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UGC Announces New Specializations for M.PT and M.OT Degrees Starting 2026

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced significant changes to the Master of Physiotherapy (M.PT) and Master of Occupational Therapy (M.OT) degree structures, effective from the 2026-27 academic year. These changes will introduce specific specializations for both programs, moving away from generic degrees. Current students will not be affected, as the new regulations apply only to new admissions. The UGC has also included additional healthcare degrees in the revised notification. Read on to learn more about the specializations and implications for future students.
By Ambika Singh Sep 21, 2026, 10:51 IST

UGC Notification for 2026 Academic Session



UGC Notification 2026: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled important modifications to the degree framework for Master of Physiotherapy (M.PT) and Master of Occupational Therapy (M.OT) programs, set to take effect in the 2026-27 academic year. The fifth amendment to the 2014 notification regarding degree specifications indicates that M.PT and M.OT degrees will now be awarded with specific specializations rather than as generic degrees. Below are the specializations that will be available for these courses.


Specializations for Master of Occupational Therapy (M.OT)

**Specializations available in M.OT**
Under the revised guidelines, universities offering M.OT programs are required to adjust their curricula. The recognized specializations for M.OT include:



  • Musculoskeletal Sciences


  • Paediatrics and Neonatology


  • Neurosciences


  • Mental Health


  • Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Sciences


  • Rehabilitation


  • Geriatrics


  • Hand Therapy


  • Oncological Sciences



According to the UGC, the M.OT program will continue to be a master's level course with a minimum duration of two years, requiring a bachelor's degree in a relevant field for admission.


Changes to Master of Physiotherapy (M.PT)

**Updated Rules for M.PT**
In a similar vein, Master of Physiotherapy (M.PT) programs will also transition to specialized courses. The specializations outlined in the notification include:



  • Musculoskeletal Sciences


  • Neurosciences


  • Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Sciences


  • Sports Sciences


  • Paediatrics and Neonatal Sciences


  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology Sciences


  • Oncology Sciences


  • Community Rehabilitation Sciences



Like M.OT, the M.PT program will also maintain a minimum duration of two years at the master's level.


Impact on Current Students

**No Impact on Existing Students**
The UGC has made it clear that these changes will only apply to new students starting from the 2026-27 academic session. Current students enrolled in M.PT or M.OT programs will not be affected and will receive their degrees under the previous regulations.


Additional Healthcare Degrees Included
The notification also encompasses various other degree programs in allied and healthcare fields, such as Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (B.MLS), Master of Medical Laboratory Science (M.MLS), Medical Microbiology, Hematology, Paramedics, and Anesthesia & Operation Theatre Technology. Furthermore, B.Sc. HIM and M.Sc. HIM programs related to Health Information Management have been added to the updated list.


This change was officially published in the Gazette of India on August 27, 2026, and has received the necessary approval from the Central Government.


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