Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

The Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology (DOT) at Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubli -- now officially known as Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI) -- is a 2-year full-time paramedical programme affiliated to the Para Medical Board of Karnataka. The course trains students in ophthalmic examination techniques, refraction, tonometry, slit-lamp examination, visual field testing, and assisting in ophthalmic surgeries, preparing them for roles as Ophthalmic Technicians in eye hospitals and clinics. The total fees for the DOT programme at KIMS Hubli is approximately Rs. 8,500 to Rs. 12,500 for the entire duration, making it one of the most affordable government paramedical programmes in Karnataka. The course has a seat intake of 20 students per batch and is offered in full-time on-campus mode. With a dedicated Ophthalmology department and eye care facilities at the 750-bed KIMS Hospital, students receive comprehensive clinical training in eye care, making this programme highly valued in the growing ophthalmic healthcare sector.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are expected to open in June-July 2026 through the Para Medical Board of Karnataka (PMB Karnataka) online counselling portal. Based on the 2025-26 cycle, applications were accepted from 26th June to 25th July 2025. Candidates are advised to monitor the official PMB Karnataka website (pmbkarnataka.org) for the 2026-27 notification. The current admission season (2025-26) is closed; batch commenced in August-September 2025.

Key Points

KIMS Hubli (KMCRI) is a government medical college under the Government of Karnataka, ensuring highly subsidised fees for the DOT programme.
The DOT programme is affiliated to the Para Medical Board of Karnataka (PMB Karnataka).
Students with PUC (10+2) Science background complete the course in 2 years followed by a 3-month mandatory internship; SSLC-passed candidates complete it in 3 years.
The college has a dedicated Ophthalmology department with modern diagnostic and surgical equipment at the 750-bed KIMS Hospital.
Admission is purely merit-based (marks in qualifying examination), with no entrance exam required.
Seat intake is 20 per batch as per the official KMCRI paramedical course intake list.
Reservation benefits as per Karnataka government norms are applicable (SC/ST/OBC/EWS categories).

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

KIMS DOT Fees

The DOT programme at KIMS Hubli is a government-run course with highly subsidised fees. The total tuition fee for the entire 2-year programme is approximately Rs. 8,500 to Rs. 12,500, which is among the lowest for any paramedical diploma in Karnataka. There are minimal additional charges such as examination fees and registration fees payable to PMB Karnataka. Hostel facility is available on campus at nominal charges (approximately Rs. 200-600 per month), though it is not mandatory.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (INR)
Tuition Fee (entire 2-year course)	8,500 - 12,500
PMB Karnataka Registration/Examination Fee (approx.)	1,000 - 2,000
Total Fees (approx.)	9,500 - 14,500

Hostel fee is approximately Rs. 200-600 per month and is optional (not included in Total Fees above).
Mess charges are separate and approximately Rs. 3,000-4,000 per month.
Exact fee components may vary; candidates should verify the final fee structure at the time of admission from the college office.
No EMI option is typically available for government college fees; fees are paid at the time of admission/semester.

KIMS DOT Admission 2026-27

Admission to the DOT programme at KIMS Hubli is conducted through the Para Medical Board of Karnataka (PMB Karnataka) centralised online counselling process. Selection is based on merit in the qualifying examination (PUC/10+2 Science), with reservations as per Karnataka government norms. The 2025-26 admission cycle has concluded; the 2026-27 cycle is expected to follow a similar schedule.

Important Dates

Event	2025-26 Dates	2026-27 (Tentative)
PMB Karnataka Online Application Opens	26 June 2025	June 2026
Last Date to Submit Application	25 July 2025	July 2026
Merit List / Counselling	August 2025	August 2026
Seat Allotment and Admission	August - September 2025	August - September 2026
Batch Commencement	September 2025	September 2026

Note: No separate entrance exam is conducted for DOT admissions in Karnataka. Admission is purely merit-based on qualifying exam marks.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed 10+2 (PUC) in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics) from a recognised board.
Minimum aggregate marks: 45% for General category; relaxation for SC/ST/OBC as per Karnataka government norms.
Candidates who have passed SSLC (Class 10) are also eligible but will undergo a 3-year programme instead of 2 years.
Age: Minimum 17 years as on the date of admission.

Admission Process

Register on the PMB Karnataka official portal (pmbkarnataka.org) during the application window.
Fill in the online application form and pay the application fee (Rs. 400 for General; Rs. 250 for reserved categories).
Merit list is prepared based on marks in the qualifying examination (PUC/SSLC).
Candidates are allotted seats through centralised counselling based on merit, category, and preference of college.
Report to the allotted college (KIMS Hubli) with original documents for verification and fee payment.
Complete document verification and pay the admission fee to confirm the seat.

KIMS DOT Scholarships 2026-27

Students admitted to the DOT programme at KIMS Hubli can avail several government scholarships offered by the Karnataka state government and the central government. Given the low fee structure, scholarships can effectively cover the entire cost of education for eligible students.

Available Scholarships

Scholarship	Eligibility	Amount
SSP Post-Matric Scholarship (Karnataka)	SC/ST/OBC/EWS students from Karnataka; family income below prescribed limit	Tuition fee reimbursement + maintenance allowance (varies by category)
NSP PM-USP Yojana (Central)	Students in recognised UG/Diploma courses; parental income up to Rs. 4.5 Lakhs; 80% in Class 12	Up to Rs. 82,000 per annum
Vidyasiri Scholarship (Karnataka)	Minority community students from Karnataka	Varies; covers tuition and maintenance
FFE (Foundation for Excellence) Scholarship	Meritorious students from economically weaker sections	Varies

SSP scholarship applications are submitted online through the Karnataka SSP portal (ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in).
NSP applications are submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
Scholarship deadlines are typically between October and February each academic year.
Students must maintain minimum attendance (75%) and academic performance to continue receiving scholarships.

KIMS DOT FAQs

Ques. What is the fee for Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology at KIMS Hubli?

Ans. KIMS Hubli (now KMCRI) is a government medical college. The total tuition fee for the entire 2-year DOT course is approximately Rs. 8,500 to Rs. 12,500. Additional charges like PMB Karnataka examination and registration fees may add Rs. 1,000-2,000. This makes it one of the most affordable ophthalmic technology programmes in Karnataka.

Ques. What is the scope after completing Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology from KIMS Hubli?

Ans. DOT graduates can work as Ophthalmic Technicians, Optometric Assistants, and Vision Therapists in eye hospitals, ophthalmic clinics, and vision care centres. Government job opportunities are available through KPSC and central government health departments. Starting salaries in the private sector range from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 20,000 per month. Graduates can also pursue higher studies like B.Sc. (Optometry) or B.Sc. (Ophthalmic Technology) for career advancement.

Ques. How many seats are available for DOT at KIMS Hubli?

Ans. As per the official KMCRI paramedical course intake list, the DOT programme has a seat intake of 20 students per batch. Seats are distributed across various categories as per Karnataka government reservation norms.

Ques. Is there any entrance exam for DOT admission at KIMS Hubli?

Ans. No, there is no entrance exam for DOT admission at KIMS Hubli. Admission is purely merit-based, calculated from marks obtained in PUC (10+2) Science or SSLC (Class 10). Candidates apply through the Para Medical Board of Karnataka (PMB Karnataka) centralised counselling portal.

Ques. What is the difference between Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology and B.Sc. Optometry?

Ans. The Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology (DOT) is a 2-year programme focused on assisting ophthalmologists with diagnostic procedures and surgical support. B.Sc. Optometry is a 4-year degree programme with a broader scope including independent refraction, contact lens fitting, and low vision rehabilitation. DOT graduates typically work as technicians under ophthalmologists, while B.Sc. Optometry graduates can practice independently as optometrists. DOT is more affordable and quicker to complete.

Ques. When does the DOT admission process start at KIMS Hubli for 2026-27?

Ans. Based on the 2025-26 cycle, the PMB Karnataka online application process opened on 26th June 2025 and closed on 25th July 2025. For 2026-27, the admission process is tentatively expected to begin in June 2026. Candidates should regularly check the official PMB Karnataka website (pmbkarnataka.org) for the official notification and schedule.