Nutritionists are professionals who specialise in the study of nutrition and its impact on health and well-being. To become a nutritionist, candidates are required to have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, food science or a related field. They can start looking for jobs after pursuing a bachelor’s degree but a master’s degree along with an internship certificate can be highly useful.
The Salary of a Nutritionist can vary according to their expertise and designation in India. The average annual salary of a nutritionist in India is INR 3 LPA with the highest salary being INR 6 LPA. The monthly salary ranges from INR 21,498 to INR 23,139.
Candidates can pursue different courses to become a nutritionist in India. Some of the top Courses include BSc Nutrition and Dietetics, BSc Food Science and BTech Food Technology. There are also short-term diploma and certificate courses for students who do not wish to enrol in full-time courses.
Nutrition courses are offered by many colleges in India. WCC, Queen Mary’s College, St. Ann’s College for Women, JBAS and MAHE are some of the best colleges for nutrition education. NPAT, CUET, SET, JEE and BITSAT are some of the popular entrance exams for aspirants.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Nutritionist: Quick Facts
- Eligibility to Become a Nutritionist
- Qualifications to Become a Nutritionist
- Steps to Become a Nutritionist
- Nutrition Courses
5.1 Entrance Exams
How to Become a Nutritionist: Quick Facts
| Eligibility | Class 12 with preferably Biology as the main subject |
| Qualifications | BSc/MSc in Food and Nutrition or PGD in Nutrition |
| Starting Salary (INR) | INR 4.30 LPA |
| Average Salary (INR) | INR 6.50 LPA |
| Highest Salary (INR) | INR 9.70 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Cult. fit, Hexagon Nutrition, FSSAI, CSIR, Apollo Group |
Eligibility to Become a Nutritionist
Candidates are required to meet certain eligibility criteria to become Nutritionists in India. The standard eligibility criteria are explained in the following points.
- Candidates are required to clear class 12 in the science stream from a recognised board
- Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or related fields. A PG diploma degree in nutrition is also accepted at many organisations
- Candidates may be required to clear entrance exams like AIIMS, NEET or university-specific exams for admission to top colleges
- Candidates with a master’s degree are considered to have more in-depth knowledge and often have better career opportunities.
Qualifications to Become a Nutritionist
Candidates should fulfil specific educational requirements and meet certain requirements to work as a Nutritionist. Some general qualifications that are required for nutritionists include
- Education: Students need to have a graduate degree to apply for nutritionist jobs. BSc in Food and Nutrition/Nutrition and Dietetics are some of the popular courses. Master’s courses can provide better compensation and career growth.
Candidates can also join diploma programs like PGD in Nutrition to become a nutritionist.
- Entrance Eexams: Top colleges take candidates on the basis of entrance exams for nutrition courses.
Steps to Become a Nutritionist
Candidates can follow the steps described below to become a nutritionist in India
- Earn a Graduate Degree: Candidates will have to enrol for a graduate degree in nutrition or related fields after completing class 12. They should look for accredited programs recognised by the Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) or the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
- Internship: Internships can provide candidates with hands-on experience and exposure to various aspects of nutrition.
- Certification: Many employers prefer to hire certified nutritionists. Candidates can apply for different certificate programs to develop expertise and improve their chances of getting hired.
- Gain Experience: Nutritionists can work in different settings like hospitals, healthcare centres, fitness centres and research institutes to gain work experience and develop expertise.
- Opt for a Master’s Degree: Master’s degrees can provide better career growth with an option to specialise in specific areas of nutrition.
Nutrition Courses
There are many courses that candidates can pursue to become a nutritionist. BSc Nutrition and Dietetics, BSc Food Science, BTech Food Technology and BSc Physiology are some of the top courses.
The details for the most popular courses are mentioned in the following table.
| Parameters | BSc Nutrition and Dietetics | BSc Food Science | BTech Food Technology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Class 12 | Class 12 | Class 12 |
| Entrance Exams | NPAT, CUET, CUCET, SET | NA | JEE MAIN, JEE ADVANCED, BITSAT, MHT CET |
| Top Colleges | Mount Carmel College, Queen Mary’s College, Chandigarh University, Andhra University | Manipal Academy Of Higher Education, Andhra University, Dr. BMN College of Home Science, University of Science and Technology | IIT Kharagpur, Amity University Noida, LPU, Annamalai University |
| Course Fees | INR 50,000- INR 2.5 L | INR 2,000 to INR 18,000 per month | INR 50,000-1 L per semester |
| Average Salary (INR) | INR 2-7 LPA | INR 2 - 4 LPA | INR 2-6 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Apollo Hospitals, Nestle, Max Healthcare, Abbott, VLCC | Dabur, MTR Foods, Nestle, ITC, Britannia, Pepsico | Valcore Foods, Alhat Dairy Foods, NIFTEM, Ministry of Food Processing Industries |
Entrance Exams
Candidates can appear in various entrance exams according to their degree of preference. Some of the most famous entrance exams for nutrition include NPAT, CUET, SET, JEE and BITSAT. The details for some of the top exams for banking are mentioned in the following table.
| Entrance Exams | Application Deadlines | Exam Dates | Result Declaration |
|---|---|---|---|
| NPAT | May 20, 2024 | January 1, 2024 - May 25, 2024 | June 2024 |
| CUET | March, 2023 | May 15 - May 31, 2024 | To be notified |
| MHT CET | March 1, 204 | PCB- April 16 - April 23, 2024 | May 2024 |
| BITSAT | April 11, 2024 (Session I) June 10, 2024 (Session II) |
May 21 - 26, 2024 (Session I) June 22 - 26, 2024 (Session II) |
To be notified |
Top Nutrition Colleges
Courses in nutrition and related disciplines are offered by many colleges in India. WCC, Queen Mary’s College, St. Ann’s College for Women, JBAS and MAHE are some of the best colleges for nutrition education. The details for top colleges are mentioned n the table below.
| Name of the Colleges | Location | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiraj College for Women | Chennai | 59,000 |
| Women’s Christian College (WCC) | Chennai | 42,580 |
| Queen Mary’s College | Chennai | 2,032 |
| St. Ann’s College for Women | Hyderabad | 17,155 |
| Justice Basheer Ahmad Sayeed College (JBAS) | Chennai | 37,000 |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) | Manipal | 1.92 L |
| Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | Chennai | 75,000 |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) | Chennai | 40,000 |
| MG University (MGU) | Kottayam | 3,280 |
| Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMCRI) | Pondicherry | 30,000 |
Skills Required to Become a Nutritionist
Nutritionists generally require a combination of skills and knowledge related to health and nutrition to excel in the field. Some of the top skills that a Banker should have are tabulated below.
| Nutrition Knowledge | Dietary Assessment | Meal Planning |
| Nutrition Counselling | Research | Communication skills |
| Problem-solving | Critical thinking | Professional ethics |
Benefits of Becoming a Nutritionist
Some of the benefits that a career as a nutritionist offers include
- Growing Demand - The demand for skilled nutritionists is on the rise as more people understand the importance of nutrition and achieving good health.
- Diverse Career Options - Nutritionists can work in different settings or can even start their own private practice. The diversity allows them to explore different areas of interest and find a niche that aligns with them.
- Flexibility and Autonomy - Many nutritionist work independently, setting their own schedules. Autonomy can provide a better work-life balance helping in making a career with personal needs in mind.
- Impact - Nutritionists help people in improving their health and well-being through proper nutrition. Their guidance can prevent and manage diseases leading to an overall healthy life.
- Global Relevance - Nutrition is a universal problem and skilled nutritionists are required worldwide. They can look for opportunities for international work or collaboration.
Salary of a Nutritionist
The average annual salary of a nutritionist in India is INR 5 LPA. The compensation can vary with the time and expertise a nutritionist will gain while working. The average highest salary of a nutritionist in India is INR 9.60 L with the starting salary being INR 3.40 LPA. The salaries for different nutritionist designations are mentioned in the following table.
| Designations | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Clinical Nutritionist | INR 3 L |
| Public Health Nutritionist | INR 3.50 L |
| Sports Nutritionist | INR 5 L |
| Consultant Nutritionist | INR 5.50 L |
| Pediatric Nutritionist | INR 6 L |
How to Become a Nutritionist: FAQs
Ques. What is the educational requirement to become a nutritionist in India?
Ans. To become a nutritionist in India, candidates are required to have a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Food Science or a related field from a recognised university.
Ques. Are there any specific entrance exams for pursuing a career as a nutritionist in India?
Ans. Some colleges conduct entrance exams for admission to their nutrition programs. NPAT, CUET, SET, JEE and BITSAT are some of the common exams.
Ques. Can I pursue a master’s degree in nutrition after my bachelor’s?
Ans. Yes, there is an option for pursuing a master’s degree in nutrition. A master’s degree provides additional knowledge and enhances career prospects. Master’s degree can be pursued in nutrition, food science or specialised fields like clinical nutrition, public health nutrition or sports nutrition.
Ques. Is there any professional organisation for nutritionists in India/
Ans. The Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) is a professional organisation for nutritionists and dietitians in India. Joining an organisation can provide networking opportunities and better career growth.
Ques. Do I need to have a license to practice as a nutritionist in India
Ans. Currently, there is no such requirement for nutritionists in India. They can pursue voluntary registration with organisations like the IDA or NSI.
Ques. What are the career prospects for nutritionists in India?
Ans. Nutritionists can work in hospitals, clinics, fitness centres, research institutions, food industry or even can start their private practice.
Ques. How I can gain practical experience as a nutritionist?
Ans. Candidates can seek internships or volunteering opportunities in hospitals, clinics or community health programs. This will allow them to develop skills and understand the practical aspects of nutrition practice.
Ques. What cities are paying the most to Nutritionists in India?
Ans. Hyderabad, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata are top-paying cities for nutritionists in India.
Ques. What industries are paying the most to nutritionists in India?
Ans. Healthcare, FMGC, Internet, Pharma and Fitness and Wellness are the top-paying industries for nutritionists in India.
Ques. What is the monthly income of a nutritionist in India?
Ans. A nutritionist can expect to earn between INR 21,498 to INR 23,139 per month in India.
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