Top Food and Nutrition Colleges in India

Here is a detailed guide to the Top Food and Nutrition Colleges in India that offer exceptional programs for aspiring nutritionists, dieticians, and food technologists. These institutions focus on developing expertise in health sciences, food technology, clinical nutrition, and more, along with strong industry connections for placements.

Lady Irwin College, New Delhi
  1. Key Highlights:
    • Affiliated with Delhi University, Lady Irwin College is renowned for its courses in food and nutrition, emphasizing clinical dietetics, public health nutrition, and research.
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • 10+2 in Science with Biology; entrance exam conducted by Delhi University.
  3. Fee Structure:
    • Approx. ₹ 30,000 per year.
  4. Placement Report:
    • Offers internships and placements in hospitals, food companies, and NGOs with packages averaging ₹ 3-5 Lakhs per annum.
National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad
  1. Key Highlights:
    • NIN, under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), provides advanced courses in nutrition and dietetics with a strong focus on public health nutrition and food safety.
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • Bachelor's in Science or Home Science for postgraduate programs; entrance-based.
  3. Fee Structure:
    • Approx. ₹ 15,000 per year.
  4. Placement Report:
    • Graduates are placed in government health initiatives, research institutions, and food industries with packages of ₹ 5-7 Lakhs per annum.
Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru
  1. Key Highlights:
    • Mount Carmel College offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in food science and nutrition, emphasizing practical exposure and innovative research.
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • 10+2 in Science for UG, and a Bachelor's in Science for PG programs.
  3. Fee Structure:
    • ₹ 70,000 to ₹ 1.5 Lakhs per year.
  4. Placement Report:
    • Average packages range from ₹ 4-6 Lakhs per annum, with recruiters like Nestlé, Britannia, and Apollo Hospitals.
Brainware University, West Bengal
  1. Key Highlights:
    • Brainware University offers a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition, focusing on applied nutrition, food microbiology, and diet planning.
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • 10+2 in Science for UG; Bachelor's in Science or related field for PG programs.
  3. Fee Structure:
    • Approx. ₹ 1.2 Lakhs per year.
  4. Placement Report:
    • Strong placement record with an average package of ₹ 3-5 Lakhs per annum; notable recruiters include healthcare facilities, FMCG companies, and research organizations.
Institute of Home Economics (IHE), Delhi
  1. Key Highlights:
    • A part of Delhi University, IHE is known for its research-driven approach to food and nutrition studies, with courses in therapeutic nutrition and food technology.
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • 10+2 in Science; admission through DU entrance exam.
  3. Fee Structure:
    • Approx. ₹ 25,000 per year.
  4. Placement Report:
    • Average package of ₹ 3.5-5 Lakhs per annum, with placements in hospitals, research institutions, and multinational food companies.
Amity University, Noida
  1. Key Highlights:
    • Amity offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in food technology and nutrition, integrating technology and entrepreneurship skills into the curriculum.
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • 10+2 in Science; admission through merit or entrance exams.
  3. Fee Structure:
    • ₹ 1.5-2 Lakhs per year.
  4. Placement Report:
    • Average package of ₹ 4-6 Lakhs per annum, with recruiters like ITC, Haldiram's, and Fortis Healthcare.
SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
  1. Key Highlights:
    • SNDT provides specialized programs in food science and nutrition, emphasizing women’s health, community nutrition, and food preservation techniques.
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • 10+2 in Science; Bachelor's for PG courses.
  3. Fee Structure:
    • Approx. ₹ 50,000 per year.
  4. Placement Report:
    • Packages average ₹ 3-4 Lakhs per annum, with placements in NGOs, healthcare facilities, and food manufacturing companies.
MOP Vaishnav College for Women, Chennai
  1. Key Highlights:
    • Known for its holistic programs in food science, this college integrates practical training, workshops, and internships into its curriculum.
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • 10+2 in Science for UG courses.
  3. Fee Structure:
    • Approx. ₹ 60,000 per year.
  4. Placement Report:
    • Average package of ₹ 3-4 Lakhs per annum, with top recruiters including Apollo Hospitals and FMCG firms.
Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Pune
  1. Key Highlights:
    • Symbiosis offers industry-oriented programs in applied nutrition, biotechnology, and clinical dietetics.
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • Bachelor's in Science for PG courses.
  3. Fee Structure:
    • ₹ 1.5-2 Lakhs per year.
  4. Placement Report:
    • Graduates secure roles in research organizations and food industries with packages of ₹ 5-7 Lakhs per annum.
University of Mysore
  1. Key Highlights:
    • The University of Mysore offers a robust program in food science with a focus on food safety, nutrition planning, and quality control.
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • Bachelor's degree for PG courses.
  3. Fee Structure:
    • Approx. ₹ 40,000 per year.
  4. Placement Report:
    • Average salary of ₹ 4-6 Lakhs per annum, with recruiters from both government and private sectors.
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
  1. Key Highlights:
    • PAU’s food science programs are research-driven, with a strong emphasis on agricultural produce and nutrition technologies.
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • 10+2 in Science for UG programs.
  3. Fee Structure:
    • ₹ 50,000 per year.
  4. Placement Report:
    • Average package of ₹ 4-6 Lakhs per annum, with placements in research labs and FMCG firms.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
  1. Key Highlights:
    • BHU offers advanced courses in food science, clinical nutrition, and public health, with a focus on multidisciplinary research.
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • Bachelor’s degree for PG courses; entrance exam required.
  3. Fee Structure:
    • Approx. ₹ 30,000 per year.
  4. Placement Report:
    • Packages average ₹ 4-5 Lakhs per annum, with placements in government and private sectors.
Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab
  1. Key Highlights:
    • LPU offers modern programs in nutrition and dietetics, combining practical exposure and internships with global partnerships.
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • 10+2 in Science; entrance exam or merit-based admission.
  3. Fee Structure:
    • ₹ 1-1.5 Lakhs per year.
  4. Placement Report:
    • Average package of ₹ 3-5 Lakhs per annum, with recruiters like Fortis, Apollo, and Dabur.
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh
  1. Key Highlights:
    • AMU provides strong academic foundations in food and nutrition with advanced lab facilities and research projects.
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • 10+2 in Science; entrance exam required.
  3. Fee Structure:
    • Approx. ₹ 20,000 per year.
  4. Placement Report:
    • Average salary package of ₹ 3-5 Lakhs per annum, with placements in government health schemes and private organisations.
Tezpur University, Assam
  1. Key Highlights:
    • Offers innovative programs in food technology and nutrition science with an emphasis on regional dietary needs and agricultural produce.
  2. Eligibility Criteria:
    • Bachelor’s degree for PG programs.
  3. Fee Structure:
    • Approx. ₹ 30,000 per year.
  4. Placement Report:
    • Average salary of ₹ 4-5 Lakhs per annum, with recruiters from both the public and private sectors.

Here is a list of the top colleges in India offering programs in Food and Nutrition. These institutions are known for their quality education, research opportunities, and strong industry connections in food science, dietetics, and nutrition:

1. Lady Irwin College, Delhi University
  1. Programs Offered: B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition, PG Diplomas.
  2. Highlights: Renowned for its academic excellence, research, and practical exposure in food science and dietetics.
  3. Location: New Delhi.
2. Institute of Home Economics, Delhi University
  1. Programs Offered: B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition.
  2. Highlights: Focus on applied nutrition, food technology, and clinical dietetics with internships in leading hospitals and food industries.
  3. Location: New Delhi.
3. NIFTEM (National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management), Sonipat
  1. Programs Offered: B.Tech. in Food Technology, M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology.
  2. Highlights: Industry-driven curriculum, research-focused programs, and strong placement support.
  3. Location: Haryana.
4. Mount Carmel College, Bangalore
  1. Programs Offered: B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Food Science and Nutrition.
  2. Highlights: Emphasis on hands-on training, internships, and placement support in food and health sectors.
  3. Location: Karnataka.
5. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore
  1. Programs Offered: B.Sc. in Food Science, M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition.
  2. Highlights: Leading agricultural university with state-of-the-art facilities for food science and nutrition studies.
  3. Location: Tamil Nadu.
6. Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
  1. Programs Offered: B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition.
  2. Highlights: Offers extensive research opportunities in food science and dietetics with a focus on agricultural food products.
  3. Location: Punjab.
7. All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health (AIIHPH), Kolkata
  1. Programs Offered: Diploma and Certificate Courses in Public Health Nutrition.
  2. Highlights: Specializes in public health nutrition and community dietetics with practical training in rural and urban settings.
  3. Location: West Bengal.
8. University of Mumbai, Mumbai
  1. Programs Offered: B.Sc. in Home Science with specialization in Food and Nutrition, M.Sc. in Food Science.
  2. Highlights: Strong focus on food technology and clinical nutrition with research and placement opportunities.
  3. Location: Maharashtra.
9. Amity University, Noida
  1. Programs Offered: B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Food Technology and Nutrition.
  2. Highlights: Industry-relevant programs with modern laboratories and internship opportunities in top food brands.
  3. Location: Uttar Pradesh.
10. SNDT Women's University, Mumbai
  1. Programs Offered: B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Food and Nutrition.
  2. Highlights: One of the pioneering institutions in women’s education, known for nutrition and dietetics programs.
  3. Location: Maharashtra.
11. Avinashilingam University for Women, Coimbatore
  1. Programs Offered: B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Food Service Management and Dietetics.
  2. Highlights: Focus on women empowerment in food science and dietetics with practical training and research.
  3. Location: Tamil Nadu.
12. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra
  1. Programs Offered: M.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
  2. Highlights: Known for its advanced curriculum and collaboration with healthcare sectors for internships.
  3. Location: Uttar Pradesh.
13. Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad
  1. Programs Offered: B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
  2. Highlights: Focus on modern nutrition techniques and hands-on training through research projects.
  3. Location: Haryana.
14. Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore
  1. Programs Offered: M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology.
  2. Highlights: A premier institute focusing on food technology, research, and innovations in food processing.
  3. Location: Karnataka.
15. Christ University, Bangalore
  1. Programs Offered: B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics.
  2. Highlights: Comprehensive curriculum with strong industry tie-ups and internships.
  3. Location: Karnataka.

- Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad

- Renowned for its food science and nutrition programs, offering robust research opportunities.

- Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

- Offers specialized courses in food technology and nutrition with a strong emphasis on research.

- Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh

- Known for its state-of-the-art facilities and focus on applied nutrition and food technology.

- Parul University, Vadodara

- Offers dynamic programs in food and nutrition with modern infrastructure and expert faculty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the career options after completing a degree in Food and Nutrition?

Careers include Dietitian/Nutritionist, Food Technologist, Public Health Consultant, Quality Assurance Manager, and roles in research and development.

What is the average fee for Food and Nutrition programs in India?

  • Government colleges: INR 10,000 - 50,000 per year.
  • Private institutions: INR 1 - 3 lakh per year.

What entrance exams are required for admission to top Food and Nutrition colleges?

Common entrance exams include ICAR AIEEA, DUET, NIFTEM Entrance Test, and University-Specific Tests.

Is a career in Food and Nutrition lucrative?

Yes, with increasing awareness about health and nutrition, there is a high demand for professionals in healthcare, food industries, and wellness sectors.

What is the duration of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Food and Nutrition?

  • Undergraduate (B.Sc.): 3 years.
  • Postgraduate (M.Sc.): 2 years.

Are internships mandatory in Food and Nutrition courses?

Yes, most programs require internships or hands-on training to ensure practical exposure.

These colleges provide strong academic and practical foundations for aspiring food and nutrition professionals.

These top institutions provide students with comprehensive training in food science and nutrition, preparing them for careers in healthcare, research, and the food industry.