suggest good nutrition practices, they cannot consult medically. However, doctors can become nutritionists. Some doctors study the course to gain knowledge on wellness. They can choose to become a certified professional in the course.
To read more related articles, click here.
Got a question on this topic?