Big Shift in Physiotherapy: 'Dr' Prefix Approved, NEET Entrance Now Mandatory
Competency Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy
New Delhi: The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has recommended the use of the 'Dr' prefix for physiotherapists.
In the Competency-Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy 2025, which was released on 23.04.2025, NCAHP suggested the title "Physiotherapist" with the Prefix "Dr" and suffix "PT." Further, the Commission has also clarified that clearing the National Eligibility-Entrance Test (NEET) is mandatory to get admitted to the Physiotherapy programme.
'Dr' Prefix for Physiotherapists:
Section 3.2 of the Curriculum addressed the issue of recognition of title and qualification of Physiotherapists. NCAHP mentioned that within the multidisciplinary health professionals' team, the professional responsible for administering Physiotherapy treatment/management are recognized as a physiotherapist.
It further added that Physiotherapists at times are referred as Physical therapists and mentioned that the Commission recognizes any Healthcare professional as "Physiotherapist" who has acquired "Bachelor of Physiotherapy from recognized university/college as per the regulations of the Commission.
"The recommended title thus stands as the "Physiotherapist" with the Prefix "Dr" and suffix "PT"," mentioned the NCAHP 2025 Physiotherapy Curriculum.
Welcoming the decision to recommend the use of "Dr" prefix for physiotherapists, Mumbai-based Dr. Zita Misquitta (PT) told the Indian Express, "For the first time, patients nationwide can directly access physiotherapy services without needing a referral. Standardised education and clinical training mark a new era of professionalism and credibility. This isn’t just a regulatory update – it’s a turning point in India’s healthcare narrative. Physiotherapists are no longer working in the shadows of other medical professionals. They are stepping forward, not just as healers of the body, but as independent practitioners shaping a healthier tomorrow."
NEET Mandatory for Admission to Physiotherapy Programme:
Specifying the requirements to get admitted to the Physiotherapy Programme, NCAHP clarified that the students entering the physiotherapy programme must have completed the 10+2 degree with science subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Biology. It also clarified that the admission to the PT courses will be made based on the NEET score.
"The students entering the PT program should have completed the recognized secondary school studies as the qualification stipulated for physiotherapy course (degree) is 10+2 or equivalent examination with science subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Min 50% marks) from a recognized university or board," mentioned the curriculum.
"Admission shall be on the basis of the candidate having appeared for the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET)," it further clarified.
Meanwhile, speaking at the inauguration of Karnataka Physiocon-25, an international conference on physiotherapy held in Bengaluru, Karnataka Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Sharan Prakash Patil, on Friday expressed the state government's support for including physiotherapy course admissions under the ambit of NEET, PTI has reported. Additionally, the course duration has been extended to five years to enable competency-based learning and deeper clinical exposure, he said.
We welcome the integration of physiotherapy courses under NEET, which will enhance academic quality and professional standards, he was quoted as saying in a statement.
Addressing over 10,000 students at the event, Patil highlighted the pivotal role physiotherapists play across the healthcare spectrum from childbirth to elderly care.
Physiotherapists today contribute significantly to neuro and orthopaedic rehab, cardiopulmonary care, paediatrics, disability support, sports medicine, fitness, and community-based care, he noted.
He also detailed the state's plans to introduce physiotherapy courses in more government colleges to meet the growing domestic and international demand for trained professionals.
Present at the event, Yagna Shukla, Chairperson of the National Commission for Allied and Health Professionals, said the commission was planning to introduce the One Nation, One Curriculum initiative in physiotherapy education. She said the curriculum reforms would set a golden standard and elevate the profession, offering far-reaching benefits for students and practitioners alike.
The 2025 Curriculum for Physiotherapy courses includes methodology of curriculum development, curriculum for 5-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy programme, curriculum for the Master of Physiotherapy, and details about the PhD Programme in Physiotherapy.
As per the curriculum, which shall be effective from 2026, the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) program will now be a five-year course with four years of academics and a year-long clinical internship. It has been designed as per the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) guidelines.
