UGC New Rules for Allied Healthcare Courses: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has revised the degree structure for several allied and healthcare programmes, introducing specialised degree nomenclature for postgraduate courses. The changes include Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) and Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) programmes from the academic year 2026-27.
The revised framework was notified in the Gazette of India on August 27, 2026, following approval from the Central Government. The notification is the fifth amendment to the UGC's 2014 degree specifications and includes updated degree names and specialisations for allied and healthcare programmes.
UGC New Rules 2026: MPT To Be Offered With Specialisations
Under the revised framework, universities offering Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) programmes will have to follow the specialised nomenclature specified by the UGC.
The notified MPT specialisations include:
-Musculoskeletal Sciences
-Neurosciences
-Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Sciences
-Sports Sciences
-Paediatrics and Neonatal Sciences
-Obstetrics and Gynaecology Sciences
-Oncology Sciences
-Community Rehabilitation Sciences
The MPT programme will have a minimum duration of two years after a bachelor's degree, as specified in the revised framework.
MOT Degree To Follow Specialised Structure
The Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) programme will also be offered with specified specialisations instead of as a general master's degree.
The notified specialisations include:
- Musculoskeletal Sciences
- Paediatrics and Neonatology
- Neurosciences
- Mental Health
- Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Sciences
- Rehabilitation
- Geriatrics
- Hand Sciences
- Oncological Sciences
The MOT programme has a minimum duration of two years at the master's level, with a bachelor's degree required for admission.
What Happens To Existing MPT, MOT Students?
The revised degree structure will not be applied retrospectively to students who were already enrolled in MPT or MOT programmes before the 2026-27 academic year.
As per the information included in the UGC document concerning the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), students admitted before the 2026-27 academic year may continue to receive their degrees under the earlier UGC specifications.
UGC Adds Several New Allied Healthcare Degrees
The fifth amendment also updates the list of degrees covered under the allied and healthcare category. These include:
-Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS)
-Master of Medical Laboratory Science (MMLS)
-MMLS in Medical Microbiology
-MMLS in Haematology and Transfusion Medicine
-MMLS in Histology and Cytopathology
-Bachelor of Emergency Medical Technologist (Paramedics) (BEMT)
-Master of Advanced Care Paramedics (MACP)
-Bachelor of Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology (BAOTT)
-Master of Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology (MAOTT)
The revised framework also covers programmes in 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.
Health Information Management Programmes Also Included
The updated degree list includes Health Information Management (HIM) programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
The BSc Health Information Management programme will have a minimum duration of four years, while the MSc Health Information Management programme will have a minimum duration of two years.
UGC Changes To Apply From Academic Year 2026-27
The UGC said the amendment has been issued under Section 22(3) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. The fifth amendment updates the list of degrees covered under the regulatory framework of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions.
Universities offering these programmes will have to align their degree nomenclature and structure with the revised specifications from the applicable academic session.