The Ph.D. in Nutrition and Dietetics is a 3-year full-time research-intensive doctoral program designed to empower scholars to drive breakthroughs in nutrition, dietetics, public health, and clinical research. The program combines advanced theoretical knowledge with practical applications, focusing on innovative, evidence-based research to find long-term health solutions and improve people's well-being. With a semester fee of Rs. 70,000, the program offers a full-time research fellowship of Rs. 35,000 per month and up to Rs. 2 lakh funding for every Q1 journal publication. The primary admission criterion is the CU-Ph.D. Entrance Test followed by a personal interview. The program accepts 10 seats annually and is offered in full-time on-campus mode at Chandigarh University's Mohali campus.
Admissions for the January 2026 intake are currently ongoing. The last date for submission of online application forms is 30th November 2025, with the Ph.D. Entrance Examination scheduled for 7th December 2025. Interviews will be conducted from 18th to 20th December 2025, with results announced on 30th December 2025. Admission notifications and fee deposits must be completed between 3rd to 20th January 2026, with the final admission deadline on 24th January 2026.
Key Points
- Research-intensive program with mentorship from world's top 2% scientists (Stanford Global List 2025)
- Access to high-impact Q1 journal publication opportunities with up to Rs. 2 lakh funding per publication
- Full-time research fellowship of Rs. 35,000 per month for eligible candidates
- Global research opportunities through 250+ international collaborations in 60+ countries
- Dual supervision and joint research project opportunities with prestigious international institutions
- Unrestricted access to IEEE journals, Springer, Elsevier, and top research databases
- State-of-the-art research infrastructure with 20+ Industry-Collaborated Centres of Excellence
- Full financial support for patent filing and travel grants for global conferences
CU Ph.D. (Nutrition & Dietetics) Fees
The Ph.D. program at Chandigarh University offers a structured fee system designed to support research scholars. The semester tuition fee is Rs. 70,000, payable for each of the 6 semesters over the 3-year duration. Additional charges include an admission fee of Rs. 10,000 (one-time), examination fee of Rs. 2,500 per semester, and a refundable security deposit of Rs. 5,000. The thesis submission fee is Rs. 25,000, payable upon final submission. However, eligible candidates receive a full-time research fellowship of Rs. 35,000 per month, which significantly offsets the tuition costs. Additionally, scholars publishing in Q1 journals receive up to Rs. 2 lakh per publication, and the university provides full financial support for patent filing and conference travel grants.
Fee Components
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|
| Admission Fee (One-time) | 10,000 |
| Semester Tuition Fee | 70,000 |
| Examination Fee (Per Semester) | 2,500 |
| Refundable Security (One-time) | 5,000 |
| Thesis Submission Fee | 25,000 |
| Total Fees (6 Semesters) | 4,35,000 |
- The refundable security deposit of Rs.
- 5,000
- is returned upon completion of the program.
- The examination fee of Rs.
- 2,500
- is charged per semester (6 semesters total = Rs.
- 15,000
- ).
- Eligible candidates receive a full-time research fellowship of Rs.
- 35,000
- per month, which can be used to offset tuition fees.
- Additional funding is available for Q1 journal publications (up to Rs.
- 2 lakh
- per publication), patent filing support, and conference travel grants.
- No EMI options are currently available; fees must be paid as per the university's payment schedule.
CU Ph.D. (Nutrition & Dietetics) Admission 2026
The Ph.D. in Nutrition & Dietetics program at Chandigarh University follows a merit-based admission process with multiple intake cycles throughout the year. The January 2026 intake is currently accepting applications with a structured timeline. Candidates are evaluated based on their performance in the CU-Ph.D. Entrance Test, academic record, and personal interview presentation. The university offers merit-based scholarships and research fellowships to support deserving candidates. Admission is also available for candidates with valid UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-NET/JRF, GATE/GPAT scores, or M.Phil. qualifications, though interviews remain mandatory.
Important Dates for January 2026 Intake
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Last Date for Online Application Submission | 30th November 2025 |
| Ph.D. Entrance Examination | 7th December 2025 |
| Interview Dates | 18th to 20th December 2025 |
| Interview Results Announcement | 30th December 2025 |
| Admission Notification and Fee Deposit Period | 3rd to 20th January 2026 |
| Final Admission Deadline | 24th January 2026 |
| Induction Program | 30th December 2025 |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have completed a 2-year/4-semester Master's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics, M.Sc. in Food & Nutrition, or Public Health Nutrition with at least 55% marks in aggregate or 5.5 CGPA (Grade 'B') on a 10-point scale
- Alternatively, candidates with a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA are eligible
- Valid scores in UGC-NET/JRF, CSIR-NET/JRF, GATE/GPAT, or M.Phil. (regular mode) qualifications are accepted; entrance test exemption is available for these candidates, though interview remains mandatory
Admission Process
- Candidates must register online and submit the application form along with the entrance test fee of Rs. 1,100
- Eligible candidates appear for the CU-Ph.D. Entrance Test conducted by the university
- Shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview where they must present their research proposal to the selection committee
- Final selection is based on merit in the entrance test, interview performance, and academic record
- Selected candidates must deposit the admission fee and other prescribed fees within the specified deadline
- Medical fitness certificate endorsed by a government medical officer is mandatory for admission
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