Physiotherapist
Treats injury and restores movement and function using massage, exercise and other techniques.
Overview
Physiotherapists are professionals who treat injury and help restore movement and function affected by the injury. Physiotherapists apply various techniques and methods such as massage and exercise and help patients manage pain, balance, mobility, and motor function.
Where they work
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Self-employed
- Medical colleges
- Sports teams and complexes
- Community health centres
- Rehabilitation centres
- Fitness centres
- Defence establishments
Work environment
It is not a desk job and does not require travelling. Part-time work and contractual jobs are available. Shift system available. Hospitals/clinics usually work for 6 to 7 days a week and 8 to 9 hours everyday. This may vary from hospital to hospital.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You display physical fitness
- You are a good listener
- You are good at solving problems
- You have critical thinking ability
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- 2Pursue a Bachelor's degree (BPT) in Physiotherapy.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (MPT) in the same domain.
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a Diploma in Physiotherapy (DPT)
- 2For admission into the UG course, you would have to appear for the NEET exam and for admission to the DPT course, there are many national and state-level entrance exams.
Forms, exams and applications
NEET for the undergraduate course; national and state-level entrance exams for the Diploma (DPT). Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Physiotherapy. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Assam Women's University, Jorhat, Assam
- University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Uttar Pradesh
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Rajasthan University of Health Science, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata, West Bengal
- Delhi University, New Delhi
- GS Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Government Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Galgotias University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Ramaiah Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, New Delhi
- Sancheti Healthcare Academy, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Jammu College of Physiotherapy, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir
- JSS College of Physiotherapy, Mysuru, Karnataka
- SDM College of Physiotherapy, Dharwad, Karnataka
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Intern
- 2Physiotherapist
- 3Senior Physiotherapist
- 4Head of Physiotherapy Department
- 5Medical Director/Superintendent
Expected income
₹5,000 – ₹50,000 per month
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Occupational Therapist
Helps people of all ages rebuild the ability to take part in everyday tasks.
Chiropractor
Uses spinal manipulation, without medicine, to realign the musculoskeletal structure and relieve pain.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. Masooma Ladiwala — A Mumbai-based award-winning celebrity physiotherapist who believes there is no better feeling than helping people to live normal, healthy and pain-free lives. After completing her 12th in science, Masooma pursued her dream of becoming a physiotherapist from Manipal University, Manipal. Later, she started working at a rehab centre in Udupi during her internship where she got good exposure in treating a variety of cases. After her internship and treatment of various cases, she came back to Mumbai to start her career.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 407 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3ITFxdb
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Government Medical College, Nagpur is printed in both the government and private lists on this card; it appears once here, under government.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.