PhD in Ayurveda is a research-oriented Doctorate degree program with 3 to 5 years duration. The course curriculum, duration, examination, admission, fees, etc varies greatly among different universities and research centres. In this article, you will get the key highlights of the course, its general requirement for admission and completion of the PhD degree, some best colleges to register with, and career scope after PhD Ayurveda.
Basic eligibility to pursue PhD Ayurveda is having at least 55% or equivalent CGPA in MSc/MD/MS or M.Phil degree. However, M.Phil is not mandatory to enrol in PhD programs. Aspirants can consider qualifying UGC/CSIR NET, SET, GATE, AYUSH NET or ICAR NET examination for admission to PhD Ayurveda. Some colleges/universities also conduct their own entrance exam followed by an interview and a project proposal.
All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA); New Delhi, National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA); Jaipur, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Nashik, Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, etc are some of the best places where Ayurveda related research and development occurs in collaboration with national research centers, hospitals, as well as government-funded projects.
Table of Contents
- Ph.D Ayurveda Key Highlights
- What is a Ph.D Ayurveda?
- Why Study Ph.D in Ayurveda?
- Who should study Ph.D Ayurveda?
- Ph.D Ayurveda Eligibility Criteria
- Ph.D Ayurveda Entrance Exams
- Ph.D Ayurveda Colleges in India
- Ph.D Ayurveda Admission Process 2025
- Ph.D Ayurveda Syllabus
- Ph.D Ayurveda Vs. PhD Medicine
- Ph.D Ayurveda Job Opportunities in India
- Ph.D Ayurveda FAQs
Ph.D Ayurveda Key Highlights
The key highlights of PhD Ayurveda are tabulated below.
What is a Ph.D Ayurveda?
A PhD in Ayurveda is a doctorate degree focused on advanced research and scholarly contributions to the ancient Indian system of medicine. The program aims to develop highly skilled researchers, academicians, and practitioners who can further the understanding and application of Ayurvedic principles in healthcare.
PhD program involves a mandatory coursework, research design, experimentation and data collection, analysis, research writing and publication, thesis writing. PhD scholars are required to attend conferences and present their work. They may have to deliver lectures to UG/PG students.
After completing PhD Ayurveda one can work in Clinical Research, Academics, Industrial Research, and Public Health Sectors.
Why Study Ph.D in Ayurveda?
PhD in Ayurveda is pursued by those aiming to become leaders and innovators in the field of traditional Indian medicine. Perks of pursuing PhD Ayurveda are as follows.
- PhD Scholars get a fellowship from Government or University.
- A PhD in Ayurveda is one of the prestigious degrees, which opens a door for highly reputed jobs as a Professor or Scientist.
- One can contribute to the existing knowledge by publishing their novel research work.
- PhD Ayurveda offers a chance to develop a novel treatment strategy for a certain medical condition.
Who should study Ph.D Ayurveda?
PhD Ayurveda can be pursued by those interested in deep research in ancient Indian systems of medicine, validation, standardization.
- People who are highly motivated to conduct research for human welfare and medical science should pursue PhD in Ayurveda.
- Those looking to work in Academics must pursue PhD Ayurveda as teaching positions in College/Universities require PhD qualification for Assistant or Associate Professor’s role.
- People looking to work on Drug Development or Formulation and Quality/Safety aspects should opt for PhD Ayurveda as it enhances promotion opportunities in the Pharma/Ayurveda industry.
Ph.D Ayurveda Eligibility Criteria
PhD Ayurveda eligibility criteria is as mentioned below.
- Aspirants must have cleared Master’s degree in Ayurveda or Relevant field.
- A minimum of 55% or an equivalent CGPA is required in PG degree.
- Candidates must have qualified a common entrance exam or university-specific entrance exam.
- Candidates will have to present their research proposal, based on which final selection will be made.
Ph.D Ayurveda Entrance Exams
PhD Ayurveda admission is strictly based on entrance exam merit. Aspirants can consider any of the below mentioned exams as they are widely accepted for PhD programs.
Ph.D Ayurveda Colleges in India
PhD Ayurveda is offered by several research institutes and universities as tabulated below. Also, one can explore hospitals to collaborate with for Ayurvedic research and Development.
Also read about PhD Biotechnology
Ph.D Ayurveda Admission Process 2025
PhD Ayurveda admission process is online through an official admission portal of a particular university. It generally opens when PhD positions/vacancies or JRF vacancies are available in research centers or universities. Some private universities offer PhD admissions every year. Given below is a step-wise admission process followed by Uttarakhand Ayurved University.
Step 1. Aspirants have to fill out an application form considering the available seats and research projects at the university.
Step 2. In the application form, aspirants have to mention their area of interest and SOP for research.
Step 3. Applicants have to upload all original documents in the prescribed format and pay an application fee to submit the application.
Step 4. Upon submission, the University will verify the candidature and call for an entrance exam. Those with a SET/NET qualification or JRF positions will be exempted from this university-specific entrance exam.
Step 5. Upon examination, shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview. At this time, candidates have to propose their research idea in front of a research committee.
Step 6. After the interview, selected candidates will be called for the counselling and supervisor allotment process.
Step 7. Registration in PhD programs is mutually done by aspirant and potential supervisor.
Step 8. Once the supervisor is allocated and accepted by the aspirant, admission/registration is made by paying initial fees.
Step 9. Post fee payment, the university will issue a registration letter and aspirants can start working on their project.
Documents Required:
- Original Marksheet of 10th and 12th grade
- UG and PG degree certificates.
- School Leaving Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Birth Certificate
- ID Proof (Aadhar/ PAN/ Passport)
- Passport-size Photograph
- Entrance exam scorecard
- Signature
- SOP
Ph.D Ayurveda Syllabus
PhD Ayurveda is a research-oriented program. It does not have a specific syllabus as other Master’s programs. However, PhD Scholars will have to undertake mandatory coursework as per the guidelines of UGC and AYUSH. Coursework subjects vary greatly, depending on the research project, research requirement, university policies, available faculties, and facilities.
Click to read more about PhD Pharmacology
Ph.D Ayurveda Vs. PhD Medicine
PhD Ayurveda and PhD Medicine are both similar research programs done in the medical science domain. However, Ayurveda differs from Medicine in certain areas of focus and specialisations.
Ph.D Ayurveda Job Opportunities in India
PhD Ayurveda leads to a career in Research as well as academics. THose interested in teaching can apply for Assistant Professor positions in universities. The table below summarizes some ideal PhD Ayurveda jobs for your reference.
Ph.D Ayurveda FAQs
Is research publication mandatory for PhD Ayurveda?
No, research publication is not mandatory to complete a PhD Ayurveda as UGC have discontinued such rules from recent guidelines. However, some private universities still require at least 2 publications in SCOPUS-indexed journals for a quality PhD.
How many exams are there in PhD Ayurveda?
There are no exams during PhD Ayurveda programs for assessment. However, there will be some coursework assessment during the initial period of PhD. The degree is issued after a successful defense of PhD work and viva along with thesis approval and submission.
Is PhD Ayurveda available in Part time mode?
Generally, a PhD in Medical or Life Science domain is not allowed to pursue as a Part time PhD but Sanskriti University offers a part time PhD in Ayurveda. Aspirants are advised to check the eligibility and fees for the same as it may differ from the regular PhD Ayurveda program.