BSMS full form is Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery is a 5.5-year undergraduate program in Siddha medicine, a traditional Indian system based on ancient Tamil texts. It emphasises body, mind, and spirit balance, using herbs, minerals, diet, and lifestyle changes for disease prevention and treatment.
BSMS eligibility criteria is that the candidate must have completed their bachelor's degree with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognised university. Admission for this course is based on the entrance examination scores; students need to clear national entrance exams such as NEET UG.
The average BSMS course fees range from INR 30,000 – 3,00,000, depending on the institute type. Some of the popular universities/ colleges offering BSMS include National Institute of Siddha Medicine, Santhigiri Siddha Medical College, Government Siddha Medical College, Sivaraj Siddha Medical College, RVS Siddha Medical College, Kerala University of Health Sciences, Sri Sairam Medical College, Santhigiri Medical College, Velumailu Medical College and ATSVS Medical College.
BSMS recruits in various sectors, including government healthcare, educational institutions, research and development, Siddha pharmaceutical companies, private practice, wellness industry, publishing, media, and education technology. Top roles include drug safety officer, medical consultant, assistant, clinical research associate, pathologist, Siddha medical officer, doctor, lecturer, research associate, pharmacist, and wellness consultant. Average salary ranges from INR 5 LPA to INR 12 LPA.
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BSMS Key Highlights
Given below are some of the basic key highlights for the BSMS:
What is a BSMS?
BSMS stands for Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery. It is a 5.5-year undergraduate program in Siddha medicine, a traditional Indian system based on ancient Tamil texts. It focuses on body, mind, and spirit balance, using herbs, minerals, diet, and lifestyle changes for disease prevention and treatment.
Siddha medicine, believed to have originated over 2,500 years ago, is rooted in Tamil culture and philosophy, using Tamil texts instead of Sanskrit. It includes knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, and pharmacology within a traditional, holistic framework.
For the students who are aiming at hospital or clinic management roles, they can pursue an MBA in Hospital Administration.
Why study a BSMS?
Given below are some points on why you should pursue a BSMS. Let’s have a look at them:
- Studying BSMS connects individuals with ancient Indian knowledge systems, time-tested natural remedies, and a personalised, preventive approach to health.
- Siddha emphasises treating the root cause of diseases, focusing on the balance of the five elements.
- This degree allows graduates to become licensed Siddha doctors, open their clinics, prescribe traditional herbal and mineral medicines, and work in AYUSH hospitals across India. Graduates can register under the State Siddha Medical Councils, granting them official recognition similar to allopathic doctors.
- The course is gaining popularity in Indian diaspora countries like Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the UAE, with research centres hiring Siddha experts and international platforms promoting AYUSH systems for chronic and lifestyle disorders.
- The curriculum integrates modern medical sciences, diagnostic tools like pulse reading, herbal pharmacology, and yoga and naturopathy, blending ancient wisdom with modern science.
Who should study a BSMS?
Here are some of the points on who should pursue the BSMS course:
- Students who are interested in natural and holistic healing, with Siddha medicine focusing on herbs, minerals, diet, balancing the five elements, and restoring harmony between body, mind, and soul.
- Science Students (Biology Stream) are ideal for those who have completed 10+2 in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, have a strong interest in human biology, medicine, and healthcare, and are open to studying both modern and traditional Indian knowledge systems.
- Those who’re interested in ancient Indian medical systems, including Tamil literature, philosophical depth in medical practice, and indigenous practices like Naadi, Kayakalpam, and Siddha Rasayanam.
- Siddha medicine, a highly accessible and affordable treatment, is popular in rural and semi-urban areas of South India. It can be an effective tool for social impact, serving communities with limited modern medical facilities and providing affordable, natural healthcare.
BSMS Eligibility Criteria
To get enrolled in the BSMS program, applicants are required to meet certain eligibility criteria. Given below is the eligibility criterion commonly set by all the institutions offering the BSMS program in India:
- Admission will be based on NEET UG Score, reservation norms of the Government of India, AACCC, NCISM, and regulations of The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai.
- Candidates must have at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognised board.
- Candidates must pass the entrance exam and participate in group discussion and personal interview rounds for the final selection phase.
- Candidates must have studied Tamil in the 10th or 12th Standard, and those who haven't must study Tamil as an additional subject during the 18-month First Professional B.S.M.S session.
- Candidates who have been ineligible by AACCC due to non-reporting to previous counselling rounds or other reasons are not eligible for admission to the BSMS programme conducted by this Institute.
BSMS Entrance Exams
Given below is the BSMS entrance exam, along with the application date and application fees.
BSMS Colleges in India
Given below are some of the best colleges in India offering Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery course.
BSMS Admission Process 2025
BSMS admissions can be accessed through either the entrance examination mode or direct admission through a quota. The admission process at the National Institute of Siddha Medicine is mentioned below:
Step 1: Visit the National Institute of Siddha Medicine admissions official site and choose the BSMS.
Step 2: Fill in the online application form with all the necessary details, upload scanned images of your photograph and signature, and pay the application fee online.
Step 3: Choose your admission mode: With a valid National Institute of Siddha Medicine (NEET UG) score.
Step 4: Complete the application and print it out for your records.
Step 5: Appear for the NEET UG.
Step 6: Wait for the release of merit lists: Each NEET UG participant has a separate merit list prepared by the National Institute of Siddha Medicine.
Step 7: If shortlisted, go to the official site to see whether you have been selected, and follow the process for admission confirmation.
Step 8: Confirm your seat by paying the admission fee.
Step 9: Complete the document verification as per the institute's requirement.
Step 10: Now, receive the details regarding the commencement of classes after completing the formalities.
Documents Required:
- 10th and 12th mark sheets.
- Graduation Marksheets
- Aadhar Card
- PAN Card
- Migration certificate
- Character certificate
- School Leaving Certificate
- Passport-size photographs
- Signature.
- Caste Certificate (If any)
- Income proof
BSMS Syllabus
The BSMS syllabus in India, following CCIM guidelines, is structured over 4.5 academic years and includes a 1-year internship, followed by a 4.5-year academic program under the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine.
BSMS Job Opportunities in India
BSMS graduates can work in top hospitals, private clinics, research institutions, teaching, healthcare consultancy, and government health services across India. Given below are the job opportunities in India.
BSMS FAQs
What is the scope of BSMS?
BSMS job opportunities are diverse and include healthcare, medical, diet planning, teaching, and drug manufacturing. Graduates can find jobs in the public and private sectors, with top government organisations like the National Ayush Mission and National Rural Health Mission offering roles. Post-BSMS, students can pursue higher studies like MSc, MPhil, and PhD to enhance their skills and knowledge. The importance of Ayurveda has grown in recent years.
Is BSMS a professional course?
The B.S.M.S. course offers an in-depth examination and professional skill development, preparing students for various professions such as Paediatrician, Dermatologist, Doctor, and Obstetrician.
What are the skills learned in the BSMS Course?
BSMS graduates acquire a combination of traditional, clinical, and scientific skills, preparing them for roles in healthcare, education, research, and industry. These skills include clinical diagnosis, patient management, Siddha pharmacology, research and analytical skills, academic teaching, holistic wellness management, and communication and entrepreneurial skills. Clinical Diagnosis & Patient Management involves using Siddha pathology, case history taking, and treatment planning. Siddha Pharmacology & Drug Preparation studies herbs, minerals, and marine drugs, while Research and Analytical Skills involve understanding research methodology and medical statistics.
What are the additional job prospects of a BSMS degree?
Siddha Medicine is gaining popularity globally, with many students opting for the Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery program in India. This has led to increased career opportunities in the field. Graduates of Siddha Medicine and Surgery can work as medical consultants, medical officers, clinical researchers, Siddha doctors in private or government hospitals, lecturers in Siddha Medical colleges, or even start their own Siddha Medical Clinic. They can also pursue higher education in medicine and management, with a management course allowing graduates to pursue hospital management. This BSMS program offers numerous career options and job prospects in India.
