India’s traditional medical systems offer multiple paths for aspiring doctors. One of the most respected and unique among them is BUMS — Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery. While Ayurveda and Homeopathy are commonly discussed, Unani medicine has a rich, centuries-old heritage influenced by Greek, Arabic, Persian, and Indian practices.
In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what BUMS is, how to get admission into the course, the colleges offering it, what kind of jobs you can expect, and whether it’s worth pursuing in 2025.
What is BUMS?
BUMS stands for Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery.
- It’s a 5.5-year undergraduate medical course
- Includes 4.5 years of academic study and 1 year of compulsory internship
- Recognized and regulated by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM)
- The course focuses on Unani healing principles, anatomy, physiology, pathology, toxicology, and also teaches general surgery and medicine
Unani System – The Basics
Unani medicine is based on the balance of four bodily humours:
- Dam (blood)
- Balgham (phlegm)
- Safra (yellow bile)
- Sauda (black bile)
When these are out of balance, illness occurs. Treatments aim to restore equilibrium using:
- Herbal remedies
- Dietary regulation
- Regimental therapy (Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer), including cupping, massage, steam baths, etc.
- Natural lifestyle modification
Who Should Consider BUMS?
- Students interested in holistic medicine with Islamic/Greek influence
- NEET aspirants with a moderate score (350–450 range)
- Candidates fluent or comfortable with Urdu or Arabic, though not always compulsory
- Aspirants looking to work in government AYUSH hospitals, clinics, or open private practice
BUMS Course Structure
Core Subjects Taught:
- Tashreehul Badan (Anatomy)
- Munafe’ul Aza (Physiology)
- Ilmul Advia (Pharmacology)
- Tahaffuzi wa Samaji Tib (Preventive & Social Medicine)
- Ilmul Qabalat wa Amraze Niswan (Gynecology & Obstetrics)
- Ilmul Jrahat (Surgery)
- Moalijat (Medicine)
- Ilaj Bit Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy)
Eligibility for BUMS Admission in 2025
- Passed 12th (PCB) with at least 50% (GEN), 40% (SC/ST/OBC)
- NEET UG 2025 is mandatory for admission
- Urdu/Arabic knowledge preferred but not compulsory in many colleges
- Age limit as per NEET UG eligibility (17+)
Admission Process (Step-by-Step)
- Appear for NEET UG 2025
- Register under AACCC counselling (for central seats) or state AYUSH counselling
- Upload documents (10th, 12th, NEET scorecard, photo, ID proof)
- Fill and lock your preferred colleges
- Seat allotment round
- Report to college and complete verification
Top BUMS Colleges in India
College | Location | Type | Annual Fees | NEET Cutoff (GEN) |
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) | UP | Govt | ₹20,000 | 530+ |
Jamia Hamdard | Delhi | Deemed | ₹1.5L | 480+ |
Govt. Nizamia Tibbi College | Hyderabad | Govt | ₹25,000 | 510+ |
Z.V.M. Unani Medical College | Pune | Private | ₹2.2L | 380+ |
Dr. Abdul Haq Unani Medical College | Kurnool | Govt | ₹35,000 | 420+ |
Fee Structure (BUMS 2025)
Type of College | Approx. Annual Fee |
Government | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
Private | ₹1.5L – ₹2.5L |
Deemed | ₹2L – ₹3L |
Hostel, exam, and registration charges are extra.
Expected NEET Cutoffs for BUMS (2025)
Category | Govt Colleges | Private Colleges |
GEN | 500–530 | 380–450 |
OBC | 480–500 | 350–420 |
SC | 430–460 | 300–400 |
ST | 410–440 | 280–390 |
EWS | 480–500 | 360–430 |
Career After BUMS – What’s the Scope?
A BUMS graduate becomes a licensed Unani physician. You can:
- Open your own Unani clinic
- Join Govt hospitals, CGHS, ESIC AYUSH wings
- Work as a Medical Officer (Unani)
- Join the Unani pharmaceutical industry
- Pursue postgraduation – MD (Unani) via AIAPGET
- Work abroad (in countries recognizing Unani, such as UAE or parts of Middle East)
Postgraduate Options After BUMS
You can appear for AIAPGET and choose PG in:
- Moalijat (Medicine)
- Ilmul Qabalat (Obstetrics & Gynae)
- Ilaj Bit Tadbeer (Regimental Therapy)
- Kulliyat (Fundamentals)
- Tahaffuzi wa Samaji Tib (PSM)
Final Words
BUMS is more than a backup — it’s a respected, time-tested medical degree. If you’re passionate about holistic care and want to blend tradition with science, this might be your best path forward.
With India and global healthcare systems recognizing Unani, the career potential is strong — especially with the rising trust in alternative and natural healing methods
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