Diploma in Occupational Therapy: Admission 2025, Top Colleges, Syllabus, Scope, Salary

Diploma in Occupational Therapy: Admission 2025, Top Colleges, Syllabus, Scope, Salary

• Updated on 4 Jun, 2025 by

A Diploma in Occupational Therapy is typically a 2-year diploma for undergraduates. The most focused topics in Diploma Occupational Therapy courses are Psychology and Sociology. Eligibility criteria are met if candidates have passed Class 12 or any equivalent exam with 50% aggregate from a recognized board. Top colleges include JNMC, Bihar and Aligarh School of Nursing.

Admissions are mostly merit-based with no entrance exam. Course fees range between INR 30,000 – 50,000 annually. Career options include Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Nurse. Average salaries range from INR 3 – 5 LPA.

Diploma in Occupational Therapy Course Highlights

Provided below are the key highlights for the Graduate Diploma Occupational Therapy course:

Feature Details
Course Level Undergraduate Diploma
Duration 2 Years
Eligibility Class 12 or equivalent with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognized board in the Science Stream
Key Subjects Psychology, Sociology
Admission Merit-based (No entrance exam)
Fees INR 30,000 – 50,000
Average Salary INR 3 – 5 LPA

What is a Diploma in Occupational Therapy?

A Diploma in Occupational Therapy is an undergraduate two-year program designed to equip students with the skills to enable patients to overcome physical, emotional, and mental disabilities. The program entails the major study of Psychology and Sociology, preparing students to make patients independent in daily life. Graduating students can work as Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, or Therapy Nurses in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private clinics.

Why Pursue a Diploma in Occupational Therapy?

Given below are the benefits of choosing a Diploma Occupational Therapy:

  • High job opportunities as occupational therapists in private clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.
  • Opportunities in special education, community services, and health care industries.
  • Course cost: INR 20,000 – INR 35,000 per year, which is a reasonable option.
  • No entrance exams are required, making entry simple.
  • Salary for freshers can range from INR 3 – 5 LPA, subject to increment based on skills.

Diploma in Occupational Therapy Eligibility

To pursue Occupational Therapy course, students must have completed class 12 or any other equivalent qualifying exam from a recognized board to be eligible with the Science stream. Additionally, some institutes may conduct personal interviews as part of the admission process. The selection criteria may vary depending on the institute and its specific requirements.

Diploma in Occupational Therapy Admission Process 2025

The admission process for the Occupational Therapy at Singhania University follows a structured set of steps as per the university's guidelines:

  • Step 1: Make sure you have completed the 12th grade with at least 50% of the PHB's score and a recognized board.
  • Step 2: The candidate must be 17 years of age or older and should not exceed 35 years on the reception date.
  • Step 3: Write an online application on the website of Singhania University. Provide accurate personal and academic details.
  • Step 4: Download the scanned copy of the 12th-grade mark sheet, age proof, and other necessary documents as indicated in the application form.
  • Step 5: Pay the non-refundable application fee through the university’s online payment portal and select your preferred specialization.
  • Step 6: Upon successful application submission and fee payment, an admit card will be issued for the entrance examination.
  • Step 7: Attend the entrance exam on the scheduled date. The exam will assess your knowledge in relevant subjects.
  • Step 8: Results will be announced on the university’s official website. Successful candidates will be shortlisted for the next stage.
  • Step 9: Shortlisted candidates will be called for a counseling session where they can select their preferred specialization and clarify doubts.
  • Step 10: After counseling, selected candidates will receive an admission offer. Confirm your seat by paying the required admission fee.

Diploma in Occupational Therapy Colleges in India

Given below is a list of colleges that offer a Diploma in Occupational Therapy, along with their location and course fees. All these colleges accept admissions on a merit basis for the Diploma course:

College Name Location Annual Fees (INR)
ADN Institute of Paramedical Sciences and Hospitals Nagpur, Maharashtra 40,000
Aligarh School of Nursing Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh 47,000
Singhania University Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan 39,000
Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences Bidar, Karnataka 50,000
Aadarsh India Technical and Paramedical College Muzaffarpur, Bihar 45,000
CMJ University Shillong, Meghalaya 30,000

Diploma in Occupational Therapy Syllabus

Given below is the syllabus for the Occupational Therapy at CMJ University, Shillong:

Semester Subjects
Semester 1 Basics of Human Anatomy
Basics of Medical Physiology
Pathology
Basics of Computer Skills
Communication Skills
Semester 2 Occupational Therapy I
Occupational Therapy II
Semester 3 Occupational Therapy III
Occupational Therapy IV
Semester 4 Occupational Therapy V
Occupational Therapy VI
Occupational Therapy VII

Diploma in Occupational Therapy v/s Bachelor in Occupational Therapy Course Comparison

Given below is a comparison between Diploma Occupational Therapy and Bachelor of Occupational Therapy for students to make a better informed decision:

Criteria Diploma in Occupational Therapy Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Duration 2 Years 4 Years + 6-month Internship
Focus Practical training, basic therapy skills In-depth theoretical and practical knowledge
Course Level Diploma (Entry-level) Undergraduate (Advanced level)
Subjects Covered Basics of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Occupational Therapy Techniques Advanced Anatomy, Physiology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Assistive Technology, Research Methods
Career Opportunities Assistant roles in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers Higher-level roles in hospitals, clinics, schools, and research organizations

Diploma in Occupational Therapy Job Profiles

Given below is an overview of career opportunities and salary ranges for professionals post the completion of a Diploma:

Job Profile Job Description Annual Salary (INR)
Occupational Therapist Assists patients in developing, recovering, and improving skills needed for daily living and working. 3,50,000
Occupational Therapy Assistant Supports occupational therapists in implementing treatment plans and helping patients with therapeutic activities. 3,00,000
Rehabilitation Therapist Provides therapy to help patients regain physical functions and adapt to disabilities. 4,50,000
Clinical Assistant Assists in clinical tasks, patient documentation, and supports therapists during sessions. 3,50,000
Pediatric Occupational Therapist Specializes in helping children develop necessary skills for daily activities and school participation. 5,00,000

Diploma in Occupational Therapy Future Scope

Upon the completion of a course in Occupational Therapy, students can follow the below given career paths:

  • One can pursue a Bachelor's in Occupational Therapy for further in-depth knowledge in this field.
  • Certification courses such as COTA and NDT can also be done for upskilling.
  • Some colleges offer an Advanced Diploma or a PG Diploma in Occupational Therapy and related fields that can help with specialisation.

Diploma in Occupational Therapy FAQs

Is there any age limit?

Most institutes require candidates to be at least 18 years old. There is usually no upper age limit.

Does the course include internships?

Yes, most programs include practical training in hospitals or rehabilitation centers.

Can you get a diploma full-time while working full-time?

Yes. It's possible. Many universities, such as IGNOU and TNOUs, offer flexible and incomplete working days and online learning options so that students can study and continue their work. This program is ideal for work experts or people interested.

Is the labor therapy diploma containing internships or industrial training?

Yes. Most diploma programs include practical training or experience in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or clinics as part of the curriculum. However, the duration and structure of the actual components may vary from institution to institution.

Diploma in Occupational Therapy Major Events

All Important Events

Events Dates
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Exam Date 21 Jan, 2026 – 30 Jan, 2026
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Result Date 12 Feb, 2026
Tentative Date Sheet 17 Feb, 2026 – 9 Apr, 2026 Tentative
Tentative Date Sheet 17 Feb, 2026 – 9 Mar, 2026 Tentative
CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2026 17 Feb, 2026 – 9 Apr, 2026
Exam Date 17 Feb, 2026 – 10 Mar, 2026 Tentative
GUJCET 2026 Exam 29 Mar, 2026

All Expired Events

Events Dates
Release of GUJCET 2026 application 16 Dec, 2025 – 30 Dec, 2025
JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Registration 31 Oct, 2025 – 27 Nov, 2025
CUET UG 2025 Result 15 Jul, 2025
WBJEE 2025 result 30 Jun, 2025
JEECUP 2025 result 10 Jun, 2025
JEECUP 2025 result 10 Jun, 2025

Exam Accepting

Online | UG | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Engineering
Exam 2 Apr, 2026 – 9 Apr, 2026
Result 20 Apr, 2026
Offline | UG | West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board | Engineering
Exam 27 Apr, 2025
Result 30 Jun, 2025
Offline | UG | West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board | Engineering
Exam 27 Apr, 2025
Result 30 Jun, 2025
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