When choosing a career in healthcare, students often consider two major courses rooted in traditional medicine—Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) and Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS). Both these courses have their own significance in India's healthcare system and offer excellent career opportunities. However, students often get confused about which path to pursue due to their similarities and differences.
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In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at BAMS vs BHMS, eligibility criteria, differences, advantages, admission process, top colleges, and fees structure, concluding with answers to some frequently asked questions.
BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
BAMS is a 5.5-year undergraduate degree in Ayurveda, which includes one year of internship. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on holistic healing through natural therapies, diet, and lifestyle modifications.
Focus: Ayurvedic treatments based on balancing the body's doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Duration: 4.5 years of academic study + 1-year mandatory internship.
Recognition: Governed by the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM).
BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery)
BHMS is also a 5.5-year undergraduate course, but it is focused on Homeopathy, a form of alternative medicine where patients are treated with highly diluted substances.
Focus: Homeopathy, which works on the principle of "like cures like."
Duration: 4.5 years of academic study + 1-year internship.
Recognition: Governed by the Central Council of Homeopathy (CCH).
Eligibility for BAMS:
Educational Qualification:
Candidates must have completed 10+2 (Science stream) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
The minimum required marks are usually 50% for general category students and 40% for reserved categories.
Age: Candidates should be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.
NEET Qualification: From 2018 onwards, qualifying in NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) has been made mandatory for BAMS admissions.
Eligibility for BHMS:
Educational Qualification:
Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
A minimum score of 50% is required for general category students, with relaxation for reserved categories.
Age: The candidate must be at least 17 years old during the time of admission.
NEET Qualification: Like BAMS, clearing NEET is mandatory for admission to BHMS.
BAMS BHMS Duration
5.5 years (4.5 years academic + 1 year internship)
5.5 years (4.5 years academic + 1 year internship)
Focus
Ayurveda (natural therapies, herbal medicine, and dietary practices)
Homeopathy (treatment with diluted substances)
Treatment Philosophy
Balancing the body's doshas for overall well-being
“Like cures like” (symptoms caused by a substance are cured by the same substance in diluted form)
Recognition Body
Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM)
Central Council of Homeopathy (CCH)
Global Acceptance
Ayurveda is widely practiced in India and Nepal, with growing acceptance globally.
Homeopathy has wider global acceptance, especially in European countries.
Course Content
Anatomy, Physiology, Surgery, Ayurvedic Pharmaceuticals, Herbal Studies
Anatomy, Physiology, Homeopathic Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Medicine
4. Advantages of BAMS and BHMS
Advantages of BAMS:
Holistic Approach: Ayurveda is a holistic system of medicine that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Popularity: Ayurveda is becoming more popular worldwide due to its focus on natural and herbal treatments.
Government Support: The Indian government is promoting Ayurveda, and job opportunities in both the public and private sectors are increasing.
Diverse Career Opportunities: Graduates can work as Ayurvedic doctors, researchers, therapists, or open their own practice.
Integration with Modern Medicine: Ayurveda can often be integrated with allopathy to offer comprehensive healthcare.
Advantages of BHMS:
Minimal Side Effects: Homeopathic treatments are generally considered safe and free from side effects.
Global Acceptance: Homeopathy is accepted in many countries outside India, providing more opportunities for global practice.
Individualized Treatment: Homeopathy tailors treatment plans specifically to each patient’s needs.
Increased Demand: There is a growing demand for alternative medicine, including homeopathy, due to its non-invasive nature.
Enquiry Now: 8860031900 admission process for both BAMS and BHMS is quite similar, and it typically involves the following steps:
NEET Exam:
Both BAMS and BHMS admissions are done through the NEET exam. Students must register and qualify for NEET to be eligible for counseling and admission.
Counseling:
After the NEET results are announced, candidates must participate in AYUSH counseling. Admission to both BAMS and BHMS is conducted through centralized counseling processes by the state or national authorities.
Document Verification:
Candidates will need to provide relevant documents, such as NEET scorecard, Class 12 marksheet, caste certificate (if applicable), and other necessary identification proofs during the counseling and admission process.
Seat Allotment:
Based on the candidate’s NEET score, they will be allotted seats in colleges offering BAMS or BHMS courses.
Final Admission:
After seat allotment, candidates must visit the respective college for the completion of the admission process, which includes payment of fees and submission of required documents.
Both BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) and BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) offer a wide range of career and job opportunities. As alternative and traditional medicine systems are gaining popularity worldwide, the demand for skilled professionals in Ayurveda and Homeopathy is rising, both in India and abroad.
Let’s explore the career prospects for BAMS and BHMS graduates in detail:
1. Ayurvedic Doctor
Work Environment: Hospitals, Clinics, Private Practice
Job Role: Diagnose patients using Ayurvedic principles, suggest natural remedies, herbal medicines, and lifestyle changes.
Demand: Ayurveda is widely practiced in India and gaining recognition globally. Government hospitals, private clinics, and wellness centers are increasingly hiring Ayurvedic doctors.
2. Government Jobs
Work Environment: Government Hospitals, Research Institutes, AYUSH Ministry
Job Role: Work as Ayurvedic Medical Officers (AMO) in government hospitals, wellness centers, and healthcare units. BAMS graduates are also recruited by the Ministry of AYUSH for various roles in policymaking and healthcare administration.
Exams: After BAMS, you can appear for government exams like UPSC, PSC, or exams conducted by the AYUSH Ministry for Medical Officer roles.
3. Private Practice
Work Environment: Private Ayurvedic Clinics
Job Role: BAMS graduates can open their own clinics and offer personalized Ayurvedic treatments. Running a private practice allows doctors to build their patient base and specialize in specific areas such as Panchakarma therapy, herbal treatment, or dietetics.
4. Teaching and Academia
Work Environment: Ayurvedic Colleges, Universities
Job Role: BAMS graduates can become lecturers or professors in Ayurvedic colleges. With an MD or PhD in Ayurveda, one can pursue an academic career and contribute to research and development in Ayurveda.
5. Ayurvedic Pharmacist
Work Environment: Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Companies
Job Role: Ayurvedic pharmacists prepare and dispense Ayurvedic medicines. They may also work in Ayurvedic product manufacturing units or research labs that develop herbal medicines, supplements, and healthcare products.
6. Medical Researcher
Work Environment: Research Institutes, Pharmaceutical Companies
Job Role: Work as a researcher in Ayurvedic medicine. There is growing interest in evidence-based research in Ayurveda, and BAMS graduates can contribute to clinical trials, product development, and research projects.
7. Health and Wellness Tourism
Work Environment: Wellness Centers, Ayurvedic Spas, Resorts
Job Role: Many wellness centers and resorts offer Ayurvedic treatments for health tourism. BAMS graduates can work as consultants in wellness retreats, managing therapies like Panchakarma, detox programs, and holistic health treatments.
8. Entrepreneurship
Work Environment: Ayurvedic Healthcare Products, Clinics, Wellness Centers
Job Role: BAMS graduates can start their own business, such as opening a chain of Ayurvedic wellness centers, starting Ayurvedic product lines, or offering health consultations through telemedicine platforms.
9. Healthcare Management and Administration
Work Environment: Hospitals, Healthcare Organizations
Job Role: After pursuing additional qualifications in healthcare management, BAMS graduates can take on administrative roles in healthcare facilities, focusing on Ayurvedic healthcare.
1. Homeopathic Doctor
Work Environment: Private Practice, Hospitals, Clinics
Job Role: Diagnose patients using homeopathic principles and prescribe highly diluted natural substances to stimulate the body's healing process. BHMS doctors work in homeopathic clinics, hospitals, or open their own practice.
Demand: Homeopathy has a strong following, especially in India and parts of Europe, and its popularity is growing for its non-invasive, low-side-effect treatments.
2. Government Jobs
Work Environment: Government Hospitals, Research Institutes, AYUSH Ministry
Job Role: BHMS graduates can work as Homeopathic Medical Officers (HMO) in government hospitals or healthcare centers. Various state and central government agencies recruit BHMS doctors under the Ministry of AYUSH.
3. Teaching and Academia
Work Environment: Homeopathic Medical Colleges
Job Role: After completing a BHMS degree, graduates can pursue teaching opportunities in homeopathic colleges. With higher qualifications like an MD (Homeopathy), you can become a professor or head of the department.
Top BAMS Colleges in India:
National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur
Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi
Government Ayurvedic College, Bangalore
Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College, Delhi
Shri Dhanwantri Ayurvedic College, Chandigarh
Top BHMS Colleges in India:
National Institute of Homeopathy (NIH), Kolkata
Dr. B. R. Sur Homeopathic Medical College, Delhi
Government Homeopathic Medical College, Bangalore
Yenepoya Homeopathic Medical College, Mangalore
Nehru Homeopathic Medical College, Delhi
BAMS Fees Structure:
Government Colleges: INR 30,000 – INR 1,00,000 per annum
Private Colleges: INR 1,50,000 – INR 4,00,000 per annum
BHMS Fees Structure:
Government Colleges: INR 20,000 – INR 1,00,000 per annum
Private Colleges: INR 1,00,000 – INR 3,00,000 per annum
Both BAMS and BHMS offer excellent career opportunities in the field of traditional and alternative medicine. While BAMS provides in-depth knowledge of Ayurveda, focusing on holistic and natural treatments, BHMS revolves around homeopathy and treating patients with diluted substances based on the principle of “like cures like.”
The choice between the two courses depends on your interest in either Ayurveda or Homeopathy, the system of medicine you wish to practice, and your long-term career goals. With the increasing global demand for alternative medicine, both BAMS and BHMS offer secure and fulfilling career paths. Call Now for Admission: 8860031900.
Q1. Which is better, BAMS or BHMS?
Both BAMS and BHMS have their advantages. BAMS is better suited for those interested in natural, herbal treatments, while BHMS is ideal for those inclined toward homeopathic remedies.
Q2. Can I pursue MD after BAMS or BHMS?
Yes, both BAMS and BHMS graduates can pursue an MD in their respective fields.
Q3. Is NEET required for both BAMS and BHMS?
Yes, NEET qualification is mandatory for admission to both BAMS and BHMS programs.
Q4. What is the average salary after BAMS?
The average salary of a BAMS graduate ranges from INR 3-6 LPA depending on experience and job role.
Q5. Can BAMS doctors practice allopathy?
In some states, BAMS doctors are allowed to practice allopathy after undergoing certain bridge courses or certifications.
Q6. How is the career scope for BHMS in India?
The demand for BHMS doctors is growing in India as more people seek alternative medicine treatments. Opportunities exist in private practice, hospitals, and academia.
Q7. Is Ayurveda globally accepted?
Ayurveda is gaining popularity globally, especially in countries like the US.