PhD Nutrition and Dietetics: Eligibility, Fees, Colleges, Admission, Syllabus, Jobs
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PhD Nutrition and Dietetics: Eligibility, Fees, Colleges, Admission, Syllabus, Jobs

#Ph.D
Team Careers360Updated on 20 Aug 2025, 05:05 PM IST

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics is a research-focused programme that emphasises advanced knowledge in nutrition science and dietetics. With rising demand in the nutrition sector, graduates find opportunities at higher-level positions in healthcare and research. This course enables candidates to specialise, innovate, and contribute to evidence-based practices in nutrition and dietetics.

This Story also Contains

  1. PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics- Highlights
  2. PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Eligibility Criteria
  3. PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Admission Procedure
  4. Top Entrance Exams for PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics
  5. PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Cutoffs for Top Colleges
  6. PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics syllabus
  7. PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Fee Structure
  8. Scope of PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics
  9. Career Opportunities after a PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics
  10. Top Private PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Colleges in India
  11. Top Government PhD Nutrition and Dietetics Colleges in India

A PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics prepares students for leadership roles in academics, research, and healthcare. Guided by expert supervisors, candidates conduct in-depth studies on chosen topics. This programme suits those passionate about research, innovation, and teaching, while also enhancing career prospects in universities, research institutes, and professional dietetics practice.

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics- Highlights

A PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics is a three to five-year research programme that deepens knowledge in nutrition and diet planning. Admission is usually based on merit or entrance exams. Graduates can explore careers in academics, healthcare, and industry. Below are key highlights, including course duration, job roles and average salary.

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Particulars

Values

Course Name

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Course Duration

Three to five years

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Examination Mode

Offline

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Eligibility Criteria

Candidates should pass a master’s degree with 55 per cent marks

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Admission Process

Merit or entrance exam

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Average Salary

Rs. 4.5 LPA

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Job Profiles

Nutrition Officers, Nutrition Specialists, Outpatient Dietitians, Research Associates, Clinical Assistants, and Professors

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Top Recruiters

Apollo Hospital, Nestle, Cadbury, Amul, Godrej Industrial Limited, Britannia Industries Ltd, PepsiCo India, Cheran Group of Companies, and Amity University

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics course, candidates should clear the entrance examination. Every college has different eligibility criteria for every course, which need to be fulfilled to get college seats in the top colleges. PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics eligibility criteria may vary based on specific institution, reservation category or course chosen by the candidates. A few important points that every candidate should remember are mentioned below.

ParticularsEligibility Parameters

Educational Qualification

Master's degree in nutrition and dietetics or any related field from a recognised institute or board.

Minimum aggregate score

50-60 per cent aggregate score, 5-10 per cent relaxation for candidates belonging to the reserved category

Entrance examination

Students should appear for the university-specific entrance examination

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Admission Procedure

Admission to a PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics is generally based on entrance exams and interviews conducted by universities. Popular exams include UGC NET, CSIR NET, SLET, and GATE. The final selection is made considering exam scores, research proposals, and interview performance. Below are the general steps followed by most institutions.

Step 1: Registration for Entrance Exam – Candidates must visit the official website of the conducting authority (e.g., NTA for UGC NET) and register by filling in the application form and paying the examination fee.

Step 2: Download Admit Card – After successful registration, applicants can download their admit cards from the official portal. The admit card is mandatory to appear for the entrance exam.

Step 3: Appear for the Entrance Exam – Candidates must attend the entrance exam on the scheduled date at the allotted test centre.

Step 4: Check Results and Shortlisting – Results are declared online, and shortlisted candidates are called by universities based on entrance exam scores and eligibility criteria.

Step 5: University Application and Interview – Eligible candidates must apply to their preferred universities. Selection usually includes submission of documents like transcripts, research proposals, and letters of recommendation, followed by a personal interview.

Step 6: Admission Confirmation – Finally, selected candidates need to complete the admission formalities, including verification of documents and payment of fees, to secure their seat.

Top Entrance Exams for PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics

Admission to PhD Nutrition and Dietetics courses is done only based on entrance exams conducted by testing agencies. These entrance exams are conducted to filter candidates based on their skills and excellence. Some of the common entrance exams are mentioned below.

Exam NameConducting BodyExam Date

UGC NET

National Testing Agency

UGC NET Exam Date

GATE

IIT Roorkee

GATE Exam Date

CSIR NET

National Testing Agency

CSIR NET Exam Date

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Cutoffs for Top Colleges

Cutoff is the minimum marks that should be scored by the candidate in the entrance examination. The factors that influence the cutoff are the number of candidates who applied, the number of candidates who appeared for the entrance examination, and the seats available for the category. These cut-off marks help the candidate to get a seat in their desired university.

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics syllabus

The syllabus of a PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics differs depending on the institute. It includes subjects such as Research Methodology and Research Publication Ethics, Statistics and Computer Fundamentals. In the table below, we have mentioned the PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics syllabus of SGT University.

  • Research Methodology and Research and Publication Ethics
  • Statistics and Computer Fundamentals
  • Subject Specific Courses
  • Outline of Review/Report/Thesis Writing and Presentation
  • Computer Fundamentals and Software Application

PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Fee Structure

PhD Nutrition and Dietetics fees structure may vary from one university to another. The fees collected from graduates will also be based on the specialisation chosen by them. To know more about the fee structure, students can visit the official website of the college.

Scope of PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics

There is a wide range of opportunities for candidates after completion of a Phd Nutrition and Dietetics. Candidates can expect job opportunities in various fields like research, teaching, and management. Students, while pursuing their PhD courses, will get hands-on experience in the chosen field as they work on them practically. A PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics programme includes various specialisations such as biochemistry, microbiology, statistics, and human metabolism.

Candidates will also perform case studies while pursuing their Ph.D courses and check the impact of food and nutrition, human health, metabolism rate, obesity, and ageing on individuals. There are also other specialisations related to Nutrition and Dietetics, which can be chosen by students. Some of them are Sports Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, Management Dietitian, and Paediatric Dietitian.

Career Opportunities after a PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics

Many companies are waiting for graduates with high-level degrees in specific subjects. Nutrition and Dietetics is a demanded and popular course in the present scenario. There are ample opportunities for graduates after completing PhD Nutrition and Dietetics courses in various sectors. Some of the prominent job roles are mentioned below:

Job Profiles

Job Description

Average Salary (LPA)

Nutrition Specialist

Nutritionists are professionals who assess clients' nutritional requirements, clarify information about how nutrients affect general health and provide counselling to recommend dietary changes that will improve health. They develop individualised dietary plans, establish goals, and offer support to clients to enable them to accomplish their aims.

Rs. 4.5 LPA

Food Safety Officer

Food safety officers are specialists whose responsibility is to examine and evaluate food samples collected from various food sources. They analyse food samples to identify any hazardous impacts of food items or suspected food production.

Rs. 4.2 LPA

Dietitian

Dietitians are healthcare professionals who assess nutritional needs and create personalised diet plans to manage health conditions and promote overall wellness. They often work in hospitals, clinics, community centres, or private practice.

Rs. 2.9 LPA

Sports nutritionist

Sports nutritionists focus on improving athletic performance and recovery through customised nutrition strategies. They guide athletes on meal planning, hydration, and supplements to enhance energy, endurance, and strength.

Rs. 4.0 LPA

Quality Control Manager

Quality Control Managers' work includes keeping an eye on workers and measuring the time taken during the production process. They also manage and control staff in the process of production.

Rs. 13.5 LPA

Salary Source: AmbitionBox

Top Recruiters

  • Education institutions
  • Medical centres
  • Public welfare programmes
  • Nursing homes
  • Coaching centres
  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
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Benefits of Studying a PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics

PhD Nutrition and Dietetics courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills that are required for healthcare and the medical field. Students will focus on various skills such as nutrition and diet, logical thinking, maintaining a proper diet, and a balanced diet. There are also a few universities that provide part-time jobs for the students while pursuing PhD courses.

The PhD Nutrition and Dietetics course will provide advanced training to the students on health-related diseases and treatment for those diseases. The duration for the PhD Nutrition and Dietetics course will be more than four years. In these four years, students will become experts in real-time projects.

Top Private PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics Colleges in India

There are various private colleges offering PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics programmes. These colleges and universities are well known for their high academic standards. Listed below are the top private PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics colleges in India, along with their respective fee details.

Top Government PhD Nutrition and Dietetics Colleges in India

Top government colleges offering PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics provide quality education, experienced faculty, and strong research facilities at affordable fees. These institutions give students opportunities to work on advanced projects and collaborate with the healthcare and food industries. Below are some of the leading government colleges:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is PhD Nutrition and Dietetics a valid course?
A:

Yes, PhD Nutrition and Dietetics courses are valid research and evidence-based courses in India. The duration of the PhD Nutrition and Dietetics course is three years to five years.

Q: What are the career opportunities after graduation with a PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics?
A:

The various career opportunities available in PhD Nutrition and Dietetics courses are Food Quality Manager, Food Inspector, Nutritionist, Dietitian, Nutrition Educator, and Fitness Trainer.

Q: What is the highest package earned by a candidate after PhD Nutrition and Dietetics?
A:

The highest package earned by the candidate after completing PhD Nutrition and Dietetics is Rs. 14,00,000 LPA.

Q: What are the benefits of PhD Nutrition and Dietetics?
A:

There are many benefits of PhD Nutrition and Dietetics courses such as they can work in many fields such as research, training centres, education, food services, public health, and sports.

Q: What are the top companies that recruit candidates after graduation?
A:

The top companies that recruit candidates after graduation are Amul, Nestle, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Ministry of Women and Child Development, and W.H.O.

Q: What is the tuition fee for the PhD Nutrition and Dietetics course?
A:

The tuition fee for the PhD Nutrition and Dietetics courses can range from Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 3,00,000.

Q: What is the mode of education for a PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics?
A:

PhD Nutrition and Dietetics can be pursued both full time or part time modes of education. Whereas distance education for Ph.D is not allowed in India.  

Q: What are the skills required by candidates?
A:

Problem-solving, critical thinking, time management, and research skills are the important skills required for a PhD Nutrition and Dietetics professional career.

Q: What are the topics studied under the PhD Nutrition and Dietetics course?
A:

Candidates can learn various topics in PhD Nutrition and Dietetics like research methodology, quantitative methods, and review of literature.

Q: What is a PhD in Nutrition and Dietetics eligibility?
A:

The PhD Nutrition and Dietetics course eligibility is that students must have completed their masters degree in nutrition and dietetics or any related field from a recognised board or university in India.

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Questions related to Ph.D

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to Ph.D ?

Hello,

To enroll in a PhD in India, first obtain a master's degree with at least 55% marks, pass a national or university entrance exam like UGC-NET or GATE, submit a strong research proposal, and clear a subsequent interview round. After admission, complete required coursework and conduct research for 3-6 years to finish your dissertation and earn your PhD.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello dear candidate,

Yes, you can apply for an integrated at IISc but only if your B.Sc. in medical laboratory technician is recognized as a science degree (biological or chemical sciences) and should include subjects like:- biology, chemistry, or biochemistry.

IISc may not accept you if your course is more technical or training based. So it would be better if you do M.Sc. in a science subject and then apply for a regular PhD.

for more details you can visit the link below:-

https://www.careers360.com/university/indian-institute-of-science-bangalore

Hello purshottam mishra,

For PhD in Psychology, there are several exams like CUET and other university/institute based entrance exams. You can refer to following links for entrance exams and top PhD universities for psychology.

https://university.careers360.com/articles/cuet-psychology-question-paper

https://www.careers360.com/courses/phd-in-psychology

https://university.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-phd-in-psychology-universities-in-india

Yes, you can apply for a Ph.D. at IITs after completing your M.Tech from IIIT Hyderabad, but it depends on certain conditions. Your online M.Tech should be AICTE or UGC approved, and you should meet the minimum marks/CGPA requirement. Some IITs may have restrictions for online or part-time M.Tech programs, so it’s important to check the specific eligibility criteria of the IIT you want to apply to. Also, you may need a valid GATE score depending on the department.

Hello,

you can pursue a PhD in Hotel and Hospitality Management at universities like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT) and Sister Nivedita University if you want to do it from kolkata west bengal.for this you need Master's degree in a relevant field with at least 55% marks and UGC NET score.

Hospitiality management directly falls under the travel and tourism umbrella so you can also apply for this in amity university kolkata.

Good luck.