UGC revises allied healthcare degree rules; M.PT, M.OT to get specialisations from 2026-27

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has made changes to the rules for several degrees related to allied healthcare courses. The changes were published in the Gazette of India on August 27, 2026, and have been approved by the Central Government.

From the academic year 2026-27, M.PT and M.OT will not be given as general degrees. Students will get these degrees with a specific specialisation. M.OT can now have specialisations such as musculoskeletal sciences, paediatrics and neonatology, neurosciences, mental health, rehabilitation, geriatrics, hand and oncological sciences, and cardiovascular and pulmonary sciences.

Under the amendment made in 2014 notification, M.PT will also have different specialisations including musculoskeletal sciences, neurosciences, cardiovascular and pulmonary sciences, sports sciences, paediatrics and neonatal sciences, obstetrics and gynaecology sciences, oncology sciences and community rehabilitation sciences.

Students who were admitted to these courses before academic year 2026-27 can receive their M.PT or M.OT degree under the earlier UGC rules.

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More healthcare degrees included

The new notification also lists several other healthcare degrees including Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (B.MLS), Master of Medical Laboratory Science (M.MLS), Bachelor of Emergency Medical Technologist (B.EMT), Master of Advance Care Paramedics (M.ACP), Bachelor of Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology (B.AOTT) and Master of Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology (M.AOTT).

The notification also includes degrees related to 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.

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Health information management degrees

The list also includes Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (B.Sc. HIM) and Master of Science in Health Information Management (M.Sc. HIM). It also includes Masters of Respiratory Technology in Neonatal and Paediatric Respiratory Care.

The UGC said the changes are part of the fifth amendment to its 2014 notification on the degrees it specifies. The amendment was issued under Section 22(3) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.