Accepted entrance exams
Fees
Fees at Government Medical College and Hospital for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program include a tuition fee of 25,000 per year for the first year, 18,800 for the second and third years, and 16,800 for the final year. Additionally, there is a final examination fee of 10,000 per year.
NRI candidates pay a one-time fee of 80 lakhs for a five-year program or 24,000 US dollars per year. Hostel fees for local students are approximately 15,000 to 50,000 per year, varying with services like mess facilities, whereas NRI hostel charges are higher. Scholarships are available for economically weaker students and academic achievers, while SC/ST students benefit from reduced fees.
About Bachelor of Optometry [B.Optom]
The Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom) programme at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Chandigarh, is a 4-year undergraduate course (with 1-year clinical internship in the final year) designed to train students in vision care and eye health. Admission is through GCET (GMCH Combined Entrance Test) with only 4 seats. GMCH is affiliated with Panjab University and offers clinical training in its high-volume ophthalmology department alongside experienced faculty.
📋 Admission Status: B.Optom admission at GMCH is through GCET 2026. Only 4 seats are available for the 2026-27 batch, admitted via GCET merit-based counselling by GMCH.
Key Points
- 4-year B.Optom with final-year clinical internship
- Only 4 seats via GCET merit-based counselling
- Clinical training in GMCH ophthalmology OPD
- Curriculum covers optics, contact lenses, and low vision
- Experienced faculty with optometry and ophthalmology expertise
- Affiliated with Panjab University and recognised optometry bodies
- No hostel available at GMCH for B.Optom students
- Graduates eligible for M.Optom and OCI-registered practice
GMCH Chandigarh B.Optom Fees 2026
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee (per year x 4) | INR 9,783 |
| Total Fees (4 years) | INR 39,132 |
- Total Fees is for the 4-year B.Optom programme at GMCH.
- No hostel is available for B.Optom students at GMCH.
- The 4th year is a clinical internship in ophthalmology.
- Fees are government-regulated and subject to revision per notification.
GMCH Chandigarh B.Optom Admission 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| GCET Application | May 2026 (tentative) |
| GCET Exam | June 2026 (tentative) |
| GCET Result | June 2026 (tentative) |
| Counselling | July 2026 (tentative) |
| Classes Commence | August 2026 |
- B.Optom admission at GMCH is through GCET, with only 4 seats.
- GMCH holds counselling on GCET merit with 4 seats available.
- Submit 12th certificate, GCET scorecard, and category certificate at counselling.
- Document verification is mandatory before seat confirmation.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have passed 12th standard (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from a recognised board.
- Minimum aggregate of 50% marks in PCB for General category, and 45% for SC/PwD candidates.
- A valid GCET (GMCH Combined Entrance Test) score is mandatory for admission.
- With only 4 seats available, GCET rank required for B.Optom is very competitive.
- Candidates must be at least 17 years of age at the time of admission.
Admission Process
- Register for GCET (GMCH Combined Entrance Test) per GMCH official notification.
- Appear for GCET. Note that B.Optom has only 4 seats making competition intense.
- Check GCET result and merit list published by GMCH on the official website.
- Participate in GMCH counselling on the designated date with all original documents.
- Confirm seat allotment in B.Optom based on GCET rank and seat availability.
- Complete fee payment and admission formalities per GMCH instructions.
- Commence B.Optom studies in August per the GMCH academic calendar.
✓ Opt for this if
- Students committed to optometry and vision care as their career
- Candidates seeking affordable government optometry training at GMCH
- Students wanting clinical exposure in a high-volume eye department
- Chandigarh/Punjab candidates comfortable arranging private accommodation
- Those planning M.Optom specialization or OCI-registered optometry practice
✗ Skip if
- Students wanting broader healthcare career options beyond eye care
- Candidates not prepared to arrange independent accommodation in Chandigarh
- Those wanting a higher seat count programme with lower competition
- Students targeting nursing, paramedical, or medical education instead
- Candidates needing hostel facility on the same college campus
GMCH Chandigarh B.Optom Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Government Merit Scholarship | As per state norms | Based on 12th marks and GCET rank |
| Post-matric Scholarship | Variable amount | For eligible SC/ST/OBC candidates |
- B.Optom students may be eligible for government merit scholarships.
- SC/ST/OBC candidates can apply via the National Scholarship Portal.
GMCH Chandigarh B.Optom FAQs
Ques. What is the B.Optom duration at GMCH Chandigarh?
Ans. The B.Optom programme at GMCH Chandigarh is 4 years. The first three years cover ocular anatomy, optics, refractive techniques, contact lens practice, binocular vision, and low vision rehabilitation. The fourth year is a full clinical internship with direct patient care in GMCH’s ophthalmology department.
Ques. What is the total B.Optom fee at GMCH Chandigarh?
Ans. Total fees for the 4-year B.Optom programme are INR 39,132 (INR 9,783 per year). This is one of the most affordable optometry programmes in India with government-regulated fees. No hostel is provided for B.Optom students. Students arrange their own accommodation in Chandigarh.
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for B.Optom at GMCH?
Ans. Candidates must have passed 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (minimum 50% in PCB for General, and 45% for SC/PwD). A valid GCET score is mandatory. Candidates must be at least 17 years old. With only 4 seats, GCET rank required for B.Optom is typically the most competitive among all GCET programmes.
Ques. What is GCET and how does B.Optom admission work at GMCH?
Ans. GCET (GMCH Combined Entrance Test) is the entrance exam for B.Sc paramedical and B.Optom programmes at GMCH. Candidates apply through the GMCH portal in May, appear for the exam in June, and are ranked by score. Counselling follows in July with seat allotment strictly on GCET merit and category.
Ques. What career opportunities are available after B.Optom from GMCH?
Ans. B.Optom graduates can pursue M.Optom specialization in contact lenses, pediatric optometry, low vision, or ocular disease. Career paths include hospital optometry, eye clinics, optical retail, community vision care programmes, and teaching in optometry institutions. OCI registration enables independent professional practice across India.
Ques. Is hostel available for B.Optom students at GMCH Chandigarh?
Ans. No, hostel accommodation is not provided for B.Optom students at GMCH as per the official GCET prospectus. Students must arrange their own boarding and lodging. Chandigarh has good public transport and student housing options near GMCH, making private accommodation practical for outstation students.