UGC revises healthcare degree rules; degrees will now be awarded based on specialization..

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has amended the regulations concerning degrees in allied and healthcare education. The new rule will come into effect from the 2026-27 academic session. Under this, degrees for Master of Physiotherapy (M.PT) and Master of Occupational Therapy (M.OT) will now be awarded with the name of the specific specialization included; essentially, the student's area of ​​expertise will be clearly stated on the degree. This change by the UGC was notified in the Gazette of India on August 27, 2026. It marks the fifth amendment to the UGC's 2014 notification on degree specifications.

**8 Specializations in M.OT**
Under the new rules, the M.OT course will be conducted based on distinct specializations. These include Musculoskeletal Sciences, Pediatrics and Neonatology, Neurosciences, Mental Health, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Sciences, Rehabilitation, Geriatrics, and Hand Oncological Sciences. The minimum duration for this master's degree will be two years, and the relevant bachelor's degree will be a prerequisite for admission.

**Restructured M.PT Program**
Degrees for the Master of Physiotherapy (M.PT) program will also be awarded based on specialization. The specializations include Musculoskeletal Sciences, Neurosciences, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Sciences, Sports Sciences, Pediatrics and Neonatal Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Sciences, Oncology Sciences, and Community Rehabilitation Sciences. The duration of study for this program will also be a minimum of two years.

**Rule Not Applicable to Existing Students**
The UGC's new rule will not apply to students who enrolled in M.PT or M.OT programs before the 2026-27 academic session. Such students will receive their degrees in accordance with the old regulations. This arrangement has been made based on information provided by the NCAHP.

**Inclusion of Various Other Healthcare Courses**
The revised list incorporates several courses, including Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Microbiology, Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Histology, and Cytopathology. Additionally, fields such as Paramedics, Anesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology, Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, Medical Physics, Dialysis, and Respiratory Technology are part of the new list.

**Health Information Management Also Included**
The new framework also includes B.Sc. and M.Sc. courses related to Health Information Management. The minimum duration for the B.Sc. program will be four years, while the M.Sc. program will span two years. The objective of this change is to provide clear recognition to degrees associated with allied and healthcare professions based on their specific specializations.

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