![National Institute of Nutrition - [NIN]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/1426226076jp.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) is a premier government nutrition research institute established in 1918 under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Located beside Tarnaka Metro Station, Hyderabad, NIN is the oldest and most prominent nutrition research institution in India, completing over 100 years of continuous operation in nutrition science, food safety, and public health research. The institute holds NABL accreditation for its laboratory facilities.
NIN does not appear in NIRF, The Week, India Today, or conventional college ranking frameworks, as it is a specialized research institute rather than a university or degree-granting institution. Academic programmes at NIN operate in affiliation with AcSIR (Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research), a Deemed to be University under DST, for the PhD programme, and with NTRUHS (Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences), Vijayawada, for the M.Sc programmes.
NIN is located at Jamai-Osmania, beside Tarnaka Metro Station, Hyderabad-500007, in the university district of Hyderabad. The institute is within the ICMR campus and adjacent to Osmania University and the Secunderabad-Hyderabad academic corridor.
- M.Sc (Applied Nutrition) - 2 years, INR 3.20 Lakhs total (NTRUHS affiliated)
- M.Sc (Sports Nutrition) - 2 years, INR 3.20 Lakhs total (NTRUHS affiliated)
- PhD in Nutrition - 3 to 5 years, through AcSIR, INR 84,000 registration fees (JRF/SRF fellowship stipend provided separately)
- Post-Graduate Certificate Course in Nutrition (PGCCN) - short-term course, INR 50,000 total
M.Sc programmes carry total fees of INR 3.20 Lakhs for the 2-year course. PhD fellows receive JRF and SRF stipends from ICMR/SERB/DST as per government norms, with the registration fee at INR 84,000.
NIN graduates pursue research, clinical nutrition, sports nutrition advisory, and public health roles. The institute’s national reputation in nutrition science makes its M.Sc and PhD degree a strong credential for academic, government, and clinical nutrition careers in India.
NIN Admission Dates 2026
M.Sc admissions at NIN for the 2026-27 session have been officially deferred. The next M.Sc admission cycle for 2027-28 is expected to open in early 2027 with the usual N-CET followed by NTRUHS counselling. PhD admissions through AcSIR are on a rolling basis with January and July intakes.
| Programme | 2026-27 Status | 2027 Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| M.Sc Applied Nutrition | DEFERRED (official notification on nin.res.in) | Expected early 2027 |
| M.Sc Sports Nutrition | DEFERRED (official notification on nin.res.in) | Expected early 2027 |
| PhD (AcSIR) | January 2027 batch applications open | Rolling intakes |
| PGCCN (PG Certificate in Nutrition) | Annual notification on nin.res.in | Annual intake |
Admission to the M.Sc programmes is through the N-CET (Nutritional Common Entrance Test) conducted by NTRUHS, Vijayawada. For the current deferral details and exact reopening dates, candidates should check nin.res.in and the NTRUHS official portal. The PGCCN is a stand-alone short course with annual admissions notified separately by NIN.
| Programme | Entrance Exam | Awarding University |
|---|---|---|
| M.Sc Applied Nutrition | N-CET (NTRUHS) | NTRUHS (Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences) |
| M.Sc Sports Nutrition | N-CET (NTRUHS) | NTRUHS |
| PhD | AcSIR PhD Entrance Test | AcSIR (Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research) |
| PGCCN | No entrance exam, merit-based | ICMR-NIN Certificate |
NIN Courses and Fees
NIN offers four programmes: two 2-year M.Sc degrees, a PhD research programme, and a short-term PG Certificate Course. The fees are significantly lower than private nutrition colleges since NIN is a government research institute. PhD fellows additionally receive government-mandated JRF/SRF stipends.
| Programme | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Sc (Applied Nutrition) | 2 years | B.Sc (Life Sciences or equivalent), N-CET | INR 3.20 Lakhs |
| M.Sc (Sports Nutrition) | 2 years | B.Sc (Life Sciences or equivalent), N-CET | INR 3.20 Lakhs |
| PhD (Nutrition) | 3 to 5 years | M.Sc in relevant area, AcSIR entrance test | INR 84,000 (registration) plus JRF/SRF stipend |
| PG Certificate Course in Nutrition (PGCCN) | Short-term | Nutrition or health science background | INR 50,000 |
The M.Sc Applied Nutrition programme covers human nutrition, food composition, nutrition assessment, community nutrition, clinical nutrition, and nutrition policy. M.Sc Sports Nutrition covers exercise physiology, sports dietetics, ergogenic aids, performance nutrition, and body composition assessment. Both programmes benefit from NIN’s state-of-the-art research labs and ICMR’s nutrition data infrastructure including the Indian Food Composition Table and Dietary Guidelines for Indians.
NIN Admission Process
M.Sc (Applied and Sports Nutrition) Admission
M.Sc admissions at NIN are through N-CET (Nutritional Common Entrance Test), conducted by NTRUHS (Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences), Vijayawada. NIN participates in the NTRUHS counselling for M.Sc Nutrition seats. Admissions for 2026-27 are deferred and the next cycle is expected in 2027.
- Eligibility: B.Sc degree in Food Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Home Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or related Life Sciences with minimum 55% aggregate
- Entrance: N-CET conducted by NTRUHS, followed by counselling allotment to NIN
- Seats: Limited intake per batch (check NIN prospectus for current sanctioned strength)
- Reservation: As per Government of India norms for SC/ST/OBC/EWS
PhD Admission (through AcSIR)
PhD admissions at NIN are conducted through AcSIR (Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research), the Deemed University that awards doctoral degrees across all ICMR and CSIR institutes. The January 2027 PhD batch is currently accepting applications through the AcSIR portal.
- Eligibility: M.Sc in Nutrition, Biochemistry, Physiology, Microbiology, or related fields with minimum 55% marks
- Entrance: AcSIR Common Research Admission Test (CRAT) or valid JRF from ICMR/UGC/CSIR/DBT/DST
- Stipend: JRF at INR 37,000 per month (Year 1 to 2) and SRF at INR 42,000 per month (Year 3 onwards) as per DST norms
PGCCN Admission
The Post-Graduate Certificate Course in Nutrition (PGCCN) is a standalone short-duration course. Admission notifications are released annually on nin.res.in. The course targets nutrition professionals seeking advanced training in specific nutrition science areas.
NIN Placements and Career Outcomes
ICMR-NIN is a research institute and does not conduct corporate campus placements. M.Sc and PhD graduates from NIN pursue careers across research, clinical, and public health nutrition pathways. The NIN brand, ICMR affiliation, and AcSIR PhD degree are strong credentials across all nutrition career tracks in India.
Key career pathways for NIN M.Sc and PhD graduates include research fellowships and scientist positions in ICMR, CSIR, ICAR, and DBT-funded labs, clinical dietitian and sports nutritionist roles in hospitals and sports federations, government nutritionist and programme officer positions in NHM and state health directorates, academic and faculty roles in nutrition and home science departments, and nutrition advisory roles in the food and pharmaceutical industry.
| Career Pathway | Typical Entry Compensation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PhD JRF (Research Fellow) | INR 37,000 per month | DST-prescribed JRF rate during PhD |
| ICMR Scientist B (post-PhD) | INR 78,800 per month (Grade Pay) | Central government pay scale |
| Clinical Dietitian (private hospital) | INR 30,000 to 60,000 per month | NIN graduates command premium in clinical roles |
| Sports Nutritionist (professional sports) | INR 40,000 to 1.20 Lakhs per month | Indian sports federations, IPL franchises, Olympic committees |
| Assistant Professor (Nutrition) | INR 57,700 per month (7th Pay UGC scale) | University and college nutrition departments |
NIN Campus and Infrastructure
ICMR-NIN is located at Jamai-Osmania PO, Hyderabad-500007, beside the Tarnaka Metro Station on the Hyderabad Metro Blue Line. The campus is within the ICMR complex in the Secunderabad-Tarnaka area of Hyderabad, which hosts several research institutions including Osmania University Hospital and NIN’s neighbouring research affiliates.
NIN’s research infrastructure includes advanced nutrition assessment laboratories, food analysis labs with chromatography and mass spectrometry equipment, a diet survey and anthropometry unit, clinical nutrition units, sports performance testing equipment, a biorepository with dietary specimens, and a dedicated library housing one of India’s largest nutrition science reference collections. The NABL-accredited labs support both the M.Sc programme training and ongoing ICMR national nutrition surveys.
Hostel facilities are not listed in the current NIN fee schedule. Candidates are advised to confirm accommodation availability directly with the NIN admissions office. The Tarnaka Metro connectivity makes the institute accessible from all major parts of Hyderabad.
NIN vs CSIR-CFTRI vs Osmania University (Nutrition)
Aspirants considering advanced nutrition education in India compare NIN with similar government nutrition or food science institutions. CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI) in Mysuru offers M.Sc and PhD in food science through AcSIR. Osmania University in Hyderabad offers M.Sc Food Technology and Nutrition programmes as part of its regular university structure. All three are government-backed research or academic institutions serving nutrition science aspirants.
| Parameter | ICMR-NIN (Hyderabad) | CSIR-CFTRI (Mysuru) | Osmania University (Hyderabad) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | ICMR Research Institute | CSIR Research Institute | Central University (State) |
| Established | 1918 | 1950 | 1918 |
| Degree-Awarding Body | NTRUHS (M.Sc), AcSIR (PhD) | AcSIR (MSc and PhD) | Osmania University |
| M.Sc Specialisations | Applied Nutrition, Sports Nutrition | Food Technology, Food Safety | Food Technology, Nutrition |
| M.Sc Total Fee | INR 3.20 Lakhs | Refer CFTRI admissions page | Government university rates |
| PhD Stipend | JRF INR 37,000 per month | JRF INR 37,000 per month | UGC JRF if awarded separately |
| Key Focus | Human nutrition, public health nutrition | Food technology, food processing | Broad food science and nutrition |
NIN’s focus is exclusively on human nutrition and public health nutrition research, making it the most relevant for clinical nutrition, sports nutrition, and nutrition policy careers. CSIR-CFTRI is stronger for food technology and food processing industry careers. Osmania University offers a broader nutrition and food science programme with more seats and a university setting. NIN’s limited intake and ICMR pedigree make admission highly competitive compared to the other two.
NIN FAQs
Ques. Is ICMR-NIN a government institute?
Ans. Yes. ICMR-NIN (National Institute of Nutrition) is a government research institute established in 1918 under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It is the oldest and most prominent nutrition research institution in India.
Ques. Are M.Sc admissions at NIN open for 2026-27?
Ans. No. M.Sc (Applied Nutrition) and M.Sc (Sports Nutrition) admissions for the 2026-27 academic session have been officially deferred by NIN due to administrative reasons. The next M.Sc admission cycle (2027-28) is expected to open in early 2027. Candidates should monitor nin.res.in for updates.
Ques. What is the fee for M.Sc at NIN?
Ans. The total fee for M.Sc (Applied Nutrition) and M.Sc (Sports Nutrition) at ICMR-NIN is INR 3.20 Lakhs for the full 2-year programme. Admission is through the N-CET entrance test conducted by NTRUHS, Vijayawada. The degree is conferred by NTRUHS.
Ques. How is NIN PhD admission done?
Ans. PhD admissions at NIN are conducted through AcSIR (Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research), the Deemed University that awards doctoral degrees across all ICMR and CSIR institutes. Candidates need a valid M.Sc in a nutrition-related field and must clear the AcSIR Common Research Admission Test (CRAT) or hold a valid JRF from ICMR/UGC/CSIR/DBT. PhD fellows receive JRF stipend of INR 37,000 per month for the first two years. The January 2027 PhD batch is currently accepting applications.
Ques. What career options are available after M.Sc from NIN?
Ans. NIN M.Sc graduates work as clinical dietitians in hospitals and clinics, sports nutritionists with professional teams and sports federations, research assistants or project fellows in ICMR and other government labs, and nutrition officers in government health programmes. The NIN credential is widely recognised in clinical nutrition and government nutrition policy roles. The degree can also be used as a pathway to PhD admission at NIN or other ICMR/CSIR institutes.
Ques. Where is ICMR-NIN located in Hyderabad?
Ans. ICMR-NIN is located at Jamai-Osmania PO, Hyderabad-500007, beside the Tarnaka Metro Station on the Hyderabad Metro Blue Line. The institute is in the Secunderabad-Tarnaka area, close to Osmania University. It is easily accessible from all major parts of Hyderabad via metro.
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NIN Hyderabad offers M.Sc. and Certificate courses only to the students. The list of specialisations is mentioned below:
Visit the campus of the of the Institute to apply for the admission to any program. Candidates applying for M.Sc. (Applied Nutrition) course must hold 3-year Bachelor’s Degree in Non-Medical or MBBS. Applicants having passed four-year bachelor’s degree in MBBS or a Master’s Degree in Science may apply for Post-Graduate Certificate Course in Nutrition course. Candidates with MBBS or M.Sc. (Biochemistry) may apply for Annual Training Course. Students of the final year of Bachelor’s degree may also apply for the admission only if they produce the proof of completion of graduation. Admission to M.Sc. (Applied Nutrition) is based on entrance exam and counselling. Only Government or Non-Government or Private candidates are eligible to apply for the courses. The participants from outside India will have to obtain the formal clearance and permission of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Admission to NIN Hyderabad M.Sc course is done based on AP PGMET exam which is scheduled for June 3rd to 7th 2024.
The applications for admission to NIN Hyderabad have already begun by January 15th 2024 and the entrance exam for the same are conducted around May 2024.
You can apply for AP-PGMET by visiting the official website of the exam. Check here for more. National Institute of Nutrition Admission
To know the syllabus of the entrance exam, you can check out the official exam page of AP-PGCET 2023.
You can apply for MSc Entrance Exam in online mode in the month of May and June.
You can check out the page NIN Hyderabad Info and then navigate to “Download Brochure” and register there to get the brochure sent to your mail.
No, the National Institute of Nutrition doesn’t offer distance courses in M.Sc sports nutrition. You can check out more about NIN Admissions here
You need to appear for AP PGMET Entrance examination and counselling round for taking admission to the National Institute of Nutrition Hyderabad M.Sc. Nutrition and Dietics.
There are Post Graduate Certificates and Annual Training courses available for which you need not write an entrance examination and can take admission on a merit basis.
You need to have graduated from a Bachelor’s degree and then appear for AP-PGMET to get selected for NIN Hyderabad.
The notification for the release of application for AP PGMET 2023 will be out in March 2023 and the exam is yet to be scheduled in 28-30 May 2023(tentative).
Yes, you are eligible as you need to appear for AP-PGMET for medical course at NIN Hyderabad and there is no maximum age limit criteria for admission as of now for the same.
You can fill out the application form on the official website or by visiting the NIN Hyderabad campus physically.
No, You cannot apply for the PG Certificate program in Nutrition at NIN, Hyderabad. You must hold a bachelor’s degree to be eligible to apply.
No, NIN Hyderabad doesn’t offer B.Sc (applied nutrition) to its candidates.
The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad does not offer an M.phil degree.
You need to appear for AP PGMET entrance exam to get admission to NIN Hyderabad.
The National Institute of Nutrition offers a Post graduation Certificate in Nutrition for which you must have completed Graduation from a recognized university. The total fee of the course is INR 25000.