The Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) is a popular undergraduate course in Ayurveda, one of the world's oldest medical systems. As interest in traditional medicine grows globally, BAMS has emerged as a sought-after alternative medical degree in India. Like other medical courses, BAMS admissions are primarily conducted through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This article delves into everything you need to know about BAMS admissions, including the significance of NEET scores, eligibility criteria, top colleges, and the overall admission process. Here's the list of BAMS colleges accepting low NEET score.
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BAMS is a five-and-a-half-year undergraduate program, including a one-year mandatory internship. The curriculum integrates Ayurveda with modern medical practices. The course covers subjects such as Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine), Shalyatantra (Surgery), Dravyaguna (Ayurvedic Pharmacology), and Rasashastra (Alchemy and Pharmaceutics). Upon completion, graduates become qualified Ayurvedic doctors, capable of practicing Ayurveda, conducting research, or even pursuing higher studies in fields such as Panchakarma, Kayachikitsa, or Ayurvedic Pharmacology.
NEET, initially introduced for MBBS and BDS courses, has become the single entrance exam for most undergraduate medical courses in India, including BAMS, BHMS (Homeopathy), and BUMS (Unani). This centralized test is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), and it streamlines the admission process by ensuring that all candidates are evaluated based on a standardized assessment of their knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
The Ayush Admissions Central Counseling Committee (AACCC) and state-level bodies use NEET scores to allocate seats in government and private BAMS colleges across India. For most aspirants, qualifying in NEET is the gateway to securing admission in a reputable Ayurvedic institution.
To be eligible for BAMS admissions through NEET, candidates must fulfill certain requirements:
Educational Qualifications: The candidate should have passed the 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. They should have secured at least 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved categories).
Minimum Age: The minimum age requirement for BAMS is 17 years, and there is no upper age limit as per the latest NEET guidelines.
NEET Qualification: Candidates must appear for the NEET exam and meet the required cutoff score set by the NTA for that particular year.
The NEET cutoff for BAMS varies each year depending on factors like the number of candidates, the difficulty level of the exam, and the number of available seats. Generally, the cutoff for BAMS is slightly lower compared to MBBS and BDS courses, but it is still competitive, especially in top colleges.
The NEET qualifying percentile is typically around 50th percentile for General category candidates, and 40th percentile for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories. However, to secure a seat in a top government college, aspirants usually need to score well above the minimum cutoff.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the BAMS admission process using NEET scores:
Step 1: NEET Registration
Candidates must register for the NEET exam on the official NTA NEET website. During registration, candidates will need to submit personal and academic details, upload relevant documents, and pay the application fee.
Step 2: Appear for NEET
The NEET exam is conducted offline in pen and paper mode. The paper consists of 180 multiple-choice questions divided into three sections: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Step 3: Results and Scorecard
After the NEET exam, NTA releases the results along with individual scorecards. Candidates can download their scorecards by logging into the official website using their registration credentials.
Step 4: BAMS Counseling
Based on NEET scores, candidates are eligible to participate in BAMS counseling sessions conducted by the Ayush Admissions Central Counseling Committee (AACCC) and respective state counseling authorities. There are two types of counseling processes for BAMS:
All India Quota (AIQ) Counseling: Conducted by the AACCC for 15% of government college seats and 100% of seats in deemed universities.
State Quota Counseling: Conducted by the respective state authorities for 85% of the seats in government and private colleges. Candidates need to register separately for state counseling on the respective state's counseling portal.
Step 5: Seat Allotment
Seats are allotted based on the candidate’s NEET rank, preferences, seat availability, and category. After allotment, candidates must report to the college for document verification and payment of fees.
Step 6: Reporting and Admission
Once the seat is confirmed, candidates must report to the allotted institution within the stipulated time. The final step includes the verification of documents and admission confirmation.
Many prestigious colleges across India accept NEET scores for BAMS admissions. Here’s a list of some of the top BAMS colleges:
6.1. Government BAMS Colleges
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
One of India’s most reputed institutions offering a BAMS program with modern facilities and experienced faculty.
Government Ayurvedic College, Patna
A well-established institution in Bihar known for its focus on traditional Ayurvedic education.
National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur
A central government-run institute offering high-quality education and research in Ayurveda.
Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda Medical College, Karnataka
Known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and well-rounded curriculum in Ayurveda.
Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Ayurveda and Research Centre, Pune
A well-known institution that provides excellent education in Ayurveda along with ample research opportunities.
6.2. Private BAMS Colleges
Shri Dhanwantri Ayurvedic Medical College, Chandigarh
A private institute that integrates Ayurvedic studies with modern healthcare technologies.
Sanskriti Ayurvedic Medical College, Mathura
Offers a well-rounded BAMS program with extensive internship opportunities.
KLE Ayurvedic Medical College, Belgaum
Known for its comprehensive BAMS course and excellent internship placements.
Rama Ayurvedic Medical College, Kanpur
A reputed private institution providing strong academic training in Ayurveda.
To complete the admission process, candidates need to provide the following documents during counseling and admission:
NEET Admit Card
NEET Scorecard
Class 10 and 12 Mark Sheets
Transfer Certificate
Caste Certificate (if applicable)
Domicile Certificate (if applying for state quota)
Passport-sized Photographs
Aadhar Card or Other ID Proof
These documents are crucial for both counseling and college admissions. It is advisable to carry both originals and photocopies to avoid any delays.
The fees for BAMS programs vary significantly between government and private colleges. Here’s an approximate range:
Government Colleges: ₹25,000 to ₹1 lakh per year
Private Colleges: ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh per year
Apart from tuition fees, students may also need to account for additional expenses such as hostel fees, books, and exam fees.
After completing a BAMS degree, graduates have numerous career opportunities. Some of the popular career paths include:
Ayurvedic Practitioner: Graduates can open their own clinics or work in hospitals as Ayurvedic doctors.
Ayurvedic Researcher: Opportunities in research institutions and universities for contributing to advancements in Ayurveda.
Pharmaceutical Industry: Graduates can work in Ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies to develop new medicines and products.
Teaching: Those inclined towards academia can take up teaching positions in Ayurvedic colleges.
Government Jobs: Many state governments offer job opportunities for Ayurvedic doctors in public health departments.
The integration of NEET into the admission process for BAMS colleges has helped streamline and standardize the selection of students for Ayurveda courses across India. This article has explored the eligibility criteria, top colleges, the counseling process, career prospects, and the importance of NEET scores for BAMS admissions. With a growing interest in Ayurveda both in India and abroad, pursuing a BAMS degree from a reputed institution could open numerous avenues for a fulfilling and lucrative career in traditional medicine.
For aspiring students, thorough preparation for NEET and understanding the counseling procedures will be crucial to securing a seat in a top Ayurvedic college.