Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology (also known as Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistance - DOA) at Thrissur Govt. Medical College is a 2-year full-time paramedical diploma program approved by the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Kerala, and affiliated to the Kerala Paramedical Council. The program trains students in ophthalmology techniques including testing of glasses, retinoscopy, identifying common eye diseases, conducting eye camps, and prevention of blindness. GMC Thrissur offers 25 seats in total (5 general merit seats and 20 seats reserved for SC/ST candidates). The course fee is highly subsidized as it is offered at a government institution. Admission is conducted through the LBS Centre for Science and Technology, Kerala, based on merit in qualifying examinations. The course is popular due to its government institution status, strong clinical exposure at the attached tertiary care hospital, and excellent career prospects in the growing eye care sector.

Admission for the 2026-27 batch has been completed. The LBS Centre conducted the spot allotment for remaining vacant seats on 03 February 2026. Admissions for the 2027-28 batch are expected to commence tentatively in June-July 2027. Candidates are advised to monitor the official LBS Centre portal (lbscentre.in) for the upcoming admission cycle.

Key Points

The course is officially known as Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistance (DOA) under the Kerala Paramedical Council and DME Kerala.
GMC Thrissur has 5 general merit seats and 20 seats exclusively for SC/ST candidates, totaling 25 seats.
The course includes 1 year at the teaching centre, 6 months in a mobile unit, and 6 months at a PHC (Primary Health Centre).
Admission is merit-based through the LBS Centre for Science and Technology, Kerala.
The curriculum is approved by the Kerala Paramedical Council and follows DME Kerala guidelines.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

GMC Thrissur DOA Fees

The Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology (DOA) at Thrissur Govt. Medical College is offered at a government-subsidized fee as it is a government institution under the DME Kerala. The annual fee for paramedical diploma courses (DOA) at government medical colleges in Kerala is Rs. 7,240 per year as per the official fee structure (G.O.(Ms)No.92/2023/H&FWD dated 19-04-2023). The total fees for the 2-year course amount to Rs. 14,480. Hostel accommodation is available at a nominal rent.

Fee Breakdown

Fee Component	Amount (Per Year)	Total (2 Years)
Tuition Fee	Rs. 4,630	Rs. 9,260
Caution Deposit (Refundable)	Rs. 870	Rs. 870 (one-time)
Miscellaneous Fee	Rs. 1,740	Rs. 3,480
Total Fees	Rs. 7,240	Rs. 13,610

Caution Deposit of Rs. 870 is refundable at the time of course completion.
Fee structure is as per G.O.(Ms)No.92/2023/H&FWD dated 19-04-2023, last updated May 2024.
Hostel fees: Available at a nominal monthly rent of Rs. 40 (Rs. 480 per year); mess charges are separate. Hostel is optional.
No EMI or installment facility; fees are payable at the time of admission/annually.
SC/ST candidates may be eligible for fee concessions/waivers as per government norms.

GMC Thrissur DOA Admission 2026

Admissions to the Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology (DOA) at Thrissur Govt. Medical College are conducted through the LBS Centre for Science and Technology, Kerala, based on merit in the qualifying examination (10+2 with Science). The 2026-27 admission cycle has been completed, with the spot allotment for remaining seats conducted on 03 February 2026. The next admission cycle (2027-28) is expected to commence in June-July 2027. Candidates must apply online through the LBS Centre portal (lbscentre.in) when applications open.

Admission Dates

Event	Date
Notification / Online Applications Open (2026-27)	June 2026 (Tentative, based on previous year)
Last Date for Online Application	July 2026 (Tentative)
Rank List Publication	August-September 2026 (Tentative)
Centralized Allotment Rounds	September-November 2026
Spot Allotment for Vacant Seats	03 February 2027
Batch Commencement	After admission completion

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must have passed 10+2 (Plus Two) or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as subjects from a recognized Board/University.
Minimum 40% marks in Science subjects (10+2); SC/ST candidates get a 5% relaxation (minimum 35%).
Age: Minimum 17 years and maximum 35 years at the time of admission.

Admission Process:

Apply online through the LBS Centre for Science and Technology portal (lbscentre.in) when applications open for the respective year.
Submit required documents including 10+2 mark sheet, community certificate (if applicable), and other supporting documents.
Merit list is prepared based on marks in qualifying examination (10+2 Science).
Participate in centralized allotment rounds conducted by LBS Centre; report to the allotted college with original documents.
Pay the prescribed fees at the time of admission to confirm the seat.

GMC Thrissur DOA Scholarships 2026

Students admitted to government medical colleges in Kerala are entitled to government-subsidized fees, making the course highly affordable. SC/ST candidates have 20 dedicated seats at GMC Thrissur and are also eligible for post-matric scholarships from the central and state governments. The low fee structure at government institutions significantly reduces the financial burden on students.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship / Benefit	Amount	Eligibility
Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST - Central Govt.)	As per government norms	SC/ST candidates
Kerala State Merit Scholarship	As per government norms	Merit-based, state domicile
Fee Concession for SC/ST	Full/partial fee waiver	SC/ST candidates as per GO

Post-matric scholarships for SC/ST/OBC candidates are available through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
Candidates must apply separately for government scholarships within the prescribed deadlines.
SC/ST candidates should check with the college/DME Kerala for specific fee concession details.

GMC Thrissur DOA FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology and Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistance (DOA) at GMC Thrissur?

Ans. At GMC Thrissur, the course is officially recognized as Diploma in Ophthalmic Assistance (DOA) under the Kerala Paramedical Council and DME Kerala. The course trains students in ophthalmic techniques including refraction, retinoscopy, eye camp management, and assisting ophthalmologists. The course may be referred to as Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology in some listings, but the official name at GMC Thrissur is DOA.

Ques. How many seats are available for Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology (DOA) at GMC Thrissur?

Ans. GMC Thrissur has a total of 25 seats for the DOA course: 5 seats for general merit candidates and 20 seats exclusively reserved for SC/ST candidates. This makes it one of the few government institutions in Kerala with a significant SC/ST quota for this course.

Ques. What is the total fee for the Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology at GMC Thrissur?

Ans. The total fees for the 2-year course at GMC Thrissur amount to approximately Rs. 13,610, which includes tuition fees, miscellaneous fees, and a refundable caution deposit. This is one of the most affordable ophthalmic technology programs in India, given its government institution status.

Ques. How is admission done for the DOA course at GMC Thrissur? Is there an entrance exam?

Ans. Admission is merit-based through the LBS Centre for Science and Technology, Kerala. There is no separate entrance exam; selection is based on marks obtained in the 10+2 (Plus Two) Science examination. Candidates must apply online through the LBS Centre portal (lbscentre.in) and participate in centralized allotment rounds.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology from GMC Thrissur?

Ans. Graduates can work as ophthalmic assistants/technicians in government and private hospitals, eye clinics, eye banks, and vision centres. They can assist ophthalmologists in OPD, operation theatres, and community eye care programs. Government job opportunities exist in Kerala Health Services and National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB). Further studies such as B.Sc. Optometry or B.Sc. Allied Health Sciences can also be pursued.

Ques. What is the course structure for DOA at GMC Thrissur?

Ans. The 2-year DOA course at GMC Thrissur includes 1 year of training at the teaching centre (GMC Thrissur), 6 months in a mobile ophthalmic unit, and 6 months at a Primary Health Centre (PHC). This unique structure provides comprehensive exposure to both institutional and community-level eye care, making graduates well-rounded ophthalmic professionals.