BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) is a 5.5-year undergraduate degree program that combines 4.5 years of academic study with a 1-year compulsory rotatory internship. This course is centered on Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine, and integrates modern medical science with ancient healing practices.
The BAMS program prepares students to become licensed Ayurvedic doctors, capable of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases through herbal medicines, therapeutic procedures, lifestyle changes, and nutritional guidance. With increasing global recognition, Ayurveda offers a holistic and affordable alternative to conventional medicine, gaining popularity for its focus on natural and long-term healing.
The curriculum includes subjects like Human Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, and Surgery, along with hands-on training in Ayurveda-specific therapies such as Panchakarma, Yoga, and Naturopathy.
BAMS Eligibility Criteria:
- Academic Qualification: Candidates must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) from a recognized board.
- Minimum Marks: Generally, 50% to 60% aggregate marks in the qualifying examination (varies by college).
- Age Requirement: Some institutions may require a minimum age of 17 years.
- Entrance Exam: NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) qualification is mandatory for admission.
Course Duration:
The BAMS course lasts 5.5 years, which includes 4.5 years of academic education and a 1-year internship for clinical training and practical exposure.
BAMS Employment Areas:
- Clinical Trials
- Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Community Centers
- Healthcare IT Companies
- Hospitals and Wellness Clinics
- Insurance Firms (Health-related roles)
- Life Sciences and Research Institutions
- On-Duty Doctor in Ayurvedic or Multispecialty Hospitals
- Pharmaceutical and Ayurvedic Product Industries
BAMS Job Types:
- Ayurvedic Doctor: Practice as a licensed physician offering consultations and treatments based on Ayurvedic principles.
- Medical Representative: Promote and sell Ayurvedic and herbal medicine products to clinics and pharmacies.
- Area Sales Executive/Manager: Oversee regional sales and marketing for Ayurvedic or healthcare products.
- Business Development Officer: Drive growth for wellness centers, Ayurvedic brands, or herbal product lines.
- Pharmacist: Dispense Ayurvedic medications and guide patients in usage and safety.
- Assistant Claims Manager: Handle medical claims and patient records for insurance firms.
- Jr. Clinical Trial Coordinator: Work on clinical trials testing the efficacy of Ayurvedic formulations.
- Category/Product Manager: Manage product development and marketing strategies for herbal or wellness products.
Advanced Courses After BAMS:
- MD (Ayurveda): A 3-year postgraduate specialization in areas like Kayachikitsa (General Medicine), Panchakarma, and Dravyaguna (Herbal Pharmacology).
- MS (Ayurveda): A 3-year postgraduate surgical degree focused on Ayurvedic surgical practices such as Shalya Tantra (Surgery) and Shalakya Tantra (ENT and Ophthalmology).
- MBA in Hospital and Healthcare Management: A 2-year program for those pursuing administrative or leadership roles in healthcare systems.
- PG Diploma in Panchakarma, Yoga Therapy, or Ayurvedic Pharmacy: 1–2 year programs for gaining advanced knowledge in specific Ayurvedic specialties.
- Master of Public Health (MPH): Ideal for those aiming to work in public health, policy planning, or community health management.
- M.Sc. in Medicinal Plants or Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Sciences: 2-year postgraduate programs focusing on the scientific and pharmaceutical aspects of Ayurvedic botanicals.
Conclusion:
The BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) program equips students with the skills and knowledge to practice Ayurveda professionally. With a unique blend of modern and traditional sciences, this course opens up diverse career opportunities in clinical practice, research, healthcare management, education, and wellness industries.