B.Sc Nutrition and Dietetics: Course, Eligibility, Subjects, Colleges, Jobs and Scope 2024

03 January,2024  |  By Brainwonders

BSc Nutrition and Dietetics

The full form of  BSc Nutrition and Dietetics is a full-time, three-year undergraduate course designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of nutrition and dietetics. Suitable for those who have completed 10+2 from a bioscience background with a minimum of 50% marks, it covers topics such as how to prepare suitable diets for individuals, food management, components of a balanced diet, eating habits, and lifestyle management.

Various institutions offer this course, such as Sharda University, Galgotias University, Quantum University, Chandigarh University, and more. Admission to the BSc Nutrition and Dietetics course is mainly based on candidates' merit. With its multidisciplinary approach to food science, nutrition, and health, the program offers students an insightful view into the field of dietetics and nutrition.

After completing a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics, candidates can opt for further study at the MSc level or pursue professional opportunities as a Nutritionist or Dietitian. 

The cost of this program ranges from ₹50,000 – ₹2.5 Lakh per annum. Salary prospects after the completion of the course vary greatly, but typically range up to ₹5 Lakh annually.

BSc Nutrition and Dietetics: Course Highlights

Course Level	Undergraduate
Full-Form	Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
Duration	3 years
Eligibility	Minimum 50% marks in 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
Admission Process	Mostly merit-based
Average Course Fee	INR 50,000- INR 2.5 Lakhs per annum
Average Annual Salary	INR 2-7 Lakhs per annum
Employment Areas	Hospitals, Nursing Home Facilities, Catering Departments (Starred Hotels), Health Department (Government), Restaurants, and many more.
Job profile	Nutritionists, Dietitians, Food Quality Manager, Clinical Dieticians, Nutrition Specialist, Food Processing Manager, and alike.

BSc Nutrition and Dietetics: What is it all about?

BSc Nutrition and Dietetics is a comprehensive program that provides students with a solid foundation in food science and diet management. 

This course focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of nutrition, teaching students about the dietary requirements of individuals, providing insights into nutritional deficiencies and their remedies, as well as familiarising them with the various types of diets to meet individual needs. 

Throughout the course, students will be exposed to various topics, from nutrient functions within the body to the importance of healthful eating habits. They will acquire an enhanced understanding of nutritional disorders and learn how to overcome them. 

By studying BSc Nutrition and Dietetics, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to become confident professionals who can assess and improve the dietary well-being of their clients.

Why Consider Pursuing a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics? 

Rising Demand: The need for proficient nutritionists and dietitians is swiftly escalating as individuals display greater health awareness and a heightened understanding of how their dietary choices influence their overall well-being.

Meaningful Profession: Upon earning a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics, an individual wields a substantial influence on individuals' lives, aiding them in adopting healthy eating habits and effectively managing conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Personal Wellness Advantages: This program is meticulously crafted to offer a profound comprehension of nutrition's role in upholding health and averting ailments, the knowledge that can be applied to the graduate's personal life and the well-being of their cherished ones.

Why study BSc Nutrition and Dietetics?

You should consider studying BSc nutrition and dietetics course because of the following advantages:

1. Opportunities for both self-employment and employment: Upon completing the BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics, candidates have the option to either establish their nutrition clinic and work independently or pursue positions as nutritionists and dietitians in hospitals, gyms, and healthcare clinics.
2. High demand for the course: Given the perpetual relevance of nutrition and diet, professionals in this field are consistently sought after. Completing this course assures ample career prospects due to the high demand for nutritionists and dietitians.
3. Potential for increased demand in the future: With growing awareness about balanced diets and healthy eating habits, there is a likelihood of a surge in demand for nutritionists and dietitians in the foreseeable future.

BSc Nutrition and Dietetics: Admission Process

Admission to this course is primarily determined by marks obtained in previous qualifying examinations. In some cases, colleges may also require applicants to take an additional entrance examination. As the merit-based admission process is the most common method, it is essential for prospective students to attain high marks in prior qualifications to increase their chances of selection.

Admission to this course is generally a three-step process which is described below:

1. Application to the college: 

• Submitting your application to the college is the first step toward gaining admission. 
• Prior to submitting, make sure all of the information is correct and up-to-date; any mistakes or inaccuracies could result in your candidacy being disqualified. 

2. Preparation of merit list for counselling:

• The college will soon announce their list of successful candidates who meet their cutoff requirements. 
• Those chosen will be contacted to arrange an interview and document verification. 
• Candidates should keep an eye on the college's website for any updates regarding this matter.

3. Interview, Document verification, and enrollment: 

• The last step of the admission process is an interview. The interviewer may ask questions related to the subject or might go off-topic, depending on their policy. 
• When verifying your documents, make sure you have all the original transcripts and documents needed for the eligibility criteria.

After the eligibility is proved, the candidate is granted admission to the course. 

BSc Nutrition and Dietetics Eligibility

To be eligible for admission to a BSc Nutrition and Dietetics course, you must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as compulsory subjects. 

• You might also qualify if you have any one of Botany, Zoology, Biotechnology, or Biochemistry in place of Biology at the 10+2 level. 
• Usually, you need to score at least 50% marks in 10+2, but some top colleges require higher percentages. 
• The age limits may differ depending on each college, such as only admitting students who have taken 10+2 within the last two academic years or having an upper limit of 25 years of age. 
• If you want to know the exact eligibility criteria at a particular college or university, feel free to visit their website.

BSc Nutrition and Dietetics: Entrance Exams

Getting accepted into a BSc Nutrition and Dietetics course doesn't require graduating any national entrance exam. However, some universities may have their own entry exams. Most colleges also offer direct admission based on your past academic performance in 10+2. They create merit lists based on the marks earned by students.

Name of the Exams	Registration Dates	Exam Dates
NPAT	December 01, 2022 – May 21, 2023	January 04, 2023 – May 31, 2023
CUET	April 2023	May 21 – 31, 2023
CUCET	November 28 - May 29, 2023	November 28 - May 30, 2023
SET	December 10 – April 12, 2023	May 06, 2023 (Test 1) May 14, 2023 (Test 2)

How to get admission to a good BSc Nutrition and Dietetics college?

• Securing admission to a BSc in nutrition and dietetics typically requires good academic performance in secondary school. 
• Most universities accept students with a minimum score of 50%, although the cut-off mark is often 80% to 90%. 
• For those colleges that require an entrance exam, a student should aim to gain 70% or more to be accepted. 

It is important for any prospective student to prepare thoroughly so they can have the best chance at gaining entry into their desired program.

BSc Nutrition and Dietetics Subjects

Studying BSc Nutrition and Dietetics will teach you about food management, healthy eating, and the relationship between the body and food. The course is six semesters long, and each semester covers different topics. Throughout the program, you'll learn how to promote health through nutrition. You'll also gain an understanding of how different food items affect our physical and mental well-being. By completing this course, you'll have a better understanding of nutrition and dietetics, and the skills to help others lead healthier lives.

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 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 counselling

BSc Nutrition and Dietetics Colleges

For those interested, numerous esteemed colleges and universities offer BSc Nutrition and Dietetics courses. Here is a list of some of the available options:

Name of the University / College	Location	Average Fee Charged
Chandigarh University	Chandigarh	INR 3.14 Lakhs
RVS College of Arts and Science	Tamil Nadu	INR 1.56 Lakhs
Lovely Professional University	Jalandhar	INR 2.86 Lakhs
Shoolini University	Himachal Pradesh	INR 3.48 Lakhs
Mount Carmel College	Bangalore	INR 1.26 Lakhs
Justice Basheer Ahmed Sayeed College for Women	Tamil Nadu	INR 1.11 Lakhs
Andhra University	Andhra Pradesh	INR 2.3 Lakhs
SGT University	Haryana	INR 3.13 Lakhs
Manav Rachna International University	Haryana	INR 4.08 Lakhs
Queen Mary’s College	Tamil Nadu	INR 4,596

College Comparison

Comparing the course structure, fees, job prospects and amenities of leading BSc Nutrition and Dietician colleges in India, the below mentioned table provides an overview:

Parameters	Mount Carmel College	Chandigarh University	Lovely Professional University
Location	Bangalore	Chandigarh	Jalandhar
Overview	Mount Carmel College, a women's college affiliated with Bangalore University, is renowned for its high ranking according to India Today. Admission is based on both merit and entrance exam scores, and the college offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Prominent alumni include Deepika Padukone, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, and Nicole Faria, among others.	Chandigarh University is an institution of higher learning, with 16 departments covering a broad range of disciplines. It has available undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. programs that can be accessed either through merit-based admission or via the CUCET entrance exam. Approved by both AICTE and UGC, this university is situated in a 200+ acre campus.	The Lovely Professional University is a privately approved university accredited by the All India Council for Technical Education, the University Grants Commission and the Bar Council of India. Founded in 2006, it offers an extensive range of courses and disciplines, with over 5200 courses to choose from. Moreover, numerous diploma programs are also available. To gain admittance to their various programs, applicants will need to provide qualifying scores from national level exams such as NEET or GATE, or alternatively pass their own entrance exam, LPUNEST.
Offered Courses	BA, BSc, B.Com, MSc., MA, MCA, and M.Com	BE, BA, B.Arch, BSc, MBA, ME, MSc, and Ph.D.	MPT, LLM, BHMCT, B.Pharma, BA, BSc, B.Com, MSc., MA, MCA, and M.Com
Average Annual Fees	INR 1.26 Lakhs	INR 3.14 Lakhs	INR 2.86 Lakhs
Average placement package	INR 2.75 Lakhs	INR 3.5 Lakhs	INR 3 Lakhs

Course Comparison

BSc Nutrition and Dietetics Vs BSc Food management 

Deciding between studying Nutrition and Dietetics or Food Science at the Bachelor's level can be a difficult decision. Before making an informed choice, it is vital to understand the differences between the two disciplines. Not only do their orientations vary, but so do their course structures, fees, and career prospects. By taking all of these components into account, you will be able to make an educated decision regarding which program best suits your academic goals.

Parameters	BSc Nutrition and dietetics	BSc Food Science
Full-Form	Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics.	Bachelor of Science in Food Science.
Course Duration	3 Years	3 Years
Objective	This course centres on nutrition and dietetics exclusively. It does not explore other elements of food management.	This course delves into the management of food, its scientific aspects and principles behind nutrition and dietetics.
Admission criteria	Merit-based	Both merit-based and entrance based.
Average Salary	INR 50,000- INR 2.5 Lakhs	INR 10,000 to INR 5 Lakhs
Average Salary Offered	INR 2-7 Lakhs	INR 3-20 Lakhs
Top Recruiting Areas	Hospitals, Nursing Home Facilities, Catering Departments (Starred Hotels), Health Department (Government), Restaurants, and many more.	Food Packing Company, Colleges & Universities, Food Processing Companies, Science Research Centers, Content Writing (health), and such.

BSc Nutrition and Dietetics: Career prospects

A Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics provides excellent career prospects for those interested in the field. From private clinics to leisure cruise companies, opportunities abound in both India and abroad. 

In addition to providing dietary guidance and nutritional advice to patients, graduates can pursue specialty roles such as psychiatric nursing, which involve supporting patients struggling with mental health issues stemming from poor dietary habits. 

With this degree, job roles that graduates may qualify for include nutritionist, dietitian, health educator, food service manager, and more.

One can land one of the following job roles by completing a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Job profile	Job Role	Average Salary in INR
Dietician (registered)	As a dietician, part of this is to assist individuals with their weight goals. They provide customised diet charts for each client based on their current health and lifestyle. By creating effective plans tailored to their needs, I help them stay healthy and reach their desired results.	INR 2.83 Lakhs
Marketing Manager	Creating approaches for promoting your products and ensuring their successful application. Some dietitians also address crowds of people to teach them about healthy eating and avoiding illness.	INR 5.84 Lakhs
Clinical Dietician	Hospitals have experts in nutrition, known as dieteticians, who support clients in their health-related endeavours. They help people lead healthy lifestyles and reach their goals. Dieticians carry extensive knowledge of food safety and hygiene.	INR 2.13 Lakhs
Nutritionist	Examining the dietary requirements of everyday individuals, nutritionists help create meal plans for their clients. They offer personal consultations to help individuals reach their goals.	INR 4.52 Lakhs
Research and Development Manager	Researchers in Nutrition are dedicated to creating new products and services that promote human health. Their efforts make it possible for us to stay healthy.	INR 8.33 Lakhs

BSc Nutrition and Dietetics: Future Scope

After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, individuals can pursue job opportunities, become self-employed, or continue their education. Those who choose to continue studying can enrol in a Master's program in Nutrition and Dietetics.

MSc (Food Nutrition and Dietetics)

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics is a two-year postgraduate program that focuses on topics such as food microbiology, sports nutrition, and nutrition support. The tuition fees for the program may vary from INR 25,000 to INR 4.2 lakhs per annum, depending on the institution. GATE score is mandatory for admission eligibility. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates are likely to receive an annual salary ranging from INR 2.5 to 12 lakhs.

FAQs on BSc Nutrition and Dietetics

Q1: What is BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics? 

Ans: BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics is an undergraduate program in India that focuses on studying nutrition and its relationship to physical health. It deals with food preparation, healthy diets, food safety, lifestyle management, and the nutritional needs of different age groups.

Q2: What are the admissions requirements for a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics? 

Ans: To be eligible for admission into a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics program in India, you must have a Higher Secondary Certificate (10+2) or an equivalent qualification from a recognized board or university. You also need to have passed the prescribed entrance test conducted by the respective universities.

Q3: How long does completing a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics take?

Ans: The duration of a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics program typically varies between 3-4 years, depending on the university. Each year consists of two semesters of academic studies plus any clinical practice, internship programs, and research work that may be required.

Q4: What career opportunities are available after completing a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics?

Ans: After completing a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics, graduates can pursue various career opportunities, such as dietitian/nutritionist, food technologist, food scientist, nutrition advisor, health and wellness researcher, agricultural scientists, and food product development manager, among others. 

Q5: What are the job prospects after completing a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics?

Ans: Graduates of a BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics program can find employment in hospitals, healthcare centers, schools and colleges, food processing companies, pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, agricultural firms, public health departments, etc. They can also opt for private practice or teaching positions.