Planning to pursue M.Optom. in India? With 36 M.Optom. colleges offering Master of Optometry (M.Optom.), M.Optom. in Paramedical Science, Master of Optometry (M.Optom.) (BL), and Master of Optometry Technology (M.Optom.), choosing the right college depends on key factors such as rankings, fees, placements, and entrance exams accepted.
India's M.Optom. landscape includes top government institutes like DMIHER, MGR University, and Kerala University of Health Sciences, along with leading private universities such as ITM - Institute of Health Sciences. Admissions are conducted through exams like Neet PG, NEET, depending on the course and institution.
This page provides a complete list of M.Optom. colleges in India 2026, helping you compare colleges based on fees, placements, courses, and admission criteria to shortlist the best options.
Overview of M.Optom. Colleges in India
India has a diverse mix of m.optom. colleges across government, private, and deemed categories, offering programs in core and emerging fields. These colleges vary in terms of fee structure, admission process, and placement outcomes, making comparison essential for informed decision-making.
Admissions to most top colleges are based on national-level exams like Neet PG, NEET, while state and private colleges accept CETs and institute-level entrance exams.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Data |
| Total M.Optom. Colleges in India | 36 |
| Government Colleges | 9 |
| Private Colleges | 33 |
| Popular Courses | Master of Optometry (M.Optom.), Bachelor of Optometry (B.Optom.), Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharma.), M.Pharma. in Pharmaceutics |
| Top Exams Accepted | Neet PG, NEET |
| Average Fees | ₹60 K - ₹6.8 L |
| Average Placement (sample) | ₹3 L - ₹8 L |
| Top Recruiters | Wipro, IBM, Infosys, Amazon |
Top M.Optom. Colleges in India 2026 (Rankings)
M.Optom. college rankings are based on parameters such as academic reputation, faculty quality, research output, placements, and infrastructure. Rankings from sources like NIRF, India Today, and The Week are widely used by students to shortlist top colleges.
Top M.Optom. Colleges in India (NIRF Rankings)
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) is the most credible ranking system in India, based on parameters like teaching, learning resources, graduation outcomes, and research.
| College | 2025 | 2024 |
| DMIHER | #20 | #23 |
| SRIHER Chennai | #21 | #20 |
DMIHER and SRIHER Chennai are among the leading names in these rankings, typically combining strong academics, placements, and research or professional outcomes.
Top M.Optom. Colleges by India Today Ranking
India Today rankings are based on factors such as student quality, placement performance, infrastructure, and faculty strength.
| College | 2025 | 2024 |
| SRIHER Chennai | #11 | #10 |
| MGM Institute of Health Sciences | #16 | #15 |
These rankings highlight colleges with strong academic performance and placement outcomes, with DMIHER and SRIHER Chennai leading consistently.
Government vs Private M.Optom. Colleges in India
M.Optom. colleges in India are broadly divided into government and private institutions, with key differences in fees, placements, admission process, and ROI. Government colleges are generally more competitive with lower fees, while private colleges offer higher seat availability and modern infrastructure.
Top Government M.Optom. Colleges
Government institutes such as DMIHER, MGR University, and Kerala University of Health Sciences are known for high ROI, strong placements, and national-level competition.
| College | Fees | Total Courses | Popular Course | Latest Ranking |
| DMIHER | ₹2.3 L | 242 | Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharma.) | #11 NIRF 2025 |
| MGR University | — | 342 | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | — |
| Kerala University of Health Sciences | ₹1.6 L | 203 | B.Sc. in Nursing | — |
Top Private M.Optom. Colleges
Top private colleges offer higher seat intake, industry-focused curriculum, and strong infrastructure.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses | Popular Course |
| ITM - Institute of Health Sciences | ₹2 L | ₹3.5 L | 4 | Master of Optometry (M.Optom.) |
Fee Comparison (Govt vs Private)
| Govt Colleges | Private Colleges | |
| M.Optom. | ₹1.6 L - ₹2.3 L | ₹2 L |
Government colleges are significantly more affordable compared to private institutions.
Placement Comparison
| Private Colleges | |
| Average Package | ₹3.5 L |
| Median Package | ₹3.5 L |
Government colleges generally have stronger placement outcomes, especially in DMIHER, MGR University, and Kerala University of Health Sciences.
ROI Analysis
ROI is a key factor for most candidates, calculated based on fees vs placement outcomes.
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Popular Course | ROI Insight |
| DMIHER | ₹2.3 L | — | Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharma.) | — |
| ITM - Institute of Health Sciences | ₹2 L | ₹3.5 L | Master of Optometry (M.Optom.) | Medium ROI |
| MGR University | — | — | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | — |
| Kerala University of Health Sciences | ₹1.6 L | — | B.Sc. in Nursing | — |
Government colleges offer higher ROI due to lower fees and strong placements, while private colleges provide better infrastructure, flexibility, and more seat availability.
From a decision-making perspective, candidates targeting top ranks and ROI should prioritise government colleges, while those looking for backup options and infrastructure can consider top private m.optom. institutes.
Govt and Private
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Popular Course | ROI |
| DMIHER | ₹2.3 L | — | Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharma.) | — |
| ITM - Institute of Health Sciences | ₹2 L | ₹3.5 L | Master of Optometry (M.Optom.) | 175% |
| MGR University | — | — | MBBS-Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery | — |
| Kerala University of Health Sciences | ₹1.6 L | — | B.Sc. in Nursing | — |
Top M.Optom. Colleges in India by Fees
Fees is a key parameter while shortlisting m.optom. colleges, as it directly impacts the overall cost of education and return on investment (ROI). In India, m.optom. college fees vary significantly based on the type of institution—government colleges are more affordable, while private universities have higher fee structures due to infrastructure and facilities.
Mid-Range M.Optom. Colleges (₹1 L - ₹10 L)
Mid-range colleges include DMIHER, SRIHER Chennai, and Kerala University of Health Sciences, offering a balance between fees, academic quality, and placement outcomes.
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| Deemed | ₹2.9 L - ₹3 L | M.Optom. | ~1 avg courses (2 colleges) |
| Private | ₹2 L | M.Optom. | ~1 avg courses (1 colleges) |
| Public/Government | ₹1.6 L - ₹2.3 L | M.Optom. | ~1 avg courses (2 colleges) |
These institutes provide strong ROI, with moderate fees and competitive placement packages, making them a preferred choice for many aspirants.
Best ROI M.Optom. Colleges in India
Return on Investment (ROI) is a key factor while selecting m.optom. colleges, as it compares the total cost of education with placement outcomes. Colleges with lower fees and higher salary packages offer better long-term value.
ROI Comparison Across Top Colleges
| College | Average Fees | Average Salary |
| ITM - Institute of Health Sciences | ₹2 L | ₹3.5 L |
| DMIHER | ₹2.3 L | — |
| Kerala University of Health Sciences | ₹1.6 L | — |
Government institutes such as DMIHER, MGR University, and Kerala University of Health Sciences consistently offer high ROI due to subsidised fees and strong placement records.
M.Optom. Colleges in India with Best Placements
Placements are a critical parameter in evaluating m.optom. colleges, as they reflect career opportunities, industry exposure, and earning potential. Top colleges in India maintain strong placement records across technology, consulting, and core sectors.
Colleges with Best Average Salary
Average salary provides a more realistic view of placement outcomes across the student cohort.
| College | Average Salary |
| ITM - Institute of Health Sciences | ₹3.5 L |
Colleges with higher average salaries generally indicate strong industry connections, better training, and higher-quality recruiters.
Top Recruiters Hiring M.Optom. Professionals
Leading companies regularly recruit from top m.optom. colleges in India across domains such as software, consulting, analytics, and core m.optom.:
- Adani Group
- Amazon
- Apollo Hospitals
- Bosch Ltd
- CapGemini
Popular M.Optom. Courses in India
M.Optom. colleges in India offer a wide range of specialisations, with demand driven by placement trends, industry requirements, and long-term career growth. Among these, certain branches consistently attract higher enrolment due to better salary outcomes and job opportunities.
Master of Optometry (M.Optom.)
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹3 L - ₹8 L
- Top Recruiters: Apollo Hospitals, Lenskart, Wockhardt Hospital, Accenture
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| Master of Optometry (M.Optom.) | 2 Years | ₹65 K - ₹6.8 L | 6+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
M.Optom. Admission Process in India 2026
Admission to m.optom. colleges in India follows a structured process based on entrance exams, result evaluation, and centralised or institute-level counselling. Candidates can apply through national, state, or college-level exams, depending on their target institutions and courses.
National Level Entrance Exams
National-level exams are the primary gateway to top government m.optom. colleges such as MGR University, SRIHER Chennai, and Kerala University of Health Sciences. These exams have high competition and wider acceptance across India.
Key National M.Optom. Exams
| Exam | Full Form | Conducting Body | Duration (Minutes) | Application Mode | Exam Mode | Level | Colleges Participating |
| Neet PG | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduates | National Board of Examinations | 210 | Online | Computer-based test | PG | 4+ Colleges |
| NEET | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test | National Testing Agency (NTA) | 200 | Online | Offline | UG | 5+ Colleges |
These exams are widely accepted by top-ranked m.optom. colleges and require strong preparation due to their competitive nature.
Counselling Process
After qualifying entrance exams, candidates must participate in counselling for seat allocation based on rank, preferences, and availability.
Counselling Overview
| Counselling Type | Conducting Authority | Colleges Covered | Basis |
| National Counselling | National Board of Examinations and National Testing Agency (NTA) | All-India m.optom. colleges | National exam rank / score |
The counselling process includes choice filling, seat allotment, document verification, and final admission confirmation.
Entrance Exams for M.Optom. Colleges in India
M.Optom. admissions in India are conducted through a mix of national and state-level entrance exams, each varying in terms of acceptance, difficulty, and participating colleges. A structured comparison helps candidates choose the right exams based on their target colleges and preparation level.
National Level M.Optom. Entrance Exams (UG & PG)
| Exam | Level | Conducting Body | Mode | Duration | Colleges Accepting | Courses | Difficulty |
| Neet PG | PG | National Board of Examinations | Computer-based test | 210 mins | 4+ Colleges | MD | Medium–High |
| NEET | UG | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Offline | 200 mins | 5+ Colleges | MBBS | Medium–High |
These exams are the primary pathway to top government m.optom. colleges and postgraduate programs in India.
State Level M.Optom. Entrance Exams
State-level exams provide access to government and private colleges within specific states, often with domicile-based advantages.
Upcoming M.Optom. Exams in India
Staying updated with m.optom. entrance exam dates is essential for planning applications, preparation timelines, and revision strategy. In India, most UG exams are scheduled across the upcoming cycle, while major PG exams like Neet PG are scheduled around August 2026.
Tracking upcoming exams helps candidates avoid missing deadlines, manage multiple exams, and align preparation effectively.
Upcoming M.Optom. Exams 2026
| Exam | Level | Exam Date | Status |
| Neet PG | PG | 30 Aug 2026 | Upcoming |
Month-wise M.Optom. Exam Timeline 2026
August 2026 Exams
| Date | Exam | Description |
| 30 Aug 2026 | Neet PG | NEET PG 2026 Exam Date |
From a planning perspective, candidates should track at least 3–4 upcoming exams and align their preparation schedule based on exam sequence, difficulty level, and application deadlines to maximise admission opportunities.
Comparison of Top M.Optom. Colleges
Comparing top m.optom. colleges helps candidates evaluate options based on fees, placements, rankings, infrastructure, and ROI. Government colleges like IITs, NITs, and IIITs offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges such as BITS, VIT, and SRM provide better infrastructure and higher seat availability.
A structured comparison allows candidates to shortlist colleges based on their budget, rank, preferred course, and career goals, ensuring better decision-making during admission.
Private vs Government Comparison
| Private | Government | |
| Total Colleges | 33 | 9 |
| Top Colleges | ITM - Institute of Health Sciences | DMIHER, MGR University, and Kerala University of Health Sciences |
| College distribution % | 79% | 21% |
| Top Courses | M.Optom. and BOPTM | M.Optom. and BOPTM |
| Fees Range | ₹2 L | ₹1.6 L - ₹2.3 L |
| Median Salary | ₹3.5 L | — |
| Average Salary | ₹3.5 L | — |
Top Colleges Comparison Table
| College | Type | Fees | Average Salary | Median Salary | Ranking |
| DMIHER | Government | ₹2.3 L | — | — | #11 NIRF 2025 |
| MGR University | Government | — | — | — | — |
| Kerala University of Health Sciences | Government | ₹1.6 L | — | — | — |
| ITM - Institute of Health Sciences | Private | ₹2 L | ₹3.5 L | ₹3.5 L | — |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many m.optom. colleges are there in India?
There are over 36 m.optom. colleges in India, including government, private, and deemed universities offering UG, PG, and doctoral programs.
Which are the top m.optom. colleges in India?
Top m.optom. colleges in India include DMIHER, MGR University, Kerala University of Health Sciences, and ITM - Institute of Health Sciences, based on rankings, placements, and academic reputation.
What exams are required for admission to m.optom. colleges in India?
Admission is mainly through exams like Neet PG and NEET, along with other institute-specific and state-level entrance tests depending on the course and college.
What is the average fee for m.optom. colleges in India?
The fee range for m.optom. colleges in India is ₹60 K - ₹6.8 L.
Which m.optom. colleges have the best placements?
Colleges with strong industry connections, high placement rates, and better salary outcomes typically include top-ranked institutes and leading private universities in India.
Which is better: government or private m.optom. colleges?
Government colleges often offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges may provide better infrastructure and more seat availability. The best choice depends on budget, location, and goals.
What is the admission process for m.optom. colleges in India?
The process generally includes application → entrance exam → result → counselling/selection → seat allotment → admission, depending on the exam and college.
How to choose the best m.optom. college in India?
Compare colleges by rankings, fees, placements, available courses, location, and the exams they accept to shortlist options that match your goals.
