📘 What is a Diploma/Certificate Level Physiotherapy Exam?
Diploma and certificate-level physiotherapy courses are among the most popular paramedical options after 10th and 12th class in India. These exams are conducted either by state paramedical boards, universities, or health departments. Through these exams, students can take admission into Diploma in Physiotherapy (DPT/DPTL) or Certificate in Physiotherapy (CPT) programs.
A Diploma/Certificate Level Physiotherapy Exam is an entrance or qualifying exam conducted to offer admission into 1–2 year physiotherapy programs. These exams test a student’s basic knowledge of science, health, and physical therapy concepts.
Types of Physiotherapy Exams at Diploma/Certificate Level
A. State-Level Physiotherapy Entrance Exams
Conducted by:
- State Paramedical Board
- State Health Department
- State Medical Education Directorate
These exams allow admission into government and private physiotherapy colleges in that state.
B. University-Level Physiotherapy Entrance Exams
Conducted by:
- Deemed Universities
- Health Science Universities
- Private Universities
These exams grant admission into diploma or certificate physiotherapy programs offered by the respective university.
C. Institute-Level Admission Tests
Some private institutes conduct their own entrance exams or offer merit-based admissions.
📑 State-Level Diploma/Certificate Level Physiotherapy Exams in India
| State/UT | Exam Name | Conducting Body | Course Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | UP State Paramedical (Diploma) Exam | UP State Medical Faculty (UPSMF) | Diploma in Physiotherapy |
| Bihar | Bihar Paramedical Intermediate Level Exam (PM) | BCECEB | DPT |
| Jharkhand | Jharkhand Paramedical Entrance | JCECEB | DPT |
| Maharashtra | Maharashtra Paramedical Admission | DMER/State Paramedical Board | Diploma in Physiotherapy |
| Madhya Pradesh | MP Paramedical Entrance | MP Paramedical Council | DPT |
| Rajasthan | Rajasthan Paramedical Entrance | Rajasthan Paramedical Council | DPT |
| Haryana | Haryana Paramedical Diploma Exam | DMER Haryana | DPT |
| Punjab | Punjab Paramedical Entrance | BFUHS | Diploma in Physiotherapy |
| Gujarat | Gujarat Paramedical Diploma Exam | Gujarat Paramedical Board | Diploma in Physiotherapy |
| Tamil Nadu | TN Paramedical Admissions | DME Tamil Nadu | DPT |
| Kerala | Kerala Paramedical Diploma Entrance | Directorate of Medical Education | Diploma in Physiotherapy |
| Karnataka | Karnataka Paramedical Board (KPMEB) Exam | KPMEB | DPT |
| West Bengal | WB Paramedical Entrance | WBJEEB | DPT |
| Odisha | Odisha Paramedical Entrance | DMET Odisha | Diploma in Physiotherapy |
| Assam | Assam Paramedical Entrance | Srimanta Sankaradeva University of Health Sciences | DPT |
| Delhi | IPU CET Paramedical | Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University | DPT |
| Jammu & Kashmir | JKBOPEE Paramedical Entrance | JKBOPEE | Diploma in Physiotherapy |
📚 Exam Wise Detailed Guide Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Career Scope:-
1. Uttar Pradesh—UP State Paramedical (Diploma) Exam
Eligibility
- Must have passed 10+2 with Science (PCB/PCM)
- Minimum 45% marks
- No upper-age limit for most institutes
Exam Pattern
- MCQ-based exam
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Duration: 2 hours
- Medium: English & Hindi
Career Scope
Graduates work as physiotherapy assistants in:
- District hospitals
- Trauma centres
- Rehabilitation clinics
- Orthopaedic centres
2. Bihar—Paramedical Intermediate Level Exam (PM)
Eligibility
- 10+2 PCB
- Bihar domicile preferred
- Minimum 45% marks
Exam Pattern
- Offline mode
- 90 questions (PCB)
- No negative marking
Career Scope
Opportunities in:
- Physiotherapy OPDs
- Private nursing homes
- Sports therapy centres
3. Jharkhand—Paramedical Entrance (JCECEB)
Eligibility
- 10+2 PCB/PCM
- Minimum age: 17 years
Exam Pattern
- Objective test
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Duration: 120 minutes
Career Scope
Students can join:
- Government rehabilitation units
- Community health centres
- Ortho clinics
4. Maharashtra—Paramedical Admission (DMER)
Eligibility
- 10+2 (Science)
- Maharashtra domicile
Exam Pattern
- Merit-based (some institutes conduct tests)
- Based on 12th marks
Career Scope
- Assistant physiotherapist posts
- Home-care physiotherapy roles
- Fitness therapy support
5. Madhya Pradesh—MP Paramedical Entrance
Eligibility
- 10+2 PCB
- Minimum 40–45% marks
Exam Pattern
- Online/Offline exam
- Multiple-choice questions
Career Scope
- Rehabilitation assistant
- Electrotherapy operator
- Hospital therapy assistant
6. Rajasthan—Rajasthan Paramedical Entrance
Eligibility
- 10+2 with Biology
- Rajasthan domicile preferred
Exam Pattern
- PCB-based entrance test
- 3 sections, equal weightage
Career Scope
- Jobs in Ayurveda hospitals (as physio assistant)
- Private trauma centres
- NGO rehabilitation services
7. Haryana—Paramedical Diploma Exam
Eligibility
- 10+2 Science
- Min. 45% marks
Exam Pattern
- Entrance test by DMER
- MCQ pattern
Career Scope
- Orthopaedic hospitals
- Physiotherapy OPDs
- Home physiotherapy services
8. Punjab—BFUHS Paramedical Entrance
Eligibility
- 10+2 PCB
- Age: 17+
Exam Pattern
- BFUHS-conducted MCQ exam
- Syllabus of Class 12 PCB
Career Scope
- Government hospitals
- Sports medicine departments
- Rehabilitation centres
9. Gujarat—Paramedical Diploma ExamEligibility
Eligibility
- 10+2 Science
- Merit-based admission mostly
Exam Pattern
- Merit + counseling
- Some institutes conduct aptitude tests
Career Scope
- Physiotherapy clinics
- Industrial therapy units
- Hospital rehab departments
10. Tamil Nadu — Paramedical Admissions
Eligibility
- 10+2 PCB/PCM
- Merit-based selection by DME
Exam Pattern
- No entrance; purely merit-based
Career Scope
- Multispeciality hospitals
- Neurology & ortho care support
11. Kerala—Paramedical Diploma Entrance
Eligibility
- 10+2 Biology mandatory
- Kerala domicile preferred
Exam Pattern
- MCQ exam
- Syllabus: PCB
Career Scope
- Panchakarma/Physio clinics
- Government hospitals
- Pain-relief centres
12. Karnataka—KPMEB Paramedical Exam
Eligibility
- 10+2 science stream
Exam Pattern
- Theory + Practical
- Board-level assessment
Career Scope
- Physiotherapy technician in hospitals
- Old-age home therapy assistant
13. West Bengal—WB Paramedical Entrance
Eligibility
- 10+2 PCB
- WB domicile
Exam Pattern
- MCQ-based
- Conducted by WBJEEB
Career Scope
- Neurorehabilitation centres
- Orthopaedic hospitals
14. Odisha—Paramedical Entrance
Eligibility
- 10+2 PCB
- Min. 40–45% marks
Exam Pattern
- MCQ pattern
- Offline exam
Career Scope
- Govt. hospitals
- Therapy clinics
15. Assam—Paramedical Entrance
Eligibility
- 10+2 PCB
- Assam domicile
Exam Pattern
- State-level offline paper
Career Scope
- Physiotherapy units in govt hospitals
- NGO therapy centres
16. Delhi—IPU CET Paramedical
Eligibility
- 10+2 with 50% marks
- PCB mandatory
Exam Pattern
- IPU CET exam
- 150 MCQs
- Negative marking applies
Career Scope
- Premium hospitals like Max, Fortis
- Sports academies
- Physiotherapy labs
17. Jammu & Kashmir—JKBOPEE Paramedical Entrance
Eligibility
- 10+2 PCB
- Minimum age: 17 years
Exam Pattern
- MCQ-based entrance
- Total 180 questions
Career Scope
- Physiotherapy outpatient clinics
- Trauma rehabilitation
📘 University-Level Diploma / Certificate Physiotherapy Exams — Detailed Explanation
University-level physiotherapy diploma/certificate exams are entrance-based or merit-based assessments conducted by private and deemed universities across India. These programs focus on foundational physiotherapy skills, rehabilitation basics, and hands-on clinical practice.
📑 University-Level Physiotherapy Exams (Diploma/Certificate)
Here are some major universities offering their own entrance exams:
| University | Exam Name | Program |
|---|---|---|
| AISECT University | AISECT Entrance Test | Diploma in Physiotherapy |
| Manipal University | MU OET / Merit | Certificate Physiotherapy |
| Integral University, Lucknow | IUET | Diploma in Physiotherapy |
| SRM University | SRMJEEH | Diploma/Certificate Physiotherapy |
| Amity University | Amity Admission Test | Diploma in Physiotherapy |
📚 Detailed Explanation: University-Level Diploma/Certificate Physiotherapy Exams (Exam Name, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Career Scope)
1. AISECT University—AISECT Entrance Test
Exam Name Overview
The AISECT Entrance Test is conducted for admission to the Diploma in Physiotherapy (DPT) program. It assesses basic science knowledge and aptitude required for physiotherapy training.
Eligibility
- Must have passed 10+2 with PCB/PCM
- Minimum marks: 40–45%, depending on category
- No age limit in most cases
Exam Pattern
- Mode: Offline/Online
- Type: MCQs
- Total Questions: 100
- Syllabus: Class 12 Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Duration: 90 minutes
Career Scope
After completing DPT from AISECT, students can work as:
- Physiotherapy technician
- Rehabilitation assistant
- Clinical physiotherapy aide
- Hospital OPD support staff
- Sports clinic assistant
2. Manipal University—MU OET / Merit-Based
Exam Name Overview
Manipal University admits students to Certificate in Physiotherapy either through MU OET (Manipal Entrance Test) or direct merit-based selection based on 10+2 scores.
Eligibility
- 10+2 with Science background
- At least 45% marks
- Age: 17 years minimum
Exam Pattern
(If MU OET is conducted)
- Mode: Online
- Question Format: MCQs
- Sections: Physics, Chemistry, Biology & Aptitude
- Time: 90 minutes
(If merit-based)
- Selection on 10+2 scores, counselling, and seat allocation.
Career Scope
After completion:
- Physiotherapy OPD assistant
- Home care physiotherapy support
- Fitness & wellness rehab trainer
- Pain therapy centre technician
3. Integral University, Lucknow—IUET
Exam Name Overview
IUET (Integral University Entrance Test) is conducted for admission into the Diploma in Physiotherapy (DPT) program.
Eligibility
- 10+2 with PCB/PCM
- Minimum 45% marks
- Age: 17+
Exam Pattern
- MCQ-based entrance
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- 100 questions
- No negative marking
Career Scope
DPT graduates can work in:
- Rehabilitation & orthopaedic clinics
- Private physiotherapy centres
- Geriatric care facilities
- Hospitals & nursing homes
4. SRM University—SRMJEEH
Exam Name Overview
SRMJEEH (SRM Joint Entrance Exam for Health Sciences) is conducted for Diploma and Certificate Physiotherapy Courses.
Eligibility
- 10+2 in Science stream
- Minimum 50% marks
- Should have studied Biology
Exam Pattern
- Conducted online
- 150 MCQs
- Syllabus: PCB + General Aptitude
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Negative marking: No
Career Scope
Graduates can work as:
- Physiotherapy clinic assistants
- Therapy equipment handlers
- Fitness therapy support staff
- Hospital physiotherapy OPD workers
- Sports academy therapy assistants
5. Amity University—Amity Admission Test
Exam Name Overview
Amity conducts its own Admission Test for the Diploma in Physiotherapy course. Some campuses may also offer merit-based admission.
Eligibility
- 10+2 with PCB/PCM
- Minimum marks: 45%
- English proficiency required
Exam Pattern
- Online exam
- Objective questions
- Covers: Physics, Chemistry, Biology & Logical Reasoning
- Personal Interview may follow
Career Scope
Career opportunities include:
- Physiotherapy technician
- Pain management centre assistant
- OPD assistant in multi-speciality hospitals
- Community physiotherapy worker
- Assistant to senior physiotherapists
📘 Institute-Level Diploma / Certificate Physiotherapy Exams
Institute-level physiotherapy diploma/certificate exams are conducted by private institutions, training centres, skill academies, medical colleges, and rehabilitation institutes. These programs focus on hands-on physiotherapy skills, making them ideal for candidates who want quick entry into the healthcare and rehabilitation sector.
Many institutes use their own entrance tests, skill assessments, or interviews to select students.
📑 List of Major Institute-Level Physiotherapy Diploma/Certificate Exams
| Institute Name | Exam Name / Admission Mode | Eligibility | Exam Pattern | Career Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Apollo MedSkills (Apollo Hospitals Group) | Skill Assessment Test + Interview | 10+2 (any stream; science preferred), 40–45% marks | Basic science MCQs, practical skill test, 15-minute interview | Physiotherapy assistant, rehab support staff, OPD technician |
| 2. Fortis Institute of Allied Health Sciences | Written Test + Personal Interview | 10+2 with Biology, 45% marks | 60 MCQs (PCB + Aptitude), interview | Physio technician, ortho/trauma assistant, rehab aide |
| 3. Dr. Batra’s Health Academy | Internal Skill Test | 10+2; biology preferred | Practical test on hand movement & patient handling | Clinic assistant, pain therapy technician |
| 4. Paramedical Institute of Health Sciences (PIHS), Delhi | Entrance Test (MCQ) | 10+2 Passed | 100 MCQs (PCB + English) | Clinic aide, rehab centre assistant |
| 5. Max Healthcare Institute | Skill Test + Interview | 12th with PCB, 40% marks | Practical mobility tests + short interview | Physio assistant, elderly care aide |
| 6. Aastha Paramedical Institute, UP | Direct Test + Merit | 10+2 with Science | MCQs + Viva | OPD helper, clinic support staff |
| 7. Jaipur National University (JNU) – Paramedical Wing | JNU Internal Entrance Test | 10+2 with PCB, 45% marks | 100 MCQs (PCB + GK) | OPD assistant, sports therapy trainee |
| 8. Indian Institute of Health Education & Research (IIHER), Patna | Merit + Institute-Level Test | 12th pass, science preferred | MCQs + practical skill test | Clinic technician, hospital rehab attendant |
| 9. Sai Paramedical Institute, Dehradun | Merit + Viva | 10+2 any stream, 40% marks | Health science oral viva | Therapy centre assistant, mobility aide |
| 10. Bangalore Institute of Allied Health Sciences | Institute Entrance Test | 10+2 with PCB | MCQs on Physics & Biology + situational questions | Clinical assistant, physiotherapist support |
| 11. Mumbai Institute of Health Sciences | Entrance Exam + Interview | 12th in PCB, 45% marks | 100 MCQs + interview | Hospital physio aide, neuro rehab assistant |
| 12. KIMS Paramedical Institute | Written Test | 10+2 with Science | MCQs on basic science & health | Physio technician, post-surgery rehab aide |
| 13. Nirmala Physiotherapy Training Centre, Kerala | Skill Test + Viva | 10+2 pass | Practical skill assessment + viva | Therapy centre assistant, elderly support |
| 14. Vinayaka College of Paramedical Sciences (Tamil Nadu) | Institute Entrance Test | 10+2 with Science | Objective test + counselling | OPD assistant, sports/fitness rehab aide |
| 15. National Institute of Health Training (NIHT), Delhi | Entrance Exam (MCQ) | 10+2 any stream; science preferred | 50 MCQs, 30-minute test | Hospital physio helper, therapy equipment operator |
📚 Detailed Explanation: Institute-Level Diploma/Certificate Physiotherapy Exams (Exam Name, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Career Scope)
1. Apollo MedSkills (Apollo Hospitals Group)
Exam Name / Admission Mode
- Skill Assessment Test + Interview
Eligibility
- 10+2 pass (any stream; science preferred)
- Minimum 40–45% marks
Exam Pattern
- Basic science MCQs
- Practical skill test
- 15-minute interview
Career Scope
- Physiotherapy assistant in Apollo Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centre support staff
- OPD physiotherapy technician
2. Fortis Institute of Allied Health Sciences
Exam Name / Admission Mode
- Written Test + Personal Interview
Eligibility
- 10+2 with Biology
- 45% marks
Exam Pattern
- 60 MCQs (PCB + Aptitude)
- Interview on communication & motivation
Career Scope
- Physiotherapy technician at Fortis
- Ortho & trauma support assistant
- Rehabilitation aide
3. Dr. Batra’s Health Academy
Exam Mode
- Internal Skill Test
Eligibility
- 10+2; biology preferred
Exam Pattern
- Practical assessment of hand movement & patient handling basics
Career Scope
- Physiotherapy clinic assistant
- Pain therapy technician
4. Paramedical Institute of Health Sciences (PIHS), Delhi
Exam Mode
- Entrance Test (MCQ)
Eligibility
- 10+2 Passed
- No age limit
Exam Pattern
- 100 MCQs (PCB & English)
Career Scope
- Clinic physiotherapy aide
- Rehabilitation centre assistant
5. Max Healthcare Institute
Admission Mode
- Skill Test + Interview
Eligibility
- 12th grade with PCB
- 40% marks
Exam Pattern
- Practical bending, mobility & aid-handling tests
- Short interview
Career Scope
- Physiotherapy assistant at Max Hospitals
- Elderly care physiotherapy aide
6. Aastha Paramedical Institute, UP
Admission Mode
- Direct Test + Merit
Eligibility
- 10+2 with Science
Exam Pattern
- MCQs + Viva
Career Scope
- Clinic support staff
- OPD physiotherapy helper
7. Jaipur National University (JNU) – Paramedical Wing
Exam Name
- JNU Internal Entrance Test
Eligibility
- 10+2 with PCB
- 45% minimum
Exam Pattern
- 100 MCQs
- Syllabus: PCB + GK
Career Scope
- Physiotherapy OPD assistant
- Sports therapy trainee
8. Indian Institute of Health Education & Research (IIHER), Patna
Admission Mode
- Merit + Institute-Level Test
Eligibility
- 12th pass (Science preferred)
Exam Pattern
- MCQs
- Short practical skill test
Career Scope
- Physiotherapy clinic technician
- Hospital rehabilitation attendant
9. Sai Paramedical Institute, Dehradun
Admission Mode
- Merit + Viva
Eligibility
- 10+2 any stream
- 40% marks
Exam Pattern
- Oral viva, basic questions on health science
Career Scope
- Therapy centre assistant
- Massage & mobility therapy aide
10. Bangalore Institute of Allied Health Sciences
Exam Mode
- Institute Entrance Test
Eligibility
- 10+2 with PCB
Exam Pattern
- MCQs on Physics, Biology
- Situation-based questions
Career Scope
- Physiotherapy clinical assistant
- Assistant to senior physiotherapists
11. Mumbai Institute of Health Sciences
Admission Mode
- Entrance Exam + Interview
Eligibility
- 12th in PCB
- 45% marks
Exam Pattern
- 100 MCQs
- Interview round
Career Scope
- Hospital physiotherapy aide
- Neurology rehabilitation assistant
12. KIMS Paramedical Institute
Admission Mode
- Written Test
Eligibility
- 10+2 with Science
Exam Pattern
- MCQs
- Basic science & health-related questions
Career Scope
- Physiotherapy technician
- Post-surgery rehab aide
13. Nirmala Physiotherapy Training Centre, Kerala
Admission Mode
- Skill Test + Viva
Eligibility
- 10+2 pass
Exam Pattern
- Practical skill assessment
- Oral viva
Career Scope
- Kerala therapy centre assistant
- Elderly physiotherapy support
14. Vinayaka College of Paramedical Sciences (Tamil Nadu)
Exam Mode
- Institute Entrance Test
Eligibility
- 10+2 with Science
Exam Pattern
- Objective test + counselling
Career Scope
- Physiotherapy OPD assistant
- Sports & fitness rehab aide
15. National Institute of Health Training (NIHT), Delhi
Admissions
- Entrance Exam (MCQ)
Eligibility
- 10+2 with any stream
- Science preferred
Exam Pattern
- 50 MCQs
- 30-minute test
Career Scope
- Hospital physiotherapy helper
- Therapy equipment operator
Conclusion
Institute-level Diploma and Certificate Physiotherapy exams provide students with a direct, skill-focused entry into the healthcare and rehabilitation field. These exams are conducted by reputed hospitals, private institutions, and allied health academies, ensuring strong practical exposure and industry-relevant training. Unlike state or university exams, institute-level tests emphasize hands-on skills, communication abilities, and basic scientific knowledge.
After completing these programs, students can work as Physiotherapy Assistants, Rehabilitation Technicians, OPD Support Staff, and Therapy Aides in hospitals, clinics, sports centers, and elderly care facilities. With experience, they can grow into senior technician roles or pursue higher studies like Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT). Overall, institute-level physiotherapy programs are an excellent stepping stone for those seeking quick employment and practical expertise in the growing field of physiotherapy.
FAQs
It is an entrance or skill-based assessment conducted by private institutes or hospitals to offer Diploma or Certificate Physiotherapy programs.
Students who have completed 10+2 (Science preferred) with at least 40–45% marks can apply.
Most institutes conduct MCQ-based tests, practical skill assessments, and interviews focusing on patient handling, movement analysis, and basic science knowledge.
Yes, many institutes are approved by state medical faculties or recognized by rehabilitation and allied health authorities.
The duration ranges from 1 to 2 years, depending on the institute.
You can work as a Physiotherapy Assistant, OPD Technician, Rehabilitation Aide, Sports Rehab Helper, or Therapy Assistant.