Many NEET aspirants believe medicine only means MBBS or BDS. But the Indian medical system is far richer than that. AYUSH — a blend of traditional Indian medical sciences — is now one of the most in-demand alternatives for students who want to pursue healing as a career.

If you’ve just passed your 12th with PCB and are exploring your options after NEET, this guide is for you. Let’s walk through all five AYUSH undergraduate courses:
BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, and BNYS — in language you’ll actually understand.

What is AYUSH?

AYUSH stands for:

• Ayurveda
• Yoga & Naturopathy
• Unani
• Siddha
• Homeopathy

These are the traditional systems of medicine recognized by the Government of India and regulated by the Ministry of AYUSH. Over time, these fields have gained both academic structure and legal practice recognition, and they now offer real, respectable career options.

List of AYUSH Courses After 12th

Each of these includes 4.5 years of academic learning + 1 year of mandatory internship.

1. BAMS – Ayurveda

If you’re drawn to herbal healing, detox therapies, or traditional Indian medicine, BAMS might be your ideal path.

• Teaches ancient Ayurvedic theory alongside modern subjects like anatomy and pharmacology
• Focuses on Panchakarma, herbal formulations, preventive care, and surgery basics
• You’ll study Charaka Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, and more
• Institutions are regulated by NCISM

Career Scope: Open a clinic, work in Ayurvedic hospitals, pursue MD/MS in Ayurveda, join wellness resorts, or enter research.

2. BHMS – Homeopathy

Homeopathy is based on the principle that a diluted substance can trigger the body’s healing response.

• Treatment is individual-specific and deeply psychological
• Less invasive and often seen as safer by patients
• Practitioners are legally recognized under NCH (National Commission for Homeopathy)

Career Scope: You can practice independently, work in government homeopathy centers, or pursue a PG in homeopathy.

3. BUMS – Unani

Rooted in ancient Greek-Arabic medicine, Unani focuses on balancing the four humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile.

• Emphasizes regimental therapy (Hijama, massage, diet regulation)
• Courses are typically taught in Urdu, though many colleges offer help for non-Urdu speakers
• Controlled by NCISM

Career Scope: Practice as a Unani doctor or Hakim, enter Unani pharma, or join hospitals with Unani departments.

4. BSMS – Siddha

Popular in Tamil Nadu, Siddha medicine uses herbs, minerals, yoga, and spiritual methods to treat diseases.

• Based on ancient Tamil texts and pulse diagnosis
• Offers unique formulations that aren’t used in other systems
• Regulated under NCISM and mostly taught in southern India

Career Scope: Most graduates work in Siddha hospitals, pursue postgrad degrees, or join clinical research.

5. BNYS – Naturopathy & Yoga

This is the most lifestyle-focused course. If you believe in prevention, clean diets, and natural healing — BNYS is the perfect fit.

• Includes yoga therapy, fasting, hydrotherapy, mud therapy, and counseling
• You’ll also learn anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and psychology
• Some institutes accept NEET, while others conduct separate entrance tests

Career Scope: Become a wellness coach, yoga instructor, naturopathic consultant, or open a holistic healing center.

Who Can Apply for AYUSH Courses in 2025?

• You must have passed 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• Minimum 50% marks for General category (40% for SC/ST/OBC)
• NEET UG 2025 is mandatory for all courses except some BNYS colleges
• No age relaxation rules beyond NEET standard age limit

How to Get Admission? (Step-by-Step)

1. Appear for NEET UG 2025
2. Apply to counselling portals:
   • AACCC (Central AYUSH Counselling)
   • State-level counselling (e.g., KEA, UP Ayush, etc.)
3. Upload documents and pay fees
4. Fill and lock college choices
5. Check seat allotment and report to college

AYUSH Course Fees (2025 Expected Range)

Hostel and miscellaneous fees are extra in most private colleges.

Postgraduate & Career Scope

• You can pursue MD/MS in your AYUSH discipline via AIAPGET
• Open a private clinic, work in government hospitals, research, or join academia
• Many join wellness resorts, yoga retreats, and global Ayurveda centers
• You can also work in AYUSH-based pharma companies or NGOs

Final Thoughts

Choosing an AYUSH course is not just about marks — it’s about mindset. These fields require a deep interest in preventive care, natural healing, and patient-centered work. If that sounds like your path, then any of the AYUSH branches can lead you to a meaningful and respected career.

Take time to explore your interest. Each system — Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Naturopathy — has its own beauty and strength.