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Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka is one of the most sought-after allied health science courses in South India. Karnataka has over 70 BPT colleges affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS). The state offers excellent clinical exposure through world-class hospitals in Bangalore, Mangalore, and Mysuru. Students pursuing Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka benefit from quality education, experienced faculty, and strong placement opportunities. This comprehensive guide covers everything about Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka including colleges, fees, eligibility, cut-off, and admission process for the 2026-27 academic session.
Latest Update (January 2026): NEET is now compulsory for Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka from the 2025-26 academic session. The Karnataka State Allied and Healthcare Council has officially mandated NEET qualification for all BPT admissions in government and private colleges.
Table of Contents
What is Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)?
Bachelor of Physiotherapy is an undergraduate healthcare program. It trains students in rehabilitation and physical therapy techniques. The course focuses on restoring movement and function in patients affected by injury, illness, or disability. Physiotherapists use physical methods like exercise, massage, heat therapy, and electrotherapy to treat patients.
BPT graduates can use the prefix 'Dr.' before their names as per the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) guidelines. This recognition establishes physiotherapy as an independent clinical practice profession.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka - Course Duration
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka follows the RGUHS curriculum structure. Here are the complete course details:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Duration | 4 years 6 months |
| Academic Study | 4 years (8 semesters) |
| Compulsory Internship | 6 months |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| University Affiliation | RGUHS, Bangalore |
Important Update: From the 2026-27 academic session, the BPT course duration is expected to extend to 5 years (4 years academic + 1-year internship) as per NCAHP guidelines.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka - Eligibility Criteria
Students must meet the following requirements for Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka admission:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board |
| Subjects Required | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English |
| Minimum Marks (General/OBC) | 45% aggregate in PCB |
| Minimum Marks (SC/ST/Category-I) | 40% aggregate in PCB |
| Minimum Age | 17 years as on 31st December of admission year |
| Medical Fitness | Certificate from authorized Government Medical Officer |
Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka - Admission Process 2026 (NEET Compulsory)
The Karnataka government has made significant changes to the Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka admission process. From the 2025-26 academic session, NEET qualification is mandatory for all BPT admissions in Karnataka. This decision aligns physiotherapy admissions with the national medical entrance framework.
The Karnataka State Allied and Healthcare Council Chairman Prof. U.T. Iftikhar Ali Fareed confirmed that admissions to Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) will be conducted exclusively through NEET. This follows a communication from the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) to the National Testing Agency and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Key Changes in Bachelor of Physiotherapy Karnataka Admission from 2025-26
- NEET UG qualification is compulsory for all BPT admissions
- Applies to both government and private colleges in Karnataka
- Centralized counselling through Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA)
- Seat allotment based on NEET rank, category, and seat availability
Seat Distribution in Karnataka BPT Colleges
As per Government Order No. HFW 211 RGU 2016, seats in private physiotherapy colleges are distributed as follows:
| Quota Type | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Government Quota | 20% |
| Management Quota | 80% |
Government Physiotherapy Colleges in Karnataka
Karnataka has only one government physiotherapy college for Bachelor of Physiotherapy. This makes it highly sought after due to affordable fees and quality education.
| College Name | Location | Established | Parent Hospital | Approximate Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Trauma and Orthopaedics (SGITO) College of Physiotherapy | Bangalore | 2016 | SGITO (180 beds) | ₹20,000 - ₹50,000 per year |
Admission to the government college is purely merit-based through government counselling. Candidates must qualify NEET and participate in KEA counselling for seat allotment.
Top 10 Physiotherapy Colleges in Karnataka with Fees
Karnataka has over 70 private colleges offering Bachelor of Physiotherapy. These institutions offer quality education with modern infrastructure and clinical exposure. Here are the top physiotherapy colleges in Karnataka:
| S.No. | College Name | Location | Established | Annual Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KLE University Institute of Physiotherapy | Belgaum | 2006 | ₹1,00,000 - ₹1,50,000 |
| 2 | Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy | Mangalore | 1997 | ₹1,50,000 - ₹2,00,000 |
| 3 | SDM College of Physiotherapy | Dharwad | 1996 | ₹90,000 - ₹1,20,000 |
| 4 | JSS College of Physiotherapy | Mysuru | 1999 | ₹1,00,000 - ₹1,50,000 |
| 5 | Dr. M.V. Shetty College of Physiotherapy | Mangalore | 1987 | ₹1,20,000 - ₹1,80,000 |
| 6 | Kempegowda Institute of Physiotherapy | Bangalore | 1997 | ₹1,50,000 - ₹2,00,000 |
| 7 | RajaRajeswari College of Physiotherapy | Bangalore | 2005 | ₹1,20,000 - ₹1,80,000 |
| 8 | Srinivas College of Physiotherapy | Mangalore | 1993 | ₹1,00,000 - ₹1,50,000 |
| 9 | R V College of Physiotherapy | Bangalore | 2003 | ₹1,50,000 - ₹2,00,000 |
| 10 | Yenepoya University Physiotherapy | Mangalore | 2008 | ₹1,50,000 - ₹2,50,000 |
BPT Colleges in Bangalore with Fees
Bangalore has approximately 40+ physiotherapy colleges. The city offers excellent clinical exposure through its world-class hospitals. Here are prominent BPT colleges in Bangalore:
| College Name | Type | Affiliation | Annual Fees (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SGITO College of Physiotherapy | Government | RGUHS | ₹20,000 - ₹50,000 |
| MS Ramaiah College of Physiotherapy | Private | RGUHS | ₹1,80,000 - ₹2,50,000 |
| St. John's Medical College Physiotherapy | Private | RGUHS | ₹60,000 - ₹80,000 |
| Kempegowda Institute of Physiotherapy | Private | RGUHS | ₹1,50,000 - ₹2,00,000 |
| Krupanidhi College of Physiotherapy | Private | RGUHS | ₹1,25,000 - ₹1,75,000 |
| Dayananda Sagar College of Physiotherapy | Private | RGUHS | ₹1,50,000 - ₹2,00,000 |
| Oxford College of Physiotherapy | Private | RGUHS | ₹1,00,000 - ₹1,50,000 |
| Vydehi College of Physiotherapy | Private | RGUHS | ₹1,20,000 - ₹1,80,000 |
| Sapthagiri College of Physiotherapy | Private | RGUHS | ₹75,000 - ₹1,10,000 |
| HOSMAT College of Physiotherapy | Private | RGUHS | ₹1,30,000 - ₹1,80,000 |
Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka - Fee Structure
Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka fees vary based on college type and location. Here is a general fee comparison:
| College Type | Annual Fee Range | Total Course Fee (4.5 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Government College | ₹20,000 - ₹50,000 | ₹90,000 - ₹2,25,000 |
| Private College (Merit Seat) | ₹90,000 - ₹1,50,000 | ₹4,00,000 - ₹7,00,000 |
| Private College (Management Quota) | ₹1,50,000 - ₹2,70,000 | ₹6,00,000 - ₹12,00,000 |
Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka - Syllabus (RGUHS Curriculum)
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka syllabus follows the RGUHS curriculum. Students study various subjects across four years:
First Year BPT Subjects
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Biomechanics
- Psychology
- Sociology
- English
- Basic Nursing
- Orientation to Physiotherapy
Second Year BPT Subjects
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Exercise Therapy
- Electrotherapy
Third Year BPT Subjects
- General Medicine
- General Surgery
- Orthopedics and Traumatology
- Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy
- Cardio-Respiratory and General Physiotherapy
Fourth Year BPT Subjects
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Neuro Physiotherapy
- Community Medicine
- Community Physiotherapy
- Research Methodology and Biostatistics
Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka - Cut-Off 2026
With NEET becoming mandatory for Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka from 2025-26, cut-off ranks will depend on NEET scores. Expected NEET cut-off ranges for BPT admission in Karnataka:
| Category | Expected NEET Score Range | Expected NEET Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| General | 300 - 400 | 70 - 85 |
| OBC | 250 - 350 | 60 - 75 |
| SC/ST | 180 - 280 | 45 - 65 |
| EWS | 280 - 380 | 65 - 80 |
Note: These are expected ranges based on trends. Actual cut-offs will be released by KEA after counselling.
Career Scope After Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka
Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka graduates have excellent career opportunities in various sectors. The demand for physiotherapists is growing due to increasing lifestyle diseases and sports injuries.
Job Opportunities After BPT
| Job Role | Work Setting | Starting Salary (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Physiotherapist | Hospitals, Clinics | ₹2,50,000 - ₹4,00,000 |
| Sports Physiotherapist | Sports Teams, Academies | ₹3,00,000 - ₹5,00,000 |
| Rehabilitation Specialist | Rehab Centers | ₹3,00,000 - ₹4,50,000 |
| Orthopedic Physiotherapist | Orthopedic Hospitals | ₹3,50,000 - ₹5,50,000 |
| Neuro Physiotherapist | Neuro Care Centers | ₹3,50,000 - ₹6,00,000 |
| Home Care Physiotherapist | Home Visits | ₹2,00,000 - ₹4,00,000 |
| Private Practice Owner | Own Clinic | ₹5,00,000 - ₹10,00,000+ |
| Lecturer/Academic | Colleges, Universities | ₹4,00,000 - ₹7,00,000 |
Top Recruiters for Physiotherapy Graduates
- Apollo Hospitals
- Fortis Healthcare
- Max Healthcare
- Manipal Hospitals
- Narayana Health
- Columbia Asia Hospitals
- SPARSH Hospital
- Sakra World Hospital
- Various Sports Teams and Academies
Higher Education Options After BPT
BPT graduates can pursue higher education for career advancement:
| Course | Duration | Specializations Available |
|---|---|---|
| MPT (Master of Physiotherapy) | 2 years | Orthopedics, Neurology, Sports, Cardio-Pulmonary, Pediatrics, Community |
| MBA in Hospital Administration | 2 years | Healthcare Management |
| PhD in Physiotherapy | 3-5 years | Research and Academia |
Documents Required for Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka Admission
Students must keep the following documents ready for Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka admission:
- 10th Standard Marks Card
- 12th / PUC Marks Card
- NEET UG Scorecard and Admit Card
- Transfer Certificate
- Migration Certificate (if applicable)
- Conduct Certificate
- Domicile Certificate (Karnataka)
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC if applicable)
- Income Certificate
- Passport Size Photographs
- Aadhaar Card
- Medical Fitness Certificate
- Eligibility Certificate from RGUHS (for non-Karnataka students)
Important Dates for Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka Admission 2026
| Event | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| NEET UG 2026 Application | February - March 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Exam | May 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Results | June 2026 |
| KEA Counselling Registration | July - August 2026 |
| Document Verification | August 2026 |
| Seat Allotment | August - September 2026 |
| Classes Commence | September - October 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes, NEET qualification is now mandatory for Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka from the 2025-26 academic session. The Karnataka State Allied and Healthcare Council has officially confirmed this requirement following NCAHP guidelines. All government and private colleges will conduct admissions through NEET-based counselling managed by KEA. Students cannot get BPT admission without qualifying NEET anymore.
- The total Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka fee ranges from ₹90,000 to ₹2,25,000 in government colleges and ₹4,00,000 to ₹12,00,000 in private colleges. Management quota seats may cost higher. Students should verify current fees directly with colleges as fee structures are revised periodically by the Fee Fixation Committee.
- Karnataka has only one government physiotherapy college for Bachelor of Physiotherapy - Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Trauma and Orthopaedics (SGITO) College of Physiotherapy in Bangalore. Established in 2016, it offers affordable education with clinical training at the 180-bed SGITO hospital. Admission is purely merit-based through government counselling.
- From 2025-26, NEET is mandatory for Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka admission. Some private colleges may still offer limited management quota seats without NEET for 2025, but this option is closing. From 2026 onwards, NEET qualification will be compulsory for all BPT admissions across India as per NCAHP regulations.
- Fresh BPT graduates in Bangalore can expect starting salaries between ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month. Experienced physiotherapists or specialists earn ₹50,000 to ₹70,000+ monthly. Those running private clinics can earn ₹80,000 to ₹1,50,000+ per month depending on patient volume and specialization. Many Reddit and Quora users report that gaining MPT qualification significantly increases earning potential.
- BPT offers a promising career with growing demand. As per discussions on Quora and Reddit, physiotherapy has excellent scope in hospitals, sports academies, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. However, some graduates note that initial salaries may be lower compared to other healthcare professions. The key to success lies in gaining specialization through MPT and building clinical expertise.
- Yes, as per the 2025 NCAHP guidelines, physiotherapists can now use 'Dr.' as a prefix and 'PT' as a suffix. This recognition establishes physiotherapy as an independent healthcare profession. The new curriculum acknowledges physiotherapists as first-contact clinical practitioners with rights to independent clinical practice.
- From the 2026-27 academic session, BPT course duration is expected to extend to 5 years (4 years academics + 1-year internship) as per NCAHP guidelines. Students admitted before 2026 will continue with the current 4.5-year duration (4 years + 6 months internship).
- Top colleges for Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka include KLE University (Belgaum), Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy (Mangalore), SDM College of Physiotherapy (Dharwad), JSS College of Physiotherapy (Mysuru), and Kempegowda Institute of Physiotherapy (Bangalore). These colleges have experienced faculty, hospital affiliations, and good placement records.
- MPT offers various specializations including Musculoskeletal/Orthopedic Physiotherapy, Neurology Physiotherapy, Sports Physiotherapy, Cardio-Pulmonary Physiotherapy, Pediatric Physiotherapy, Community Physiotherapy, and Women's Health Physiotherapy. Students can choose based on their interest and career goals.
