What is MPT?
The Master of Physiotherapy (MPT) takes a qualified physiotherapist and turns them into a specialist. In a BPT you learn to assess and treat a broad range of movement problems. In an MPT you concentrate on one area. That might be orthopaedic and sports injuries, stroke and spinal-cord rehabilitation, heart and lung recovery after surgery, or children with developmental delays.
The course combines advanced theory, evidence-based practice and research methods with long clinical postings in hospital departments. Every student writes a dissertation. Physiotherapy education is now overseen by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) under the Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, which has issued a national BPT/MPT curriculum. In February 2026 NCAHP also restated that physiotherapists may not prescribe medicines.
An MPT is not a medical degree. If you want to diagnose diseases and prescribe drugs, you need MBBS followed by MD in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR). The MPT is the right choice for hands-on rehabilitation, exercise therapy and manual therapy.
Who is this course for?
- BPT graduates who want to specialise instead of staying in general practice
- People who enjoy anatomy, biomechanics and the long-term recovery of patients
- Those aiming for sports teams, fitness and performance centres
- Anyone planning to teach physiotherapy at a college (an MPT is the usual minimum)
- Students interested in clinical research or a PhD in rehabilitation science
- Physiotherapists who want to open their own specialty clinic
What you study
- Semesters 1–2
- Advanced exercise physiology
- Applied biomechanics and kinesiology
- Research methodology and biostatistics
- Advanced electrotherapy and pain science
- Clinical assessment and diagnosis in physiotherapy
- Pedagogy and teaching skills
- Semesters 3–4
- Specialty theory (e.g. musculoskeletal, neuro, cardiopulmonary, sports, paediatrics)
- Advanced manual therapy and therapeutic exercise
- Evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning
- Administration, ethics and rehabilitation law
- Specialty clinical postings
- Dissertation
Specialisations and electives
Musculoskeletal / Orthopaedic PhysiotherapyNeurological PhysiotherapyCardiovascular and Pulmonary PhysiotherapySports PhysiotherapyPaediatric PhysiotherapyCommunity and Geriatric PhysiotherapyWomen's Health PhysiotherapyHand and Ergonomic Rehabilitation
Eligibility & admission
- A recognised BPT degree, with the compulsory six-month internship completed by the cut-off date
- Minimum marks in BPT vary by university, often about 50% (relaxations for reserved categories as per state or university rules)
- Some states and universities require registration with the state physiotherapy or allied-health council
- No upper age limit at most universities
- Admission is usually through the university's own entrance test, with merit-based admission at a few private colleges
How admission works
- Finish your BPT and the internship; get your provisional and internship certificates
- Apply to the university or state PG entrance test, e.g. GGSIPU CET for Delhi colleges or MAHE's PG entrance for Manipal
- Take the entrance test (usually an MCQ paper on BPT subjects)
- Attend counselling or merit-list rounds and choose your specialty
- Verify documents, pay fees and join; specialty choice is often by rank
Entrance exams
GGSIPU CET (MPT)for Delhi institutes affiliated to GGS Indraprastha University
MAHE PG Entrancefor Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal and Mangalore
State PG entrance testse.g. Karnataka, Maharashtra and other state health-university tests for MPT seats
University-level testsJamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Hamdard, CMC Vellore and others hold their own tests or interviews
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Top colleges for MPT
| College | City | Why it stands out |
|---|
| Manipal College of Health Professions (MAHE) | Manipal | Large physiotherapy department; several MPT specialties |
| Christian Medical College (CMC) | Vellore | Hospital-based physiotherapy training in a major teaching hospital |
| Jamia Millia Islamia – Centre for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences | New Delhi | Central university; MPT in several specialties |
| Jamia Hamdard – School of Nursing Sciences and Allied Health | New Delhi | Deemed university offering MPT |
| Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities | New Delhi | Government national institute; MPT through GGSIPU |
| Swami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR) | Cuttack | Government national institute focused on rehabilitation |
| Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy | Pune | Private college attached to a large hospital |
| Saveetha College of Physiotherapy (SIMATS) | Chennai | Private deemed university with a multi-specialty hospital |
Ranks are from the NIRF 2025 India Rankings where shown. Check each college’s official website for this year’s seats, fees and cut-offs.
Careers & salary
Specialist PhysiotherapistTreats complex cases in a hospital department such as orthopaedics, neurology or the ICU.
Sports PhysiotherapistPrevents and treats injuries for athletes, clubs, academies and national teams.
Neuro-Rehabilitation TherapistHelps stroke, spinal-cord and brain-injury patients regain movement and independence.
Cardiopulmonary PhysiotherapistWorks in ICUs and cardiac rehab units with surgical and chronic lung patients.
Assistant Professor / LecturerTeaches BPT students and guides clinical training at physiotherapy colleges.
Clinic Owner / ConsultantRuns a private or home-care practice in a chosen specialty.
Ergonomics and Corporate Wellness ConsultantDesigns injury-prevention programmes for workplaces and industries.
Clinical ResearcherRuns rehabilitation trials at universities, hospitals and research institutes.
Top recruiters & sectors
AIIMS and other government hospitalsApollo HospitalsFortis HealthcareMax HealthcareManipal HospitalsSports Authority of India and sports academiesIndian Armed Forces medical servicesRehabilitation centres and NGOsPhysiotherapy collegesCorporate wellness and home-care companiesPhysiotherapy clinic chains
Salary
Fresh MPT graduates usually earn about ₹3.5–7 LPA (approx.) in hospitals and colleges. Sports and ICU specialists in big cities can earn more. With 5–10 years of experience, senior physiotherapists, heads of department and associate professors often earn ₹8–15 LPA (approx.). Successful private clinic owners can earn well beyond that.
Pay depends on your specialty, the city, the size of the hospital, any certifications you add (manual therapy, dry needling, sports) and whether you build a private patient base. Government pay follows the relevant pay scales. Figures vary; check current placement reports.
Scope & higher studies
India's ageing population, the rise in lifestyle diseases, more road and sports injuries, and growing awareness of rehabilitation after stroke and surgery are all increasing demand for skilled physiotherapists. Under the Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, NCAHP is building a national register and a standard curriculum, so the profession is becoming more structured. Specialists with an MPT are increasingly preferred for senior posts and teaching.
Sports physiotherapy is growing with professional leagues and the national push in sport. Home-based and tele-rehabilitation are also opening new practice models, especially in cities.
After this course
- PhD in Physiotherapy or Rehabilitation Sciences
- Fellowships and certifications (manual therapy, sports, neuro-rehab)
- MS / MSc abroad (UK, Australia, Canada) and the licensing route there
- MPH (Master of Public Health) or MBA in Hospital Administration
- Post-doctoral research in movement and exercise science
MPT FAQs
Is NEET needed for MPT?
No. MPT admissions are through university or state PG entrance tests, or merit at some colleges. NCAHP has proposed NEET-UG for BPT admissions, but that requirement has been deferred to 2027–28 and concerns the undergraduate course, not MPT.
Can I do MPT without a BPT?
No. A recognised BPT degree with the internship completed is required for MPT admission.
Can a physiotherapist with an MPT use the title 'Dr'?
The use of the 'Dr' prefix by physiotherapists has been debated and challenged by medical bodies. Follow the latest NCAHP and court guidance, and never present yourself as a medical doctor.
Which MPT specialisation is best?
Musculoskeletal and sports are the most popular and lead to private practice quickly. Neuro and cardiopulmonary specialists are in demand in hospitals. Choose the area you enjoy treating every day.
Is MPT required to teach physiotherapy?
Yes, at most colleges a master's degree in physiotherapy is the minimum qualification for faculty posts. A PhD helps for promotions.
How is MPT different from MD in PMR?
MD in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is a medical degree after MBBS, and its holders can diagnose and prescribe. MPT trains physiotherapists in advanced rehabilitation through exercise, manual therapy and electrotherapy.
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