UGC overhauls allied healthcare degrees, adds new MPT and MOT specialisations
The University Grants Commission, UGC, has revised the degree structure for several allied and healthcare programmes from the academic year 2026-27. The changes were notified in the Gazette of India on August 27, 2026, with the approval of the Central Government.
The notification marks the fifth amendment to the UGC's 2014 notification specifying degrees that can be awarded by higher education institutions.
One of the key changes is the introduction of specific specialisations for Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) and Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) programmes. From the academic year 2026-27, these programmes will no longer be awarded as general master's degrees and will instead be offered with specified specialisations.MOT TO BE AWARDED WITH SPECIFIC SPECIALISATIONS
Under the revised structure, universities offering Master of Occupational Therapy programmes will have to align their programmes with the specialisations specified by the UGC.
The M.OT specialisations listed in the notification include Musculoskeletal Sciences, Paediatrics and Neonatology, Neurosciences, Mental Health, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Sciences, Rehabilitation, Geriatrics, Hand, and Oncological Sciences.
The notification specifies M.OT as a master's-level programme with a minimum duration of two years. A bachelor's degree is required for admission.MPT PROGRAMMES TO FOLLOW SPECIALISED STRUCTURE
As part of the revised allied healthcare degree structure, the UGC has specified specialisations for Master of Physiotherapy programmes from 2026-27. Universities offering MPT will have to follow the updated nomenclature and award degrees in the notified specialisations.
The list covers Musculoskeletal Sciences, Neurosciences, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Sciences, Sports Sciences, Paediatrics and Neonatal Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Sciences, Oncology Sciences, and Community Rehabilitation Sciences.
The MPT programme will require a minimum of two years of study after a bachelor's degree.EXISTING MPT, MOT STUDENTS TO FOLLOW EARLIER RULES
The revised degree structure will not apply retrospectively to students already enrolled in M.PT or M.OT programmes.
According to the communication from the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) included in the UGC document, students admitted before the 2026-27 academic year may be awarded degrees under the earlier UGC notification.UGC ADDS MORE ALLIED HEALTHCARE DEGREES
The fifth amendment also adds several other specified degrees under the allied and healthcare category.
The revised list 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 INCLUDED
The updated degree list further includes Health Information Management programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The BSc HIM programme will be of at least four years, while the MSc HIM programme will have a minimum duration of two years.CHANGES EFFECTIVE FROM 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 falling under the regulatory framework of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions. Universities offering the affected programmes will need to align their degree structures with the revised specifications from the applicable academic session.
The revised framework is aimed at bringing greater specificity to allied healthcare qualifications, particularly at the postgraduate level, by linking degrees such as M.PT and M.OT to defined areas of specialisation.- EndsPublished By: Apoorva AnandPublished On: Sep 20, 2026 09:30 ISTREAD | UGC caste discrimination rules under review, Centre tells Supreme CourtREAD | NTA releases exam calendar 2026-2027: JEE Main from Jan 22, UGC NET from Dec 14
