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Student Journey Blueprint

How to become a Speech-Language Pathologist — your road, class by class

Class 8 to working life·15 student doubts answered ·Last checked 25 Oct 2026

The one-line route: Class 12 with 50% in a science group (PCMB or listed combinations) → national entrance at AIISH Mysuru or another RCI-recognised college → B.ASLP, 4 years including a 1-year internship → M.Sc (Speech-Language Pathology), 2 years. Professionals in this field register with the Rehabilitation Council of India. [1] [2]

Pick your class and the road below starts where you stand.

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00 The job

What the work really is

A speech-language pathologist assesses and treats problems with speech, language, voice, fluency and swallowing, in children and adults. The B.ASLP degree trains graduates to work as both audiologists and speech-language pathologists. [1]

A normal working day

  • Assess speech, language, voice and swallowing problems.
  • Run therapy for stuttering, delayed speech, aphasia after stroke and voice disorders.
  • Counsel families and work with doctors, teachers and special educators.

Pay

No central pay scale for speech-language pathologists was read, so none is printed. AIISH pays its B.ASLP students a stipend (see Money help).

Main routes

B.ASLP at AIISH Mysuru

80 seats (40 regular + 40 self-finance), filled by merit in AIISH's national-level entrance on the NCERT / CBSE syllabus: Physics and Chemistry compulsory, plus Biology or Mathematics. [1]

M.Sc (Speech-Language Pathology)

2 years, 44 seats at AIISH; needs a B.ASLP or B.Sc (Speech & Hearing) recognised by the RCI; criteria are prescribed by the RCI and the University of Mysore. [1]

Diploma first

AIISH keeps 2 B.ASLP seats for holders of the RCI-recognised Diploma in Hearing Language and Speech (DHLS) or Diploma in Hearing Aid and Ear Mould Technology, still on entrance merit. [1]

Registration

The Rehabilitation Council of India keeps the Central Rehabilitation Register; only enrolled rehabilitation professionals may hold posts, practise or certify. [2]

Time and cost

B.ASLP length
4 years: 6 semesters + 1-year internship [1]
AIISH fee (General / OBC / EWS)
₹29,500 first year · ₹23,600 in years 2–3 · ₹24,370 internship year [1]
AIISH fee (SC / ST / PwD)
₹26,000 · ₹20,100 · ₹20,870 [1]

Self-finance (SFS) seats at AIISH cost more — see the fee table in the prospectus. University of Mysore fees are extra.

Hidden challenges

  • Few seats at the national institute: 80 B.ASLP seats at AIISH, half of them self-finance. [1]
  • You need 50% (45% SC / ST) in the science group just to apply for the entrance. [1]
  • Practice is tied to the RCI register — working without enrolment is an offence under the RCI Act. [2]

Who should not choose it

  • You want to prescribe medicines or operate — that is ENT medicine via MBBS.
  • You lack patience for slow, step-by-step therapy.
  • You dislike talking with children and families every day.
01 Your road, stage by stage

What to do at each stage — and the doubts on the way

  1. You are here Class 8 · Class 9

    Science and listening

    • AIISH's entrance tests Physics and Chemistry plus Biology or Mathematics, on the NCERT / CBSE syllabus. [1]

    Doubt What does a speech-language pathologist do?

    They assess and treat disorders of speech, language, voice, fluency and swallowing. AIISH says B.ASLP graduates are qualified to work as both audiologists and speech-language pathologists in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, clinics, schools and academic institutions. [1]

    Next: Read the Routes list above.

    Doubt Is a speech therapist a doctor?

    No. It is a rehabilitation profession with its own degree (B.ASLP), not MBBS. Professionals register with the Rehabilitation Council of India. [1] [2]

    Next: Plan for a science stream and the B.ASLP entrance.

  2. You are here Class 10

    Choose science — PCB or PCM

    • B.ASLP needs at least three subjects from Physics, Chemistry and Biology / Mathematics / Computer Science / Statistics / Electronics / Psychology. [1]

    Stream / subjects: Science: Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics.

    Doubt Can a PCM student do B.ASLP?

    Yes. AIISH's entrance has Physics and Chemistry as compulsory subjects and either Biology or Mathematics as the optional one. [1]

    Next: Keep Maths or Biology strong for the optional paper.

    Doubt Can I do B.ASLP with Psychology in Class 12?

    AIISH asks for at least three subjects from Physics, Chemistry and Biology / Mathematics / Computer Science / Statistics / Electronics / Psychology — but the entrance itself tests Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics. [1]

    Next: Keep Physics and Chemistry in Class 11–12.

  3. You are here Class 11 · Class 12

    Score 50% and write the AIISH entrance

    • 50% (45% SC / ST) in the PCMB group or combinations in Class 12 to apply. [1]

    Doubt What marks do I need in Class 12 for B.ASLP?

    At least 50% (45% for SC / ST) in the PCMB group or combinations thereof, to apply for AIISH's entrance. [1]

    Next: Keep your science-group average above 50%.

    Doubt How are B.ASLP seats filled at AIISH?

    By merit in AIISH's national-level entrance on the NCERT / CBSE syllabus. Only foreign-quota students are selected on Class 12 science marks. [1]

    Next: Prepare from NCERT Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Maths.

    Doubt How many B.ASLP seats does AIISH have?

    80 — 40 regular and 40 self-finance, with seats for SC (12), ST (6), OBC (22), EWS (8), North-Eastern candidates, diploma holders, PwD and foreign students. [1]

    Next: Apply to other RCI-recognised colleges too.

  4. You are here In college

    B.ASLP: 3 years + internship

    • Six semesters of study and a fourth-year internship. [1]

    Money help at this stage

    AIISH B.ASLP stipend

    Doubt How long is B.ASLP?

    Four years — six semesters plus a one-year internship. [1]

    Next: Plan for four years before you start work.

    Doubt Do B.ASLP students get a stipend at AIISH?

    Yes. ₹800 a month for 10 months in each of the first three years, and in the internship year ₹6,000 a month in North-Eastern states or ₹5,000 a month elsewhere. [1]

    Next: Ask other colleges whether they pay a stipend.

    Doubt What are AIISH's B.ASLP fees?

    For General / OBC / EWS: ₹29,500 in year 1, ₹23,600 in years 2 and 3 and ₹24,370 in the internship year. For SC / ST / PwD: ₹26,000, ₹20,100 and ₹20,870. University fees are extra. [1]

    Next: Budget for University of Mysore fees on top.

    Doubt Is there a bond at AIISH?

    B.ASLP students must sign an indemnity bond at admission, in the format in AIISH's prospectus. [1]

    Next: Read the bond format before admission.

  5. You are here Graduated

    M.Sc (Speech-Language Pathology) and RCI registration

    • M.Sc (SLP) at AIISH: 2 years, 44 seats, for B.ASLP / B.Sc (Speech & Hearing) graduates of RCI-recognised programmes. [1]

    Doubt Do I need an M.Sc to work as a speech-language pathologist?

    AIISH says B.ASLP graduates are qualified to work as audiologists and speech-language pathologists. The 2-year M.Sc (Speech-Language Pathology) trains you as a specialist in differential diagnosis, management and research. [1]

    Next: Take the M.Sc if you want specialist, teaching or research jobs.

    Doubt Do I need to register with RCI?

    Yes. Under section 13 of the RCI Act, only professionals enrolled on the Central Rehabilitation Register may hold rehabilitation posts, practise or certify; breaking this can bring up to a year in jail and / or a ₹1,000 fine. [2]

    Next: Apply for RCI registration as soon as you graduate.

    Doubt Can I specialise in audiology instead?

    Yes. After B.ASLP you can take the 2-year M.Sc (Audiology) — AIISH has 44 seats — which focuses on hearing disorders, while M.Sc (Speech-Language Pathology) focuses on speech, language and swallowing. [1]

    Next: Choose the M.Sc that matches the work you enjoyed in internship.

  6. You are here Working / switching career

    Specialise or teach

    • AIISH also runs Ph.D. programmes in Speech-Language Pathology, with JRF seats and external candidates. [1]

    Doubt Can I do a Ph.D. in speech-language pathology?

    Yes. AIISH's 2026-27 prospectus lists a Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology with 9 JRF seats plus external candidates. [1]

    Next: Finish your M.Sc and look for a guide.

Your school board

Any board. Class 12 needs 50% (45% SC / ST) in the science group; AIISH treats the Karnataka PUC and its equivalents as the qualifying exam. [1]

CBSE, CISCE and state-board certificates count the same for every national exam on this page. Notes for particular state boards are under State rules below.

02 Exam anatomy

The exam, stage by stage

AIISH entrance → B.ASLP → M.Sc (SLP) · RCI registration · All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru (Ministry of Health), Rehabilitation Council of India

Entrance
Physics + Chemistry + Biology or Maths [1]
Class 12
50% in science group (45% SC / ST) [1]
B.ASLP
4 years incl. 1-year internship · 80 seats [1]
M.Sc (SLP)
2 years · 44 seats [1]
AIISH entrance → B.ASLP → M.Sc (SLP) · RCI registration stages
StageWhat it isRule
Class 12Science group50% (45% SC / ST)
AIISH entranceNational-level testP + C + B or M
B.ASLP6 semesters + internshipStipend at AIISH
M.Sc (SLP) + RCISpecialist degree, registrationRCI-recognised degree

Stage table source [1] [2]

Open the full exam guide
03 State rules

Rules for all of India — and your state

  • National route: RCI recognises the degree and keeps the Central Rehabilitation Register for the whole country. [2]

National route applies. This career follows the same rules in every state and UT.

04 Career multiverse

Where this path can take you next

Audiology & speech therapy guide

Courses and colleges.

Explore →

ASLP colleges

Where to study B.ASLP.

Explore →

Occupational therapist

Another therapy career.

Explore →

Clinical psychologist

Another RCI-registered profession.

Explore →
05 Money help

Scholarships, stipends and fee help

Government schemes, professional-body scholarships and paid training on this path. Pick your class above and schemes you have already passed are hidden.

Scholarship Open to you now From Class 8

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS)

Ministry of Education, through your state

₹1,000 a month, Class 9 to 12 [3]

Who
Class 8 students of government schools who passed Class 7 with 55% (50% SC/ST, as in Nagaland's notice) and clear the state's NMMSS test. Family income limit: see the scheme rules on the National Scholarship Portal.
How
Your state's SCERT announces the test in Class 8; renewals are on scholarships.gov.in.
Scholarship Open to you now From Class 11

Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (PM-USP CSSS)

Ministry of Education

₹12,000 a year for the first 3 years of a degree; ₹20,000 a year in years 4–5 of a 5-year integrated course (and in PG) [4]

Who
Above the 80th percentile of your board's Class 12 pass-outs in your stream, in a regular degree course (not diploma or distance), family income up to ₹4.5 lakh, and not taking any other scholarship — including state schemes.
How
On the National Scholarship Portal after Class 12; renewal needs 50% marks and 75% attendance each year.
Scholarship Open to you now From Class 11

Post-Matric Scholarship for SC students

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, through your state

Compulsory non-refundable fees (tuition included) plus a yearly academic allowance — the college cannot ask you to pay the fee first [5]

Who
SC students after Class 10 (ITI, diploma, degree and CA/CMA/CS courses count), family income up to ₹2.5 lakh. Separate post-matric schemes exist for ST, OBC and minority students on the same portal.
How
Your state scholarship portal or scholarships.gov.in. The printed guidelines cover 2020-21 to 2025-26; check the 2026-27 rules on the portal.
Stipend Open to you now From In college

AIISH B.ASLP stipend

All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru

₹800 a month for 10 months a year in years 1–3; internship year ₹6,000 a month in North-Eastern states, ₹5,000 elsewhere [1]

Who
Students admitted to B.ASLP at AIISH.
How
Paid to admitted students — confirm with AIISH's academic section.
06 Official sources & verification

Where these facts come from

Every number on this page comes from the official files below. Lines with no number are Margdarshan guidance. Rules change every year — open the current notice before you apply.

  1. All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru — Prospectus 2026-27 (opens in a new tab) B.ASLP: 4 years (6 semesters + 1-year internship), 80 seats and their distribution, 50% / 45% in PCMB group, subject combinations, national-level entrance (P + C + B or M, NCERT / CBSE), stipend ₹800 / ₹5,000 / ₹6,000, fees, indemnity bond; M.Sc SLP and Audiology 2 years, 44 seats each, RCI-recognised feeder degree; Ph.D. SLP 9 JRF seats · Last checked 28 Oct 2026
  2. Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992 (as amended), RCI copy (opens in a new tab) Central Rehabilitation Register; section 13 — only enrolled professionals may hold posts, practise or certify; up to 1 year and / or ₹1,000 fine · Last checked 25 Oct 2026
  3. SCERT Nagaland — NMMSS Examination 2027 advertisement (27 Jul 2026) (opens in a new tab) Class 8 eligibility, 55% / 50% Class 7 marks, ₹1,000 a month from Class 9 to 12 (one state's notice of the central scheme) · Last checked 24 Oct 2026
  4. Ministry of Education — PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships guidelines (2022-23 onwards), copy hosted by NIT Kurukshetra (opens in a new tab) 80th percentile, ₹4.5 lakh income, regular degree only, no other scholarship, ₹12,000 / ₹20,000 rates, renewal rules · Last checked 24 Oct 2026
  5. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment — Post Matric Scholarship for SC students, guidelines 2020-21 to 2025-26 (copy hosted by Goa Social Welfare) (opens in a new tab) ₹2.5 lakh income limit, fees + academic allowance, no pre-payment of fees, CA/ICWA/CS students covered · Last checked 24 Oct 2026

Spotted something out of date? Email margdarshan07support10@gmail.com with the official link and we will update it.