Occupational Therapist
Helps people of all ages rebuild the ability to take part in everyday tasks.
Overview
Occupational Therapists work with people of all ages and communities to enhance their ability to engage in every-day tasks. Occupational therapy differs from physical therapy or nursing in its focus on providing holistic therapy to the patient, rather than treating a particular injury, ailment, or physical disability.
Where they work
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Medical colleges
- Rehabilitation Centres
- NGOs
Work environment
It is not a desk job. You are not likely to handle a team. Travel is not a part of this job role. You are likely to work 5 to 6 days a week and 8 to 9 hours every day. You may have to put in more hours if the need arises. Entrepreneurship: you can start your own practice.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are interested in studying about human behaviour
- You like to teach or train people
- You like to help people solve their problems
- You can comfortably talk with all kinds of people
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree in the same field.
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a Diploma in Occupational Therapy.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Occupational Therapy. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities, New Delhi
- All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Patna, Bihar
- Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi
- Government Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Chitkara University, Patiala, Punjab
- Constituent Colleges College of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry
- Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Bhagwant University, Ajmer, Rajasthan
- CMJ University, Shillong, Meghalaya
- College of Occupational Therapy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Intern
- 2Occupational Therapist
- 3Senior Occupational Therapist
- 4Head of Department
- 5Medical Director/Superintendent
Expected income
₹10,300 – ₹34,800 per month
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Physiotherapist
Treats injury and restores movement and function using massage, exercise and other techniques.
Rehabilitation Specialist
Helps people recover from illness or injury, and helps disabled people live independently.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Pam Gandekar — A renowned Occupational Therapist based in Pune. She graduated from York School of Occupational Therapy, UK in 1971. She has worked with adults who have neurological impairment, elderly patients with mobility and self-care problems, intellectually challenged young adults but predominantly with children who have special needs.
Source: a personal interview, as credited on the printed card — no public page to link to.
This profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 381 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3CM4u6H
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The source card credits this profile to a personal interview rather than a published page, so no source link is shown. The institute the card prints as "All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Handicapped" is listed here under its current name, All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.