Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery is a 5.5-year undergraduate course that combines the ancient Indian system of Ayurveda with modern medicine. The course consists of 4.5 years of study and 1 year of compulsory internship. The students are taught classical subjects such as Panchkarma, Agadtantra, Rachana Sharir, and Swasthavritta, as well as anatomy, physiology, and medical diagnostics. BAMS is validated by the Ministry of AYUSH and governed by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine.
To be eligible for the course, students must have scored at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in their 10+2 coursework. Also, some universities conduct their exams, and most admissions are made through entrance exams like the NEET-UG. With annual fees ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 4,50,000, depending on the institution, Banaras Hindu University, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Parul University, and Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences are some of the top BAMS colleges in India.
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery graduates can pursue careers in clinical practice, wellness centers, teaching, research, healthcare management, and Ayurvedic pharmacy. Patanjali, Himalaya, Dabur, and government health departments are among the recruiters. Others can pursue higher studies such as MD/MS in Ayurveda or turn entrepreneurs, setting up Ayurvedic clinics or wellness enterprises. With the increasing global demand for holistic and natural medicine, BAMS is a fulfilling and meaningful career option.
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BAMS Course Highlights
Here are the key details of the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery course:
What is BAMS?
BAMS is a 5.5-year undergraduate medical course providing students with the knowledge in the traditional Indian system of Ayurveda. The course covers ancient Ayurvedic principles with modern medical knowledge, which allows students to learn both herbal and natural treatments along with basic modern diagnostics. It includes 4.5 years of academic study and 1 year of compulsory internship in hospitals or health centers.
Agadtantra, Rachana Sharir, Panchkarma, Swasthavritta, and Kaumarbhritya Parichaya are the main subjects covered in this course. Since many traditional Ayurvedic texts are written in Sanskrit, students also study this language. The Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, has recognised the course, which is governed by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).
Candidates can become Ayurvedic doctors, consultants, or clinic owners after completing the course. Also, students can work in research and teaching, wellness centres, Ayurvedic hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies. Higher education, such as an MD in Ayurveda, an MBA in Hospital Administration, or training for government jobs in the medical field, can also be pursued after the course.
Why should pursue BAMS?
Below are the points that those who should pursue a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery:
- Extensive Medical Education:
It provides comprehensive Ayurvedic education by fusing traditional Ayurvedic principles with contemporary medical knowledge, such as anatomy, physiology, diagnostics, and treatments. This equips graduates to use natural and holistic approaches for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
- Various Career Options:
Graduates can work as Ayurvedic physicians in private practices, wellness centres, spas, government and private hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research and development, or even as consultants or teachers. There is a growing demand for Ayurvedic practitioners in India and abroad.
- Individualized Healthcare:
Ayurveda treats the cause of illness and patients disease that allows practitioners to provide personalized, long-lasting healthcare solutions. This approach is highly valued in a wellness-focused society.
- Modern Medicine:
Graduates are adaptable healthcare professionals who learn how to integrate modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods with traditional Ayurvedic therapies like Panchakarma, yoga, and herbal medicine.
- Opportunity for Higher Education and Research:
After this course, students can specialize further with MD/MS in Ayurveda or pursue PhD programs, opening doors to academic, research, and specialized clinical roles in Ayurveda and allied sciences.
Who should pursue BAMS?
Mentioned are the candidates who can pursue Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery:
1. Students with an interest in medicine and healthcare: It provides candidates who want to work in healthcare but are searching for an alternative to allopathic medicine. The course offers a method of patient care that addresses the underlying cause of the illness in addition to its symptoms.
2. Interest in Natural and Herbal Remedies: Natural remedies and herbal formulations are the basis of Ayurvedic medicine. If you're interested in these areas, it will allow you to study plant medicines, diet, and lifestyle changes from a more mainstream scientific perspective.
3. People interested in a career within the field of medicine: Clinical practice is not the only career option for graduates; you can also pursue academic and clinical research positions, pharmaceuticals, and other areas within healthcare administration. There is a wide array of career opportunities within the public and private sectors available to graduates.
4. Healthcare Entrepreneurs: Graduates can start their own Ayurvedic spas, wellness centres, or clinics. The course provides students with the knowledge that provides them with the opportunity to launch their own healthcare business.
5. Students Who Wish to Help Preventive Healthcare: Ayurveda highlights the importance of preventive healthcare, emphasising stress management, diet, and lifestyle changes to preserve health. It is a great option for students who are more interested in preventive than curative medicine.
6. People Who Are Interested in Research and Development: There is a lot of information about Ayurveda that is yet to be discovered. Graduates of this course can make substantial contributions to integrative medicine, herbal formulations, and medicinal plant research.
7. People who aspire to work in public health: Ayurvedic medicine is essential to the Indian public health system. Numerous job opportunities are offered to students by government hospitals, public health programs, and rural healthcare services.
8. Career Transition: Professionals who want to move into the holistic health sector can also benefit from this course. Regardless of your past experience in healthcare or another field, it offers a chance to start over with a focus on conventional and natural healing techniques.
BAMS Eligibility Criteria
To enrol in the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, an applicant must meet certain educational requirements taught at the Medical University and other institutions.
- Students must have passed 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board.
- Physics, chemistry, and biology (PCB) are among the subjects that students should have studied.
- Students must have at least 50% aggregate marks in PCB. For reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC), a relaxation of 5–10% may apply depending on the state or institution.
- Students must qualify NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) or other enterance exams spending upon the colleges or universities.
- The candidate should be 17 years old as of December 31st of the admission year.
BAMS Entrance Exams
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery admission is generally based on 12th-grade scores. However, many universities ask for entrance exam qualifications. You can consider the below common entrance exams conducted by state/national government bodies.
BAMS Top Colleges in India
Many private and government colleges in India offer a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. Some of the well-known colleges are given below.
BAMS Syllabus
The syllabus of the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery may vary depending on the institution. Below is a semester-wise breakdown of courses at Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth:
BAMS Admission 2025
Every college has a similar Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery admissions procedure. Students interested in science programs must first take an entrance exam before proceeding to the counselling round for admission to colleges. The Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) admissions procedure is described below.
Step 1: Fill out the required forms on the official website to register for the IPU CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test) exam. Then, on the appointed day and time, show up for the test.
Step 2: Complete the IPU CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test at the designated time and date. Before assessing your eligibility, wait for the results to be announced; it is best to check the official website as the cut-off may vary annually.
Step 3: You can enrol in Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University’s BAMS program after passing the IPU CET.
Step 4: The official website of Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) allows you to register.
Step 5: Students must input their information and entrance exam scores.
Step 6: After you receive an email confirming your selection, you must upload all necessary documents.
Step 7: After the documents are verified, you will be admitted. You will then need to pay the admission fee to secure your spot in the course.
Documents Required:
Make sure to keep the following documents ready for admission:
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
- Entrance exam scorecard
- Valid identity proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, etc.)
- Passport-size photographs
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate (for state quota seats)
- Provisional admission letter (if available)
BAMS Jobs & Careers
Completing a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery opens doors to various creative career opportunities. Here are some top job profiles along with their estimated salaries:
BAMS FAQs
What are the career opportunities and future potential after BAMS?
After the course, a person can work as an Ayurvedic doctor, clinical practitioner, researcher, educator, drug manufacturer, and healthcare manager will be possible. The career opportunities can be in government and private hospitals, wellness centres, research institutes, and pharmaceutical companies in Ayurvedic medicine, which has a growth not only in India, but also in the world, with ongoing demands.
How does BAMS support and develop the cultural heritage of Ayurveda?
It maintains and promotes Ayurveda by training practitioners of traditional Indian medicine, the integration of ancient practices within Western medicine, the practice and teachings of Ayurveda in clinical settings and academic institutions.
What is the impact of the NEET exam on BAMS admissions chances in top universities?
NEET is the main entrance examination, and it is the basis for admission in most recognized colleges based on the NEET cutoff and ranking. The better your NEET ranking, the greater your chances of getting a seat in the best government and private institutions, since admissions are merit-based and competitive
How do age restrictions impact my chances of getting into a BAMS program?
Most colleges set the age limit for admission between 17 and 25 years, though this can vary by institution and category. Being within the specified age range is necessary for eligibility, so exceeding the upper age limit may restrict your options.
Can I opt for a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery without NEET?
Yes, while students want to pursue the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery base course need to write the NEET test, few private schools have up to a few MBBS seats available for the management quota, and these teachers are very lenient about not passing through the NEET subscription. In any case, state and national (government institution) MBBS seats are very rare to se,e with no NEET and even for academic entry, they are not very clearly accepted.
How does BAMS combine traditional Ayurveda with modern medical practices?
It integrates classical Ayurvedic principles with modern subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and diagnostics. The curriculum covers both herbal and allopathic concepts, preparing graduates to practice holistic medicine and understand contemporary healthcare needs.
What factors should I consider when choosing between Ayurveda and modern medicine?
Consider your interest in holistic, preventive, and natural healthcare versus evidence-based, technology-driven treatments; career goals, job opportunities, and the regulatory environment for each system. Evaluate the curriculum, scope, and societal impact of both fields to make an informed decision.
