UGC Revises Allied Healthcare Degree Structure, Introduces New MPT and MOT Specialisations

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has revised the degree structure for several allied and healthcare programmes from the academic year 2026-27. The changes were notified through the fifth amendment to the UGC’s 2014 notification on the specification of degrees, following approval by the Central Government. The revised framework introduces specialised degree structures for postgraduate programmes in physiotherapy and occupational therapy, while also expanding the list of recognised allied healthcare qualifications.

MPT and MOT Degrees to Follow Specialised Structure

One of the major changes concerns Master of Physiotherapy (M.PT) and Master of Occupational Therapy (M.OT) programmes. From the 2026-27 academic year, these programmes will no longer be awarded as general master’s degrees. Instead, universities will award degrees under specific specialisations listed in the revised UGC framework.

The new M.OT specialisations include:

• Musculoskeletal Sciences

• Paediatrics and Neonatology

• Neurosciences

• Mental Health

• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Sciences

• Rehabilitation

• Geriatrics

• Hand

• Oncological Sciences

The M.OT programme will have a minimum duration of two years after a bachelor’s degree.

For M.PT programmes, the notified 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. These programmes will also have a minimum duration of two years following a bachelor’s degree.

Existing Students Will Follow Earlier Rules

The revised structure will not apply retrospectively to students who were admitted to M.PT or M.OT programmes before the 2026-27 academic year. According to the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) communication included in the UGC document, such students may receive their degrees under the earlier notification. This provision ensures that students who began their postgraduate programmes under the previous framework are not required to change their degree structure midway through their studies.

More Allied Healthcare Degrees Added

The UGC amendment also expands the list of recognised allied healthcare programmes. The updated framework covers disciplines including medical laboratory sciences, emergency medical technology, anaesthesia and operation theatre technology, nutrition and dietetics, psychology, medical radiology, respiratory technology, dialysis therapy and health information management.

Some of the specified qualifications include:

• Bachelor and Master of Medical Laboratory Science

• Bachelor of Emergency Medical Technologist

• Master of Advanced Care Paramedics

• Bachelor and Master of Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology

• Programmes in medical radiology and imaging technology

• Programmes in radiation therapy and nuclear medicine

• Physician Associate and respiratory technology programmes

The revised list also includes Health Information Management programmes. The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management will have a minimum duration of four years, while the Master of Science in Health Information Management will have a minimum duration of two years.

What the Revised Framework Means for Students

The changes provide students with more clearly defined academic pathways in healthcare education, particularly at postgraduate level. By specifying areas of study within M.PT and M.OT degrees, the revised structure distinguishes different fields of physiotherapy and occupational therapy within formal degree nomenclature.

For universities, the changes mean that affected programmes will need to follow the updated degree names and structures from the applicable academic session. Students planning admission from 2026-27 should therefore check the specialisation, eligibility requirements and programme structure of their chosen course before applying.

For EducationNewsNetwork, the UGC notification represents an important development in the structure of higher education programmes, particularly for students considering careers in allied and healthcare professions. The changes also form part of a broader effort to bring greater uniformity to allied and healthcare qualifications.

The revised framework expands the range of recognised qualifications while introducing clearer specialisations in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. TopEducationNews will continue to cover major updates related to degree structures, admissions, examinations and academic regulations that affect students and institutions across India.