Diploma holders in yoga will get a preference in admission to degree courses in physiotherapy, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided.

The decision has been taken following a recommendation of an expert committee which suggested that those with expertise in Yoga be given preference in admission, subject to the condition that marks secured in the entrance examination and other eligibility conditions are similar to a candidate with same credentials sans Yoga expertise.

The recommendations have been approved by the HRD Ministry.

"A candidate having at least one-year diploma in Yoga may be given preference in admission, subject to the condition that marks secured in the entrance examination and other eligibility conditions are same to a candidate with similar credentials but not having said expertise in Yoga," a letter sent by UGC to all universities read.

The commission has also asked the varsities to take note of all recommendations during the admission process and bring it to the notice of their affiliated colleges.

In May 2016, the UGC had asked universities to include modules of teaching and training of Yoga in Bachelors and Masters Degrees of Physiotherapy programmes.