BAMS Course: Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus, Job Scope and Career Opportunities
Introduction to BAMS Course
The Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) is a specialized undergraduate degree in the field of Ayurveda, India’s ancient system of medicine. As the world gradually shifts towards natural and holistic approaches to health and wellness, Ayurveda is gaining massive popularity not just in India but also across the globe. BAMS serves as a gateway for aspirants aiming to pursue a career in traditional Ayurvedic medicine with scientific knowledge of modern medical systems.
This course equips students with the skills and expertise to diagnose diseases, prescribe Ayurvedic treatments, and use natural herbs, therapies, and dietary guidelines for healing. It is regulated by the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
What is the BAMS Course?
The BAMS course is an integrated medical degree that combines the fundamentals of Ayurveda with elements of modern medicine. It aims to bridge the gap between traditional healing techniques and modern scientific practices. The course includes a thorough study of Ayurvedic texts, herbal medicine, surgery (Shalya Tantra), ENT (Shalakya Tantra), pharmacology (Dravyaguna), and more.
Students learn about both preventive and curative aspects of health care based on the Tridosha theory—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Eligibility Criteria for BAMS Course
To apply for admission into a BAMS course, candidates must fulfill certain eligibility conditions:
1. Academic Qualification:
• Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board.
• Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects.
• A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in PCB (may vary by university or state)
• Reserved category students may get a 5% relaxation.
2. Entrance Exam:
• Admission to BAMS programs is primarily based on NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).
• Students must qualify NEET with a valid score to be eligible for counseling and seat allotment.
3. Age Limit:
• The candidate must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.
• Some institutions may have an upper age limit depending on state rules.
Duration of BAMS Course
• The total duration of the BAMS course is 5.5 years, which includes:
• 4.5 years of academic coursework
• 1-year compulsory rotatory internship
Course Structure:
The academic curriculum is divided into three professional phases:
1. First Professional (1.5 Years):
• Sanskrit
• Padartha Vigyan
• Kriya Sharira (Physiology)
• Rachana Sharira (Anatomy)
2. Second Professional (1.5 Years):
• Dravyaguna Vigyan (Pharmacology)
• Rasashastra
• Charaka Samhita
• Agadtantra (Toxicology)
3. Third Professional (1.5 Years):
• Kaya Chikitsa (General Medicine)
• Shalya Tantra (Surgery)
• Shalakya Tantra (ENT and Ophthalmology)
• Prasuti Tantra & Stri Roga (Gynecology & Obstetrics)
• Panchakarma
• Research Methodology & Medical Statistics
Syllabus and Subjects in BAMS
Here is a broad overview of major subjects taught in BAMS:
First Year:
• Sanskrit
• Ayurveda Itihas (History)
• Rachana Sharira (Human Anatomy)
• Kriya Sharira (Human Physiology)
• Padartha Vigyan (Philosophy of Ayurveda)
Second Year:
• Dravyaguna (Ayurvedic Pharmacology)
• Rasashastra (Pharmaceutical Science)
• Agadtantra (Toxicology)
• Charaka Samhita (Ayurvedic Text)
Third Year:
• Rog Nidan (Pathology)
• Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine)
• Panchakarma (Detoxification Procedures)
• Shalya Tantra (Surgery)
• Shalakya Tantra (ENT, Ophthalmology, Dentistry)
• Stri Roga & Prasuti Tantra (Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Internship Year:
• Hands-on training in Ayurvedic hospitals in departments like:
• General Medicine
• Surgery
• ENT
• Panchakarma
• Gynecology
• Community Medicine
Top Colleges for BAMS in India
Here are some reputed BAMS colleges in India:
1. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
2. National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur
3. Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune
4. Govt. Ayurvedic College, Bangalore
5. State Ayurvedic College, Lucknow
6. Dayanand Ayurvedic College, Jalandhar
7. Ayurvedic & Unani Tibbia College, Delhi
8. Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka
Career Opportunities After BAMS
The scope after BAMS is wide-ranging, offering employment in both public and private sectors. Some major job roles include:
1. Ayurvedic Doctor/Practitioner
Running private clinics
Consulting in Ayurvedic hospitals
2. Medical Officer
Employed by government health departments
Appointed in PHCs, CHCs, and AYUSH hospitals
3. Panchakarma Therapist
Specializes in Ayurvedic detox therapies
4. Lecturer/Professor
Teach in Ayurvedic colleges post-PG or NET qualification
5. Clinical Research Associate
Work in research centers, pharma companies, or Ayurvedic product testing
6. Ayurvedic Pharmacist
Work in Ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies or start their own line
7. Health and Wellness Consultant
Work with wellness centers, spas, yoga centers, and retreats
8. Medical Tourism Consultant
Guide international patients seeking Ayurvedic treatments
Government Jobs after BAMS
Many central and state government organizations recruit BAMS graduates:
UPSC: For roles like Medical Officer (AYUSH)
State Public Service Commissions: BAMS doctors are recruited for various state-level health services
ESIC/CGHS: Employees’ health schemes
Ministry of AYUSH: Central government bodies
Indian Railways and Defense Services Medical Facilities
Higher Education After BAMS
After BAMS, students can pursue further studies to deepen their expertise:
1. MD/MS in Ayurveda (Ayurveda Vachaspati/Vidya Varidhi)
Postgraduate degrees in specialized branches
2. MBA in Hospital Administration
For roles in hospital management or administration
3. MPH (Master of Public Health)
Entry into public health and epidemiology roles
4. Clinical Research or M.Sc.
Especially in medicinal plants, pharmacology, or biotechnology
5. Ph.D. in Ayurveda
Scope of Ayurveda Abroad
Ayurveda is seeing significant growth internationally due to its holistic and natural approach. Countries like USA, Canada, Germany, UK, Australia, and Sri Lanka have a rising demand for:
Ayurvedic practitioners
Herbal product consultants
Yoga and Panchakarma therapists
Several Indian Ayurvedic pharma companies like Patanjali, Himalaya, Dabur, Baidyanath, and Zandu have also expanded globally, opening job opportunities for BAMS graduates.
Salary After BAMS
The salary of a BAMS graduate can vary depending on the role and experience:
Job Role Starting Salary Experienced Salary
Ayurvedic Doctor ₹25,000 – ₹50,000/month ₹70,000 – ₹1,00,000/month
Panchakarma Therapist ₹20,000 – ₹40,000/month ₹60,000+/month
Medical Officer ₹50,000 – ₹80,000/month ₹1,00,000+/month
Academic/Professor ₹30,000 – ₹70,000/month ₹1,00,000+/month
Abroad Practice ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000/month (INR Equivalent) Up to ₹3 lakhs/month
Top Ayurvedic Companies Hiring BAMS Graduates
• Patanjali Ayurved
• Himalaya Wellness
• Baidyanath
• Dabur India
• Zandu Pharmaceuticals
• Arya Vaidya Sala
• Emami
• Sri Sri Tattva
• Pros and Cons of BAMS Course
Pros:
• Ancient and holistic medical system
• Government job opportunities
• Increasing demand in wellness and tourism
• Can practice independently
• Lower competition compared to MBBS
Cons:
• Limited exposure to modern surgery
• Licensing issues in some countries
• Requires continuous skill and knowledge updates
• Income may be lower initially
FAQs about BAMS Course
Q1: Is NEET mandatory for BAMS?
Yes, NEET-UG is mandatory for admission to BAMS courses in India.
Q2: Can a BAMS doctor perform surgery?
Yes, BAMS graduates are trained in basic surgical procedures under Shalya Tantra, but their surgical scope is limited compared to MBBS doctors.
Q3: Is BAMS better than MBBS?
Both courses have distinct paths. MBBS leads to allopathic practice while BAMS is for those interested in natural and holistic healing. It’s not about better or worse—it’s about interest and career goals.
Q4: Can I go abroad after BAMS?
Yes, BAMS graduates can go abroad for higher studies or practice in countries where Ayurveda is recognized or growing.
Conclusion
The BAMS course is an excellent career choice for students passionate about alternative medicine and natural healing. With the increasing global shift toward wellness, herbal treatments, and preventive healthcare, Ayurveda and BAMS professionals have promising futures.
Whether you aspire to become a successful Ayurvedic doctor, researcher, entrepreneur, or wellness consultant, a BAMS degree provides a strong foundation. If pursued with sincerity, this ancient system of medicine can open modern doors in both national and international landscapes.
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group)