Bachelor of Optometry [B.Optom]
Accepted entrance exams
Fees
Fees at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program vary by year and category. For the first year, the tuition is approximately Rs. 1,21,000 for general category students and Rs. 1,11,000 for SC/ST students. In the subsequent years, fees decrease to Rs. 70,000 for all categories. Additional costs include a one-time admission fee of Rs. 2,000, a non-refundable registration fee of Rs.
10,000, refundable caution money of Rs. 10,000, and annual hostel fees of Rs. 20,000. Miscellaneous one-time non-refundable charges amount to Rs. 10,000. Examination-related registration fees are Rs. 4,000 annually. Scholarships are available through government schemes such as the post matric scholarship and the National Scholarship Portal. Additionally, during their internship, students receive a stipend of Rs. 25,000 per month. State quota students may access educational loans from the Bihar government.
About Bachelor of Optometry [B.Optom]
Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna, offers a four-year Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom) degree within one of Bihar’s premier government teaching hospitals. IGIMS ranks 110 in an external review site’s 2025 India Medical Colleges list. The B.Optom programme combines theory in optics, clinical optometry, and eye disease with supervised practical training in the IGIMS teaching hospital’s optometry and ophthalmology departments. Students develop competence in vision assessment, optical device prescription, and detection of ocular pathology. The four-year degree is followed by a one-year internship within IGIMS before degree conferment. IGIMS is a statutory autonomous university recognised by the National Medical Commission, and the B.Optom degree qualifies graduates for registration and independent optometry practice across India.
Admissions for the 2026-27 session are based on NEET-UG 2026 merit. NEET-UG is scheduled on May 3, 2026 with registration from February 8 to March 8, 2026. Seat allotment and counselling are expected in July to August 2026 with classes commencing in August 2026.
Key Points
- Four-year B.Optom degree with one-year internship at a premier government hospital
- Admission through NEET-UG merit; state quota and All India Quota seats available
- Clinical training in optometry and ophthalmology departments of IGIMS teaching hospital
- Comprehensive curriculum in optics, clinical optometry, and eye disease
- Experienced faculty with optometry and medical expertise
- IGIMS ranks 110 in an external review site’s 2025 India Medical Colleges list
- Graduates eligible for registration and independent optometry practice in India
- Employment opportunities in hospitals, private eye clinics, and optical retail sectors
IGIMS Patna Bachelor of Optometry Fees
Bachelor of Optometry Fee Structure
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition Fee | ₹37,500 |
| Total Fees (4-year course + 1-year internship) | ₹1,50,000 |
- Annual tuition fee of ₹37,500 is payable each academic year, totalling ₹1,50,000 over the four-year academic and one-year internship cycle.
- The internship year follows completion of the four-year degree and may have separate administrative charges billed by IGIMS.
- Hostel accommodation is available at an optional charge; fees are billed separately from tuition.
- All fees are subject to revision by IGIMS as per the decision of the competent authority.
IGIMS Patna Bachelor of Optometry Admission 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| NEET-UG Registration | February 8 to March 8, 2026 |
| NEET-UG Examination | May 3, 2026 |
| NEET-UG Result | June 2026 (Tentative) |
| IGIMS Counselling / Seat Allotment | July to August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Classes Commence | August 2026 |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Registration End | Exam Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEET-UG | May 3, 2026 | February 8 to March 8, 2026 | June 2026 (Tentative) |
- B.Optom admission at IGIMS Patna is merit-based on NEET-UG scores. Seats are allocated through state quota and All India Quota merit lists.
- Candidates must hold 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics; minimum 50% aggregate for general category (45% for SC/ST/OBC).
- Original 10+2 mark sheet, migration certificate, medical fitness certificate, and colour vision test results are required.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Passed 10+2 from a recognised board with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics as main subjects.
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 (45% for SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates).
- Minimum age of 17 years on or before December 31 of the admission year.
- Must pass medical fitness including colour vision test required for optometry practice.
Admission Process
- Register and appear for NEET-UG examination conducted by the National Testing Agency.
- Register on the IGIMS or state paramedical counselling portal within the notified window.
- Fill preferences for the B.Optom programme based on your NEET-UG rank.
- Report to IGIMS on the allotted date with original documents and pass medical fitness examination.
- Pay tuition fee and commence the four-year B.Optom degree programme.
IGIMS Patna Bachelor of Optometry Scholarships 2026
Bachelor of Optometry Scholarships Available
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Bihar State Scholarship | Variable | Bihar government scheme for SC/ST/OBC/EWS residents |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | Variable | Central schemes for SC/ST/OBC/minority students |
| Post-Matric Scholarship | Tuition + maintenance allowance | SC/ST candidates with valid caste certificate |
| Education Loan | Up to ₹20 lakhs | Through nationalised banks at concessional rates |
- Most scholarships are channelled through the National Scholarship Portal after the start of the academic session.
- Bihar government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates are administered by the Social Welfare Department.
- Education loans are available through major nationalised banks; IGIMS facilitates the bank verification process.
- Stipends paid to PG residents and fellows substantially offset living expenses during training.
IGIMS Patna Bachelor of Optometry FAQs
Ques. What is the Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom) course?
Ans. B.Optom at IGIMS is a four-year undergraduate degree in optometry, the science of vision care and corrective optical devices. The course combines theoretical knowledge in optics, physiology, and disease with supervised practical training in clinical optometry departments within the IGIMS teaching hospital.
Ques. What entrance examination is required?
Ans. NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate) is required for B.Optom admission. Merit-based selection is conducted through state and All India Quota seat allocation following official NEET-UG rankings.
Ques. How long is the B.Optom programme?
Ans. The programme is four years of academic study plus one additional year of compulsory internship within IGIMS, totalling five years from entry to degree conferment.
Ques. What are the career prospects after B.Optom?
Ans. B.Optom graduates are eligible for positions as optometrists in government hospitals, private eye clinics, and optical retail establishments. Many graduates pursue further specialisation through M.Optom or diploma programmes. Registration with the State Board of Optometrists is required for independent practice.
Ques. Are colour vision and medical fitness tests mandatory?
Ans. Yes. As vision care is central to optometry practice, IGIMS requires candidates to pass colour vision tests and general medical fitness examination at the time of admission to ensure suitability for the profession.