BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
BAMS: Pioneering Your Path in the Ancient Art of Ayurveda”
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) is a comprehensive 5.5-year undergraduate program that integrates traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern medical sciences. Recognized by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, the course includes 4.5 years of academic learning and 1 year of internship. BAMS equips students to become licensed Ayurvedic practitioners capable of working in clinical, academic, and research settings.
What Does BAMS Stand For?
BAMS stands for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, a professional undergraduate degree focused on the study and practice of Ayurveda—India’s ancient, holistic healing system.
Ayurveda, which translates to "the science of life," is based on balancing the three fundamental energies or doshas in the body: Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). BAMS students are taught to diagnose and treat patients using Ayurvedic principles, herbal medicines, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle modifications.
This program is not only about healing but also about understanding how to maintain health through natural and preventive measures. It blends traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology to provide a well-rounded medical education.
Graduates of BAMS can pursue clinical practice, research, teaching, or wellness consultancy, and are increasingly in demand due to growing global interest in alternative medicine and natural therapies.
BAMS Course Highlights
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery |
| Abbreviation | BAMS |
| Type | Degree |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Field | Healthcare |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology |
| Course Duration | 5.5 years (4.5 years academics + 1-year internship) |
| Average Fee | Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 6 Lakhs |
| Average Salary | Rs. 3L to 15L per Year |
| Career Opportunities | Clinical Researcher, Dermatologist, Medical Consultant, Siddha Pathologist, Paediatrician, Physiologist, Pharmacologist. Graduates can work in hospitals, research centres, pharmaceutical companies, and private practice. |
| Top Recruiters | Dabur, Patanjali, Himalaya, Zydus Cadila, Cipla, Sun Pharma |
BAMS 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 BAMS range from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 3,00,000.
Reasons to Pursue BAMS
Pursuing a BAMS degree offers numerous advantages for students interested in holistic and traditional medicine. Ayurveda, the backbone of this course, emphasizes healing that goes beyond treating symptoms—it nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. BAMS provides a solid foundation for a medical career rooted in natural treatments and preventive care. The degree opens up diverse opportunities in clinical practice, research, education, wellness consultancy, and entrepreneurship. Moreover, as awareness and demand for alternative medicine grow both in India and globally, BAMS graduates are increasingly valued. Students not only learn to cure diseases but also to promote lifestyle practices that enhance health and longevity, making it a fulfilling and impactful career choice. Holistic Healing: Learn preventive and therapeutic aspects of Ayurved
BAMS 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.
BAMS Course Duration
The BAMS 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 BAMS
- 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.
BAMS Entrance Exam
Admission requires passing the NEET exam, which is the standard entrance test for BAMS.
BAMS 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.
BAMS Syllabus
The BAMS 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
| Paper I | Paper II |
|---|---|
| Udal Koorugal (Anatomy): Osteology With Applied Anatomy, Arthrology with Applied Anatomy | Nervous System, Cardiovascular System, Endocrinology |
| Udal Thathuvam (Physiology): Thathuvas, Lymbootham, Kanmendryam, Dhasavayu | General Physiology, Muscle Physiology, Renal Physiology |
| Materiamedica - Plant Kingdom: Properties of drug, Vibagam, Prabhagam | Ulogangal, Pancha Sootham, Pashanangal, Karasaram |
3rd Year Subjects
| Paper I | Paper II |
|---|---|
| Noi Naadal: Siddha Pathology, Mukkutraiyal, Thegailakkanam | Immunopathology, Haemodynamic, Hematology |
| Sattam Sarntha Maruthuvam (Forensic Medicine): Introduction, Medical Law and Ethics, Identity, Medico legal Autopsy | - |
| Nanju Maruthuvam (Toxicology) | - |
| Research Methodology And Medical Statistics: Areas of Research Interest in Siddha, Epidemiological studies | Research Projects and Presentation |
4th Year Subjects
- Noi Anugaa Vidhi Ozhukkam
- Noi Naadal Noi Mudhal Nadal
- Nanju Nool and Maruthuva Neethi Nool
BAMS Course Structure
The BAMS curriculum includes three semesters, core subjects, research submissions, internal assessments, and viva-voce examinations.
BAMS Teaching Methodology and Techniques
The BAMS curriculum integrates diverse teaching methodologies and approaches beyond conventional lecture-based classes. Students receive training in essential areas such as research and development, diagnostic methods, herbal species comprehension, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and nutritional development.
Here are some of the teaching methodologies and techniques embedded within the BAMS course syllabus:
- Academic Lectures
- Holistic Teaching and Approach
- Conceptualized Learning
- Individual Projects
- Group Projects
- Field Survey
- Seminars
- Workshops with Industry Professionals
BAMS Projects
BAMS projects are assigned to students to deepen their comprehension of the subject matter, potentially serving as a springboard for diverse and prosperous careers in Siddha Medicine. Below are listed some popular BAMS project topics.
- Lifestyle management and the improvement provided through yoga practices
- Impact of Ayurveda on maintaining occupational hazards and Ailments
- Pathyapathya’s impact in containing various ailments and diseases
- Ayurvedic formulation and its increase with the help of biotechnology: An analysis
BAMS Reference Books
The BAMS reference materials aid candidates in expanding their comprehension of Siddha medicine course principles. Students receive comprehensive insights into the course to foster their own interpretations and methodologies.
| Name of the Books | Authors |
|---|---|
| Charaka Samhita | Ram Karan Sharma & Bhagwan Dash |
| Ayurvediya Kriya Sharir | Ranjit Rai Desai |
| Bhaishajya Kalpana | Chandrabhushan Jha |
| Padartha Vigyan | Ravi Dutt Tripathi |
BAMS Admission Process
Any aspirants wanting to take BAMS admission in any colleges offering BAMS course in India will be done only through NEET Score. Since National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the only entrance examination across India, no other exam is conducted for admission to BAMS course in India. NEET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). To get the BAMS admission, aspirants should appear for NEET.
- Registration for Entrance: Aspirants should register by logging into the web portal, entering personal details like applicant name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID, etc.
- Form Filling and Documents Upload: After registration, candidates fill the application form online providing personal and academic details and upload required documents.
- Payment of NEET Application Fee: Candidates pay the application fee after form submission.
- Download Confirmation Page: Printout of the application form and confirmation page is taken once the status is confirmed.
- Admit Card: Admit cards are issued to eligible candidates based on submitted records.
- Entrance Exams: Candidates appear for the entrance exams and qualify to get a merit rank.
- Counselling: Conducted by AYUSH Admissions Central Counselling Committee (AACCC) for All India Quota and other seats as per state authorities. Candidates choose colleges based on rank.
BAMS Specializations
The BAMS degree program offers diverse specializations to students. Some of these options include:
- Maruthuvam
- Gunapadam
- Kuzhandhai Maruthuvam
- Noi Naadal
- Nanju Maruthuvam
- Pura Maruthuvam
- Varma Maruthuvam
- Siddhar Yoga Maruthuvam
BAMS Career and Job Opportunities
What after BAMS?
Individuals holding a BAMS degree are recognized as doctors and eligible to establish private practices. After completing exams and a 12-month internship, graduates receive the Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery degree.
What Comes Next After BAMS?
After internship, graduates can begin practicing as doctors. BAMS opens doors to government and private sector jobs, or further studies such as MD (Siddha), postgraduate diplomas, or doctorate programs. Opportunities also include clinical research and public health master's degrees.
Career Opportunities Beyond Borders
Graduates find jobs in India and abroad, especially in manufacturing, research, government hospitals, retail Siddha medicine outlets, teaching, and clinics. Popular job titles include Siddha Drug Specialist, Medical Representative, Pharmacist, and more.
Job Opportunities Abroad for BAMS Graduates
Many foreign countries are adopting alternative medicine including Ayurveda and Siddha. This expands opportunities for BAMS graduates internationally. With the right skills, they can find success in nations embracing non-allopathic medicinal practices.
Top Companies for BAMS Graduates
- Vicco Laboratories
- National Rural Health Mission
- Charak Pharma
- National Ayush Mission
- Himalaya Wellness
- Patanjali
- Dabur Ltd
- Baidyanath
Best Countries for BAMS Graduates
These countries either originate or have strong Siddha/Ayurveda traditions or a large manufacturing and customer base:
- India
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- China
- USA
- Russia
- Austria
- Bhutan
- Japan
- Canada
- Switzerland
- Argentina
- Germany
Career Designations Abroad for BAMS Graduates
Developed countries in Europe and North America offer many career roles incorporating Siddha and Ayurveda including:
- Physiologist
- Fitness Trainer
- Chiropractor
- Clinical Researcher
- Medical Representative
- Assistant Claim Manager Health
- Business Development Officer
- Therapist
- Pharmacist
- Drug Safety Officer
- Pathologist
- Scientist
BAMS Scope
- Clinical trials
- Healthcare community
- Life science industries
- Pharmaceutical industries
- Education
- Healthcare IT
- Insurance
- On-duty doctor positions
- Nursing homes
- Spa resorts
- Government/private hospitals
- Dispensaries
- Colleges
- Research institutes
- Medical tourism industry
- Hotel industry
- Nursing industry
BAMS Doctors Salary
BAMS Doctors Salary: What to Expect
BAMS is a relatively new course in India gaining prominence, with increasing candidates every year. The average salary of BAMS graduates ranges between INR 3-5 LPA (Source: Payscale). Below are some common job roles and their average annual salaries:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Drug Safety Officer | INR 4.6 LPA |
| Medical Consultant | INR 7.2 LPA |
| Research Assistant (Medical) | INR 3.5 LPA |
| Clinical Research Associate | INR 3.4 LPA |
| Pathologist | INR 10 LPA |
Government Jobs for BAMS Graduates
Government roles in various sectors offer lucrative salary packages for BAMS graduates. Hiring typically involves entrance exams and interviews. Common employers include National Ayush Mission, National Rural Health Mission, public hospitals, and academic institutions.
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Drug Safety Officer | INR 4.6 LPA |
| Community Health Worker | INR 2.3 LPA |
| Medical Officer | INR 6.4 LPA |
| Research Assistant (Medical) | INR 3.5 LPA |
Private Jobs for BAMS Graduates
The private sector offers diverse opportunities, including healthcare, blogging, social media, and drug control sectors. The average salary is between INR 3-5 LPA. Some common job roles include:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical Consultant | INR 7.2 LPA |
| Medical Assistant | INR 3 LPA |
| Clinical Research Associate | INR 3.4 LPA |
| Pathologist | INR 10 LPA |
Top Recruiters for BAMS Graduates in India
- Vicco Laboratories
- National Rural Health Mission
- Charak Pharma
- National Ayush Mission
- Himalaya Wellness
- Patanjali
- Dabur Ltd
- Baidyanath
Top 10 Ayurveda Colleges in India
This list is based on student priority in AACCC counselling from recent years.
| Rank | College Name | Established Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ayurvedic & Unani Tibbia College | 1916 |
| 2 | Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, BHU | 1985 |
| 3 | MMM Govt Ayurveda College | 1944 |
| 4 | National Institute of Ayurveda | 1976 |
| 5 | Govt Ayurvedic College and Hospital | 1965 |
| 6 | Govt Ayurveda Medical College | 1948 |
| 7 | Institute of Teaching & Research in Ayurveda | 1967 |
| 8 | ACh. Brahm Prakash Ayurved Charak Sansthan | 2007 |
| 9 | Maria JB Roy State Ayurvedic Medical College | 1916 |
| 10 | RA Podar Ayurved Medical College | 1941 |
Need More Information?
You can download the official BSMS course guidelines as a pdf.
📄 Download BSMS PDF Guide