UGC Revises Rules: MPT and MOT Degrees to Include Specialization

Degrees for Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) and Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) will no longer be awarded under a generic title; instead, they will specify the chosen area of ​​specialization. The UGC has introduced this change through the 5th amendment published in the Gazette of India.

The UGC has modified the framework for several degree programs related to allied health and healthcare. This new rule will come into effect from the 2026-27 academic session. Under these guidelines, MPT and MOT degrees will reflect the specific specialization rather than bearing a generic name. The UGC implemented this change via the 5th amendment, published in the Gazette of India on August 27, 2026. This amendment modifies the UGC’s 2014 notification regarding degree specifications and adds several new and revised allied health and healthcare degree programs to the list.

Specialization Areas for MPT

Starting in the 2026-27 session, the specialization pursued by MPT students will be mentioned on their degrees. The UGC has identified eight specific areas for this purpose: Musculoskeletal Sciences, Neurosciences, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Sciences, Sports Sciences, Pediatrics and Neonatal Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Sciences, Oncology Sciences, and Community Rehabilitation Sciences. The MPT program will have a minimum duration of two years, and a bachelor’s degree will be a mandatory prerequisite for admission.

MOT Degrees to Also Include Specialization

Similar changes have been introduced for the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program. Under these new rules, students will be awarded degrees that specify their particular area of ​​expertise. Specializations designated for the MOT program include Musculoskeletal Sciences, Paediatrics and Neonatology, Neurosciences, Mental Health, Cardiopulmonary Sciences, Rehabilitation, Geriatrics, Hand Sciences, and Oncological Sciences. The duration of the MOT program has been set at a minimum of two years, and a bachelor’s degree is required for admission.

New Rule Not Applicable to Existing Students

The new UGC rule will not affect students currently pursuing their studies. Students admitted to MPT or MOT programs prior to the 2026-27 academic year will be awarded degrees in accordance with the previous regulations. This has been mentioned in the communication from the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), which also incorporates UGC documentation.

Inclusion of Several New Healthcare Degrees

The UGC’s fifth amendment is not limited to changes in MPT and MOT programs; it also introduces several new and revised undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) degree programs related to allied and healthcare education. These include Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science, Master of Medical Laboratory Science, and Master’s programs in Medical Microbiology, Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, and Histology and Cytopathology. Additionally, the list includes Bachelor of Emergency Medical Technologist, Master of Advanced Care Paramedics, and Bachelor and Master of Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology.

33 New Programs and Revisions to 21 Existing Ones

According to the Union Ministry of Health, 33 new allied and healthcare UG/PG degree programs have been introduced, and 21 existing ones have been updated under the regulatory framework of the NCAHP. The objective is to standardize degree nomenclature, duration, and admission eligibility criteria across these programs. The UGC has implemented these changes under Section 22(3) of the UGC Act, 1956.