Best Alternative to DMLT in India: Shiksha Poll

Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) is one of the most sought-after Paramedical courses in India, opening doors to various job opportunities in hospitals, diagnostic labs, research centers, and healthcare companies.
However, students often explore alternative options if they decide to skip DMLT, whether for better career prospects, specialization, or academic interest.
To understand the mindset of aspirants, Shiksha conducted a poll asking students: “If skipping DMLT, what is your next best option?”
Suggested Links for DMLT Courses:
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- DMLT vs BMLT
- DMLT vs BSc MLT
- DMLT vs Diploma in Pathology
- DMLT vs BSc Dialysis Technology
- Poll Analysis
DMLT vs BMLT
DMLT is a 2-year diploma offering quick entry into lab technician roles, while BMLT is a 3-year degree with deeper knowledge and wider career scope. BMLT graduates generally earn higher salaries and have better chances for postgraduate studies.
Candidates can check the table below to check the comparison between the two:
Particulars |
DMLT Course Details |
BMLT Course Details |
---|---|---|
Full Form |
Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology |
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology |
Course Level |
Diploma |
UG |
Course Duration |
2 years |
3 years |
Fees |
INR 20,000 - INR 1.4 Lakh |
INR 35,000 - INR 55,000 |
Admission Criteria |
Merit-Based |
Merit-based/Entrance-based |
Qualification |
Class 12 in the Science stream with PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) subjects. |
Class 12 in the Science stream with PCB (PCB) subjects with a minimum of 50%. |
Popular Colleges |
Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Rama University, Apex University, Institute of Public Health and Hygiene, etc. |
CMC Vellore, AIIMS Rishikesh, Emversity School of Health Sciences (Indiranagar), Arka Jain University Powered by Emversity etc. |
Jobs |
Health Care Assistants, Laboratory Analysts, Research Assistants, Medical Technicians, etc. |
Lab Technicians, Laboratory Managers, Railways Lab Assistants, R&D Lab Assistants, Assistant Professors, etc. |
Salary |
INR 4.2 LPA - INR 2 LPA |
INR 2 LPA - INR 4 LPA |
Top Recruiters |
Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Hospitals and Labs, Holy Family, Medanta, Ranbaxy, etc. |
Government and private hospitals, Diagnostic Laboratories, Research and development centres, Nursing homes, Pharmaceutical laboratories |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Useful Links for DMLT Courses:
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DMLT vs BSc MLT
Both focus on medical lab sciences, but DMLT is skill-oriented and shorter in duration. BSc MLT, being a degree, provides stronger academic recognition and long-term growth opportunities.
Candidates can check the table below to check the comparison between the two:
Particulars |
DMLT Course Details |
BSc MLT Course Details |
---|---|---|
Course Level |
Diploma |
UG |
Course Duration |
2 years |
3 years |
Fees |
INR 20,000 - INR 1.4 Lakh |
INR 1,800 - INR 5 Lakh |
Admission Criteria |
Merit-Based |
Merit-Based/Entrance-Based |
Qualification |
Class 12 in the Science stream with PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) subjects. |
Class 12 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics |
Popular Colleges |
Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Rama University, Apex University, Institute of Public Health and Hygiene, etc. |
CMC, PGIMER, JIPMER, Jamia Hamdard, SGPIMS, AIIMS Rishikesh, etc. |
Jobs |
Health Care Assistants, Laboratory Analysts, Research Assistants, Medical Technicians, etc. |
Medical Laboratory Technologists, Lab Managers/Supervisors, Research Associates, Quality Control/Quality Assurance Technicians, Pathology Technicians, etc. |
Salary |
INR 4.2 LPA - INR 2 LPA |
INR 2.6 LPA |
Top Recruiters |
Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Hospitals and Labs, Holy Family, Medanta, Ranbaxy, etc. |
Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, Max Healthcare, Manipal Hospitals, Medanta Hospitals, Tata Memorial Hospital, etc. |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Helpful Links for DMLT Courses:
Top BMLT Jobs: Shiksha Poll Revealed
DMLT vs Diploma in Pathology
DMLT covers all major lab disciplines, whereas the Diploma in Pathology is specialized in diagnostic pathology. Students seeking focused Pathology careers often choose the latter.
Candidates can check the table below to check the comparison between the two:
Particulars |
DMLT Course Details |
Diploma in Pathology Course Details |
---|---|---|
Course Level |
Diploma |
Diploma |
Course Duration |
2 years |
1-2 years |
Fees |
INR 20,000 - INR 1.4 Lakh |
5,000 to 1.5 Lakh |
Admission Criteria |
Merit-Based |
Merit-Based |
Qualification |
Class 12 in the Science stream with PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) subjects. |
Class 12 in the Science stream with PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) subjects. |
Popular Colleges |
Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Rama University, Apex University, Institute of Public Health and Hygiene, etc. |
CMC, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, etc. |
Jobs |
Health Care Assistants, Laboratory Analysts, Research Assistants, Medical Technicians, etc. |
Pathology Lab Technician, Clinical Laboratory Assistant, Medical Transcriptionist, and Phlebotomist, etc. |
Salary |
INR 4.2 LPA - INR 2 LPA |
INR 1.8 to 8 LPA |
Top Recruiters |
Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Hospitals and Labs, Holy Family, Medanta, Ranbaxy, etc. |
Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), as well as diagnostics chains such as Dr. Lal Path Labs, SRL Diagnostics, and Thyrocare, etc. |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Recommended Links for DMLT Courses:
DMLT vs BSc Dialysis Technology
DMLT prepares students for a variety of lab roles, while BSc Dialysis Technology trains them specifically in kidney care and dialysis procedures. The latter has a limited scope but ensures niche expertise in nephrology.
Candidates can check the table below to check the comparison between the two:
Particulars |
DMLT Course Details |
BSc Dialysis Technology Course Details |
---|---|---|
Course Level |
Diploma |
UG |
Course Duration |
2 years |
3 years |
Fees |
INR 20,000 - INR 1.4 Lakh |
20,000 - 6 Lakh |
Admission Criteria |
Merit-Based |
Merit-Based/Entrance-Based |
Qualification |
Class 12 in the Science stream with PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) subjects. |
Class 12 in the Science stream with PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) subjects. |
Popular Colleges |
Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Rama University, Apex University, Institute of Public Health and Hygiene, etc. |
CMC, JIPMER, MSRUAS, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, etc. |
Jobs |
Health Care Assistants, Laboratory Analysts, Research Assistants, Medical Technicians, etc. |
Dialysis Technician/Nephrology Technician, Dialysis Center Manager, Research Assistant, etc. |
Salary |
INR 4.2 LPA - INR 2 LPA |
INR 2 LPA - INR 12 LPA |
Top Recruiters |
Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Hospitals and Labs, Holy Family, Medanta, Ranbaxy, etc. |
Apollo, Fortis, Max Healthcare, and AIIMS, along with specialty dialysis chains such as NephroPlus and Davita, etc. |
Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
Relevant Links for DMLT Courses:
Poll Analysis
The poll with 101 votes shows that BMLT (41%) is the most preferred alternative to DMLT, reflecting students’ inclination towards degree-level qualifications for better career growth. BSc MLT (24%) and Diploma in Pathology (24%) stand as strong second options, while BSc Dialysis Technology (2%) saw minimal interest.
Around 10% chose “Others”, highlighting curiosity for diverse healthcare courses beyond lab technology.
