Fees
Fees at Manipal Academy of Higher Education for the Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Computer Science and Engineering initially start at approximately Rs. 3.5 lakhs for the first year and can increase to between Rs. 5 lakhs and Rs. 7 lakhs per year by the fourth year. The total tuition fee for the complete program ranges from Rs. 20 lakhs to Rs. 30 lakhs over four years, depending on the branch and year of study.
Hostel fees are additional, averaging between Rs. 1.5 lakhs to Rs. 2.26 lakhs per year, based on room type and amenities. A refundable deposit of Rs. 10,000 is usually required upon admission. Scholarships are available for students with financial needs, those with a family income below Rs. 8 lakhs per annum, and students who achieve certain academic rankings, potentially covering up to 40% of fees. The fee structure allows for installment payments through third-party financing options.
About Master of Optometry [M.Optom]
Master of Optometry (M.Optom) at Manipal College of Health Professions (MCHP), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), is a comprehensive full-time two-year postgraduate program designed to provide advanced training in optometry. The program spans 4 semesters with a total duration of 2 years and total fees of 6.1 lakhs. The Department of Optometry was established in 2002 and has been offering the master's degree since 2008, making it one of the best full-time master's programs for optometry in India. The curriculum focuses on student-centered learning methods providing basic to advanced knowledge in all disciplines of optometry. Students gain practical and clinical exposure for skill training and develop a professional attitude for eyecare practice. The program enables students to apply recent research to clinical practice, improving their competency as primary eye care professionals. The program is highly popular among optometry graduates seeking specialized expertise and research opportunities in eye care.
Admissions for the 2026 batch are closing, with the last date to apply being March 31, 2026. Candidates are advised to apply immediately through the official MAHE portal before the deadline. Orientation and class commencement dates are to be announced (TBA) by the university.
Key Points
- One of the best full-time master's programs for optometry in India
- Department established in 2002 with master's program since 2008
- Student-centered learning methods with practical and clinical exposure
- Focus on applying recent research to clinical practice
- Multidisciplinary research team working on various research topics
- Collaborative research with Center for Excellence in Eye Care in India and international universities
- State-of-the-art facilities including laboratories and innovative research centers
MAHE M.Optom Fees
The Master of Optometry program at MCHP Manipal involves a total tuition fee of 6.1 lakhs for the entire 2-year duration. The fees cover all academic components including course materials, practical training, laboratory access, and clinical exposure. Students should note that hostel fees, if applicable, are charged separately and are optional. The university offers various payment options and EMI facilities through partner banks for eligible students.
Fee Components
| Fee Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (2 years) | 6,10,000 |
| Total Fees | 6,10,000 |
- Hostel fees are optional and charged separately.
- EMI options available through partner banks including Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, ICICI Bank, and SBI.
- Refund policy as per MAHE guidelines applies for withdrawal before reporting to campus.
MAHE M.Optom Admission 2026
The Master of Optometry program at MCHP Manipal follows a merit-based admission process. The application deadline for the 2026 batch is March 31, 2026. Candidates are advised to apply immediately through the official MAHE portal. The university will announce orientation and class commencement dates shortly after the merit list is prepared. Admission is based on academic qualifications and performance in the entrance examination.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date of Application | March 31, 2026 |
| Orientation Date | To Be Announced |
| Class Commencement Date | To Be Announced |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Bachelor's degree in Optometry (B.Optom) or B.Sc Optometry or BS Optom or B.Sc (Hons.) Ophthalmic Techniques from a recognized university with minimum 50% aggregate marks
- Candidates with related healthcare backgrounds may be considered based on merit
- Valid entrance examination score or merit-based selection as per MAHE guidelines
Admission Process
- Online application submission through the official MAHE portal (apply.manipal.edu)
- Merit list preparation based on academic qualifications and entrance examination performance
- Counselling and seat allocation for shortlisted candidates
- Document verification and fee payment to confirm admission
MAHE M.Optom Scholarships 2026
MAHE Manipal offers merit-based scholarships for postgraduate students under the category Merit Scholarship for all Other Undergraduate (UG) & Post Graduate (PG) Programs. Eligible students can receive scholarships based on their academic performance and entrance examination scores. The university also provides financial aid through education loan schemes with partner banks including Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, ICICI Bank, and SBI. Additionally, students can explore government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and Karnataka State Scholarship Portal (SSP).
Scholarship Options
| Scholarship Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Merit Scholarship | Based on academic performance and entrance exam scores |
| Education Loans | Available through Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI |
| Government Scholarships | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and Karnataka State Scholarship Portal (SSP) |
- Scholarship amounts and eligibility criteria vary based on merit and category.
- Students should refer to the official MAHE scholarship guidelines for detailed information.
- Interest subsidy schemes available on education loans for eligible students.
MAHE M.Optom Placement 2026
MCHP Manipal has a strong placement record for its postgraduate programs in allied health sciences. M.Optom graduates are placed in diverse sectors including tertiary eye care hospitals, optical and contact lens industries, academia, private practice, and NGOs. The program prepares professionals for roles in clinical optometry, research, and eyecare services. Career opportunities include positions as optometrists in eye care hospitals, optical industries, educational institutions, private practice, and research organizations. The program's emphasis on clinical training and research skills ensures strong employability in the eye care and healthcare sectors.
Placement Details
| Placement Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Placement Rate | Strong placement across allied health programs |
| Career Sectors | Eye Care, Hospitals, Optical Industries, Academia, NGOs, Private Practice |
| Average Salary Range | 4 LPA to 5 LPA (for fresh graduates); 10 LPA+ (for experienced professionals) |
According to an external review site Ranking 2025, MAHE Manipal ranks 367 out of 632 colleges in India and 31st in state Karnataka for its M.Optom program.
Read more on MAHE Manipal Rankings here
MAHE M.Optom FAQs
Q1: What makes the M.Optom program at MCHP Manipal unique?
Ans. The M.Optom program at MCHP Manipal is one of the best full-time master's programs for optometry in India. The department was established in 2002 and has been offering the master's degree since 2008. It has a multidisciplinary research team and collaborative research with the Center for Excellence in Eye Care in India and international universities.
Q2: What are the career prospects after completing M.Optom from MCHP Manipal?
Ans. Graduates can work as optometrists in tertiary eye care hospitals, optical and contact lens industries, academia, private practice, and NGOs. The program prepares students for diverse roles in clinical optometry, research, and eyecare services. Fresh graduates typically earn 4-5 LPA, while experienced professionals can earn 10 LPA or more.
Q3: Does the program include research opportunities?
Ans. Yes, the program emphasizes research and has a multidisciplinary research team working on various research topics. Students are encouraged to conduct research projects and apply recent research findings to clinical practice, preparing them for higher studies and research careers.
Q4: What is the admission process for M.Optom at MCHP Manipal?
Ans. The admission process is merit-based. Candidates need to apply online through apply.manipal.edu before the deadline (March 31, 2026). After merit list preparation, shortlisted candidates are called for counselling, followed by document verification and fee payment.
Q5: Is clinical exposure provided during the program?
Ans. Yes, the program provides practical and clinical exposure for skill training. Students gain hands-on experience in optometry clinics and eye care facilities, developing competency as primary eye care professionals through evidence-based practice.
Q6: Are there opportunities for higher studies after M.Optom?
Ans. Yes, graduates can pursue PhD programs in optometry or related fields. The program's emphasis on research and evidence-based practice prepares students for doctoral studies and academic careers in optometry and eye care research.