Bachelor of Optometry [B.Optom]

The Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom) at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, is a 5-year full-time undergraduate program (4 years of academics across 8 semesters + 1 year of compulsory internship, 177 credits) offered by the Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Allied Health Sciences. The program equips students with comprehensive knowledge and clinical skills in ocular examination, vision correction, contact lens fitting, low vision rehabilitation, and management of ocular diseases. The total tuition fee is Rs. 8,75,000 (Rs. 1,75,000 per year as per the 2026-27 prospectus), with a seat intake of 50 students. Admission is through the SRIHER Undergraduate Entrance Examination (Group-B, NCAHP), conducted in three centres across Tamil Nadu. B.Optom at SRIHER is highly regarded due to its NCAHP-recognized curriculum, strong clinical exposure at a 2,500-bedded multispecialty hospital, and excellent placement opportunities in India and abroad.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are currently open. The online application window opened on February 11, 2026, with the last date for submission being May 20, 2026. The SRIHER Common Entrance Examination (Group-B) is scheduled for May 31, 2026. Counselling and seat allotment will follow based on merit rank. Classes are expected to commence in July 2026.

Key Points

• The B.Optom program at SRIHER is recognized by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), which is the statutory body governing optometry education in India.
• The program follows the NCAHP-prescribed 5-year curriculum (4 years academics + 1 year compulsory internship), ensuring graduates are eligible for registration as licensed optometrists.
• Students receive clinical training at Sri Ramachandra Hospital, one of the largest multispecialty hospitals in South India with 2,500 beds, providing exposure to a wide range of ocular conditions.
• The curriculum covers specialized areas including contact lens practice, low vision rehabilitation, paediatric and geriatric optometry, glaucoma management, binocular vision, and community optometry.
• SRIHER holds NAAC A++ accreditation (highest grade) and is ranked 21st among medical colleges in India by NIRF 2025.
• No management quota seats are available; all admissions are strictly merit-based through the SRIHER entrance examination.
• The department has active industry and academic linkages supporting student placements in leading optical chains, hospitals, and eye care organizations nationally and internationally.

SRIHER B.Optom Fees

The B.Optom program at SRIHER carries a fee of Rs. 1,75,000 per academic year as per the 2026-27 Group-B prospectus, making the total tuition fee Rs. 8,75,000 for the 5-year program (including the internship year). In addition, students pay a one-time application fee of Rs. 1,000 and a university registration fee of Rs. 5,000. Examination fees are charged separately per semester. Hostel accommodation is optional and available on campus at varying rates.

Fee Components

Hostel Fees (Optional)

• The tuition fee is fixed for the entire duration of the program once admitted.
• The application fee of Rs. 1,000 is non-refundable under any circumstances.
• Mess facility is compulsory if hostel is availed; mess charges are paid separately.
• Hostel fees are not included in the Total Fees row above as hostel is optional.
• Students who withdraw on or before September 30, 2026 (last date of UG admission) are entitled to a refund of paid fees.
• Education loans are available through nationalized banks; the university assists students in the loan application process.

SRIHER B.Optom Admission 2026

SRIHER B.Optom admissions for 2026-27 are currently open. The selection is entirely merit-based through the SRIHER Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination (Group-B, NCAHP courses), with no management quota. The entrance exam is conducted in three centres: Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai. Candidates appearing for HSC (10+2) in March-April 2026 are also eligible to apply.

Important Dates

Note: No external entrance exam (such as NEET) is accepted for B.Optom admission at SRIHER. Admission is based solely on SRIHER Entrance Exam marks.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology) OR Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with any other subject.
• Candidates must have attained the age of 17 years as on December 31, 2026; maximum age limit is 30 years.
• Candidates must furnish a certificate of physical fitness from a registered medical practitioner at the time of application.

Admission Process

• Register online at apply.sriramachandra.edu.in and pay the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 1,000.
• Upload scanned copies of required documents (HSC mark sheet, Hall Ticket, Birth Certificate, Aadhaar card, Community Certificate if applicable, passport-size photograph, physical fitness certificate).
• Download Hall Ticket from the application portal from May 26, 2026.
• Appear for the SRIHER Common Entrance Examination (Group-B) on May 31, 2026 at the chosen centre (Chennai/Coimbatore/Madurai).
• The entrance exam consists of 180 MCQs (Physics: 60, Chemistry: 60, Biology: 60) for a maximum of 100 marks, duration 2 hours, with no negative marking.
• Merit rank is assigned based on entrance exam performance; seat allotment is done during counselling.
• Produce original documents at the time of counselling and complete fee payment to confirm admission.

SRIHER B.Optom Scholarships 2026

SRIHER offers merit-based and need-based scholarships to eligible B.Optom students, providing financial relief from the second year onwards. Students from economically weaker sections with good academic performance and attendance are the primary beneficiaries. Government scholarships applicable to the student's state and category can also be availed simultaneously.

Scholarship Details

• The SRIHER internal scholarship is awarded from the 2nd year of the course and is not available in the first year.
• Eligibility is assessed based on attendance percentage, academic performance, and family income certificate.
• Students are advised to apply for government scholarships (e.g., National Scholarship Portal) simultaneously with college admission.
• Application for SRIHER scholarships is done through the university's scholarship cell after joining.

SRIHER B.Optom Placement 2026

SRIHER B.Optom graduates are well-placed in leading optical chains, eye hospitals, and vision care organizations across India and internationally. The program's NCAHP recognition and strong clinical training at SRIHER's multispecialty hospital make graduates highly employable as optometrists, vision therapists, contact lens practitioners, and low vision specialists. Graduates also pursue higher studies through M.Optom at SRIHER (15 seats) or other institutions.

Placement Details

• Course-specific placement statistics (average salary, placement percentage) are not publicly disclosed by SRIHER for the B.Optom program. The above reflects general placement trends for SRIHER Allied Health Sciences graduates and the optometry sector.

According to an external review site Ranking 2025, SRIHER ranks 397 out of 632 colleges in India and 37 in state Tamil Nadu for its B.Optom program.

• 11 out of 20 under India Today Medical Ranking 2025.
• 21 out of 50 under NIRF Medical Ranking 2025.
• 15 out of 57 under IIRF Medical Ranking 2025.
• 4 out of 23 under Outlook Medical Ranking 2021.

Read more on SRIHER Rankings here

SRIHER B.Optom FAQs

Ques. Is NEET required for B.Optom admission at SRIHER?

Ans. No, NEET is not required for B.Optom admission at SRIHER. Admission is based entirely on the SRIHER Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination (Group-B). However, from 2026-27 onwards, NCAHP has indicated that NEET scores may be considered for allied health programs at some institutions nationally; students should verify the latest guidelines at the time of application.

Ques. What is the difference between B.Optom and B.Sc. Optometry? Are they the same?

Ans. B.Optom (Bachelor of Optometry) is the NCAHP-recognized professional degree for optometrists in India, following the 5-year (4+1) curriculum. B.Sc. Optometry is an older nomenclature used by some universities. SRIHER offers B.Optom under the NCAHP framework, which is the current standard for optometry education and licensure in India.

Ques. Can B.Optom graduates from SRIHER practice independently in India?

Ans. Yes, B.Optom graduates from SRIHER can register with the NCAHP and practice as licensed optometrists in India. They can independently conduct eye examinations, prescribe spectacles and contact lenses, and manage common ocular conditions. Referral to ophthalmologists is required for surgical or complex medical conditions.

Ques. What are the career options after B.Optom from SRIHER?

Ans. Graduates can work as clinical optometrists in hospitals, eye clinics, and optical retail chains; as vision therapists; as contact lens practitioners; or in community eye care programs. They can also pursue M.Optom for specialization, work in research, or explore opportunities in the optical industry (lens manufacturing, equipment sales). International opportunities are available in the Middle East, UK, Singapore, and Australia.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation available for B.Optom students at SRIHER?

Ans. Yes, hostel accommodation is available on campus for both male and female students, subject to availability. Students are advised to apply for hostel at the time of admission. Mess facility is compulsory if hostel is availed, and mess charges are paid separately from hostel fees.

Ques. How many seats are available for B.Optom at SRIHER, and how competitive is the admission?

Ans. There are 50 seats available for B.Optom at SRIHER (including NRI seats). The SRIHER entrance exam (Group-B) covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at the 10+2 level with 180 MCQs and no negative marking. With 50 seats and a large applicant pool from across India, competition is moderate. Candidates with strong scores in PCB at the 10+2 level and good entrance exam performance stand a good chance of securing admission.