NCAHP Released Clinical Fellowship Guidelines for Physiotherapy Professionals

DR. SUBARNA DEBBARMA (PT), B.P.T, F.D.F.M
NCAHP Released Clinical Fellowship Guidelines for Physiotherapy Professionals
NCAHP Releases Clinical Fellowship Guidelines for Physiotherapy Training Programs
Image: Physiotherapist working

New Delhi: The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) has released comprehensive guidelines for Clinical Fellowship Programs in Physiotherapy, marking a significant step toward standardized, advanced clinical education in the allied health sector. The new framework was officially published on July 10, 2025, on the commission’s official website.


These guidelines aim to ensure that all fellowship programs in physiotherapy across the country follow a uniform structure, transparent evaluation system, and high standards of faculty and institutional infrastructure, without equating these programs to postgraduate degrees.


Overview of the New Guidelines

Program Structure

Clinical fellowships are to be conducted in academic institutes or hospital settings and must last for a minimum of 12 months. Only sub-specialties that branch directly from the core field of physiotherapy will be permitted. Institutions must define learning outcomes, maintain a structured timetable, and ensure alignment with NCAHP’s competency framework.


Faculty Requirements

Institutions must appoint at least one Senior Faculty (with 8+ years of experience) and one Faculty (with 5+ years of experience), both possessing a postgraduate degree in Physiotherapy and registered with the NCAHP. Faculty members must also have a minimum of two published research papers in UGC-CARE indexed journals.


Institutional and Site Criteria

Programs must be run by hospitals or institutes affiliated with a recognized academic body. Requirements include:

  •  A multi-specialty hospital with at least 100 beds or a super-specialty hospital with a minimum of 50 beds.
  • An outpatient physiotherapy department with at least 1200 sq. ft. area.
  •  Proven track record of delivering specialized physiotherapy services for the past three years.
  •  Full-time registered physiotherapists under NCAHP.

Admission and Selection Process

Eligible candidates must be registered with NCAHP, possess one year of experience in the relevant field, and may apply only once per year. Selection will be based on a publicly advertised entrance examination written and/or oral.


Evaluation and Fellowship Award

Fellows will undergo at least two internal assessments and a final exit examination consisting of written and clinical evaluations. A minimum of 50% marks in both components is required to receive the Clinical Fellowship Certificate. Submission of a project or thesis is mandatory, contributing to the final evaluation.


Logbook and Clinical Training

Candidates must maintain a detailed logbook covering patient records, procedures, presentations, journal clubs, attendance, and clinical rotations. A project report must also be submitted and defended before the final exam.


Stipend and Workload

A stipend is strongly recommended for all fellows. Work expectations include 7-hour days, 6 days a week, with leave limited to 1 day per month. Leave taken beyond the allowed limit may result in extended training or disqualification.


Approval and Inspection

All institutions must obtain prior approval from NCAHP before starting fellowship programs. A formal inspection by NCAHP will verify the infrastructure and faculty as per the new criteria. An inspection fee of ₹50,000 will be charged per site visit.


The official release, dated July 10, 2025, is available for download on the NCAHP website: [https://ncahp.abdm.gov.in].

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