The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) is a professional medical course that prepares students to treat patients through physical exercises, electrotherapy, and manual therapy rather than surgery or drugs. It is one of the most respected and high-demand fields in the healthcare sector today.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) |
| Level | Undergraduate (Medical/Paramedical) |
| Duration | 4 Years + 6 Months Mandatory Internship |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) & English. Minimum 50% marks. |
| Admission Process | Entrance Based: NEET, IPU CET, BCECE, JET. Merit Based: 12th Marks (in some private universities). |
| Course Fee | Govt: ₹20,000 - ₹50,000 (Total) Private: ₹3 Lakh - ₹8 Lakh (Total) |
| Job Profiles | Physiotherapist, Sports Physio, Osteopath, Rehabilitation Specialist, Consultant. |
| Starting Salary | ₹ 3.0 LPA - ₹ 7.0 LPA (Varies by Hospital/Sports Team) |
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) is a 4.5-year undergraduate program that deals with the science of physical movement. It creates medical professionals who specialize in curing movement dysfunctions, managing pain, and rehabilitating patients after surgeries or accidents.
Unlike MBBS doctors who rely heavily on medication and surgery, a Physiotherapist (PT) uses mechanical forces, heat therapy, electricity (electrotherapy), and biomechanics to restore health. The course is scientifically rigorous, covering human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pharmacology in depth.
The Internship Factor: The final 6 months of the course are dedicated to a mandatory Clinical Internship. During this period, students work in hospitals, rotating through departments like Orthopedics, Neurology, and Cardiopulmonary care to gain hands-on experience with real patients.
The perception of physiotherapy has shifted from just "massage therapy" to a critical branch of modern medicine. In 2026, the scope extends far beyond clinics:
If you have an interest in medicine but are unsure about MBBS, here is why BPT is an excellent alternative:
BPT is a core medical course, so the eligibility rules are stricter than general streams.
The admission process for BPT has become more standardized. While some states still take 12th marks, most top colleges now rely on entrance exams.
While NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is primarily for MBBS/BDS, many states (like Maharashtra) and deemed universities now use NEET scores for BPT admission as well.
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Applicable For |
|---|---|---|
| NEET (UG) | NTA | Accepted by many Govt and Private colleges across India (e.g., Maharashtra BPT). |
| IPU CET | GGSIPU, Delhi | Admission to top Delhi colleges like ISIC (Indian Spinal Injuries Centre) and BCIP. |
| BCECE | Bihar Board | For admission to Govt Physiotherapy colleges in Bihar. |
| LPUNEST / MET | Private Universities | For admission to LPU, Manipal, and other deemed universities. |
The cost of BPT education is significantly lower than MBBS or BDS, making it a financially viable option for many families.
Not everywhere. While states like Maharashtra have made NEET mandatory for BPT, many other states and private universities (like IP University Delhi) conduct their own separate entrance exams (CETs). You must check the specific notification of your state.
You become a "Physiotherapist," not a Medical Doctor (MBBS). However, the Indian Association of Physiotherapists allows the use of the prefix "Dr." along with the suffix "PT" to denote your professional standing as a physical therapy specialist.
BPT requires extensive study of Human Anatomy, Physiology, and Biomechanics, similar to the 1st year of MBBS. It is challenging and requires hard work, especially if you want to be a good clinician, but it is certainly manageable with consistent study.
Sports Physiotherapy is a lucrative niche. While starting salaries may be ₹4-6 LPA, experienced physios working with cricket leagues (IPL), football clubs, or national teams can earn upwards of ₹12-20 LPA, plus travel perks.