PhD Food and Nutrition is a higher doctorate with a focus on higher-order research and scholarly outputs in clinical nutrition, public health, food safety, and functional foods. The candidates have the option to specialize in diverse subareas like Food Science and Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics, etc.
The length of the regular full-time PhD program is three years, extendable to five years. The applicants should have at least 55% aggregate marks in MSc and a valid score in the national or state-level entrance exam, e.g., CSIR NET, UGC NET, or SET.
A few of the leading institutions providing this course are MSU-Baroda, Gujarat University, Amity University-Noida, and IGNOU. The fee structure depends on the nature of the institution. Semi-government or government institutions typically range from INR 20,000 to 50,000, and private universities typically can vary from INR 2 to 3 lakhs. Career prospects in educational institutions, research institutes, and industry include higher salary packages between INR 5 to 8 LPA for the course completers.
PhD Food and Nutrition Course Highlights
The key highlights of the PhD in Food and Nutrition courseare tabulated below.
Program Name | Doctorate of Philosophy in Food and Nutrition |
Duration | 3 to 5 years |
Eligibility | MSc in Biological Sciences with 55% marks and qualifying entrance exams like UGC NET, CSIR NET, and SET. |
Admission | Based on entrance exam merit and performance in personal interview |
Course Fee | Government university: INR 20,000 to 50,000
Private university: INR 2 to 4 lakhs |
Average Starting Salary | INR 4 to 6 LPA |
Top Recruiting Sectors | Universities, Food industries, Healthcare, Fitness and Health Consultancy, etc. |
Job Positions | Assistant Professor, Junior Research Fellow, Senior Research Fellow, Research Associate, Product Development Scientist, QA manager, Food Safety Officer, etc. |
Why Pursue a PhD Food and Nutrition?
A PhD in Food and Nutrition is a rewarding career for individuals who want to develop opportunities to carry out in-depth research, make international contributions to global health and food security, and emerge as an academic, industrial, or public health leader.
- The program qualifies the student with specialized research methods, analysis, and critical thinking skills.
- Research undertaken in this area can help address international food security issues.
- Candidates can be given a fellowship of INR 15,000 to 40,000 through different government plans.
- Throughout the course, one is able to publish research findings and reviews or book chapters.
- These publications increase the scholar's research portfolio, paving the way for an academic career.
PhD Food and Nutrition Eligibility
To get registered in PhD Food and Nutrition, one must possess an MSc with at least 55% or equivalent CGPA and valid scores in state/ national/ university-specific entrance test.
- Commonly accepted entrance exams are UGC NET, CSIR NET, and SET.
- Some universities may consider GATE or ICAR NET.
- Students with M.Tech or other equivalent degree in Food Science or Home Science can also apply for the PhD in Food and Nutrition.
- Final selection is based on performance in PI or GD rounds.
PhD Food and Nutrition Admission
Admission is based on entrance exam scores, performance in interview, potential of research proposal, and available seats in specific institutes.
- Check the admission guidelines and selection process for the chosen university.
- Fill out the application form with required information.
- Upload the supportive documents like educational and identity proofs.
- Appear in the exam and subsequent interview round.
- Candidates with NET or SET qualification are exempted from university-level entrance exams.
- University will send the confirmation if the applicant is selected.
- Selected candidates will be asked for selection of supervisor.
PhD Food and Nutrition Top Colleges
PhD in Food and Nutrition is offered by several government and private institutes. Some universities consider this course under the category of Home Science. Therefore, applicants are advised to check the available specializations for their chosen institute.
Some of the best colleges for PhD in Food and Nutrition are tabulated below.
Name | NIRF Ranking | Average Course Fee (INR) |
Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth | 16 (agriculture), 115 (overall) | 60,000 |
IGNOU | 1 (open university category) | 20,000 |
University of Mysore | 54 (university) | 2.5 lakhs |
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University | 33 (university) | 60,000 |
Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad University | 151-200 (university) | - |
Amity University, Noida | 32 (university) | 3 lakhs |
Dr. NGP Arts and Science College | 75 (institute) | - |
Era University | 52 (university) | 1.5 lakhs |
Syllabus for PhD Food and Nutrition
PhD Food and Nutrition is a research-based program covering coursework, research, data analysis, presentation, publication, seminars, and thesis submission in the final year.
The table below represents the PhD Food and Nutrition syllabus followed by Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth.
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Advances in Carbohydrates, Proteins and Lipids | Minerals in Human Nutrition |
Advances in Food Science and Technology | Maternal and Child Nutrition |
Global Nutrition Problems |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Advances in Vitamins and Hormones | Doctoral Seminar II |
Nutrition and Agriculture Interface | Doctoral Research |
Doctoral Seminar I |
Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
Doctoral Research | Doctoral Research |
Job Prospects for PhD Food and Nutrition
With a PhD in Food and Nutrition, one can explore diverse career options like Academia, Research and Development, the Food industry, or the Healthcare sector.
Job Role | Description | Salary / Fellowship |
Professor / Lecturer | Teaching and research in universities and colleges. | INR 12 to 15 LPA |
Research Scientist | Research in food safety, nutrition, and food technology. | INR 20 to 24 LPA |
Postdoctoral Researcher | Specialized PhD researcher with fellowship in niche areas. | INR 60,000 to 70,000 per month |
Food Scientist / Technologist | Developing and improving food products, ensuring food safety. | INR 4 to 7 LPA |
Quality Assurance Manager | Ensuring quality and safety of food products. | INR 8 to 10 LPA |
Product Development Scientist | Research and develop new food products or processes. | INR 7 to 15 LPA |
Food Safety Auditor | Conducts audits to ensure compliance with food safety standards. | Around INR 10 LPA |
Research Associate / JRF / SRF | Experimental work and data analysis for government projects. | INR 40,000 to 50,000 per month |
PhD Food and Nutrition FAQs
What is the scope of a PhD in Food and Nutrition?
PhD Food and Nutrition leads to diverse career opportunities from researcher to industry professionals. It offers a platform to contribute to the creation of new dietary guidelines, nutritional knowledge, and public health regulations. One can find employment in hospitals, private clinics or fitness centers, regulatory agencies, research firms, food industries, or universities.
Is PhD valid without NET?
Yes, having a NET qualification is important, but not compulsory for PhD. NET qualified candidates easily get admission to PhD programs as compared to those without NET. For completion of PhD, NET is not required. However, one must qualify NET to secure a job in government university.
Is paper publication mandatory for PhD admission?
No, paper publication is not mandatory as admission to a PhD program is based on merit of the entrance exam and personal interview. Candidates with paper published in Scopus or WoS indexed journals are given first preference for registration.
