Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery

BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) is an undergraduate medical degree focused on Ayurveda, one of India’s oldest healing systems. It combines traditional Ayurvedic principles with aspects of modern medicine.

The course is regulated by National Commission for Indian System of Medicine.

Course duration

• 4.1 years of academic study

• 1 year compulsory internship

• Total Duration: 5.5 years

Eligibility Criteria

To pursue BAMS in India:

• Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology

• Minimum qualifying marks (category-based)

• Must qualify NEET-UG

NEET is conducted by National Testing Agency

Admission Process

Admission is based on:

• NEET score

• Counselling through:

  • All India Quota
  • State quota
  • Private/deemed universities

Subjects in BAMS

Ayurvedic Core Subjects

• Ayurvedic Philosophy (Padartha Vigyan)

• Dravyaguna (herbal medicine)

• Rasa Shastra (Ayurvedic pharmaceutics)

• Panchakarma (detox therapies)

Modern Medical Subjects

• Anatomy

• Physiology

• Pathology

• Pharmacology

• Surgery (Shalya Tantra)

• ENT, Ophthalmology

This blend allows graduates to understand both traditional and modern approaches.

Internship

During the 1-year internship, students train in:

• Ayurvedic hospitals

• Panchakarma centers

• OPD/IPD clinical settings

They gain hands-on experience in diagnosis and treatment.

What Can You Do After BAMS?

1. Ayurvedic Doctor

Practice Ayurveda legally (after registration with the state board).

2. Higher Studies

• MD/MS in Ayurveda

• Specializations like Panchakarma, Kayachikitsa, etc.

3. Other Career Options

• Research in Ayurveda

• Teaching (after PG)

• Wellness & lifestyle industry

• Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals

• Health tourism

Fees of BAMS

• Government colleges: Affordable

• Private colleges: Moderate compared to MBBS

Top BAMS Colleges in India

• Banaras Hindu University (Ayurveda Faculty)

• Gujarat Ayurved University

• National Institute of Ayurveda

Is BAMS a Good Career?

BAMS can be a strong option if you:

• Are interested in natural and holistic healing

• Want a medical career with less competition than MBBS

• Are open to private practice or wellness industry

However, income and opportunities depend heavily on skills, specialization, and setup.

Reality Check

BAMS is not a shortcut to MBBS. It is a different system of medicine. Success requires:

• Deep understanding of Ayurveda

• Clinical experience

• Patient trust-building

   

If you're in Delhi

There are good BAMS colleges and Ayurveda hospitals in and around Delhi offering exposure to both traditional and modern patient care.