BPT
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
BPT Syllabus 2026
The Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) syllabus covers a structured programme spanning 4.5 Years designed to build both foundational knowledge and specialised expertise. Below is the detailed semester-wise subject breakdown and programme structure.
BPT Semester-wise Subjects
BPT Syllabus & Subjects
The BPT syllabus is designed by the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (IAP) and university regulations. The programme covers human sciences, physiotherapy techniques, and clinical specialisations across 4.5 years (4 years academic + 6 months compulsory internship).
Core Physiotherapy Subjects
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Electrotherapy | Ultrasound therapy, TENS, IFT, SWD, laser therapy, electrical stimulation |
| Exercise Therapy | Therapeutic exercises, stretching, strengthening, PNF techniques, functional training |
| Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy | Orthopaedic conditions, joint mobilisation, manual therapy, sports injuries |
| Neurological Physiotherapy | Stroke rehabilitation, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's, cerebral palsy, balance training |
| Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy | Chest physiotherapy, cardiac rehabilitation, breathing exercises, COPD management |
| Community Physiotherapy | Disability prevention, rural health, geriatric care, health promotion |
| Biomechanics & Kinesiology | Movement analysis, gait analysis, joint mechanics, posture assessment |
Foundation Subjects
Human Sciences
- Anatomy (including surface anatomy and palpation)
- Physiology (exercise physiology emphasis)
- Biochemistry
- Pathology & Microbiology
- Pharmacology (basics)
Clinical Sciences
- General Medicine
- General Surgery
- Orthopaedics
- Neurology
- Paediatrics
BPT Programme Structure & Credit Distribution
BPT Year-wise Curriculum
BPT is structured across 4 academic years + 6 months compulsory rotatory internship. The programme progressively moves from foundational sciences to clinical physiotherapy specialisations.
1st Year - Foundation Sciences
| Subject | Focus |
|---|---|
| Anatomy | Human anatomy, musculoskeletal system emphasis, surface anatomy |
| Physiology | Body systems, exercise physiology, neurophysiology |
| Biochemistry | Metabolic processes, nutrition, clinical biochemistry |
| Electrotherapy I | Basic electrical modalities - TENS, IFT, ultrasound |
| Exercise Therapy I | Basic therapeutic exercises, range of motion, flexibility |
2nd Year - Pre-Clinical & Basics
| Subject | Focus |
|---|---|
| Pathology & Microbiology | Disease processes, infection control, lab diagnosis |
| Pharmacology | Drug actions relevant to physiotherapy practice |
| Biomechanics & Kinesiology | Joint mechanics, gait analysis, posture assessment |
| Electrotherapy II | Advanced modalities - SWD, laser, traction, biofeedback |
| Exercise Therapy II | PNF techniques, strengthening protocols, endurance training |
3rd Year - Clinical Physiotherapy
| Subject | Focus |
|---|---|
| General Medicine & General Surgery | Medical/surgical conditions relevant to physiotherapy |
| Orthopaedics | Fractures, joint disorders, post-operative rehabilitation |
| Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy | Manual therapy, joint mobilisation, sports injury management |
| Neurological Physiotherapy | Stroke rehab, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's, MS, CP |
4th Year - Advanced & Specialisation
| Subject | Focus |
|---|---|
| Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy | Cardiac rehab, chest physio, COPD, post-surgical care |
| Community Physiotherapy | Disability prevention, ergonomics, geriatric care |
| Research Methodology & Biostatistics | Evidence-based practice, clinical research design |
| Ethics & Practice Management | Professional ethics, clinic management, legal aspects |
Compulsory Rotatory Internship (6 Months)
6-month clinical internship rotating through Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Cardiopulmonary, Paediatric, and Community Physiotherapy departments in an attached hospital.
Skills Developed in BPT
Skills Required & Acquired in BPT
Skills Required Before Joining
Academic Prerequisites
- Biology: Strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology
- Physics: Mechanics concepts relevant to biomechanics
- Chemistry: Basic biochemistry understanding
Personal Attributes
- Physical Fitness: Physiotherapy is physically demanding work
- Empathy & Patience: Working with patients in pain and recovery
- Manual Dexterity: Hands-on treatment techniques central to practice
- Communication: Motivating patients through rehabilitation
Skills Acquired During BPT
Manual Therapy Skills
- Joint Mobilisation: Maitland, Mulligan, Kaltenborn techniques
- Soft Tissue Techniques: Massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy
- PNF Patterns: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation for neuro patients
- Manipulation: Spinal and peripheral joint manipulation
Assessment Skills
- Musculoskeletal Assessment: ROM, muscle testing, special tests
- Neurological Assessment: Reflex testing, sensory exam, coordination
- Gait Analysis: Normal and pathological gait patterns
- Functional Assessment: ADL evaluation, disability scoring
Therapeutic Skills
- Electrotherapy: Operating ultrasound, TENS, IFT, laser, SWD machines
- Exercise Prescription: Designing rehabilitation programmes
- Chest Physiotherapy: Postural drainage, breathing exercises, suctioning
- Sports Taping: Kinesiology taping, strapping, bracing