New Delhi: In a significant overhaul of physiotherapy education in India, the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) course will now span five years, incorporating a mandatory one-year internship, with admissions to be conducted through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) starting from the 2026–27 academic year. This reform, announced by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) and supported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aims to elevate professional standards and align physiotherapy with other medical education programs.
Extended Duration for Enhanced Training
The extension of the BPT course from four and a half years to five years includes four years of academic study and a compulsory one-year clinical internship. According to Karnataka’s Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Sharan Prakash Patil, this change will enable “competency-based learning and deeper clinical exposure,” ensuring graduates are better equipped to handle real-world healthcare challenges. The announcement was made during the inauguration of Karnataka Physiocon-25, an international physiotherapy conference held in Bengaluru on April 25, 2025.
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NEET UG as the Gateway
Previously, admissions to BPT programs in many states, including Karnataka, were based on Class 12 marks or state-specific entrance exams. However, the new mandate requires aspiring physiotherapists to qualify through NEET UG, aligning the course with other undergraduate medical programs like MBBS and BDS. This shift is part of a broader push for standardized medical education across India, as confirmed by multiple sources, including the NCAHP’s 2025 Physiotherapy Curriculum released on April 23, 2025.
“The integration of physiotherapy courses under NEET will enhance academic quality and professional standards,” said Minister Patil, addressing over 10,000 students at the Physiocon-25 event. The move has been welcomed by industry leaders, with Yagna Shukla, Chairperson of the NCAHP, highlighting plans for a “One Nation, One Curriculum” initiative to further streamline physiotherapy education.
Additional Reforms: ‘Dr’ Prefix and Infrastructure Requirements
In a related development, the NCAHP has approved the use of the ‘Dr’ prefix for physiotherapists, provided they include the ‘PT’ suffix, recognizing their expertise in the healthcare field. Additionally, new regulations mandate that standalone physiotherapy colleges must have at least 10 acres of land and a built-up area of 35,000 square feet, with tie-ups to hospitals for clinical exposure. A teacher-student ratio of 1:10 will also be enforced to ensure quality education.
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Implementation Timeline
While the reforms are set to transform physiotherapy education, the NCAHP has clarified that since many institutes have already begun admissions for the 2025–26 academic year, the new norms, including NEET-based admissions, will take effect from 2026–27. This delay provides institutions and students time to adapt to the updated requirements.
The NEET UG 2025 exam, scheduled for May 4, 2025, will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), with admit cards expected to be released by May 1, 2025. Aspiring physiotherapists are advised to prepare rigorously, as NEET UG scores will now determine entry into BPT programs alongside other allied health sciences like optometry and dialysis therapy.
Looking Ahead
These changes mark a new era for physiotherapy in India, promising enhanced training, standardized admissions, and greater professional recognition. As the country gears up for NEET UG 2025, students aiming for a career in physiotherapy must now focus on securing a competitive score to secure a seat in this increasingly prestigious field.
For more updates on NEET UG 2025 and physiotherapy education, visit The Interview Times.