NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved 33 new and 21 restructured undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in allied and healthcare professions, marking a significant step towards standardising and strengthening the country’s healthcare workforce. This move is part of a broader initiative by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to enhance the education, training, and professional standards in these critical fields.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the UGC’s notification, the 5th Amendment to the Specification of Degrees under Section 22(3) of the UGC Act, 1956, was issued on August 27, 2026, and published in the Gazette on August 31, 2026. This regulatory framework aims to bring uniformity in allied and healthcare education across India, creating clearer academic and professional pathways for students and professionals.
Dr. Yagna Unmesh Shukla, Chairperson of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), highlighted the notification’s role in establishing a ‘One Nation, One Curriculum’ mandate for these courses. She stated that the update would provide substantial guidance for students aspiring to careers within the professions regulated by the NCAHP Act, 2021.
The newly approved and updated degrees encompass a wide array of disciplines crucial to modern healthcare. These include Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Emergency Medical Technology, Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Psychology, Medical and Social Psychiatric Social Work, Medical Radiology, Imaging and Therapeutic Technology, Physician Associate, Respiratory Technology, Dialysis Therapy Technology, and Health Information Management. The notification specifies the exact nomenclature of each degree, its abbreviation, duration, and the required entry qualifications, with revised durations for certain programmes.
Further enhancing academic opportunities, the notification introduces specialisation-specific postgraduate degrees. This includes nine specialisations under Master of Occupational Therapy, eight under Master of Physiotherapy, four in Master of Medical Laboratory Sciences, three in Master of Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology, and two in Master of Respiratory Technology. These specialised programmes are designed to align with the evolving demands of the healthcare sector and cater to students seeking in-depth knowledge in specific areas.
The overarching goal of this reform is to establish institutional parity and uniform national standards in allied and healthcare education, aligning Indian degree qualifications with globally accepted standards. This initiative is expected to boost student interest in these professions, offer more defined academic and career trajectories, and improve the mobility and international recognition of Indian healthcare professionals.
The implementation of these reforms aligns with the statutory mandate of the NCAHP, established under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, which is tasked with regulating and maintaining standards of education and professional services. The NCAHP has already released 18 competency-based curricula for 28 professions, with the objective of standardising curriculum content and degree nomenclature nationwide.
A key component of the reformed curricula is the emphasis on hands-on clinical training through internships in hospitals or affiliated practising facilities. This practical approach aims to equip students with the essential skills, professional competencies, and clinical exposure necessary for effective healthcare delivery.
To ensure a smooth transition, the NCAHP has issued directives to all states, union territories, and relevant stakeholders, mandating the implementation of the released curricula from the 2026-27 academic year. An option to commence the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) course is also available. The Commission continues to work on finalising the remaining competency-based curricula for subsequent academic years.
These measures are anticipated to enhance the availability of a well-trained and qualified allied and healthcare workforce, a vital element of multidisciplinary healthcare systems. The reforms are also expected to provide greater clarity and consistency for educational institutions, students, and healthcare establishments, fostering improved professional growth and mobility within the sector.
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