Bachelor of Optometry [B.Optom]
at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research - [PGIMER]
Fees
Fees at Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER) for the Bachelor of Science [B.Sc] (Nursing) program include an initial admission fee of 5,000 INR, which is refundable upon course completion. The annual tuition fee is approximately 835 INR with a minor examination fee of 200 INR each year.
A refundable security charge of 5,000 INR is also applicable. Hostel facilities are available at a fee of 3,500 INR per year, with an additional mess charge of 1,080 INR per month. A stipend of 500 INR per month is disbursed throughout the course duration. During the six-month internship period, a stipend totaling 13,500- 14,000 INR is provided.
Scholarships are available, providing further financial assistance.
About Bachelor of Optometry [B.Optom]
PGIMER Chandigarh offers the 4-year Bachelor of Optometry programme with 10 seats, providing clinical training at the institute’s Advanced Eye Centre. Admission is through the PGIMER paramedical entrance CBT on 31 July 2026. The total course fee is INR 10,500. PGIMER holds NIRF Rank 2 in the Medical category for 2025, and its ophthalmology department is among the highest-volume eye centres in North India.
📋 Admission Status: Applications closed. Examination begins 31 July 2026.
Key Points
- Clinical training at PGIMER Advanced Eye Centre serving over 1,000 patients every day
- Exposure to tertiary-level procedures including corneal transplants and retinal surgeries
- PGIMER ophthalmology department is a national referral centre for complex eye conditions
PGIMER Chandigarh B.Optom Fees 2026
| Component | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Course Fee (4 years) | INR 10,500 |
| Hostel - Sharing (per year, optional) | INR 1,200 |
| Hostel - Single (per year, optional) | INR 2,400 |
| Total Fees | INR 10,500 |
- A one-time refundable hostel security deposit of INR 1,500 is charged at the time of hostel allotment.
- Hostel charges are optional and billed separately from the course fee.
PGIMER Chandigarh B.Optom Admission 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | 3 June 2026 |
| Application Closes | 2 July 2026 |
| PGIMER CBT Entrance Exam | 31 July 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 8 August 2026 |
| First Counselling at PGIMER | 25 August 2026 |
- The CBT comprises 100 MCQs at 10+2 level in 90 minutes with no negative marking.
- Qualifying cutoff is the 55th percentile for General and 50th for SC/ST/PwBD candidates.
- Candidates with a Diploma in Optometry with at least 60% are also eligible to sit the entrance CBT.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Class 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics from a recognised board
- Minimum 60% aggregate marks for General category (55% for SC/ST)
- Candidates with a Diploma in Optometry and 60% marks from a recognised institute are also eligible
- Upper age limit of 30 years at the time of admission
Admission Process
- Apply online at pgimer.edu.in between 3 June and 2 July 2026 and pay the application fee online
- Application fee is INR 1,500 for General/OBC candidates and INR 1,200 for SC/ST candidates
- Download the admit card and appear for the CBT at the assigned centre on 31 July 2026
- Check the result on 8 August 2026 and register for counselling if the qualifying percentile is met
- Attend physical counselling at PGIMER Chandigarh on 25 August 2026 with original mark sheets and documents
- Pay the course fee and complete document verification to confirm the allotted seat
✓ Opt for this if
- Career goal is clinical optometry or ophthalmic practice at a hospital or eye care chain
- Training at a national referral eye centre with very high patient volume is the priority
- A government programme with near-zero tuition is financially suitable
- Chandigarh and North India are viable for future practice location
✗ Skip if
- Goal is to pursue ophthalmology through MBBS and MS rather than optometry
- Preferred practice location is South India where private optometry chains dominate hiring
- PCB aggregate is below 60% reducing eligibility chances significantly
PGIMER Chandigarh B.Optom Scholarships 2026
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST | Full tuition and maintenance allowance | SC/ST students via National Scholarship Portal |
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships | INR 12,000 per year | Class 12 toppers selected via NSP merit list |
| PGIMER Financial Assistance | Variable, assessed on need | Economically weaker students after joining |
- Apply through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in for central government schemes.
- PGIMER campus financial aid applications are submitted through the student welfare section.
According to an external review site Ranking 2025, PGIMER Chandigarh ranks 3 out of 630 colleges in India and 1st in state Chandigarh for its B.Optom program.
- 2 out of 50 under NIRF Medical Ranking 2025.
- 3 out of 70 under IIRF Medical Ranking 2025.
Read more on PGIMER Chandigarh Rankings here
PGIMER Chandigarh B.Optom FAQs
Ques. What is the minimum percentage required for B.Optom at PGIMER Chandigarh?
Ans. General category candidates need a minimum of 60% aggregate marks in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics. SC/ST candidates require at least 55%. Candidates with a Diploma in Optometry with 60% aggregate from a recognised institute are also eligible. The higher percentage bar for B.Optom compared to other paramedical programmes at PGIMER reflects the clinical precision demanded in optometric practice.
Ques. What clinical exposure does a B.Optom student receive at PGIMER?
Ans. B.Optom students at PGIMER train at the Advanced Eye Centre, one of the busiest ophthalmology departments in North India. Clinical rotations cover refraction, contact lens fitting, low-vision assessment, binocular vision therapy, and paediatric optometry. Students also observe tertiary procedures including corneal transplants, retinal surgeries, glaucoma management, and squint correction, providing exposure well beyond what most private colleges can offer.
Ques. Is there an upper age limit for B.Optom admission at PGIMER?
Ans. Yes. PGIMER sets an upper age limit of 30 years for B.Optom admission. This is stricter than many other paramedical programmes at the institute. Candidates who have completed a Diploma in Optometry and wish to upgrade to a B.Optom degree must factor in this age restriction and apply well within the window to avoid disqualification at the document verification stage.
Ques. What career options are available after B.Optom from PGIMER Chandigarh?
Ans. Graduates can work as clinical optometrists in government hospitals, private hospitals, ophthalmic chains, and standalone eye clinics. PGIMER B.Optom graduates are well regarded for placements at premier hospitals and vision care chains across India. Some graduates pursue the Master of Optometry for specialisation in low vision, contact lenses, or paediatric optometry. Teaching positions in optometry colleges are also an option after postgraduate studies.
Ques. Can Diploma in Optometry holders apply for B.Optom at PGIMER?
Ans. Yes. Candidates holding a Diploma in Optometry with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks from a recognised institution are eligible to apply for B.Optom at PGIMER Chandigarh, provided they are within the upper age limit of 30 years. They must appear for and qualify the PGIMER paramedical entrance CBT on 31 July 2026 and attend physical counselling at the institute to receive a seat allotment.