Nutritionist
Advises healthy people on eating habits, food choices and lifestyle — not on treating illness.
Overview
A Nutritionist gives general nutritional advice to promote healthy eating habits, help make better food choices and to improve lifestyle among healthy individuals. However, they are not qualified to treat patients with illness such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Where they work
- Hospitals
- Private clinics
- Schools
- MNCs
- Wellness Centres
- Sports Clubs
Work environment
You are likely to work in an office setting, managing nutrition programs, seeing clients and/or working on policy issues related to nutrition. You are expected to work up to 8 hours per day. If you are self-employed, then working hours could be flexible. Entrepreneurship: you can start your own practice.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to help others
- You have interest in understanding how the human body functions
- You have strong communication skills
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Nutrition/Home Science/Food Science.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree and then pursue a Master's degree (M.Sc.) in Nutrition.
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree and then pursue a Diploma in Nutrition.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Nutrition Science. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Lady Irwin College, New Delhi
- National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
- G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pant Nagar, Uttarakhand
- Shrimati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey University, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Viharilal College of Home and Social Science, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- J.D. Birla Institute of Home Science, Kolkata, West Bengal
- All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Sri Ramachandra Medical College And Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- DY Patil University School of Ayurveda, Nerul, Maharashtra
- Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University (JJTU), Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Trainee
- 2Nutritionist
- 3Senior Nutritionist
- 4Head of the Department
Expected income
₹18,500 – ₹25,000 per month as a new entrant
The figures are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Dietician
Registered nutrition professional who advises people on food choices, diet charts and meal plans.
Athlete Development Specialist
Helps athletes enhance performance and manages their athletic careers and brand.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Rujuta Diwekar — A leading nutrition expert. She has written many books on health, food and nutrition. With a background in sports science and nutrition, she is also known to give fitness advice. In a career spanning more than 20 years, Rujuta has worked with clients from all walks of life, from businessmen to celebrities and sportsmen.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 379 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3iCSttw
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.