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,

PhD in Nursing is a research-based programme. Admission is usually given through entrance exam and interview.

Basic eligibility:

  • Master’s degree in Nursing (M.Sc. Nursing) from a recognised university.

  • Minimum 55% marks (50% for reserved category).

  • Some universities also require teaching or clinical experience.

Admission process:

  • Apply to the university or institute offering PhD Nursing.

  • Appear for entrance test (based on research aptitude, nursing concepts, and subject knowledge).

  • Shortlisted candidates are called for interview or proposal presentation.

  • Final selection is based on entrance test, interview, and academic record.

Duration: Minimum 3 years, can extend up to 5-6 years depending on research work.

Hope it helps !

Hello,

Generally the PhD Law admission timeline can vary at universities, but the application takes place in the first half of the year. If you want to get admission to the specific colleges, you need to visit this specific college website and get this admission info.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Congrats on clearing NET June 2025 that makes you eligible for Ph.D. in Law admissions. Now most universities accept NET scores directly (70% weightage) plus an interview (30%), so you don’t usually need another entrance test. For example, RPNLU Prayagraj offers Ph.D. seats purely on NET basis, while NLU Delhi still requires AILET-Ph.D. (apply Aug–Nov, exam in Dec). Fees vary widely, from about 17k a year in some central universities to 2–3 lakh total in NLUs like NLSIU. Your next step is to shortlist universities, check their notifications, and apply with your NET score.


Hello,

Top universities for PhD in Agriculture are:

  • ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
  • Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore
  • Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
  • GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar
  • University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore

Admission is through entrance tests conducted by ICAR or the university itself.

Thank you and all the best!

The PhD Hetu Samanya examination is conducted as part of the common eligibility process for doctoral programs in certain universities. The exact date for the 2025–26 session has not been officially announced yet, as such notifications are usually released by the concerned examination body a few months before the exam. Typically, these exams are held once or twice a year, depending on the institution and the state where it is conducted. To prepare yourself, you should regularly check the official website of the university or state higher education board conducting the test. Usually, notifications will include important details such as eligibility criteria, application deadlines, exam syllabus, and exam pattern. If you are planning to apply, make sure your research proposal and academic documents are ready well in advance.

Thank you and all the best!