MSc Nutrition and Dietetics: Eligibility Criteria and Top Colleges

Raghuvamshi Kanukruthi
November 6, 2024

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Nowadays, the human lifestyle demands a balanced and nutrition-rich diet plan to maintain a healthy life. Only nutritionists and dietitians can provide personalised diet charts that improve the quality of life. The MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics is gaining popularity as more individuals seek to understand the vital role of nutrition in overall well-being.

Explore this guide to learn more about MSc Nutrition and Dietetics, including eligibility, top colleges, and future scope.

MSc Nutrition and Dietetics: Highlights

The table below provides an overview of the MSc Nutrition and Dietetics program, including its duration, eligibility criteria, entrance exams, average fees, salary expectations, and career opportunities.

Parameters

Details

Full Form

Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Duration

2 years

Total Number of MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Colleges in India

260+

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Home Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Life Sciences, Clinical Biochemistry, BNYS, or BAMS with minimum 50% marks

Entrance Exam

  • CUET PG
  • BITSAT
  • NEST
  • IIT JAM

Average Course Fee

INR 20,000 - 4 lakhs

Average Salary

INR 2 - 12 LPA

Career Opportunities

  • Management Dietician
  • Clinical Dietician
  • Nutrition Product Manager

Top Recruiters

  • Public Health Departments
  • WHO
  • UNICEF
  • Accor Hospitality
  • NPA
  • Tech Connex 

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What is MSc Nutrition and Dietetics?

MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics is a two-year postgraduate program that teaches students about nutrition, health, and diet. In this course, students learn how food affects health and how to create personalised nutrition plans for people and communities. They gain practical lab experience to apply what they learn in real-life situations. 

Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics program also helps students develop important skills for research and entrepreneurship. Overall, it prepares them to become nutrition professionals who can develop solutions to improve health and prevent diseases.

Benefits of Doing an MSc Nutrition and Dietetics

Here are some of the benefits of choosing an MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics:

1. Importance of Nutritionists and Dietitians:

These professionals create personalised diet plans, helping people understand the importance of healthy eating and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

2. Skill Development:

The course teaches students how to create diet charts based on health needs, addressing deficiencies and supporting a healthier life.

3. Career Opportunities:

Graduates can work as Clinical Dietitians, Consultant Dietitians, or Nutrition Product Managers, with options for self-employment or positions in hospitals.

4. Earning Potential:

With experience and expertise, nutritionists can earn between INR 2 to 12 lakhs per annum.

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MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Eligibility Criteria

To pursue an MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Bachelor's Degree: 

Candidates must complete a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent course from a recognised university.

2. Minimum Marks: 

A minimum of 50% marks at the undergraduate level is required.

3. Relevant Degrees: 

Graduates should have completed their degrees in fields such as Biology, Home Science, Microbiology, Food Science, Life Sciences, Clinical Biochemistry, BNYS, or BAMS.

4. Final Year Students: 

Candidates in their final year of graduation may also apply provisionally.

5. Relaxation for Reserved Categories: 

The marks requirement is 5% relaxed for SC/ST/OBC candidates, allowing them to secure a minimum of 45% in their undergraduate studies.

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MSc Nutrition and Dietetics: Entrance Exams

Candidates must take specific entrance exams to get admission to a top-ranked college's MSc Nutrition and Dietetics program. 

Here are some of the key entrance exams, along with their dates:

Entrance Exam

Full Form

Dates

CUET PG

Central Universities Entrance Test for Postgraduate

March 2025

BITSAT

Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test

May 2025

NEST

National Entrance Screening Test

June 2025

IIT JAM

Joint Admission Test for M.Sc.

February 2025

MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Entrance Exams Preparation

Here are some tips to help you effectively prepare for the MSc Nutrition and Dietetics entrance exams:

1. Understand the Syllabus: 

The entrance exam syllabus can differ from one college to another. It is essential to research the specific syllabus for the exam you plan to take.

2. Practise Previous Year Papers: 

Practising the previous year's question papers will improve skills and boost confidence. Candidates can also consider the BSc Nutrition and Dietetics course book for reference and study.

3. Revise Core Subjects: 

Candidates must revise key subjects regularly. Focus on important topics like Biology, Chemistry, General Aptitude, and Reasoning to strengthen your understanding and performance.

MSc Nutrition and Dietetics: Admission Process

Admission to the MSc Nutrition and Dietetics program can be based on either a merit list from undergraduate scores or entrance exam performance, explained below:

Admission Process

Merit-Based Admission

Entrance Exam-Based Admission

STEP 1

Candidates must have 50% or above marks in an undergraduate degree.

Candidates have to pass the entrance exam

STEP 2

Candidates have to submit the application form with a 12th mark sheet, certificates, and other documents. 

Candidates have to participate in a counselling round with an entrance exam score.

STEP 3

The college will review the application and then release a merit list

Group discussion and personal interview to assess the candidate’s knowledge and aptitude for the course.

STEP 4

The admission is based on the availability of seats

After clearing the counselling round, the merit list is released

STEP 5

If the candidate’s name is on the merit list, then the candidate has to pay the admission fee to complete the admission process.

If the candidate’s name is on the merit list, then the candidate has to pay the admission fee to complete the admission process.

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How do you get admission to a good MSc in nutrition and dietetics college?

Here are some helpful tips to secure your admission to a top-ranked college:

1. Achieve Minimum Marks: 

Make sure you score at least 50% marks in your undergraduate degree, as most colleges use this as a basic eligibility criterion.

2. Research Colleges: 

Explore a list of top colleges based on course fees, location, eligibility criteria, and selection process.

3. Prepare for Entrance Exams

Prepare for the entrance exam and counselling round by practising with previous years’ question papers.

4. Stay Informed: 

Keep yourself updated with the latest information about the colleges and their admission processes.

MSc Nutrition and Dietetics Syllabus

The MSc Nutrition and Dietetics program covers a syllabus that helps students gain all the essential knowledge and skills in nutrition and dietary management. 

Below is the semester-wise syllabus:

Semester

Syllabus

1st

  • Food science
  • Diet Therapy I
  • Nutrition through developmental stages
  • Food Science
  • Nutraceuticals and functional foods

2nd

  • Advanced Nutrition I
  • Diet therapy II
  • Community Nutrition
  • Diet control
  • Food cost and quality control
  • Human Rights
  • Extra: disciplinary paper (E.D)

3rd

  • Advanced Nutrition: II
  • Research Methodology and Statistics
  • Nutritional management safety for food science
  • Nutritional Biochemistry
  • Clinical Nutrition
  • Computer Application
  • Internship

4th

  • Financial and food management
  • Clinical Nutrition
  • Dissertation

Top Private Colleges for MSc Nutrition and Dietetics

Here are some private colleges offering MSc Nutrition and Dietetics courses, along with their location and course fees:

College Name

Location

Course Fee

Manav Rachna International University

Faridabad

INR 1.92 lakhs

SGT University

Gurgaon

INR 2 lakhs

JSS University

Mysore

INR 1.85 lakhs

SRM University

Kanchipuram

INR 1 lakhs

Islamic University of Science and Technology

Jammu and Kashmir

INR 2.2 lakhs

Welcome Group Graduate School of Hotel Administration

Manipal

INR 1.84 lakhs

Raja Balwant Singh Engineering Technical Campus

Agra

INR 3.16 lakhs

Ch. Devi Lal State Institute of Engineering and Technology

Haryana

INR 1.29 lakhs

Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology

Hisar

INR 2.22 lakhs

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Top Government Colleges for M.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics

Below is the list of top M.Sc nutrition and dietetics govt colleges in India offering quality education and training:

Government College Name

Location

Course Fee

Kurukshetra University

Kurukshetra

INR 16,380

Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University

Hyderabad

INR 58,840

Andhra University

Visakhapatnam

INR 40,000

Berhampur University

Orissa

INR 20,000

Women’s Christian College

Chennai

INR 45,260

Haldia Institute of Technology

Midnapore

INR 3.6 lakhs

Difference Between MSc Nutrition and Dietetics vs MSc Food Science and Nutrition

The MSc Nutrition and Dietetics and MSc Food Science and Nutrition are similar courses but focus on different aspects of the food and nutrition field, which can confuse many candidates when choosing between them.

Here is the difference between both courses:

Factors

MSc Nutrition and Dietetics

MSc Food Science and Nutrition

Duration

3  years

3 years

Focus Area

Develop a balanced food diet for the human body. 

Healthy food production and evaluate nutritional values in any good product with hygiene and safety.

Eligibility

UG degree in a relevant field with 50% or above marks

Graduation from a recognised college with 50% or above marks

Average Course Fee

INR 20,000 - 4 lakhs

INR 10,000 - 90,000

Average Salary

INR 2 - 12 LPA

INR 5 - 8 LPA

Career Opportunities

  • Clinical Dietician
  • Nutrition Product Manager
  • Community Dietician
  • Food Scientist
  • Quality Control Manager
  • Food Production Manager 

Top Recruiters

  • Private & Govt. Hospitals
  • Public Health Departments
  • Health Maintenance Organisations 
  • Leading food brands, like Nestle, Britannia, Cadbury, or any National/International food organisations. 

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MSc Nutrition and Dietetics: Jobs and Salary

An MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics prepares graduates for various jobs in the health and wellness field. 

Here are some of the jobs and expected MSc nutrition and dietetics salaries in India:

Jobs

Salary

Clinical Dietician

INR 2.6 lakhs

Community Dietician

INR 4 lakhs

Consultant Dietician

INR 6 lakhs

Management Dietician

INR 7.6 lakhs

Nutrition Product Manager

INR 11 lakhs

Courses After MSc Nutrition and Dietetics 

Candidates interested in further courses to upgrade their education after completing MSc Nutrition and Dietetics can consider the following courses:

Course Name

Details

Internship

6 months of internship at any hospital recognised by IDA

PhD in Food and Nutrition

Provide in-depth knowledge of the fundamental principles and can go through many innovative practices.

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Best Books for Studying MSc Nutrition and Dietetics

Here are some books that will help the candidate to upgrade their knowledge in Nutrition and Dietetics:

Book Name

Author Name

Nutrition and Dietetics

Shubhangini A Joshi

Dietetics

B Srilakshmi

Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy

Kathleen Mahan & Krause

Modern Nutrition in Health & Diseases

Maurice E. Shils, James A.Olson, Moshe Shike

An MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics offers many career options in health and wellness. With a focus on nutrition, graduates can find multiple jobs with good salaries. This degree not only helps individuals improve their health but also supports the well-being of communities.

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FAQ for MSc Nutrition and Dietetics

How is an MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics different from an MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics?

While both programs cover nutrition and dietetics, MSc in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics specifically targets clinical applications and patient care, whereas MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics includes broader topics such as community nutrition, public health, and research methodologies.

Who is eligible for MSc Nutrition and Dietetics?

To be eligible for MSc in Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics, candidates must have a minimum of 50% in their Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Food Science, Nutrition, Dietetics, Home Science, or any relevant discipline.

What is the scope of the MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics?

Graduates of MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics can work as dietitians in hospitals and nutritionists in clinics or medical institutions. They may also engage in community health programs, research, and education.

What courses can be pursued after MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics?

After completing an MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics, graduates can pursue additional qualifications such as:

  1. PG Diploma or MSc in Clinical Nutrition
  2. Sports Nutrition
  3. Sports and Exercise Sciences
  4. Yoga, Mind, Body, and Lifestyle Sciences
  5. Food Technology
  6. Public Health Nutrition
  7. MBA in Food Business Management

Which entrance exams are required for an MSc in Nutrition?

Common entrance exams for MSc in Nutrition include:

  • CUET PG
  • ICAR AIEEA
  • CPGET

Which countries are best for nutrition jobs?

The best countries for nutrition job opportunities are Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

What are the passing marks for an MSc in Nutrition?

The passing marks for MSc in Nutrition are typically set at 50% or an equivalent CGPA.

What is the highest-paying job in nutrition in India?

The highest-paying job in the nutrition field in India is that of a Wellness Consultant.

What is the salary range for nutrition and dietetics professionals in India?

The salary for nutrition and dietetics professionals in India typically ranges from INR 20,000 to 44,000 monthly.

Which universities are considered the best for MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics?

Top universities for MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics include:

  1. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
  2. Delhi University (DU)
  3. VIT Vellore
  4. Calcutta University
  5. Amity University

What is the salary range for PhD graduates in Nutrition in India?

PhD graduates in Nutrition in India can earn between INR 3 to 10 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum).

Which type of dietitian earns the most?

Dietitians specialising in eating disorders typically earn the highest salaries, often making upwards of $256,300 annually when working in clinical settings.

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