PhD Physiotherapy is a 3–5 year course that can be pursued by students who have completed their graduation and postgraduation degree in relevant subjects with an average aggregate score of 60% and above or an equivalent CGPA from a recognized college or university. Admissions to PhD in Physiotherapy courses are based on entrance exams such as UGC NET, GATE, and CSIR UGC NET.
The PhD Physiotherapy fees ranges between INR 5,000 and 2,00,000 on an average (varying vastly between government and private institutes). After completing the course, candidates can pursue various job roles, such as osteopath, physiotherapist, consultant, researcher, and assistant professor. The average salary a PhD in Physiotherapy graduate can earn is between INR 8 LPA and 11 LPA.
PhD Physiotherapy Course Highlights
Provided below are the key highlights for the PhD in Physiotherapy:
Parameters | Details |
Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Physiotherapy |
Duration | 3-5 years |
Eligibility Criteria | Candidates must clear their graduation and postgraduation in relevant subjects with an average aggregate score of 60% and above or an equivalent CGPA |
Admission Process | Entrance Exam |
Entrance Exams | UGC NET, CSIR UGC NET, and GATE |
Course Fees (INR) | INR 5,000-2,00,000 |
Top Colleges | AIIPMR, Mumbai
Alva’s College of Physiotherapy and Research Center, Karnataka
Amity Institute of Physiotherapy, Noida |
Jobs | Osteopath, physiotherapist, consultant, researcher, and assistant professor |
Top Recruiters | Government and private hospitals, sports management centres, and physiotherapy centres |
Average Salary (INR) | 8 LPA - 11 LPA |
PhD Physiotherapy Eligibility Criteria
The basic eligibility criteria required to pursue a PhD physiotherapy course are listed below for your reference.
- Candidates must clear their graduation and postgraduation in relevant subjects, preferably Physiotherapy with an average aggregate score of 55% to 60% or an equivalent CGPA from a recognized college or university
- They must clear the entrance exams followed by GD/PI rounds to be finally able to pursue a PhD physiotherapy course.
PhD Physiotherapy Admission Process
The Admissions to PhD in Physiotherapy is based on the entrance. For reference, the detailed admission process for the SGT University is given below.
Step 1: Start by visiting the official website of the SGT University. Now, navigate to the Faculty of Physiotherapy. You’ll be redirected to the page, click on “Apply now” It’ll redirect you to the admission page.
Step 2: The candidate needs to submit the application form. Fill in your required details and provide the course you’re interested in and press submit.
Step 3: After the university has received your candidature, the counselors will contact you for further processing.
Step 4: Students are next required to upload all the supporting documents in JPEG/PNG or PDF format. Candidates must also bring two sets of passport-size photographs to attach to the application form
Step 5: Now, the candidate needs to pay the course fees for SGT University, which is INR 1,50,000 for the year. You can pay the fees online, or can visit the official branch of the university. After payment, the admission will be confirmed, you’ll receive an official confirmation email from the university.
PhD Physiotherapy Entrance Exams and Application Deadlines
The list of entrance exams conducted for admissions to PhD physiotherapy courses along with their application deadlines are tabulated below for your reference.
Entrance Exams | Application Deadline | Entrance Exams |
UGC NET 2025 | TBA | 2nd week of June 2025 |
CSIR UGC NET 2025 | May 2025 | Last week of June 2025 |
GATE | August 2025 (Tentative) | February 2026 (Tentative) |
PhD Physiotherapy Syllabus
The syllabus for PhD physiotherapy courses at Galgotias University for your reference:
Unit Number | Unit Name | Key Areas of Study |
Unit I | Electrotherapy (LMHF & Equipment care) | Patient evaluation, Electrotherapy techniques, SWD, IRR, Microwave diathermy, UVR, IFT, TENS, Ultrasound, Hydrotherapy, Equipment maintenance |
Unit II | Exercise Therapy | Isotonic, Isometric, Isokinetic regimens, PNF, Mobility, Strengthening, Stability, Skill training, Aerobic Exercise principles |
Unit III | General Medicine, Paediatrics & Psychology | Infection and its effects, Poisoning, Nutrition, Paediatric conditions, Developmental delay, Sensory and Behavioral problems, Psychiatric disorders |
Unit IV | Exercise Physiology | Energy transfer, Oxygen metabolism, BMR, Cardiovascular and pulmonary response to exercise, Muscle fibers, Ventilation, Cardiac output |
Unit V | Orthopaedics | Tendinitis, Carpal tunnel, Deformities, Spondylosis, Scapular dyskinesis, Fractures, Arthritis, Infections, Congenital malformations |
Unit VI | Sports Medicine | Rotator cuff injuries, Ligamentous injury, Muscle strains, Impingement syndromes, Overload, Sports-related injuries in various sports |
Unit VII | Cardiopulmonary | Cardiac disorders, Rheumatic fever, Congenital heart diseases, Pulmonary disorders, Oxygen therapy, Respiratory failure |
Unit VIII | Neurology | Stroke, Cerebral circulation disorders, Cortical function disorders, Cranial nerve disorders, Rehabilitation protocols |
PhD Physiotherapy Colleges in India
The list of colleges that offer PhD physiotherapy courses is tabulated below for your reference.
Institution | Location | Ph.D. Program Fee Structure | Exam Intake/Admission Process |
SGT University | Gurugram | INR 1,50,000 per annum | Entrance Test + Interview: Candidates must qualify for the Ph.D. Entrance Exam conducted by the university, followed by ax personal interview. |
Integral University | Lucknow | INR 50,000 per annum | Entrance Test + Interview: Candidates must appear for the IU-Ph.D. Entrance Test (IU PET) conducted by the university. |
Ganpat University | Gujarat | INR 80,000 per annum | Entrance Test + Interview: Candidates need to clear the Ph.D. Entrance Test conducted by Ganpat University, followed by a research proposal presentation and interview. |
Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth | Puducherry | INR 50,000 per annum | SBV-Ph.D. Entrance Test + Interview: Admission is through the SBV Ph.D. Entrance Exam followed by an interview and evaluation of research proposal. |
PhD Physiotherapy Jobs and Salary
The table below describes the various job profiles, along with an approximate salary for each profile for your reference.
Job Profiles | Fresher Salary (INR) | Average Salary (INR) | Highest Salary (INR) |
Osteopath | 7.70 LPA | 12 LPA | 14 LPA |
Physiotherapist | 8 LPA | 12 LPA | 16 LPA |
Consultant | 8 LPA | 13 LPA | 16 LPA |
Researcher | 6.50 LPA | 8 LPA | 12 LPA |
Assistant Professor | 11 LPA | 15 LPA | 17 LPA |
Note: The source of the salaries mentioned above is Glassdoor. However, the salaries might vary from website to website. Experience and educational degree also contribute as deciding factors while determining the salary of a particular job profile.
PhD in Physiotherapy FAQs
Can I open my own clinic or rehab center after a PhD in Physiotherapy?
Yes, you can! In fact, a PhD gives you deeper expertise and credibility, which can help if you want to set up a specialized clinic, run rehab programs, or even train junior physiotherapists. It’s not just about treating patients—you’ll have the knowledge to design treatment protocols, lead research-based services, and manage a clinic more effectively.
Do I need to publish research papers during my PhD, and how hard is it?
Publishing is usually part of the PhD journey. It might sound intimidating, but you'll get guidance from your research supervisor. Think of it as sharing what you've learned with the medical and physiotherapy community. It takes time and effort, but with the right topic and support, it’s totally doable—even for first-time researchers.
Will a PhD in Physiotherapy help me work abroad or apply for international roles?
Definitely! Many countries value advanced qualifications like a PhD. It can boost your chances when applying for academic, research, or high-level clinical roles internationally. However, you might still need to clear local licensing exams, depending on the country and the role you're aiming for.
