New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has revised the nomenclature of several degrees related to allied healthcare courses, with the changes coming into effect from the academic year 2026-27.
The changes were published in the Gazette of India on August 27, 2026, following approval by the Central government.
Under the revised rules, Master of Physiotherapy (M.PT) and Master of Occupational Therapy (M.OT) will no longer be awarded as general degrees. Students admitted to these programmes from the 2026-27 academic session will receive degrees with specific specialisations.
Students admitted to M.PT and M.OT programmes before the 2026-27 academic year will continue to receive their degrees under the earlier UGC regulations.
The revised notification provides for several specialisations under the M.OT degree, including:
- Musculoskeletal sciences
- Paediatrics and neonatology
- Neurosciences
- Mental health
- Rehabilitation
- Geriatrics
- Hand and oncological sciences
- Cardiovascular and pulmonary sciences
- Sports sciences
- Paediatrics and neonatal sciences
- Obstetrics and gynaecology sciences
- Community rehabilitation sciences
The changes are intended to specify the area of specialisation in the degree awarded to students.
The notification also specifies several other undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in allied healthcare, 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)
- Master of Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology (M.AOTT)
The list also covers degrees in areas such as 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.
The revised 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 specifies Master of Respiratory Technology in Neonatal and Paediatric Respiratory Care.
The UGC said the changes form part of the fifth amendment to its 2014 notification specifying degrees under Section 22(3) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.