Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) Course, Admissions, Eligibility, Syllabus, Fees, Scope

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is a four-year undergraduate programme in allied healthcare aimed at improving the lives of individuals with physical, mental, or cognitive challenges. The course combines medical science and therapy, training students to help patients regain independence in daily activities through practical, clinical, and theoretical learning.

To pursue the BOT programme, students must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from a recognised board. The curriculum includes core subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Psychiatry, and Clinical Psychology, along with hands-on rehabilitation training to prepare candidates for real-world patient care.

India has around 50 colleges offering the BOT programme, including 35 private and 15 government institutions. Prominent colleges include the Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU; Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi; and Goa Medical College. Admissions are generally based on merit or entrance exams conducted by universities or state-level authorities.

BOT Full Form

BOT stands for Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, a four-and-a-half-year undergraduate programme in allied health sciences. The course includes four years of academic instruction followed by a six-month clinical internship. Students study core subjects like General Medicine, Surgery, Anatomy, Physiology, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, Pathology, and Pharmacology to develop essential therapeutic skills.

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy- Highlights

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) is an undergraduate degree in allied health sciences aimed at preparing students to assist individuals with physical, mental, or developmental challenges. The course offers both academic and practical training across therapeutic disciplines. Here are key highlights like duration, fee, and salary.

BOT Eligibility

To secure admission into the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) programme, candidates must meet specific academic and institutional requirements. While the fundamental criteria remain consistent across most colleges, applicants should consult the official admission guidelines of their chosen institution. Below are the standard eligibility parameters.

BOT Application Process

Admission to the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) programme is primarily merit-based, although some institutions may conduct entrance exams or interviews as part of their selection process. While each college may follow a slightly different admission timeline, the core steps typically remain consistent. Candidates should closely follow the specific instructions provided by their chosen college or university.

Step 1: Check Eligibility – Confirm that you meet the basic eligibility requirements, including completion of 10+2 in science from a recognised board.

Step 2: Register Online or Offline – Visit the official website of the respective college or university to fill out the application form. Some colleges may also allow offline form submission.

Step 3: Appear for Entrance Test or Counselling – If applicable, attend the entrance examination, such as NEET or CUET, counselling session, or personal interview based on their admission policy.

Step 4: Confirm Admission – Submit the required documents such as academic certificates, ID proof, and photographs. Pay the application and admission fees to secure your seat in the programme.

BOT Entrance Examinations

After completing 10+2 in the science stream, candidates may gain admission to Bachelor of Occupational Therapy programmes either through merit-based selection or entrance exams conducted by institutes. Performance in these exams plays a crucial role in securing admission. Below are the major entrance tests for BOT admissions.

BOT Cut off

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) cut-off determines eligibility for admission based on student merit. Most medical colleges use the NEET cut-off as the primary criterion for BOT admissions. The cut-off varies depending on the number of NEET candidates and the exam’s difficulty level.

BOT Syllabus

The BOT course lasts four and a half years, including eight semesters of academic study and a ninth semester for an internship. This structure ensures both theoretical learning and practical experience. The syllabus provided here is based on the curriculum followed by SRM University, Chennai, for their Bachelor of Occupational Therapy programme.

BOT First Year Syllabus

The first-year syllabus of the BOT course builds a strong foundation in basic medical sciences and occupational therapy principles. It includes subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology, and foundational therapy concepts, along with essential skills such as First Aid, Medical Terminology, and English for healthcare. It also introduces Indian traditional health practices.

BOT Second Year Syllabus

The second-year syllabus of the BOT course focuses on clinical subjects such as Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and General Medicine. It also introduces core occupational therapy areas like OT assessments, interventions, and paediatrics. Students begin hands-on training through Clinical Fieldwork I and II to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life settings.

BOT Third Year Syllabus

In the third year of the BOT course, students explore advanced clinical subjects like Orthopaedics, Neurology, Psychiatry, and Cardiorespiratory Physiology. They also learn specialised occupational therapy approaches for orthopaedic and neurological conditions. Practical exposure continues with Clinical Fieldwork III and IV, enhancing students’ clinical competence and patient-handling skills in real-world scenarios.

BOT Fourth Year Syllabus

In the fourth year of the BOT programme, students focus on advanced rehabilitation practices, administrative aspects of therapy, group therapy processes, and psychiatric care. They also undertake a research project and study research methodology. Clinical Fieldwork V and VI continue to strengthen their hands-on experience in diverse therapeutic and rehabilitation settings.

BOT Fees Structure

The fee structure for the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) course varies across institutions based on factors like infrastructure, faculty, and facilities. On average, the BOT course fee ranges from Rs. 70,000 to 10 lakhs. Students are advised to review the official fee details of their chosen college before applying for admission.

Scope after BOT

A Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) degree opens up diverse career opportunities. Graduates can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, or schools, where they design and implement personalised therapy plans. They may also take up roles in research, administration, or join non-profit organisations focusing on rehabilitation and community health.

BOT graduates can also establish private clinics and practise independently. Apart from clinical work, they can pursue careers in healthcare management or entrepreneurship, starting their own ventures related to occupational therapy or allied health services.

Career Opportunities after BOT

Graduates of the BOT programme have diverse career opportunities in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, NGOs, and special schools in India and abroad. Many pursue higher studies with scholarships or take up teaching roles in occupational therapy colleges. Here are some of the popular job roles available, along with their average salary packages.

Salary Source: AmbitionBox

Top Recruiters

• Medica
• Apollo Group
• Manipal Group
• Fortis Hospitals
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences

Benefits of BOT

A Bachelor of Occupational Therapy offers a wide range of career opportunities, making it an attractive choice for students. This rapidly growing field is expected to expand even more in the coming years.

Additionally, earning a BOT degree provides the chance to specialise and work in diverse environments. Occupational therapists support individuals in performing daily activities and help those recovering from injuries regain independence and improve their quality of life.

Top Private BOT Colleges in India

India has many private colleges offering the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy degree. Compared to government institutions, private universities generally charge higher fees. Below is a list of some of the leading private BOT colleges in India, along with their respective fee structures.

Top Government BOT Colleges in India

Government colleges offer the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy programme at a more affordable cost compared to private institutions. These colleges are known for maintaining high academic standards across the country. Below is a list of some reputed government BOT colleges for students seeking quality education at lower fees.

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy is one of the major allied healthcare courses at the undergraduate level, which helps students to understand people with mental, cognitive and physical disorders. After pursuing this course, graduates can help individuals overcome those difficulties and enhance their functional independence.