🔬 Allied Health Sciences

What it costs to get there

Indicative total tuition for the whole course in Karnataka

Tuition for the full degree. Costs vary widely by specialisation — imaging and optometry programmes usually cost more than laboratory technology.

Fees change every year and differ by college — confirm with the college before paying. Scholarships can cover much of this.

The journey, step by step

SSLC through to leadership.

1. 1Foundation · 1 Year🎓 SSLC — Class 10Finish Class 10. Your marks decide which colleges and subject combinations are open to you next.
2. 2Stream Selection · 2 Years🔬 PUC — ScienceTwo years of pre-university study in the Science stream. This is where you prepare for the entrance exam.
3. 3Entrance Exam · Exam year📝 NEET UG (mandatory for notified courses from AY 2026-27)Entry to B.Sc (MLT / Radiology / Optometry etc.) is through NEET UG (mandatory for notified courses from AY 2026-27). NEET UG is run by National Testing Agency (NTA) and leads to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, B.Sc Nursing and notified allied health courses. Dates change every year — always confirm on the conducting authority's official portal.
4. 4Degree · 3–4 Years (incl. internship)📘 B.Sc (MLT / Radiology / Optometry etc.)Allied Health Sciences: 3–4 Years (incl. internship). You can specialise in Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiology & Imaging Technology, Optometry, Audiology & Speech Language Pathology and more.
5. 5First Job · After graduating💼 Medical Lab TechnologistCommon starting roles include Medical Lab Technologist, Radiographer / Imaging Technologist, Optometrist.
6. 6Higher Studies · Optional🎯 M.Sc Allied Health (2Y)You can continue with M.Sc Allied Health (2Y), PhD, Specialist certifications.
7. 7Research · 3–5 Years (PhD)🔬 M.Sc → PhD in allied healthM.Sc → PhD in allied health · Clinical research associate roles · Diagnostics R&D
8. 8Government Route · Exam-based🏛️ Govt hospital technologistGovt hospital technologist · ESIC / Railway technician posts · AIIMS technical cadre · District hospital lab services
9. 9Entrepreneurship · Any time🚀 Diagnostic laboratoryDiagnostic laboratory · Optical store / vision centre · Imaging or dialysis centre
10. 10Leadership · Long term⭐ Chief TechnologistChief Technologist · Laboratory Director · Allied Health Programme Head

Job roles and salary ranges

Salary figures are indicative annual ranges, not guarantees.

Where these facts come from

National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) Act 2021; NEET UG becomes mandatory for notified allied courses from AY 2026-27