Can I do Physiotherapy after 12th with Commerce or Arts?

Sakshi Gautam

Updated On: December 16, 2025 03:06 PM

For physiotherapy, your main subjects in 12th should be PCB- Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. You cannot pursue physiotherapy after Commerce or Arts. However, you may explore other related fields, such as Occupational therapy, Fitness training, and so on. 
Can I do Physiotherapy after 12th with Commerce or Arts

Physiotherapy has emerged as one of the most important and appealing healthcare careers in India. The demand for rehabilitation services is rising. Just like the ageing population. The fascination with sports and related injuries is increasing. Orthopaedic recovery, lifestyle-related treatments, everything connects to physiotherapy. So, it may impress a candidate like you. However, if you want to know the path to take to become a physiotherapist, you have to be clear about some things.

Biology is compulsory for physiotherapy – so Commerce & Arts students are not eligible to pursue Physiotherapy after completing school education. A full Physiotherapy degree, like the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT), requires your background in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12. You cannot become a licensed physiotherapist without studying these subjects. You may enrol in an alternative certificate and diploma options, but you cannot officially call yourself a physiotherapist, then. So, find out things Commerce & Arts students can or cannot do in the physiotherapy sector.

Also Check - Government Jobs Available for BPT Graduates in India

Why Only Science Students Are Eligible for BPT?

The professional healthcare degree of BPT requires you to study anatomical and physiological subjects. So, your Biology knowledge should be top-notch. This strong foundation at the Class 10+2 level will help you in your career further.

Particulars

Description

Subjects to study in BPT

  • Human Anatomy

  • Physiology

  • Biochemistry

  • Pathology

  • Microbiology

  • Exercise Therapy

  • Electrotherapy

  • Rehabilitation Sciences

Minimum Eligibility for BPT

  • Class 12 with Science (PCB – Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

  • 50% (general) or 45% (reserved categories) minimum marks

  • Some states or universities require entrance exams

Alternative Courses for Arts or Commerce Students in Physiotherapy

Commerce or Arts students can do related courses, but they won’t make you a licensed physiotherapist. Such courses allow you to work in supporting, fitness, wellness, or therapy assistant roles.

Alternative Courses

Description

Important Points

Physiotherapy Technician/ Assistant Courses

Some institutes offer Diploma in Physiotherapy Technology (DPT) or Physiotherapy Assistant programs. Here, eligibility may include Class 12 in any stream. They help if you want to work in clinics or hospitals in a supportive capacity.

  • These courses do not give you a physiotherapist status
  • You will work under a certified physiotherapist
  • You cannot diagnose or create treatment plans
  • Your role involves assisting in exercises, equipment handling, and basic therapy support

Diploma Programs in Fitness & Wellness

As a commerce or art student, you can easily do:

  • Diploma in Fitness Training

  • Diploma in Yoga

  • Diploma in Sports Coaching

  • Diploma in Naturopathy or Wellness

  • Certification in Pilates or Aerobics

  • Fitness & Personal Training courses

  • You can work in gyms, wellness centres, corporate fitness programs, yoga studios, and sports clubs.

  • These won’t make you a physiotherapist.

  • They do place you in the broader movement and wellness industry.

Bachelor’s Degree in Related Fields

For your healthcare interest, you may consider other alternatives.

These degrees may accept Commerce or Arts students, but they won’t help you with a career as a physiotherapist.

Also Check - Is BPT a good course option in India?

Bachelor’s Degrees for Commerce or Arts Students Related to Physiotherapy

The bachelor’s degrees for related fields for you are:

Bachelor’s Degree

Helpful with

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (for institutes allowing non-science students)

OT focuses on helping people perform daily activities. Physiotherapy focuses on physical rehabilitation.

Bachelor’s in Psychology

Useful for rehabilitation counselling and sports psychology.

Bachelor’s in Sports Science or Physical Education

Helpful for fitness coaching, training athletes, sports rehabilitation support roles.

Social Work (BSW)

Useful if you are interested ns community rehabilitation or working with special-needs populations.

What can Commerce & Arts Students do to Pursue BPT?

If you’re truly passionate about physiotherapy, you will have to take extra effort. Try the following affordable alternatives for you to shift into healthcare:

Options

Description

  1. Repeat Class 12 with Biology
  • Reappear for Class 12 (or take an equivalent exam). Must have Biology, Physics, and Chemistry

  • Apply for BPT afterwards

  • It may take an extra year, but you’ll get a stable and respected healthcare career.

  1. Open Schooling (NIOS)

You can study Biology in Class 12 with NIOS. After passing the PCB subjects, you can then enrol in the BPT course.

Career Outcomes with a BPT Degree

Switching to Science and pursuing BPT can give you:

Particulars

Areas/ Specialisation

Work as a licensed physiotherapist in

  • Government hospitals

  • Private hospitals

  • Sports academies

  • Orthopaedic clinics

  • Neurology or rehabilitation centres

  • Geriatric care units

  • Pediatric therapy centres

Specialisations after MPT

  • Orthopaedics

  • Neurology

  • Cardio-pulmonary physiotherapy

  • Sports physiotherapy

  • Pediatrics

  • Geriatrics

Should Commerce or Arts Students do Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy can be excellent if healthcare, human movement, rehabilitation, or sports medicine are passion-inducing fields. But you have to switch to the Science stream.

However, with Commerce & Arts, you can develop a career in related fields like:

  • Healthcare management

  • Sports management

  • Fitness training

  • Yoga and wellness

  • Occupational therapy (depending on eligibility rules)

If you feel confused about your next career move, CollegeDekho mentors are right here to help you.

If you want to do physiotherapy but have Commerce or Arts as your Class 12 stream, this dream will be far. You can join certificate or diploma courses in physiotherapy assistance, fitness, or wellness. But you must have Class 12 Science with Biology to become a licensed physiotherapist with full rights to diagnose and treat patients. Explore the alternative routes we have provided here after you are clear about what you’re looking for in this field.

For any query, head to our QnA Zone or fill out our Common Application Form . Stay tuned for more such updates!

Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?

Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a bright future!

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