02/05/2025
BIG CHANGES IN PHYSIOTHERAPY CURRICULUM 2025.
Major Changes in Physiotherapy Education: What Every Physiotherapist Needs to Know:
India’s physiotherapy profession is entering a new era with the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy (2025), approved by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP). Here are the three most important updates that every physiotherapist should know:
Degree Duration Aligned with MBBS
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) program has now been extended to a 5-year degree, which includes 4 academic years plus a 1-year mandatory internship. This change brings the BPT program in line with the MBBS degree, reflecting the growing importance and complexity of physiotherapy in India’s healthcare system. The extended duration ensures that students receive in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical clinical training, preparing them for real-world healthcare challenges.
NEET Mandatory for Admission
From now on, qualifying the National Eligibility cm Entrance Test (NEET) is mandatory for admission to the BPT course. This means that aspiring physiotherapists must clear NEET after their 12th standard (with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) to secure a seat in a recognized physiotherapy program. This move aims to standardize entry requirements, raise academic standards, and ensure only well-qualified students enter the profession, making physiotherapy education more competitive and streamlined across India
Use of ‘Dr’ Title Officially Permitted
A landmark change in the new curriculum is that physiotherapists who complete their BPT from a recognized institution can now officially use the “Dr” prefix before their name, along with the “PT” suffix (e.g., Dr. Anjali Verma, PT). This official recognition enhances the professional identity of physiotherapists and aligns Indian practice with global standards. However, it is important to use the “PT” suffix to clearly indicate the professional designation and avoid confusion with medical doctors.
Key Differences Between Old and New 5-Year BPT Programs
1. Program Duration
Old Program:
Typically 4–4.5 years (e.g., 4 academic years + 6 months of compulsory internship).
New Program:
5 years (4 academic years + 1-year mandatory internship).
Aligns with MBBS structure to enhance clinical training depth.
2. Admission Criteria
Old Program:
Admission based on state-level or institutional entrance exams (no uniform national standard).
New Program:
NEET qualification mandatory for admission, standardizing entry requirements nationwide.
3. Curriculum Structure
Old Program:
Theory-heavy with limited emphasis on practical skill integration.
Electives and skill courses were minimal (e.g., 12–14 discipline-specific electives in some programs).
New Program:
Competency-based curriculum with focus on hands-on clinical training and simulation labs.
Credit-based system aligned with the National Credit Framework (NCrF) for global compatibility.
Includes primary healthcare training, ethics, and research modules.
4. Clinical Training
Old Program:
6-month internship
Limited emphasis on real-time patient case management.
New Program:
1-year internship with structured rotations in diverse clinical settings.
Supervised clinical postings integrated into every semester for skill reinforcement.
5. Professional Recognition
Old Program:
No official “Dr” title for physiotherapists in most states.
Limited recognition as primary healthcare providers1.
New Program:
“Dr” prefix + “PT” suffix officially permitted upon graduation13.
Recognized under ISCO Code 22-64 as primary healthcare practitioners.
