UGC Approves 33 New Allied and Healthcare Degree Courses; Revised Framework to Apply From 2026-27
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved 33 new allied and healthcare degree courses proposed by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP).
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved 33 new allied and healthcare degree courses proposed by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP). The revised nomenclature and common framework for these programmes will come into effect from the 2026-27 academic session. The NCAHP functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and is responsible for regulating allied and healthcare education and professional practice in India.
Key Highlights of the UGC Notification
The major changes under the revised framework include:
- 33 new allied and healthcare degree courses have been approved by the UGC.
- Common curricular norms will apply across 17 allied and healthcare disciplines.
- The duration of Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) will increase from 4.5 years to 5 years.
- The duration of Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) will increase from 4.5 years to 5 years.
- The duration of Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) will increase from 4 years to 5 years.
- The revised framework will be implemented from the 2026-27 academic session.
Revised Course Duration at a Glance
| Programme | Earlier Duration | Revised Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) | 4.5 years | 5 years |
| Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) | 4.5 years | 5 years |
| Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) | 4 years | 5 years |
Which Disciplines Are Covered?
The 33 approved courses cover 17 medical and healthcare disciplines. These include areas related to:
- Medicine and surgery
- Ayurveda
- Unani
- Homeopathy
- Pharmacy
- Paramedical sciences
- Nursing
- Other allied and healthcare professions
Universities offering Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) and Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) programmes will also need to restructure their course offerings. The degrees will have to follow the newly specified nomenclature.
Why Has UGC Introduced These Changes?
The revised framework aims to bring uniformity in course nomenclature, curriculum and academic standards across allied and healthcare programmes. At present, different universities use different titles for similar allied healthcare degrees. This can create confusion among students, employers and regulators. A common framework is expected to make qualifications easier to understand and compare across states. The NCAHP has also welcomed the move, stating that greater standardisation could improve employability and support India's broader vision of becoming a global leader in allied and healthcare education by 2030-31.
How Will Universities Implement the New Framework?
Universities will be required to adopt the notified course nomenclature and align their curricula with the common norms prescribed for each discipline. The changes will apply from the 2026-27 academic session. However, implementation may vary across states as some states are yet to establish their respective allied and healthcare councils to regulate and enforce the framework.
Action Plan for Candidates
- Check the official notification on the UGC and NCAHP websites for the list of approved courses.
- Confirm the revised course duration and nomenclature with the university before applying.
- Plan for an additional year of study if applying for BPT, BOT or BOptom programmes.
- Check the admission requirements and curriculum offered by the target university.
- Monitor the website of the respective State Allied and Healthcare Council for admission-related updates.