BAMS is a 5.5-year undergraduate course that combines ancient Ayurveda principles with modern medical science. The course has 4.5 years of theoretical and practical schooling followed by a one-year compulsory clinical internship. Courses include anything from Ayurvedic pharmacology and anatomy to surgery and Panchakarma procedures. Admission involves taking admission for counseling after NEET, choosing the option of BAMS colleges, document confirmation, and admission charges. Government colleges charge less fees, while private colleges may charge INR 1–3 lakhs annually.
BAMS Admission requires the candidates to hold a 10+2 qualification with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and have scored at least 50% marks (40% for reserved categories). The NEET-UG 2025 score is required as it is the only entrance exam utilized for BAMS admissions. The candidate must be a minimum of 17 years old as of the admission date. After NEET result declaration, students go through centralized counseling processes at the national or state level, merit-wise and choice-wise, for allotment of seats.
Table of Contents
BAMS Eligibility Criteria
The candidates need to meet some prescribed education and age requirements formulated by the Central Council of Indian Medicine and AYUSH regulatory bodies to sit for the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) 2025. For BAMS admission, the candidates need to fulfill the BAMS eligibility criteria given below.
- Educational Qualification: The candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as compulsory subjects.
- Minimum Marks: At least 50% aggregate marks in PCB for general category students; 40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates.
- NEET Qualification: The applicants must have cleared the NEET-UG 2025 test, as it is mandatory for admission to all AYUSH undergraduate programs.
- Age Limitation: The applicants must be at least 17 years old as of the date December 31, 2025. No upper age limit as per the new guidelines of NEET.
- Nationality: The applicant must be an Indian citizen. Some colleges also accept NRI or foreign students through some quotas.
BAMS Entrance Exams
The entry into the course of BAMS course in India is mostly taken with the assistance of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduates (NEET-UG). Although no state or university-level entrance tests are held specifically for BAMS, all states organize counselling sessions according to NEET marks for granting admissions against state quotas. Few private colleges may carry out interviews for management quotas, but NEET qualification is compulsory for any admissions to BAMS courses.
BAMS Admission Process 2025
Admission to All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) New Delhi Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) is an open and merit-based selection procedure, under the Ministry of AYUSH. The minimum eligibility criterion is clearing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduates (NEET-UG). Admission to students is carried out by AIIA based on NEET marks purely on a merit-reservation basis through the AYUSH Counselling Centralized Allotment Process (CCAP).
Step 1: Register online for the AYUSH Counselling Centralized Allotment Process, the authority that carries out admissions of AYUSH courses across the whole nation.
Step 2: Complete the application form on the AYUSH counselling website, opting for AIIA and other colleges as per preferences.
Step 3: Upload and submit documents such as NEET scorecard, 10+2 mark sheets, identification proof, and category certificates.
Step 4: Based on NEET rank, category, and preference, complete rounds of counselling seat allotments.
Step 5: Secure your seat as confirmed at AIIA by remitting the entrance fees within the stipulated time.
Step 6: Proceed to the institute with original documents, get registered, and go through the orientation program before classes begin.
Documents Required
Candidates must carry the following documents for BAMS Admission:
- Class 10 mark sheet
- Class 12 mark sheet
- School/college leaving certificate
- Migration certificate (if applicable)
- Conduct certificate
- Birth certificate
- Reservation certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar card
- Recent passport-size photographs
Top BAMS Colleges
Given below is a list of the top BAMS colleges in India.
Read about theBHMS
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to clear only NEET-UG for BAMS admission in all Indian states?
Yes, up to date with current rules, NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduates) is the single national-level entrance test compulsory for enrollment in BAMS classes in India. It is a uniform test that provides equal and uniform standards to all AYUSH courses under Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Unani. Earlier, certain states used to have their own AYUSH entrance exams, but NEET is now the common gateway. State-level counselling is done on the basis of NEET ranks, but no other entrance exam needs to be given.
Is a commerce or arts student eligible to apply for BAMS?
No. Candidates need to pass 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects to be eligible for BAMS. This is since Ayurveda is a science course of medical science and the course needs basic knowledge in science, particularly biology. Students from arts or commerce streams without these science subjects are not eligible for admission in BAMS.
How critical is the state domicile for BAMS admission under state quota?
State domicile is a vital factor for admission in state quota in BAMS colleges. Generally, 85% of seats in government Ayurvedic colleges are filled by candidates who are permanent residents or domicile holders of the respective state. Domicile certificates are compulsory documents at the time of counselling to benefit from these reserved seats. Candidates who do not have domicile in any specific state might need to fight under the All India quota or management seats.
Is there an age restriction on applying for BAMS courses?
Yes, the minimum age of appearing for NEET and then applying for admission to BAMS is 17 years as of December 31 of the year of admission. There is typically no maximum age limit laid down by the AYUSH authorities, but it may vary in some states or institutions. It's always important to refer to individual state or institution guidelines for age requirements.
What is the function of management quota in BAMS admissions, and does it skip NEET?
Management quota seats are found mostly in private Ayurveda colleges, but they represent a limited number of total seats. NEET qualification is, nonetheless, required for all aspirants, including those applying on management quota, as per the Supreme Court directive. Management quota usually provides a different fee structure and admission procedure, but NEET is non-negotiable.
Can I get BAMS admission without NEET UG marks?
No, direct admission without going through counselling is not legally allowed in government or well-known private Ayurvedic colleges. Counselling ensures seat allotment to be done fairly and transparently based on merit, reservation, and preferences. But direct admission could be offered by some small private institutes, but they are usually unrecognized and not suggested.
What is the internship process in BAMS, and does it impact admission or course charges?
BAMS is a 5.5-year course with a compulsory 1-year internship. Admission charges typically pay for the academic part, but internship may have distinct stipends or fees based on the college. The internship plays an important role in practical training and needs to be attended for licensure and registration as an Ayurvedic practitioner. It cannot be avoided and is an integral part of the syllabus.
