UGC revises allied healthcare degrees, introduces specialized MPT and MOT programmes

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has overhauled the degree structure for several allied and healthcare programmes, introducing specialised Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) and Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degrees and expanding the list of recognised qualifications from the 2026-27 academic session.

The changes were notified in the Gazette of India on August 27, 2026, following approval by the Central Government.

The notification marks the fifth amendment to the UGC’s 2014 notification specifying the degrees that can be awarded by higher education institutions.

A key change is the move away from general MPT and MOT degrees towards programmes linked to clearly defined areas of specialisation. Universities offering these courses from 2026-27 will have to follow the nomenclature and structure specified by the UGC.

MOT degrees to carry specialised titles

Under the revised framework, Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) programmes will be offered in specified areas of specialisation.

The recognised M.OT specialisations include Musculoskeletal Sciences, Paediatrics and Neonatology, Neurosciences, Mental Health, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Sciences, Rehabilitation, Geriatrics, Hand and Oncological Sciences.

The M.OT programme will have a minimum duration of two years and admission will require a bachelor's degree.

MPT programmes get defined specialisations

The UGC has also specified a specialised structure for Master of Physiotherapy programmes from the 2026-27 academic year.

The notified MPT specialisations include Musculoskeletal Sciences, Neurosciences, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Sciences, Sports Sciences, Paediatrics and Neonatal Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Sciences, Oncology Sciences and Community Rehabilitation Sciences.

The MPT programme will require a minimum of two years of study after a bachelor's degree.

Existing MPT, MOT students protected under earlier rules

The revised framework will not apply retrospectively to students already enrolled in MPT or MOT programmes.

According to the communication from the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) included in the UGC document, students admitted before the 2026-27 academic session may be awarded their degrees under the earlier UGC notification.

UGC expands list of allied healthcare degrees

The fifth amendment also adds several qualifications to the list of specified allied and healthcare degrees.

These include Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS), Master of Medical Laboratory Science (MMLS), Master of Medical Laboratory Science in Medical Microbiology, Master of Medical Laboratory Science in Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, and Master of Medical Laboratory Science in Histology and Cytopathology.

The revised list also includes Bachelor of Emergency Medical Technologist (Paramedics) (BEMT), Master of Advance Care Paramedics (MACP), Bachelor of Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology (BAOTT), and Master of Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology (MAOTT).

Other programmes covered by the updated framework include nutrition and dietetics, psychology, medical and psychiatric social work, medical radiology and imaging technology, radiation therapy technology, nuclear medicine technology, medical physics, physician associates, dialysis therapy and respiratory technology.

Health information management courses included

Health Information Management (HIM) programmes have also been brought under the updated degree list at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The BSc HIM programme will have a minimum duration of four years, while the MSc HIM programme will require at least two years of study.

Changes take effect from 2026-27

The UGC issued the amendment under Section 22(3) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.

The fifth amendment updates the list of degrees covered under the regulatory framework of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions.

Universities offering the affected programmes will have to align their degree structures and nomenclature with the revised specifications from the applicable academic session.

The changes bring greater specificity to allied healthcare qualifications, particularly at the postgraduate level, by formally linking programmes such as MPT and MOT to defined areas of specialisation.