New Delhi: HL September 3, 2026
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has stepped up efforts to standardise education and professional training in Allied and Healthcare Professions, with the University Grants Commission (UGC) notifying 33 new and 21 restructured or updated undergraduate and postgraduate degrees under the regulatory framework of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP).
The move is expected to bring greater consistency to Allied and Healthcare education across the country and provide students with clearer academic and professional pathways.
UGC issues fifth amendment to degree specifications
The UGC issued the 5th Amendment to the Specification of Degrees under Section 22(3) of the UGC Act, 1956, through Notification No. F.21-12/2026(CPP-II) – UIN:3/2026, dated August 27, 2026. The Gazette notification was published on August 31.
The latest notification is aimed at establishing a more consistent framework for Allied and Healthcare programmes, including their degree titles, abbreviations, duration and eligibility requirements.
According to NCAHP Chairperson Dr. Yagna Unmesh Shukla, the notification is an important step towards implementing the Commission’s ‘One Nation, One Curriculum’ approach.
She said the move would bring greater uniformity in the duration, nomenclature and entry qualifications of Allied and Healthcare courses and offer clearer guidance to students planning careers in professions regulated under the NCAHP Act, 2021.
Wide range of healthcare disciplines covered
The newly notified and revised degrees span a broad range of healthcare disciplines. 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
- Health Information Management
The notification also introduces greater clarity regarding the academic structure and entry requirements for these programmes. Course duration has been revised for selected degrees.
More opportunities for specialised postgraduate education
The reform also provides for several specialisation-based postgraduate programmes.
These include nine specialisations under the Master of Occupational Therapy, eight under the Master of Physiotherapy, four under the Master of Medical Laboratory Sciences, three under the Master of Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology and two under the Master of Respiratory Technology.
The expanded specialisation structure could allow universities to develop advanced programmes that are more closely aligned with the changing requirements of modern healthcare.
Focus on national standards and global recognition
One of the key objectives of the reform is to establish greater institutional parity and consistent academic standards across Allied and Healthcare education.
Standardised degree nomenclature and qualification structures are also expected to improve transparency for students and employers. The alignment of Indian qualifications with globally recognised degree-level structures may further support professional mobility and international recognition of Indian Allied and Healthcare professionals.
For students, a more uniform system could make it easier to understand qualification requirements, course structures and career progression across institutions and states.
NCAHP expands competency-based education
The reforms form part of the statutory responsibilities of NCAHP under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021.
The Commission has already released 18 competency-based curricula covering 28 professions, with the broader objective of standardising education, training and degree nomenclature in the sector.
A major feature of these curricula is the emphasis on practical and clinical learning. Students are required to receive adequate hands-on exposure through internships at hospitals or other associated practising facilities.
The approach is designed to ensure that graduates possess not only academic knowledge but also the practical competencies needed for multidisciplinary healthcare delivery.
New curriculum to be implemented from 2026-27
NCAHP has directed states, Union Territories and other stakeholders to implement the released competency-based curricula from the 2026-27 academic session.
The Commission issued the directions ahead of the beginning of the academic year to facilitate a smooth transition to the revised system. An option has also been provided for institutions to commence the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) course.
Meanwhile, NCAHP is working on the remaining competency-based curricula, which are expected to be introduced from the following academic year.
What the reform means for students and healthcare institutions
The latest UGC notification could have a significant impact on students, universities and healthcare employers.
For students, standardised degree titles and eligibility criteria can provide greater clarity when selecting courses and planning careers. Universities will have a more clearly defined regulatory framework for offering Allied and Healthcare programmes.
Healthcare institutions, meanwhile, are expected to benefit from a workforce trained under more consistent academic and competency standards.
With Allied and Healthcare professionals playing an increasingly important role in diagnostics, rehabilitation, emergency care, imaging, respiratory care, laboratory services and other areas, the government views standardised education as an important component of strengthening India’s multidisciplinary healthcare system.
A step towards a future-ready healthcare workforce
The notification represents a broader effort to create a skilled, competent and future-ready Allied and Healthcare workforce.
By combining standardised degree structures with competency-based curricula and stronger clinical training, the reforms seek to improve the quality and consistency of professional education while opening clearer pathways for higher education and career development.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen the integration of Allied and Healthcare professionals into India’s wider healthcare delivery system and improve opportunities for professional growth and mobility.
