Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics [BPO]
at National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities - [NIEPMD]
About Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics [BPO]
Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BPO) at NIEPMD Chennai is a 4.5-year undergraduate programme (4 years of academic study + 6 months of compulsory internship) affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai. Offered in full-time on-campus mode with a seat intake of 20 students per batch, the programme trains students to design, fabricate, and fit prosthetic and orthotic devices for persons with limb loss or musculoskeletal impairments. The total institutional fee for the entire programme is Rs. 1,43,000, making it one of the most affordable BPO programmes in India. Admission is through the Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by SVNIRTAR on behalf of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India. The programme is highly sought after for its government-backed status, specialized focus on rehabilitation of persons with multiple disabilities, and strong career prospects in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and multinational prosthetics companies.
Admissions for the academic year 2026-27 are expected to open around May-June 2026, based on the CET-2025 schedule. Candidates are advised to monitor the official SVNIRTAR admission portal (https://admission.svnirtar.nic.in) for CET-2026 notifications.
Key Points
- NIEPMD is a Government of India autonomous institute under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, offering BPO with a specialized focus on rehabilitation of persons with multiple disabilities.
- The institute is NAAC re-accredited with B+ grade (CGPA 2.56) in 2024 and ISO 9001:2015 certified.
- BPO interns receive a stipend of Rs. 12,000 per month during the 6-month compulsory internship period.
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD) holding a UDID card are eligible for 100% waiver of institutional fees.
- Hostel facility is available only for girl students at Rs. 27,000 per annum; no transport facility is provided for out-campus hostel from 2026-27 onwards.
- The programme is affiliated to Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, one of the premier medical universities in South India.
- NIEPMD is recognized as an Institute of Excellence under multiple Central Government scholarship schemes including Top Class Education for SC, ST, and PwD students.
NIEPMD BPO Fees
The BPO programme at NIEPMD Chennai is among the most affordable government-funded prosthetics and orthotics programmes in India. The first-year fee of Rs. 44,000 includes a one-time refundable caution deposit of Rs. 11,000. From the second year onwards, the annual fee is Rs. 33,000. The total institutional fee for the entire 4-year programme amounts to Rs. 1,43,000. Hostel accommodation (for girls only) is available at Rs. 27,000 per annum and is not mandatory.
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Year 1 (Rs.) | Year 2 (Rs.) | Year 3 (Rs.) | Year 4 (Rs.) | Total (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | 19,500 | 19,500 | 19,500 | 19,500 | 78,000 |
| Laboratory Fees | 12,000 | 12,000 | 12,000 | 12,000 | 48,000 |
| Sports/Cultural Activities Fees | 500 | 500 | 500 | 500 | 2,000 |
| Library Fees | 500 | 500 | 500 | 500 | 2,000 |
| Identity Card and Calendar Fees | 500 | - | - | - | 500 |
| Caution Deposit (Refundable, one-time) | 11,000 | - | - | - | 11,000 |
| University Registration/Enrollment Fees | As per TNMGRMU norms | - | - | - | - |
| Examination Fees | As per TNMGRMU norms | As per TNMGRMU norms | As per TNMGRMU norms | As per TNMGRMU norms | - |
| Total Institutional Fees | 44,000 | 33,000 | 33,000 | 33,000 | 1,43,000 |
| Hostel Fees (Girls only, optional) | 27,000 | 27,000 | 27,000 | 27,000 | 1,08,000 |
- Caution Deposit of Rs. 11,000 is refundable on successful completion of the course after recovery of any dues/damages.
- University examination fees are payable separately as per Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University norms.
- Hostel fees are for accommodation only; hostel is available for girl students only and is not mandatory.
- No transport facility is provided for out-campus hostel occupants from academic year 2026-27 onwards.
- PwD students holding a valid UDID card are eligible for 100% waiver of institutional fees.
- Siblings of children with 40% or higher disability (one person per family) are eligible for 75% waiver of institutional fees.
- Children of parents with benchmark disabilities (40% and above) are eligible for 100% waiver of institutional fees.
- BPO interns receive a stipend of Rs. 12,000 per month during the 6-month internship period.
- Education loans are available through the PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme (collateral-free and guarantor-free) via pmvidyalaxmi.co.in.
NIEPMD BPO Admission 2026-27
Admission to the BPO programme at NIEPMD Chennai is conducted through the Common Entrance Test (CET) organized by SVNIRTAR, Cuttack, on behalf of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India. The CET is a national-level entrance test covering Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics, and General Ability. For the academic year 2026-27, CET-2026 dates are yet to be announced; based on the CET-2025 schedule, applications are expected to open around May 2026.
NIEPMD BPO Admission Dates
| Event | Tentative Date (2026-27) |
|---|---|
| CET Information Brochure and Application Form Release | May 2026 (tentative) |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | June 2026 (tentative) |
| Admit Card Available Online | June 2026 (tentative) |
| CET Exam Date | June 2026 (tentative) |
| Declaration of Results | July 2026 (tentative) |
| Choice Filling and Locking Period | July 2026 (tentative) |
| 1st Round Seat Allotment | July 2026 (tentative) |
| 1st Round Certificate Verification and Counselling | July 2026 (tentative) |
| 2nd Round Seat Allotment | August 2026 (tentative) |
| 3rd Round Seat Allotment and Mop-up Round | August 2026 (tentative) |
| Session Commencement | To be intimated during document verification |
CET Exam Dates
| Event | Date (CET-2025) |
|---|---|
| Application Form Release | May 17, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 13, 2025 |
| Admit Card Available | June 15, 2025 |
| CET Exam Date | June 22, 2025 (Sunday) |
| Result Declaration | July 2, 2025 (tentative) |
| Choice Filling and Locking | July 5-10, 2025 |
| 1st Round Seat Allotment | July 14, 2025 |
| 1st Round Counselling | July 22-23, 2025 |
| 2nd Round Seat Allotment | July 28, 2025 |
| 2nd Round Counselling | August 5, 2025 |
| 3rd Round Seat Allotment | August 9, 2025 |
| Mop-up Round | August 26-27, 2025 |
All dates are tentative and based on CET-2025 schedule. Candidates must check https://admission.svnirtar.nic.in for official CET-2026 notifications.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Mathematics (or Botany and Zoology) under the Science stream with a minimum aggregate of 50% in PCB/PCM/PCBZ and a pass in English. (40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates; 45% for Divyangjan/PwD candidates)
- Candidates must have completed 17 years of age at the time of admission or will complete that age on or before December 31 of the admission year. There is no upper age limit.
- Candidates must be Indian nationals (Foreign nationals from neighboring South East Asian countries are also eligible).
Admission Process
- Apply online through the SVNIRTAR admission portal: https://admission.svnirtar.nic.in
- Pay the application fee online: Rs. 1,300 for General/OBC/EWS candidates; Rs. 1,000 for SC/ST/PwD candidates; exempted for PwD candidates holding UDID cards.
- Appear for the Common Entrance Test (CET) at the chosen examination centre.
- After result declaration, complete choice filling and locking for preferred course and institute on the admission portal.
- Pay seat acceptance fee of Rs. 10,000 upon seat allotment (exempted for UDID card holders; adjusted against final admission fee).
- Attend physical document verification and counselling at NIEPMD Chennai on the allotted date with all original certificates.
- Pay the balance admission fee (Rs. 44,000 minus seat acceptance fee already paid) to confirm admission.
NIEPMD BPO Scholarships 2026-27
Students admitted to the BPO programme at NIEPMD Chennai are eligible for a range of Central Government and State Government scholarships. NIEPMD has been recognized as an Institute of Excellence under multiple scholarship schemes, making financial support widely accessible. PwD students and students from SC/ST/OBC/EBC/DNT backgrounds have dedicated scholarship avenues through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Scholarship Schemes
| Scholarship Name | Provided By | Eligibility | Amount/Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Class Education for SC Students | DSJ&E, MSJ&E, Govt. of India | SC students in UG programmes; apply via NSP | As per scheme norms (2 slots per year at NIEPMD) |
| National Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students | Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt. of India | ST students; apply via NSP | As per scheme norms |
| Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities | DEPwD(D), MSJ&E, Govt. of India | PwD students enrolled at NIEPMD; apply via NSP | As per scheme norms |
| PM YASASVI Top Class Education for OBC/EBC/DNT Students | DSJ&E, MSJ&E, Govt. of India | OBC/EBC/DNT students in UG programmes; apply via NSP (11 slots: 10 OBC + 1 EWS per year) | As per scheme norms |
| Government of Tamil Nadu Scholarship (SC/ST/BC/MBC/DNC) | Dept. of Adi-dravidar and Dept. of Backward Class and Minority Welfare, Govt. of Tamil Nadu | SC/ST/BC/MBC/DNC students; submit documents to Institute Nodal Officer | As per state scheme norms |
| Bihar/Kerala/Odisha Post Matric Scholarship | Respective State Governments | Students from Bihar, Kerala, and Odisha; apply via respective state portals | As per state scheme norms |
| CSR Scholarship | Corporate/CSR Sponsors via NIEPMD | Economically backward, single-parent children, PwD students; subject to sponsor availability | As per sponsor norms |
| Institutional Fee Waiver for PwD | NIEPMD | PwD with UDID card (irrespective of disability percentage) | 100% waiver of institutional fees |
| Institutional Fee Waiver for Sibling of PwD | NIEPMD | Sibling of child with 40% or higher disability (one per family) | 75% waiver of institutional fees |
| Institutional Fee Waiver for Children of PwD Parents | NIEPMD | Children of parents with benchmark disability (40% and above) | 100% waiver of institutional fees |
- All NSP-based scholarships must be applied through the National Scholarship Portal: https://scholarships.gov.in
- Tamil Nadu state scholarships require submission of Community Certificate, Income Certificate, and Aadhaar Card to the Institute Nodal Officer.
- CSR scholarships are subject to availability of sponsors and must be applied by submitting an application to the Director, NIEPMD with necessary documents.
- PM-Vidyalaxmi education loan (collateral-free, guarantor-free) is also available for eligible students via pmvidyalaxmi.co.in.
NIEPMD BPO FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between Prosthetics and Orthotics in the BPO programme?
Ans. Prosthetics involves designing and fitting artificial limbs (prostheses) for persons who have lost a limb due to amputation or congenital causes. Orthotics involves designing and fitting supportive devices (orthoses) to support, correct, or assist weakened or deformed body parts. The BPO programme at NIEPMD trains students in both disciplines, making graduates versatile rehabilitation professionals.
Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing BPO from NIEPMD Chennai?
Ans. BPO graduates can work as Prosthetists/Orthotists in rehabilitation centres, hospitals, trauma centres, multinational prosthetics and orthotics companies, academic institutions, and government and non-government organizations in India and abroad. Self-employment and consultancy are also viable options. Higher studies and research in Prosthetics and Orthotics are also available.
Ques. What is the total fee for BPO at NIEPMD Chennai?
Ans. The total institutional fee for the 4-year BPO programme is Rs. 1,43,000 (Rs. 44,000 in Year 1 and Rs. 33,000 each in Years 2, 3, and 4). The Year 1 fee includes a refundable caution deposit of Rs. 11,000. University examination fees are payable separately as per Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University norms. Hostel fees (Rs. 27,000/year, girls only) are optional and not included in the above total.
Ques. Do BPO students receive any stipend during internship at NIEPMD?
Ans. Yes. BPO interns at NIEPMD receive a stipend of Rs. 12,000 per month during the 6-month compulsory internship period, subject to NIEPMD terms and conditions.
Ques. What is the seat intake for BPO at NIEPMD Chennai, and what is the reservation structure?
Ans. The total seat intake for BPO at NIEPMD Chennai is 20 seats. The reservation structure is: UR - 8 seats, SC - 3 seats, ST - 2 seats, OBC - 5 seats, EWS - 2 seats. Horizontal reservation is also provided for PwD (Divyangjan), J&K, and NE State candidates as per Govt. of India norms.
Ques. Is Mathematics accepted instead of Biology for BPO admission at NIEPMD?
Ans. Yes. Unlike BPT and BOT which require Biology, the BPO programme at NIEPMD accepts candidates who have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Botany and Zoology (PCB/PCBZ) at 10+2 level, with a minimum aggregate of 50% in the relevant subjects. This makes BPO accessible to both Biology and Mathematics stream students.