Bachelor of Optometry [B.Optom]

The Bachelor of Optometry at CMC Vellore is a 3-year programme affiliated to Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, followed by a mandatory 1-year internship, with a total intake of 10 seats. Admission is through CMC Vellore’s own entrance test. Total course fees stand at INR 1,05,310. CMC Vellore is ranked 3rd in the Medical category by NIRF 2025, making its optometry programme one of the most reputed allied health training platforms in India.

📋 Admission Status: Applications closed. Class Commencement expected August 2026 (Tentative).

Key Points

• No night duties, making it unique among clinical healthcare programmes at CMC Vellore
• Holistic education environment includes sports, music, art, and intercollegiate optometry contests
• Strong faculty and alumni mentorship network for career placement and higher education guidance

CMC Vellore B.Optom Fees 2026

Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fee (3 years)	INR 1,800
Annual Institutional Charges (3 years)	INR 75,630
University Fee (3 years)	INR 26,580
One-Time Establishment Fee (first year)	INR 1,300
Hostel Charges (optional)	INR 8,000 deposit + INR 18,000 per year rent + INR 6,000 per month mess
Total Fees (3-year course)	INR 1,05,310

• Total Fees exclude optional hostel and mess charges.
• Fees are as per CMC Vellore Prospectus 2025-26 and subject to revision.

CMC Vellore B.Optom Admission 2026

Event	Date
Online Application Deadline	30 March 2026
Step 1 Computer-Based Test	21 May 2026
Step 1 Result Announced	30 May 2026
Step 2 Interview (shortlisted candidates)	6 to 8 July 2026
Class Commencement	August 2026 (Tentative)

• Applications were submitted online at admissions.cmcvellore.ac.in.
• The Step 1 test is a science-based multiple-choice paper covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from a recognised board
• Minimum aggregate of 50% marks in the qualifying examination
• Age between 17 and 40 years as on the date of admission

Admission Process

• Online application submitted at admissions.cmcvellore.ac.in before the deadline
• Step 1: Computer-Based Test assessing science aptitude and knowledge
• Shortlisted candidates appear for Step 2: practical assessment and personal interview at Vellore
• Medical fitness assessment by CMC Vellore Medical Board
• Merit-based final selection followed by fee payment and document verification

✓ Opt for this if

• You want to become a clinician, researcher, or entrepreneur in eye care
• You prefer a healthcare career with no night duties
• You value a holistic education balancing academics with sports and cultural activities
• You want strong alumni and faculty mentorship for career placement or higher studies

✗ Skip if

• You expect a heavy lab-science-based programme rather than patient-facing practice
• You prefer specialities adjacent to surgery or internal medicine
• You want a programme with a significantly larger intake than 10 seats

CMC Vellore B.Optom 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 and forms are available from the CMC registrar’s office after admission.
• CMC Vellore heavily subsidises fees to ensure cost is not a barrier to quality optometry education.

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 B.Optom 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 B.Optom FAQs

Ques. Is B.Optom at CMC Vellore a science-heavy lab programme or a patient-facing clinical one?

Ans. B.Optom at CMC Vellore is primarily a patient-facing clinical programme. The institution specifically notes it is not a lab-based profession and values people skills, communication ability, and team orientation alongside academics. Students interact with patients across all age groups throughout the 3-year programme. The holistic curriculum also includes sports, music, art, and intercollegiate optometry contests alongside regular clinical training and coursework.

Ques. What career paths are available to B.Optom graduates from CMC Vellore?

Ans. Graduates can work as Clinical Optometrists in hospitals and eye clinics, Vision Research Scientists in research institutions, educators in Colleges of Optometry, or entrepreneurs owning optical showrooms. Higher studies through Masters, PhD, and post-doctoral positions are available in India and internationally. CMC Vellore’s faculty and alumni network actively supports career guidance and placement for graduates seeking both clinical and research careers.

Ques. Does B.Optom from CMC Vellore involve night duties?

Ans. No. The Bachelor of Optometry programme at CMC Vellore does not involve night duties. This is a notable feature of this programme relative to other clinical allied health programmes at the institution. It makes optometry an attractive choice for students seeking a clinical healthcare career with predictable working hours and a strong work-life balance from the time of training itself.

Ques. What is the duration and total fee for B.Optom at CMC Vellore?

Ans. The programme is 3 years of academic and clinical training followed by a mandatory 1-year internship. Total course fees are INR 1,05,310 for the 3-year course, as per CMC Vellore Prospectus 2025-26. Hostel accommodation is optional and charged separately. CMC Vellore’s fees are heavily subsidised and among the most affordable for an optometry programme offered at a NIRF-ranked premier medical institution in India.

Ques. Can B.Optom graduates from CMC Vellore pursue higher studies abroad?

Ans. Yes. CMC Vellore B.Optom graduates have pursued Masters and PhD programmes in Optometry, Vision Science, and related fields at international universities. CMC Vellore’s national ranking, clinical patient volume, and research environment are well-regarded by institutions abroad. The faculty and alumni network helps students identify and apply to higher education programmes in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries with strong optometry research traditions.

Ques. What subjects are covered in the B.Optom curriculum at CMC Vellore?

Ans. The B.Optom curriculum at CMC Vellore covers Anatomy, Physiology, Optics and Optical Instruments, Ocular Anatomy, Clinical Optometry, Contact Lens Practice, Low Vision, Binocular Vision, Ocular Pharmacology, Anterior Segment Disease, and Vision Therapy. Students also study Paediatric Optometry, Geriatric Eye Care, and participate in community eye camps. High-energy laser technology for myopia management and advanced diagnostic equipment form part of the clinical training.