BPT Syllabus Structure (4.5 Years)
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) curriculum is rigorous and aligns closely with the MBBS syllabus for the first two years. It is designed to transform a student into a movement specialist who understands the human body inside out.
The 4.5-year program is divided into 4 Years of Academic Study followed by 6 Months of Compulsory Rotatory Internship. The course moves from "Pre-Clinical" subjects (Theory) to "Paraclinical" (Therapy) and finally "Clinical" (Patient Treatment).
- Assessment: Theory Exams + Practical Vivas + Clinical Case Presentations.
- Clinical Posting: Starts from the 2nd Year (Observer) and becomes full-time by the Internship phase.
- Core Focus: Anatomy, Biomechanics, Exercise Therapy, and Electrotherapy.
Year 1: Basic Medical Sciences (Pre-Clinical)
The first year is the foundation. You study alongside MBBS/BDS students, focusing on the structure and function of the human body. This year is heavy on memorization and dissection hall visits.
Main Subjects
- Human Anatomy: The most important subject for a Physio. You will study Osteology (Bones), Myology (Muscles), Arthrology (Joints), and Neurology (Nerves) in extreme detail. Practical classes involve cadaveric dissection to see muscle attachments.
- Human Physiology: How the body works. Topics include the Nervous System (Action potentials), Cardiovascular System (Heart cycle), Respiratory System, and Muscle Physiology (Sliding filament theory).
- Biochemistry: The chemical processes of the body. Metabolism of Carbs, Proteins, Fats, Vitamins, and enzymes relevant to muscle energy.
- Sociology & Psychology: Understanding patient behavior, pain psychology, and how society influences health. Essential for handling patients with chronic pain.
- Basic Nursing & First Aid: CPR, bandaging, measuring BP/Pulse, and basic patient handling techniques.
Year 1 Outcome: You should be able to name every bone, muscle, nerve, and artery in the human body and explain how they function.
Year 2: Biomechanics & Therapeutic Modalities
This is the "Bridge Year" where you transition from a basic science student to a therapy student. You learn the "Tools of the Trade"—Movement and Machines.
Main Subjects
- Biomechanics & Kinesiology: The physics of human movement. You analyze levers, torque, gait cycle (walking pattern), posture, and ergonomics. This distinguishes a Physio from a general doctor.
- Exercise Therapy (Part 1): The art of curing with movement. You learn Passive Movements, Active Assisted Exercises, Yoga, Stretching, and Joint Mobility techniques.
- Electrotherapy (Low & Medium Frequency): Introduction to machines used for pain relief. You learn the physics and application of TENS, IFT (Interferential Therapy), Ultrasound, and Muscle Stimulators.
- Pathology & Microbiology: Study of diseases (inflammation, healing process, infections) and the bacteria/viruses that cause them.
- Pharmacology: Study of drugs. While PTs don't prescribe, you must know how painkillers (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and steroids affect a patient's ability to exercise.
Year 2 Outcome: You understand how joints move (Biomechanics) and how to apply basic relief techniques using machines (Electrotherapy) and manual exercises.
Year 3: Clinical Subjects & Orthopedics
The focus shifts to specific medical departments. You start attending hospital wards (OPD/IPD) regularly.
Main Subjects
- Orthopedics: Study of bone diseases and injuries. Fractures, Arthritis, Spondylitis, Joint Replacements, and Sports Injuries (ACL tear, Meniscus injury).
- General Medicine: Rheumatology (RA, SLE), Skin conditions, Deficiency diseases, and Geriatrics (Elderly care).
- General Surgery: Understanding surgical procedures like Amputations, Laparotomy, and Burns management (Plastic Surgery).
- PT in Orthopedics: The core PT subject. You learn rehabilitation protocols for fractures, post-surgery rehab (e.g., Protocol after Knee Replacement), and manual therapy for back/neck pain.
- PT in General Medicine & Surgery: Chest Physiotherapy for ICU patients, burn rehabilitation, and treating skin conditions (Psoriasis) using UVR lamps.
Year 3 Outcome: You can diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions like Back Pain, Frozen Shoulder, and Fracture stiffness independently.
Year 4: Neurology, Cardio & Research
The final academic year deals with critical care and complex systems (Brain & Heart).
Main Subjects
- Neurology & Neurosurgery: Study of the Brain and Spinal Cord. Stroke (CVA), Parkinson’s, Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Cord Injuries, and Brain Tumors.
- PT in Neurology: Neuro-rehab techniques like PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation), Bobath Technique, and balance training for paralyzed patients.
- Cardiorespiratory Disorders: Heart attacks (MI), COPD, Asthma, and Bypass surgeries (CABG).
- PT in Cardio-Respiratory: ICU Management. Techniques include Postural Drainage (removing mucus from lungs), Breathing Exercises, and Cardiac Rehab protocols.
- Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR): Taking physio to rural areas. Women’s health (Antenatal/Postnatal exercises) and Industrial health.
- Research Methodology & Biostatistics: How to conduct research, write a thesis, and analyze clinical data.
Year 4 Outcome: You are ready to handle critical ICU patients, stroke survivors, and conduct independent research.
6 Months Compulsory Rotatory Internship
After passing the 4th Year exams, you must complete 6 months of full-time clinical duty (usually 48 hours/week) to get the degree.
| Posting Department |
Duration |
Skills Learned |
| Orthopedics (OPD/IPD) |
1.5 Months |
Fracture mobilization, Manual Therapy. |
| Neurology |
1.5 Months |
Stroke Rehab, Gait Training. |
| ICU / Cardio |
1 Month |
Ventilator care, Chest Physio. |
| Pediatrics |
1 Month |
Handling Cerebral Palsy kids. |
| Community / Rural |
1 Month |
Camps and Home Visits. |
Standard Medical Textbooks for BPT
BPT students study the same standard books as MBBS students for preclinical subjects.
| Subject |
Book Title |
Author |
| Anatomy |
Human Anatomy (Vol 1, 2, 3) |
B.D. Chaurasia |
| Physiology |
Textbook of Medical Physiology |
Guyton & Hall / A.K. Jain |
| Exercise Therapy |
Principles of Exercise Therapy |
Dena Gardiner |
| Electrotherapy |
Clinical Electrotherapy |
Clayton |
| Biomechanics |
Joint Structure and Function |
Cynthia Norkin |
| Orthopedics |
Essential Orthopedics |
Maheshwari |
Syllabus FAQs
Q1: Do we have to dissect dead bodies (Cadavers) in BPT?
Yes, generally. In the 1st Year Anatomy classes, BPT students visit the Dissection Hall. While you might not perform the full dissection yourself (usually done by PG doctors), you must touch, feel, and identify muscles/nerves on the cadaver to understand real anatomy.
Q2: Is the syllabus same as MBBS?
For the first 1.5 years, Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry are nearly identical to MBBS. However, after the 2nd year, MBBS shifts to Pharmacology/Surgery/Medicine, whereas BPT shifts to Biomechanics, Exercise Therapy, and Rehabilitation.
Q3: How hard are the exams?
The volume of syllabus is huge. You have to memorize thousands of muscle origins/insertions. It requires daily study. The passing percentage is usually 50%, and unlike general colleges, failing a subject often means repeating the exam in 6 months (supply).
Q4: Does the syllabus cover Sports Physiotherapy?
Yes, basic Sports Medicine is covered in the 3rd and 4th years under Orthopedics. You learn about taping, bandaging, and on-field injury management. For advanced skills, students usually pursue a Master's (MPT) in Sports.
