Accepted entrance exams
About Bachelor of Occupational Therapy [BOT]
The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at CMC Vellore is a 4-year programme affiliated to Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, followed by a 6-month internship. From 2026, admission is based on NEET-UG merit as per NCAHP notification dated 9 January 2026. Total intake is 10 seats. Total course fees are INR 1,45,550. CMC Vellore is ranked 3rd in the Medical category by NIRF 2025, making it a highly sought-after OT training institution.
📋 Admission Status: Applications closed. Counselling begins August 2026 (Tentative).
Key Points
- Admission now based on NEET-UG merit as per NCAHP 2026 regulatory notification
- Post-graduation specialisations available in Neurology OT, Paediatrics OT, and Mental Health OT
- Graduates work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, special schools, geriatric homes, and private clinics
CMC Vellore BOT Fees 2026
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (4 years) | INR 2,400 |
| Annual Institutional Charges (4 years) | INR 97,800 |
| University Fee (4 years) | INR 43,800 |
| One-Time Establishment Fee (first year) | INR 1,550 |
| Hostel Charges (optional) | INR 8,000 deposit + INR 18,000 per year rent + INR 6,000 per month mess |
| Total Fees (4-year course) | INR 1,45,550 |
- Total Fees exclude optional hostel and mess charges.
- Fees are as per CMC Vellore Prospectus 2025-26 and subject to revision.
- The one-time establishment fee of INR 1,550 is charged only in the first year.
CMC Vellore BOT Admission 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| NEET-UG Registration Closed | 8 March 2026 |
| CMC Application Deadline | 30 March 2026 |
| NEET-UG Admit Card Released | 14 June 2026 |
| NEET-UG Examination | 21 June 2026 |
| NEET-UG Result | 20 July 2026 (Tentative) |
| CMC Selection and Counselling | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Class Commencement | September 2026 (Tentative) |
- BOT admission in 2026 is based on NEET-UG merit as per NCAHP notification dated 9 January 2026.
- CMC Vellore may also conduct its own entrance test if NEET is not implemented for this cycle.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from a recognised board
- Must have appeared for NEET-UG 2026 as per NCAHP 2026 regulatory requirement
- Minimum aggregate of 50% marks in qualifying examination
- Age between 17 and 40 years as on the date of admission
Admission Process
- Register and appear for NEET-UG 2026
- Submit online application at admissions.cmcvellore.ac.in before 30 March 2026
- NEET-UG result released by NTA serves as the merit basis for BOT admission
- CMC Vellore counselling and seat allocation based on NEET rank and category
- Medical fitness assessment by CMC Vellore Medical Board before final admission
- Fee payment and original document submission to confirm seat
✓ Opt for this if
- You are interested in rehabilitation for physical, psychological, and social challenges
- You have appeared for NEET-UG 2026 and meet the merit cut-off
- You plan to specialise post-graduation in Neurology, Paediatrics, or Mental Health OT
- You want to work in diverse settings: hospitals, schools, clinics, or geriatric homes
✗ Skip if
- You have not appeared for NEET-UG 2026 as it is now mandatory for BOT admission
- You need a shorter programme as BOT is 4 years plus 6 months internship
- You prefer surgical or acute care clinical roles over rehabilitation-focused work
CMC Vellore BOT Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| CMC Vellore Need-Based Financial Aid | Partial to full fee waiver | Economic need. Apply after admission through the CMC registrar |
| Minority Network Scholarship | Subsidised fees | Christian students sponsored by CMC Vellore minority network organisations |
| Tamil Nadu Government SC/ST Scholarship | As per state norms | SC/ST students domiciled in Tamil Nadu |
| Central Government Post-Matric Scholarship | As per central norms | OBC/EWS/minority students meeting income criteria |
- Scholarship details are available from the CMC registrar’s office after admission.
- CMC’s heavily subsidised fees make BOT one of the most affordable OT programmes in India.
According to an external review site Ranking 2025, CMC Vellore ranks 4 out of 630 colleges in India and 1st in state Tamil Nadu for its BOT program.
- 3 out of 54 under India Today Medical Ranking 2025.
- 2 out of 44 under The Week Medical Ranking 2025.
- 3 out of 50 under NIRF Medical Ranking 2025.
- 2 out of 70 under IIRF Medical Ranking 2025.
- 1 out of 30 under Outlook Medical Ranking 2023.
Read more on CMC Vellore Rankings here
CMC Vellore BOT FAQs
Ques. Is NEET mandatory for BOT admission at CMC Vellore in 2026?
Ans. Yes. As per the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions notification dated 9 January 2026 and Tamil Nadu State Allied and Healthcare Council notification dated 3 December 2025, admission to BOT is based on NEET-UG merit and marks. CMC Vellore advises candidates to appear for NEET-UG 2026. CMC may also conduct its own entrance test in case NEET is not implemented for this cycle.
Ques. What does an Occupational Therapist do and where can BOT graduates from CMC Vellore work?
Ans. Occupational Therapists help individuals overcome physical, psychological, and social challenges to perform meaningful daily activities. BOT graduates from CMC Vellore can work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, special and mainstream schools, private OT clinics, geriatric homes, and industry settings. Post-graduation specialisations in Neurology OT, Paediatrics OT, and Mental Health OT are available at CMC Vellore and other institutions.
Ques. How long is the BOT programme at CMC Vellore and what does it cover?
Ans. The BOT programme is 4 years of academic training, followed by a 6-month internship. Year 1 covers basic sciences including Anatomy, Physiology, and OT fundamentals. Year 2 addresses conditions causing dysfunction and assessment methods. Year 3 covers neurological, psychiatric, and paediatric OT. Year 4 focuses on rehabilitation, research, and administration. Internship integrates all learning into independent clinical practice.
Ques. What are the total fees for BOT at CMC Vellore?
Ans. The total course fees for the 4-year BOT programme are INR 1,45,550, as per the CMC Vellore Prospectus 2025-26. This includes tuition, annual institutional charges, and university fees over 4 years plus a one-time establishment fee of INR 1,550 in the first year. Hostel charges are optional and billed separately. CMC’s fees are heavily subsidised and among the lowest for an OT programme in India.
Ques. Can BOT graduates from CMC Vellore pursue higher studies?
Ans. Yes. BOT graduates can pursue Master of Occupational Therapy with specialisations in Neurology, Paediatrics, or Mental Health OT. CMC Vellore itself offers an advanced MOT programme. Graduates can also pursue PhD programmes in OT-related research at national and international universities. The CMC Vellore brand is well-regarded in rehabilitation medicine and opens postgraduate pathways both in India and abroad.