Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) is an undergraduate programme, typically four to four-and-a-half years including a clinical internship, that trains students to help people regain independence in daily activities after illness, injury or disability. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, psychology and occupational therapy techniques for physical, neurological, paediatric, mental health and geriatric conditions, combined with supervised clinical practice. Occupational therapy is one of the professions covered under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021. BOT suits Class 12 science students who want a patient-centred healthcare career in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, special schools or community health settings, with scope for postgraduate specialisation.
About Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) is an undergraduate programme, typically four to four-and-a-half years including a clinical internship, that trains students to help people regain independence in daily activities after illness, injury or disability. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, psychology and occupational therapy techniques for physical, neurological, paediatric, mental health and geriatric conditions, combined with supervised clinical practice. Occupational therapy is one of the professions covered under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act, 2021. BOT suits Class 12 science students who want a patient-centred healthcare career in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, special schools or community health settings, with scope for postgraduate specialisation.
Why Choose BOT
Patient-centred, practical career
BOT combines classroom study with substantial clinical practice, helping people regain independence in daily life.
Recognised under a national framework
Occupational therapy now falls under the NCAHP Act, 2021, bringing more structured recognition to the profession.
Varied work settings
Graduates can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, special schools, community programmes or their own practice.
Pathway to specialisation
BOT graduates can pursue a master's degree to specialise further in areas such as paediatrics, neurology or mental health.
Detailed Syllabus (4 to 4.5 years, including a clinical internship; a few institutions run a 5-year programme)
Core Subjects
Elective Subjects
Eligibility Criteria
Basic Requirements
| Minimum Percentage | Pass in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology; most colleges ask for 45–50% aggregate marks. Occupational therapy is regulated under the NCAHP Act, 2021, so exact norms vary by university/state. |
| Mandatory Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
Admission Process
Qualify Class 12
Complete Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology from a recognised board, meeting the minimum percentage required.
Apply to colleges
Fill the application form of the chosen college or university, either directly or through state-level paramedical counselling where it exists.
Entrance test or merit, where applicable
Appear for the institute's own entrance test where conducted, or be considered on Class 12 merit.
Counselling and seat allotment
Participate in counselling or merit review and confirm seat allotment.
Admission confirmation
Complete document verification, a medical fitness check, pay the admission fee and complete enrolment formalities.
Required Documents
Important Notes
Estimated Fee Structure
| Government Institutions | ₹40,000 – ₹90,000 per year (indicative) |
| Private Institutions | ₹59,000 – ₹2,25,000 per year (typical range across 6 colleges on CollegeChalo) |
Return on Investment
| Total Investment | ₹1.8 lakh – ₹10.1 lakh over 4.5 years, depending on a government or private institution |
| Average Starting Salary | ₹2–2.8 LPA |
| Payback Period | 2–4 years |
Figures are indicative and vary by institution, location and individual career path; they are not a guarantee of placement or salary.
Scholarship Opportunities
| PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students | Regular full-time UG students above the 80th percentile in their Class 12 board exam, with family income up to ₹4.5 lakh a year. | ₹12,000 per year (UG, first three years); ₹20,000 per year (PG, and years 4–5 of five-year courses) |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC students | SC, ST or OBC students within the applicable income limit, applied for through the National Scholarship Portal or the relevant state portal. | Fees and a maintenance allowance; amounts set by the Centre and states |
Career Opportunities
Where Graduates Work
Typical Salary Packages
| Occupational Therapist (Hospital/Clinic) | Avg: ₹2.6 LPA | Range: ₹2–3.5 LPA |
| Paediatric Occupational Therapist | Avg: ₹2.8 LPA | Range: ₹2.2–3.8 LPA |
| Rehabilitation Therapist | Avg: ₹2.5 LPA | Range: ₹2–3.5 LPA |
| Community-Based Rehabilitation Worker | Avg: ₹2.2 LPA | Range: ₹1.8–3 LPA |
* These are indicative figures based on industry patterns; actual packages vary by employer, location and individual performance.
Career Pathway
Entry Level
0–2 yearsGraduates typically start as occupational therapists in a hospital or rehabilitation centre, working under a senior therapist's guidance.
Mid Level
2–5 yearsWith experience, therapists handle more complex cases and may focus on an area such as paediatrics or mental health.
Senior Level
5–10 yearsExperienced therapists take consultant roles or head a rehabilitation centre or hospital department.
Advanced
10+ yearsAt a senior level, professionals may run their own occupational therapy practice or direct rehabilitation services at a hospital group.