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
READ MORE
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.
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Bachelor of Physiotherapy in Karnataka 2026: Colleges, Fees, Eligibility, Cut-Off and Admission Process
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