Bachelor of Occupational Therapy [BOT]

The Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) is a 4.5-year full-time undergraduate programme (4 years of academic study + 1 year of compulsory internship) offered at SIMATS College of Occupational Therapy (SCOT), under Saveetha Institute of Medical And Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai. The programme is approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) and trains students to help individuals overcome physical, mental, and social challenges arising from illness, injury, disability, or ageing, enabling them to lead independent and fulfilling lives. The total fee for the programme is Rs. 8 Lakhs. Admission is merit-based on 10+2 marks, with no mandatory entrance examination. The BOT programme is popular due to the growing demand for occupational therapists in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, special schools, elderly care facilities, and mental health institutions across India and globally.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are currently open at SIMATS. Applications can be submitted online through simatsadmissions.saveetha.com. Based on the 2025 cycle, the last date to apply was June 29, 2025, and the batch commenced in July/August 2025. For 2026-27, similar timelines are expected. Students are advised to apply early as seats are limited.

Key Points

• The programme is offered at SIMATS College of Occupational Therapy (SCOT), which is approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), a globally recognised accreditation for occupational therapy programmes.
• SCOT is part of SIMATS, a NAAC A++ accredited deemed university ranked 23rd overall by NIRF 2025.
• The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical clinical training, including hospital visits, case studies, and interactions with real patients across diverse settings.
• Students participate in large-scale community screening and awareness programmes, including geriatric screening and school-based programmes, which have been recognised by the World Book Record and Kalam's World Records.
• The programme includes a mandatory 1-year internship, providing hands-on clinical exposure in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and community settings.
• Graduates can work as Occupational Therapists in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental health clinics, special schools, elderly care facilities, NGOs, and government health programmes.
• SCOT offers both BOT and Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) programmes, providing a clear academic progression pathway.

SIMATS BOT Fees

The BOT programme at SIMATS has a total fee of Rs. 8 Lakhs for the entire 4.5-year duration (including the 1-year compulsory internship). The fee is payable on a yearly basis. Hostel accommodation is available separately on campus and is not mandatory. The fee is competitive compared to other private deemed universities offering BOT programmes.

Fee Structure

• The year-wise fee breakup above is approximate; the exact breakup should be confirmed with the SIMATS admissions office.
• Hostel fees are not included in the total fees above, as hostel accommodation is optional.
• Food charges are separate from hostel fees.
• An admission fee of approximately Rs. 10,000 - Rs. 20,000 is payable at the time of joining (as reported by students).
• Exam fees of approximately Rs. 9,000 per year are charged separately.
• Fee structure is subject to revision; verify the latest fees at the official SIMATS website (www.saveetha.com) before applying.

SIMATS BOT Admission 2026

Admissions to the BOT programme at SIMATS are merit-based, with no mandatory entrance examination. Selection is based on 10+2 marks (cutoff score). The 2026-27 admissions are currently open. Students can apply online through the SIMATS admissions portal. The process is straightforward and does not require any entrance test.

Important Dates

Note: The above dates are tentative and based on the 2025 admission cycle (last date: June 29, 2025). Confirm exact dates at simatsadmissions.saveetha.com or call Toll Free: 1800 123 746287.

Entrance Exam Requirement

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Class XII) from a recognised board.
• Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as core subjects in 10+2 is preferred/required.
• A minimum aggregate of 50% marks in 10+2 is generally expected (verify with the college at the time of application).

Admission Process

• Visit the official SIMATS admissions portal: simatsadmissions.saveetha.com
• Fill in the online application form and upload required documents (10+2 mark sheet, transfer certificate, ID proof, passport-size photographs).
• Pay the application fee (approximately Rs. 1,000).
• Shortlisting is done based on 10+2 cutoff marks.
• Selected candidates receive an admission offer and are required to pay the admission fee (approximately Rs. 10,000 - Rs. 20,000) to confirm the seat.
• Submit original documents at the time of joining.

SIMATS BOT Scholarships 2026

SIMATS offers merit-based scholarships to deserving students across its programmes. Scholarships are primarily linked to academic performance in 10+2 and are applicable on tuition fees. Students with achievements in sports and cultural activities, as well as those from economically weaker sections, may also be eligible for fee waivers. Government scholarships are also available for eligible categories.

Scholarship Details

• Scholarship eligibility criteria should be confirmed directly with the SIMATS scholarship office.
• Government scholarships such as Tamil Nadu State Scholarship, Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC, and Central Sector Scholarship are also available to eligible students.
• Students must apply for scholarships at the time of admission or as per the scholarship office's schedule.
• Scholarship amounts are applied as fee waivers and are not disbursed as cash.

According to an external review site Ranking 2025, SIMATS Chennai ranks 18 out of 632 colleges in India and 2 in state Tamil Nadu for its BOT program.

• 11 out of 50 under NIRF Medical Ranking 2025.
• 11 out of 57 under IIRF Medical Ranking 2025.

Read more on SIMATS Chennai Rankings here

SIMATS BOT FAQs

Ques. Is the BOT programme at SIMATS approved by WFOT?

Ans. Yes, the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT) programme at SIMATS College of Occupational Therapy (SCOT) is approved by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). This is a globally recognised accreditation that validates the quality of the programme and makes SIMATS BOT graduates eligible for international practice and recognition.

Ques. What is the duration of the BOT programme at SIMATS, and is the internship mandatory?

Ans. The BOT programme at SIMATS is 4.5 years in total, comprising 4 years of academic study and 1 year of compulsory internship. The internship is mandatory and is an integral part of the programme, providing hands-on clinical training in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and community settings.

Ques. What are the career options after completing BOT from SIMATS?

Ans. Graduates can work as Occupational Therapists in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental health clinics, special schools, elderly care facilities, NGOs, and government health programmes. Career opportunities also exist in paediatric centres, corporate wellness programmes, and research institutions. With growing awareness of occupational therapy in India and globally, the demand for qualified occupational therapists is increasing. Graduates can also pursue MOT (Master of Occupational Therapy) at SIMATS for specialisation in areas like Neurosciences, Mental Health, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, and Hand Rehabilitation.

Ques. What is the total fee for BOT at SIMATS, and are there any additional charges?

Ans. The total fee for the BOT programme is Rs. 8 Lakhs for the entire 4.5-year duration. Additionally, an admission fee of approximately Rs. 10,000 - Rs. 20,000 is payable at joining, annual exam fees of approximately Rs. 9,000 are charged separately, and occasional study material charges may apply. Hostel fees are separate and optional.

Ques. Does SIMATS provide clinical training facilities for BOT students?

Ans. Yes, SIMATS has Saveetha Medical College and Hospital on campus with over 1,700 beds, along with dedicated rehabilitation and occupational therapy departments. SCOT students also participate in community outreach programmes, including geriatric screening camps and school-based awareness programmes, which have been recognised by the World Book Record and Kalam's World Records.

Ques. Is NEET required for admission to BOT at SIMATS?

Ans. No, NEET is not required for admission to the BOT programme at SIMATS. Admission is purely merit-based on 10+2 marks (cutoff score). There is no mandatory entrance examination for this programme.