Physiotherapy course is now 5 years long and admission will be given through NEET UG score. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a notification in this regard. According to the notification issued, NEET UG has now been made mandatory for admission in physiotherapy course. At the same time, according to the new rules, it has also been made mandatory for physiotherapists to put doctors before their name and later physiotherapists.

According to media reports, the revised Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) course will now be of five years instead of four and a half years, in which the annual assessment system will be adopted in place of the earlier semester mode. This change in the curriculum will be effective from the 2026-27 academic year and will also apply to nine other allied health science courses including optometry, dialysis therapy, radiology and nutrition.

According to Prasad VG, member of NCAHP and program coordinator at Amrita Centre for Allied Health Sciences, the new curriculum reflects the continuation of efforts initiated in 2011 to formalize recognition and licensing of paramedical professions. Till now, most colleges conduct entrance exams at their own level for admission to Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT).

Internships will be mandatory.

According to media reports, as per the new rules, internship has now also been made mandatory for all BPT students. The total course credits have also been increased from 288 to 334. The assessment will include an objective structured clinical examination, an objective structured practical examination, and a multi-source feedback mechanism. NEET UG score will now be used for admission to BPT, BOptom (Bachelor of Optometry), Nutrition and Dietetics, and Dialysis Therapy.

The rule will be applicable from next year.
NCAHP has clarified that most of the paramedical institutes have started their admissions for 2025-26. Therefore, these rules will be applicable from next year only. The commission has also put a stop on new programs and college expansion until the regulatory licensing process is finalized. At the same time, NCAHP has also recommended the appointment of five physiotherapists in all government primary health centers, especially in rural areas.

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