BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) is an undergraduate degree program in India focused on Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine. Admission to BAMS programs involves a series of steps, typically including entrance exams, eligibility criteria, and a counseling process. Here’s a general overview:
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 (or equivalent) examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as subjects.
Minimum Marks: A minimum aggregate score (usually around 50–60%) in the qualifying examination is required.
Age Limit: Candidates should be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year.
Admission to BAMS is primarily based on performance in entrance exams such as:
NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test — Undergraduate): This is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Most BAMS colleges consider NEET scores for admission.
State-Level Entrance Exams: Some states may have their own entrance exams for admission to BAMS courses in colleges within that state.
Entrance Exam: Candidates must appear for and qualify in the NEET-UG or relevant state-level entrance exam.
Application: After qualifying the entrance exam, candidates need to apply to the colleges or universities offering BAMS courses. This usually involves filling out an online application form.
Counseling: Qualified candidates are called for a counseling session where they can select their preferred colleges based on their entrance exam ranks and availability of seats.
Document Verification: During counseling, candidates must provide necessary documents such as mark sheets, entrance exam scorecards, identity proof, and other required certificates.
Admission: After successful counseling and document verification, candidates are allotted seats in BAMS programs. They need to complete the admission formalities by paying the required fees.
Reservation Policy: Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/EWS and other categories is applicable as per government norms.
Duration: The BAMS program typically lasts for 5.5 years, including 4.5 years of academic study and 1 year of internship.
Curriculum: The curriculum covers various subjects including Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Ayurvedic principles, and practical training.
Here are some of the best BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) colleges in India:
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
Institute of Medical Sciences
Special Features: One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in India, known for its high-quality education and research in Ayurveda.
National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur
Special Features: An autonomous organization under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, offering advanced training and research in Ayurveda.
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Bangalore
Special Features: Offers a comprehensive BAMS program with modern infrastructure and experienced faculty.
Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram
Special Features: One of the oldest Ayurvedic institutions in India, known for its extensive clinical exposure and research opportunities.
Institute of Post Graduate Teaching & Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar
Special Features: Affiliated with Gujarat Ayurved University, it is renowned for its postgraduate and research programs in Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College, New Delhi
Special Features: Offers both Ayurvedic and Unani medicine courses with excellent clinical training and research facilities.
Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan, New Delhi
Special Features: Known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and comprehensive Ayurvedic education and training.
State Ayurvedic College of Lucknow
Special Features: Affiliated with Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, offering quality education in Ayurveda with good clinical exposure.
Government Ayurvedic College, Nagpur
Special Features: Provides excellent education and training in Ayurveda with a strong focus on clinical practice and research.
KLE University’s Shri BMK Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Belgaum
Special Features: Offers modern facilities and a comprehensive curriculum in Ayurveda with a focus on holistic healthcare.
These colleges are renowned for their academic excellence, research facilities, experienced faculty, and comprehensive clinical training. Admission to these institutions is competitive, typically requiring a good score in entrance exams like NEET-UG.
Each institution may have its specific admission guidelines, so it’s advisable to check the official websites of the institutions for detailed information.
Here is a list of private BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) colleges in India along with their approximate annual fees:
Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune – ₹2-3 lakhs
Sri Kalabyraveshwara Ayurvedic Medical College, Bangalore – ₹3-4 lakhs
JSS Ayurvedic Medical College, Mysore – ₹2-3.5 lakhs
Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Ayurved, Pune – ₹3-4.5 lakhs
SDM College of Ayurveda, Udupi – ₹2.5-3.5 lakhs
KLE University, Belgaum – ₹4-5 lakhs
Shri Dhanwantri Ayurvedic College, Chandigarh – ₹2.5-3.5 lakhs
Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Ayurved, Pune – ₹3-4.5 lakhs
Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala – ₹3.5-4.5 lakhs
Saraswati Ayurvedic Hospital & Medical College, Uttar Pradesh – ₹2-3.5 lakhs
Rajiv Gandhi Education Society's Ayurvedic Medical College, Karnataka – ₹3-4 lakhs
Amrita School of Ayurveda, Kerala – ₹4-5 lakhs
Shri BMK Ayurvedic Medical College, Karnataka – ₹2-3.5 lakhs
Shree Saptashrungi Ayurvedic College, Nashik – ₹2-3 lakhs
Alvas Ayurveda Medical College, Karnataka – ₹3-4 lakhs
Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier Ayurveda College, Kerala – ₹3-4 lakhs
Patanjali Ayurved College, Haridwar – ₹2.5-4 lakhs
Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Punjab – ₹3-4.5 lakhs
Dhanwantari Ayurvedic College, Chandigarh – ₹2.5-3.5 lakhs
Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda, Karnataka – ₹3-4.5 lakhs
Govt. Akhandanand Ayurvedic College, Ahmedabad – ₹2-3 lakhs
Rishikul Govt. Ayurvedic College, Haridwar – ₹2-3 lakhs
Mansarovar Ayurvedic Medical College, Bhopal – ₹2.5-3.5 lakhs
Dayanand Ayurvedic College, Jalandhar – ₹2-3.5 lakhs
Gaur Brahman Ayurvedic College, Rohtak – ₹2.5-3 lakhs
Ravishankar College of Ayurvedic Medical Science, Bhopal – ₹2-3.5 lakhs
Laxmi Bai Ayurvedic College, Patiala – ₹2.5-3.5 lakhs
Ch. Brahm Prakash Ayurvedic Charak Sansthan, Delhi – ₹3-4 lakhs
Shiv Shakti Ayurvedic Medical College, Uttar Pradesh – ₹2-3.5 lakhs
Venkateshwara Ayurvedic Medical College, Uttar Pradesh – ₹2.5-3.5 lakhs
Guru Nanak Ayurvedic Medical College, Punjab – ₹3-4 lakhs
Prabuddha Ayurvedic College, Latur – ₹2-3.5 lakhs
Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University, Bihar – ₹2-3 lakhs
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Institute of Medical Science, Uttar Pradesh – ₹2.5-3.5 lakhs
Parul Institute of Ayurved, Vadodara – ₹3-4 lakhs
Ankerite Ayurvedic Medical College, Madhya Pradesh – ₹3-4.5 lakhs
Shri Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur – ₹2.5-3.5 lakhs
Ashtang Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune – ₹2-3 lakhs
Shri Ram Ayurvedic College, Uttar Pradesh – ₹2-3.5 lakhs
Shri Balaji Ayurvedic College, Haryana – ₹2-3.5 lakhs
Kesarwani Ayurvedic Medical College, Prayagraj – ₹2-3 lakhs
Nehru Ayurvedic Medical College, Delhi – ₹2.5-3.5 lakhs
Akhil Bhartiya Ayurvedic Medical College, Delhi – ₹2.5-4 lakhs
Bharati Vidyapeeth Ayurvedic College, Sangli – ₹3-4.5 lakhs
Ashwini Ayurvedic College, Tumkur – ₹2-3.5 lakhs
Karnataka Ayurveda Medical College, Mangalore – ₹3-4 lakhs
NIA Jaipur (National Institute of Ayurveda) – ₹2-3 lakhs
Vikram University Ayurvedic College, Ujjain – ₹2.5-3.5 lakhs
Jammu Institute of Ayurveda and Research – ₹2.5-3.5 lakhs
Govind Guru Ayurved College, Rajasthan – ₹2-3.5 lakhs
These colleges offer quality education and practical training in Ayurvedic medicine. However, fees might vary based on management or merit quotas, state regulations, and additional charges for accommodation and resources. Always check individual college websites for the most accurate and updated fee structure.
Rich Heritage and Tradition
Origin of Ayurveda: Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old system of natural healing, originated in India. Studying Ayurveda in its birthplace allows students to immerse themselves in its authentic practices and philosophies.
Cultural Integration: Ayurveda is deeply integrated into Indian culture and daily life. Students have the opportunity to experience and learn Ayurvedic practices in their most traditional and practical forms.
Quality of Education
Renowned Institutions: India is home to some of the world’s top Ayurvedic institutions, such as Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and the National Institute of Ayurveda, which provide high-quality education and research opportunities.
Experienced Faculty: Many Indian Ayurvedic colleges have highly experienced faculty who are experts in their fields, providing students with exceptional guidance and knowledge.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Holistic Approach: The BAMS curriculum in India covers a wide range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and traditional Ayurvedic principles, ensuring a well-rounded education.
Practical Training: Students receive extensive practical training in Ayurvedic treatments, therapies, and clinical practices, preparing them for real-world applications.
Research and Innovation
Research Opportunities: India offers numerous research opportunities in Ayurveda, supported by institutions like the Ministry of AYUSH and various Ayurvedic research centers.
Integration with Modern Science: There is a growing trend of integrating Ayurveda with modern medical science, allowing for innovative research and development in holistic healthcare.
Government Support
Policy and Regulation: The Indian government, through the Ministry of AYUSH, supports and regulates Ayurvedic education and practice, ensuring high standards and promoting the growth of Ayurveda.
Scholarships and Grants: Various scholarships and grants are available for students pursuing Ayurvedic education, making it more accessible.
Global Recognition
Increasing Demand: The global demand for natural and holistic healthcare solutions has led to a growing recognition of Ayurveda. Indian BAMS graduates have opportunities both in India and internationally.
Professional Opportunities: BAMS graduates from India can pursue careers in clinical practice, research, education, and the wellness industry globally.
Cultural and Practical Exposure
Diverse Clinical Experience: India’s diverse population and healthcare needs provide students with extensive clinical exposure, enhancing their practical skills.
Traditional Practices: Students can learn and practice traditional Ayurvedic therapies, herbal medicine preparation, and Panchakarma treatments in authentic settings.
Affordability
Cost-Effective Education: Compared to many other countries, the cost of Ayurvedic education in India is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for students worldwide.
Overall, India’s rich heritage, quality education, comprehensive curriculum, research opportunities, government support, global recognition, and affordability make it the best country for pursuing a BAMS course.
Educational Qualification: Completion of 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Minimum Marks: Generally, a minimum aggregate score of 50–60% in the qualifying examination.
Age Limit: Candidates should be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year.
NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test — Undergraduate): This is the primary entrance exam for BAMS admission in most colleges across India.
State-Level Entrance Exams: Some states may have their own entrance exams for BAMS admission in colleges within the state.
The BAMS program typically lasts for 5.5 years, which includes 4.5 years of academic study and 1 year of mandatory internship.
The BAMS curriculum covers subjects such as:
Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry
Pharmacology
Pathology
Ayurvedic principles and philosophy
Herbal medicine
Panchakarma (Ayurvedic detoxification therapies)
Clinical training
Graduates of BAMS can pursue careers in:
Clinical practice as Ayurvedic doctors
Research and development in Ayurveda
Teaching and academia
Wellness and holistic health centers
Pharmaceutical companies specializing in Ayurvedic products
Government and private healthcare institutions
Yes, BAMS graduates from India are increasingly recognized globally due to the growing interest in natural and holistic healthcare. However, the recognition and scope of practice can vary by country.
Some of the top BAMS colleges in India include:
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Bangalore
Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram
Institute of Post Graduate Teaching & Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar
Yes, reservation policies for SC/ST/OBC/EWS and other categories are applicable as per government norms.
Typically required documents include:
10th and 12th grade mark sheets and certificates
NEET-UG scorecard
Identity proof (Aadhar card, passport, etc.)
Caste certificate (if applicable)
Passport-sized photographs
The 1-year mandatory internship is structured to provide hands-on clinical training in various departments such as:
Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine)
Shalya Tantra (Surgery)
Shalakya Tantra (ENT and Ophthalmology)
Prasuti Tantra and Stree Roga (Gynecology and Obstetrics)
Kaumarbhritya (Pediatrics)
Yes, BAMS graduates can pursue further studies such as:
MD (Ayurveda)
MS (Ayurveda)
MBA in Healthcare Management
PG Diploma in various specializations of Ayurveda