IGNOU Certificate in Food Nutrition Admission 2026: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is one of India’s largest and most trusted public universities, established in 1985 by an Act of Parliament. The university is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is well known for providing quality education through open and distance learning which is approved by the DEB. Along with this the university has been granted an A++ grade by the NAAC.
The Certificate in Food and Nutrition course is designed to create awareness about healthy eating habits, balanced diets, food safety and nutrition at different stages of life. The program is suitable for beginners and does not require a high academic background. Applicants who wish to study this course have to make a payment of INR 300 as an application fee which is non refundable.
For the upcoming January 2026 session applicants can apply for the IGNOU Certificate in Food Nutrition (CFN) course. Those students who are interested and want to get enrolled can fill out the application form before the last date of 31 January 2026 by visiting the official portal of the university @ignou.ac.in. The admission is offered without any entrance examination and is mainly based on the eligibility conditions mentioned in the official prospectus.
IGNOU Certificate in Food Nutrition Course Highlights Table
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Certificate in Food and Nutrition (CFN) |
| Offered By | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Course Level | Certificate Course |
| Duration | Minimum: 6 MonthsMaximum: 2 Years |
| Mode of Study | Open & Distance Learning (ODL) |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board |
| Admission Criteria | Merit-based (No entrance exam) |
| Medium of Instruction | English & Hindi |
| Course Fee | INR 2,400 |
| Study Material | Printed self-learning material + Digital resources |
| Assessment Method | Assignments + Term-End Examination (TEE) |
| Academic Session | January & July cycles |
| Course Focus | Basic nutrition, food safety, health & balanced diet |
| Career Scope | Nutrition Assistant, Health Worker, Community Nutrition Volunteer |
| Official Website | ignou.ac.in |
IGNOU Certificate in Food Nutrition Course Details
The Certificate in Food and Nutrition is a post-literacy level awareness program designed for people who have basic reading and writing skills. The program helps learners understand the importance of food and nutrition for a healthy life at the individual, family and community level. It covers topics such as choosing and preparing food, nutrition needs from infancy to old age, food budgeting, kitchen gardening, food adulteration, consumer rights, food safety and nutrition education.
Upon the completion of certificate course, students can work in roles such as Nutrition Assistant, Community Health Worker, Anganwadi Helper, Diet Assistant, Health Educator or Food Safety Awareness Worker. Job opportunities are available in NGOs, Anganwadi centers, schools, hospitals, health clinics, wellness centers and community development projects.
Some private organizations and companies that may hire include Nestlé India, Patanjali, ITC Foods, Britannia, Amul, Tata Consumer Products and Apollo Hospitals (for support roles). The starting salary generally ranges between INR 1.8 lakh to INR 3 lakh per year.
IGNOU Certificate in Food Nutrition Admission 2026-27
For the January 2026 academic session, the IGNOU has begun the admission portal for their Certificate in Food Nutrition (CFN) with the last date for submission is 31 January 2026. Applicants are advised to carefully go through the official prospectus available on the IGNOU website @ignou.ac.in to understand the course details, study pattern, and guidelines. The total program fee for the Certificate in Food Nutrition is INR 2,400.
Enrollment to the IGNOU Certificate in Food Nutrition program is designed to be easy and learner-friendly for students from different backgrounds. Before applying, candidates should make sure they fulfill the basic eligibility conditions set by the university. The admission process starts with filling out the online application form and uploading the required documents within the given time. IGNOU does not conduct any entrance test for this certificate course, as admission is granted purely on the basis of eligibility.
IGNOU Certificate in Food Nutrition Eligibility
Admission to the IGNOU Certificate in Food and Nutrition (CFN) program is done as per the guidelines mentioned in the official admission prospectus issued by the university. IGNOU does not conduct any entrance examination for this certificate course. Interested candidates are advised to visit the official IGNOU web portal regularly to check important updates related to admission, schedule and guidelines. Some of the basic eligibility requirements are given below:
- Applicants should have basic reading and writing skills to understand the study material.
- There is no strict minimum educational qualification, as the program is designed for post-literacy learners.
- Candidates of all age groups are allowed to apply for this program
IGNOU Certificate in Food Nutrition Application Process 2026
- Step 1: Visit the official IGNOU admission portal.
- Step 2: Click on the link for “Online Admission” and select the Certificate Program section.
- Step 3: Choose Certificate in Food and Nutrition (CFN) from the list of available programs.
- Step 4: Register using a valid email ID and mobile number and create your login credentials.
- Step 5: Fill in the online application form with personal, academic and contact details.
- Step 6: Upload scanned copies of the photograph, signature and required documents in the prescribed format.
- Step 7: Pay the application and program fee through the available online payment modes.
- Step 8: Submit the application form and download the confirmation receipt for future reference.
Required Documents
- Class 10 or equivalent educational certificate
- Mark sheet of the qualifying examination
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Identity proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID or Passport)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Experience certificate (if required, if any)
- Date of birth proof
IGNOU Certificate in Food Nutrition Syllabus
| Course Code | Title of the Course | Credits |
| CFN 1 | You and Your Food | 6 |
| CFN 2 | Your Food and its Utilisation | 6 |
| CFN 3 | Economics of Food | 6 |
| Total Credits | 16 |
Why Choose IGNOU Certificate in Food Nutrition?
- Cost-Effective Learning: The course is affordable, allowing students to gain valuable knowledge without high tuition fees.
- Flexible Learning: Offered in ODL and online modes, the program allows students to study at their own pace, making it suitable for working professionals and homemakers.
- Enhanced Employability: Completing the certificate adds credibility and improves job prospects, as employers value candidates with specialized knowledge in nutrition and food science.
- Social Impact: The program emphasizes responsible food choices, consumer rights, and environmental sustainability, helping learners contribute positively to society.
Jobs After Completing IGNOU Certificate in Food Nutrition
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (India) |
| Nutrition Assistant | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
| Health Worker | ₹2,20,000 – ₹3,80,000 |
| Community Nutrition Volunteer | ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,20,000 |
| Diet Assistant (Hospitals) | ₹2,20,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
| Food Safety Assistant | ₹2,50,000 – ₹4,50,000 |
| Wellness Coach (Entry Level) | ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
| Nutrition Educator (Schools/NGOs) | ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
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