BAMS Course: Eligibility, Duration, Subjects, Admission Process, Career Scope & Job Opportunities
Introduction to BAMS Course
In today’s healthcare landscape, there is a rising interest in traditional medicine systems alongside modern medicine. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, is at the forefront of this resurgence. BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) is a professional degree course that trains students in Ayurveda and traditional healing systems.
The BAMS course integrates Ayurveda with modern medical science, preparing graduates to become Ayurvedic practitioners who can offer holistic healthcare solutions. It is recognized by the Ministry of AYUSH, NCISM (National Commission for Indian System of Medicine), and equivalent international bodies.
What is BAMS?
Full Form: Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
Level: Undergraduate
Duration: 5.5 Years (including 1-year internship)
Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Admission: NEET-UG Entrance Exam
Regulatory Body: NCISM (National Commission for Indian System of Medicine)
Why Choose BAMS?
• Offers a holistic, natural, and preventive approach to health.
• Provides both theoretical and practical training in Ayurveda.
• Opens up career opportunities in healthcare, research, pharma, wellness, and education.
• Recognized for government and private sector jobs.
• Excellent career scope both in India and abroad.
Eligibility Criteria for BAMS Course
To pursue BAMS, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. Academic Qualification
• Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination.
• Mandatory subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB).
• Minimum aggregate marks: 50% for ogk
• General category, 40-45% for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC).
2. Age Limit
Minimum age: 17 years as on 31st December of the admission year.
No upper age limit as per recent NEET-UG guidelines.
3. Entrance Examination
• Admission is based on the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) score.
• A valid NEET score is mandatory for BAMS admission in both government and private colleges.
BAMS Course Duration and Structure
Total Duration: 5.5 Years
Academic Course: 4.5 Years (Divided into 3 professional phases)
Compulsory Internship: 1 Year (Clinical training in hospitals and health centers)
Course Breakdown:
• First Professional (1.5 Years)
• Sanskrit
• Padartha Vigyan and Ayurveda Itihas
• Rachana Sharira (Anatomy)
• Kriya Sharira (Physiology)
• Maulika Siddhanta
• Second Professional (1 Year)
Dravyaguna Vigyan (Pharmacognosy)
• Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana (Pharmaceuticals)
• Agadtantra (Toxicology)
• Roga Vigyan and Vikriti Vigyan (Pathology)
• Third Professional (2 Years)
• Kayachikitsa (General Medicine)
• Shalya Tantra (Surgery)
• Shalakya Tantra (ENT and Ophthalmology)
• Prasuti Tantra and Stri Roga (Gynecology)
• Kaumarbhritya (Pediatrics)
• Panchakarma (Detoxification Techniques)
• Research Methodology
Admission Process for BAMS
1. Appear for NEET-UG
• Register and appear for the NEET-UG exam.
• Secure a valid score for BAMS eligibility.
2. Participate in Counselling
• Participate in central/state-level counseling conducted by:
• AACCC (All India Ayush Counseling)
• State Ayush Counseling authorities
3. College Allotment
• Based on NEET score, reservation category, and preferences.
4. Document Verification
• Submit original documents like:
• NEET scorecard
• Class 10th and 12th mark sheets
• Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
• ID proof, photographs, etc.
5. Admission Confirmation
• Pay the college fee and complete the admission formalities.
Top BAMS Colleges in India
• Here are some reputed BAMS colleges in India:
• College Name Location
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Varanasi, UP
National Institute of Ayurveda Jaipur, Rajasthan
Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya Pune, Maharashtra
Government Ayurvedic College Guwahati, Assam
Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College Delhi
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Bengaluru, Karnataka
Government Ayurveda College Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
BAMS Course Fee Structure
The fee varies by college type:
Government Colleges: ₹15,000 – ₹50,000 per year
Private Colleges: ₹1.5 – ₹3.5 lakh per year
Additional costs may include hostel, books, instruments, and examination fees.
Career Scope After BAMS
The career opportunities after BAMS are diverse and growing rapidly due to increased interest in natural medicine.
1. Clinical Practice
• Start your own Ayurvedic clinic or Panchakarma center.
• Work as a general physician using Ayurvedic principles.
• Partner with wellness centers, naturopathy clinics, or spas.
2. Government Sector Jobs
• Ayurvedic Medical Officer (AMO)
• Community Health Officer (CHO) under Ayushman Bharat scheme
• Ayurvedic Doctor in Government hospitals
• Health & Family Welfare departments
3. Academic and Teaching Career
• Lecturer or Assistant Professor in Ayurvedic Colleges (after post-graduation – MD/MS in Ayurveda).
• Work as a demonstrator in Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology departments.
4. Research and Development
• Work in clinical research in Ayurveda, herbal drug development, and pharmaceuticals.
• Join institutes like CCRAS (Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences).
5. Pharmacist and Manufacturing
Work in Ayurvedic pharma companies like:
• Patanjali
• Dabur
• Himalaya
• Baidyanath
• Zandu
Roles: Production Manager, Quality Analyst, R&D Executive
6. Higher Studies
Postgraduate options:
• MD/MS in Ayurveda (specialization)
• MBA in Hospital Management
• MSc in Nutrition or Clinical Research
• PG Diploma in Panchakarma or Yoga
7. Jobs Abroad
• Countries like Germany, the USA, Canada, UAE, and Sri Lanka recognize Ayurvedic practitioners for:
• Wellness centers
• Alternative therapy clinics
• Herbal drug companies
• Research projects
Note: For practicing abroad, always check licensing or validation requirements in the respective country.
Salary After BAMS
• Salary depends on experience, location, and role:
• Role Average Starting Salary (INR/Month)
Ayurvedic Doctor ₹30,000 – ₹50,000
Medical Officer ₹45,000 – ₹60,000
Research Associate ₹35,000 – ₹55,000
Teaching Assistant ₹25,000 – ₹40,000
Panchakarma Therapist ₹20,000 – ₹30,000
Own Clinic ₹50,000+ (based on practice success)
With experience and specialization, BAMS professionals can earn ₹6-12 LPA or more.
Advantages of Pursuing BAMS
• Holistic approach to treating illness and maintaining health.
√ Lower competition compared to MBBS in NEET rankings.
• Government jobs and UPSC eligibility.
• Good blend of clinical, herbal, and wellness science.
• Opportunities in both public and private sectors.
• Can contribute to Ayurveda tourism and medical travel industry.
Challenges in the BAMS Field
• Some regions have fewer job openings in Ayurveda.
• Limited awareness about Ayurvedic efficacy among patients.
• Requires strong self-promotion for private practice.
• In some countries, regulations for Ayurvedic practice are strict.
Conclusion
The BAMS course is a gateway to a fulfilling medical career based on India’s age-old holistic healing system – Ayurveda. With rising awareness of natural and preventive medicine, BAMS graduates are in high demand in India and abroad. Whether you aspire to be a doctor, researcher, or health entrepreneur, BAMS offers you the platform to serve humanity and grow professionally.
FAQs about BAMS Course
Q1. Is NEET compulsory for BAMS?
Yes, NEET-UG is mandatory for BAMS admission in India.
Q2. Can BAMS doctors practice modern medicine?
In some states, BAMS doctors are allowed to practice modern medicine under specific regulations (Bridge Course or community health roles).
Q3. Which is better – BAMS or MBBS?
Both are medical degrees, but MBBS focuses on modern allopathic medicine, while BAMS emphasizes traditional Ayurvedic science. Choice depends on interest.
Q4. Can I go abroad after BAMS?
Yes. You can work in wellness centers or pursue higher studies, but licensure laws vary by country.
Q5. What are the future scopes after BAMS?
You can pursue MD/MS, start clinical practice, enter government service, work in the pharma industry, or build a wellness brand.
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group)