BPT admissions 2026 open: apply by April for 4.5-year program

Admissions for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) program for the 2026 academic year are now open, with applications tentatively scheduled to begin in March 2026. The 4.5-year undergraduate course, which includes a mandatory six-month clinical internship, is offered by institutions affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in Karnataka and other universities nationally.

The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), established under the NCAHP Act, 2021, holds regulatory authority over physiotherapy education across India. This year’s admission cycle will see varied entry modes, including merit-based selection, CUET UG, or university-specific entrance tests, with specific processes for government and private quota seats.

Eligibility and Admission Process for 2026

To be eligible for BPT admission in 2026, candidates must have passed their 10+2 examination or an equivalent qualification with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as core subjects. A minimum aggregate of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) is generally required for admission. For reserved categories in Karnataka, the minimum aggregate marks in 10+2 with PCB are typically 45%.

The minimum age requirement for BPT admission is 17 years by the admission year. For government-quota BPT seats in Karnataka for the 2026-27 cycle, admission will be conducted through the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) and subsequent counselling by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). Private and management-quota seats may be filled directly by colleges based on 10+2 PCB marks, with some colleges routing admissions through KEA’s centralized process. It is confirmed that NEET is not mandatory for BPT admission in 2026, though its requirement has been subject to change in previous cycles and may be deferred to 2027-28.

Course Structure and Regulatory Framework

The BPT program is structured as four years of academic study followed by a compulsory six-month clinical internship. This internship is typically undertaken at the college’s attached teaching hospital, providing practical experience in areas such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, therapeutic techniques, rehabilitation, and patient care. The program aims to train students comprehensively for careers in various healthcare settings.

Nationally, the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) regulates physiotherapy education, as mandated by the NCAHP Act, 2021. In Karnataka, nearly all of the 73 active physiotherapy colleges are affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), with a small number operating under deemed universities such as Manipal/MAHE, JSS, Nitte, and Yenepoya. Karnataka’s Allied and Healthcare Professions Council has been identified as an early implementer of NCAHP’s updated curriculum standards. Graduates of the BPT program are permitted to use the title ‘Dr.’ with the suffix ‘PT,’ as clarified by the Ministry of Health.

Fees and Institutions in Karnataka and Beyond

The fees for BPT programs vary significantly across institutions. For instance, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, has BPT fees of approximately ₹13,483 per year. In Karnataka, KLE University, Belagavi, charges approximately ₹1,75,000 per year, while Acharya Institute of Health Sciences (AIHS), Bengaluru, has fees of approximately ₹2,10,000 per year. SRM College of Rehabilitation Sciences (SRMCRI), Chennai, has BPT fees of approximately ₹1,25,000 per year. IIMT University in Meerut, which is NAAC ‘A’ Grade accredited and UGC recognized, offers scholarships of up to 50% for meritorious students.

Bangalore is a major hub for physiotherapy colleges in Karnataka, hosting over 40 institutions. Prospective students are advised to check eligibility, appear for relevant entrance exams like CUET UG 2026 or university-specific tests, and apply to shortlisted colleges. Final admission requires attending counselling or a personal interview and confirming admission by paying fees. Students should confirm directly with KEA (kea.kar.nic.in) or NCAHP (ncahp.abdm.gov.in) for the latest updates regarding admission requirements.

Further reading

• Pharm.D Punjab: Apply with 10+2 PCB/PCM for 6-year program
• OPJS M.Pharm 2026: Apply with B.Pharm 55% for 2-year program, INR 1 lakh fee
• Gokul Global University: Apply for 3-year LLB program
• BPT 2026: Apply March-April for admissions; NEET not mandatory
• Jain University MBA 2026-28 admission: apply by March 31, written test April 1-2

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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