BSMS (Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery)

“BSMS: Leading the Way in the Time-Honoured Tradition of Siddha Medicine”

BSMS is a comprehensive four and a half-year undergraduate program dedicated to the traditional practice of Siddha medicine, offering an alternative to allopathic treatments. The curriculum delves into the principles of this ancient healing system and its applications in addressing various health issues.

Career prospects for BSMS graduates include roles such as Clinical Researcher, Dermatologist, Medical Consultant, Siddha Pathologist, Paediatrician, Physiologist, Pharmacologist, and more. The establishment of the Ministry of AYUSH by the Indian government in 2014 has opened up numerous career paths in alternative medicine.

What Does BSMS Stand For?

The Siddha system's Materia Medica is extensive, utilizing herbs, metals, minerals, and organic substances, with advanced metal and mineral usage. Surgical techniques like incision, heat application, and bloodletting are used alongside purgation, fasting, and various therapies.

Siddha medicine attributes body functions to seven elements: plasma (growth and nourishment), blood (muscle nourishment and intellect), muscle (body shape), fatty tissue (joint lubrication), bone (structure and movement), bone marrow (blood formation), and semen (reproduction). Like Ayurveda, it classifies physiological components as Vaadham (air), Pittham (fire), and Kapam (earth and water).

Originating from Tamil culture, the Siddha system is a traditional treatment method documented in ancient palm leaf manuscripts. It is said that Lord Shiva shared this knowledge with Parvati, who passed it to their son Lord Muruga, and he taught sage Agasthya. Agasthya then instructed 18 Siddhas, who disseminated this wisdom. Siddha focuses on 'Ashtamahasiddhi,' or eight supernatural powers, achieved by the Siddhas.

This ancient South Indian healing system views individuals as microcosms of the universe, comprising five elements: earth, fire, water, air, and space.

Three Humours in Siddha

Siddha is often mistaken for Ayurveda due to their shared conceptual framework of the three humours:

• Vatha - Linked to 'space' and 'air', governs sensory, motor activities, and movements in the body and mind.
• Pitta - Connected to 'fire', responsible for regulating body heat.
• Kapha - Related to 'earth' and 'water', provides strength and endurance.

As of June 15, 2024, in India, there are 15 Siddha medical colleges offering the BSMS course approved by NCISM with an annual intake of 980 BSMS seats. These include 3 government Siddha medical colleges with 260 seats and 12 private Siddha medical colleges with 720 seats.

BSMS Course Highlights

BSMS Course Fees Structure

Tuition fees vary across accredited institutions. Government institutions typically charge lower fees, while private institutions are higher. On average, annual fees for BSMS range from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 3,00,000.

Reasons to Pursue BSMS

• Comprehensive understanding of Siddha medicine, an ancient Indian healthcare system.
• Diverse career opportunities in healthcare, research, education, and consultancy.
• Preserving and promoting traditional medicinal practices and cultural heritage.
• Blend of traditional wisdom with modern medical knowledge.
• Rewarding career prospects in alternative medicine.

BSMS Eligibility Criteria

• Completion of 10+2 or equivalent with minimum 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry & Biology for Unreserved candidates; 40% for reserved categories.
• Must be at least 17 years old by 31 December of the admission year.
• Must clear the NEET entrance exam.
• No maximum age limit.
• Must have studied Tamil in 10th or during the first professional course.
• Must fulfill additional NCISM requirements.

BSMS Course Duration

The BSMS course duration is 5 years and 6 months, consisting of 4.5 years of academic study followed by a 1-year compulsory internship. The internship includes rotations at hospitals, health centres, and camps.

Essential Skills for Excelling in BSMS

• Strong foundation in biology and chemistry.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail in diagnostic and treatment methods.
• Empathy and compassion towards patients.
• Good communication skills.
• Ethical awareness.
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic field.

BSMS Entrance Exam

Admission requires passing the NEET exam, which is the standard entrance test for BSMS.

BSMS Cut Off

The cut-off is the minimum NEET score needed for admission, varying by year and college. It depends on factors like the number of applicants, exam difficulty, and seat availability.

BSMS Syllabus

The BSMS program is divided into semesters covering core subjects in Siddha medicine and related fields.

1st Year Subjects

• Regional Language
• Communicative English
• Siddha Maruthuva Adippadai Thathuvangalum Varalarum
• Uyir Vedhiyal (Biochemistry)
• Maruthuva Thavaraiyal (Medicinal Botany and Pharmacognosy)
• Nunnuyiriyal (Microbiology)

2nd Year Subjects

3rd Year Subjects

4th Year Subjects

• Noi Anugaa Vidhi Ozhukkam
• Noi Naadal Noi Mudhal Nadal
• Nanju Nool and Maruthuva Neethi Nool

BSMS Course Structure

The BSMS curriculum includes three semesters, core subjects, research submissions, internal assessments, and viva-voce examinations.