Speech and Language Therapist (SLT)/Audiologist
Treats speech disorders and impairments, improving communication, pronunciation and oral strength.
Overview
Speech and Language Therapists are professionals who treat people with difficulty in speaking or some form of speech disorders. The therapist performs different activities to improve communication, strengthen oral muscles, reading, pronunciation and so on. Speech therapy is needed for childhood speech disorders or speech impairments in adults caused by an injury or illness, such as stroke or brain injury.
Where they work
- Special schools
- NGOs
- Clinics
- Research firms
- Rehabilitation centres
- Colleges
Work environment
You are likely to work in various industries, including manufacturing, health and personal care stores, doctors' offices, and hospitals. You are expected to work full time. Entrepreneurship: you can set up a private practice.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to help others
- You are comfortable in communicating with others
- You pay attention to details while working
- You like to analyse problems/situations
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 (B.Sc/B.ASLP) in Audiology/Audiology and Speech Language therapy.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree in the same field.
- 2For admissions, you need to clear NEET for admission to the BASLP course.
Forms, exams and applications
NEET, for admission to the BASLP course. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
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 Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
- All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, Karnataka
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi
- Holy Cross College, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry
- Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala
- Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur
- Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Hearing Handicapped, Secunderabad, Telangana
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra
- Institute of Health Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Kerala Institute of Health Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala
- Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka
- Dr SR Chandrasekhar Institute of Speech and Hearing, Bangalore, Karnataka
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
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
- 1Trainee
- 2Speech Therapist and Audiologist
- 3Senior Speech Therapist and Audiologist
- 4Head of the Department
Related careers to explore
Clinical Psychologist
Assesses and treats mental, emotional and behavioural disorders through counselling and therapy.
Occupational Therapist
Helps people of all ages rebuild the ability to take part in everyday tasks.
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
Dr. Preeja Balan — A Speech Therapist in Bangalore with 19 years of experience in this field. She completed MASLP-Pathology from Ali Yavar Jung Institute of Hearing Handicapped in 1998 and Ph.D (Speech-Language Pathology) from All India Institute of Speech and Hearing. She is a member of Indian Speech and Hearing Association and Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India.
SourceThis 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 421 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Audiologist/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The volume's contents page abbreviates this career as "(SLP)" while the printed card's title uses "(SLT)"; the card's title is used here. Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai (a municipal college) is printed under private institutes.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.