BAMS stands for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. It is a professional undergraduate degree program that covers the study of Ayurveda, an ancient system of holistic medicine that originated in India. Ayurveda aims to balance the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of health and wellness by using natural herbs, minerals, diet, lifestyle, and surgical techniques.
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BAMS Course Duration and Structure
The BAMS course duration is 5.5 years, which includes 4.5 years of academic study and one year of compulsory internship. The course is divided into three phases or professional years, each consisting of 1.5 years of study. The first professional year covers the basic principles and history of Ayurveda, the Sanskrit language, anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. The second professional year covers the pharmacology, pathology, diagnostics, and preventive medicine of Ayurveda. The third professional year covers the clinical aspects of Ayurveda, such as internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, ENT, ophthalmology, and toxicology.
The BAMS course syllabus also includes practical training in various departments of Ayurvedic hospitals and clinics, where students learn how to diagnose and treat patients using Ayurvedic methods. The internship period exposes students to different aspects of Ayurvedic practice, such as outpatient care, inpatient care, emergency care, community health care, research, and administration.
BAMS Course Eligibility and Admission
To be eligible for the BAMS course, candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examinations from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects. They must also have secured a minimum aggregate of 50% to 60% marks or an equivalent CGPA in 10+2. Additionally, they must have studied Sanskrit as a subject or have a certificate course in Sanskrit.
The admission to the BAMS course is based on the performance in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). NEET is a national-level entrance exam that tests the candidates’ knowledge and aptitude in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and General Knowledge. Some states and universities may also conduct their own entrance exams for BAMS admission, such as KEAM (Kerala), IPU CET (Delhi), BVP CET (Pune), etc.
The candidates who qualify for the entrance exam have to participate in the counseling process conducted by the respective state or university authorities. The counseling process involves verification of documents, choice filling, seat allotment, and fee payment. The candidates are allotted seats in various BAMS colleges based on their rank in the entrance exam, preferences, availability of seats, and reservation criteria.
BAMS Course Fees and Colleges
The BAMS course fees vary depending on the type and location of the college. The average course fee ranges from INR 20,000 to INR 3 lakh per annum. Government colleges usually charge lower fees than private colleges. Some colleges may also offer scholarships or fee waivers to meritorious or needy students.
There are more than 300 colleges in India that offer the BAMS course. These colleges are approved by the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM), which is the statutory body that regulates the education and practice of Ayurveda in India. Some of the top BAMS colleges in India are:
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
Gujarat Ayurved University (GAU), Jamnagar
National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur
Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Varanasi
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), Bangalore
Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth (DPU), Pune
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), Delhi
Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University (BVDU), Pune
KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research (KAHER), Belgaum
Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), Nashik
BAMS Course Scope and Career Prospects
The BAMS course opens up various opportunities for students who want to pursue a career in Ayurveda or allied fields. After completing the BAMS course, students can either opt for higher studies or start working as professionals. Some of the options for higher studies are:
MD/MS in Ayurveda: This is a three-year postgraduate degree program that allows students to specialize in a particular branch of Ayurveda, such as Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine), Shalya Tantra (Surgery), Prasuti Tantra Evam Stri Roga (Obstetrics and Gynecology), Kaumarabhritya (Pediatrics), etc.
PG Diploma in Ayurveda: This is a one-year diploma program that offers advanced training in specific areas of Ayurveda, such as Panchakarma (Detoxification Therapy), Yoga and Naturopathy, Ayurvedic Dietetics and Nutrition, Ayurvedic Cosmetology and Skin Care, Ayurvedic Pharmacology, Ayurvedic Management of Lifestyle Disorders, etc.
PhD in Ayurveda: This is a doctoral degree program that involves original research work on a chosen topic related to Ayurveda. It requires a minimum duration of three years and submission of a thesis.
MBA/PGDM in Hospital Management/Healthcare Management: This is a two-year management degree program that equips students with the skills and knowledge required to manage hospitals or healthcare organizations effectively.
Some of the career prospects for BAMS graduates are:
Ayurvedic Doctor: This is the most common career option for BAMS graduates. They can work as physicians or consultants in government or private hospitals, clinics, dispensaries, wellness centers, or NGOs that provide Ayurvedic healthcare services. They can also start their own practice or join an existing one.
Ayurvedic Teacher/Lecturer: BAMS graduates who have a passion for teaching can work as teachers or lecturers in colleges or universities that offer courses related to Ayurveda. They can also conduct workshops or seminars on various aspects of Ayurveda for students or professionals.
Ayurvedic Researcher: BAMS graduates who have an interest in research can work as researchers or scientists in research institutes or organizations that are involved in developing new drugs, therapies, or products based on Ayurveda. They can also pursue PhD programs to enhance their research skills and credentials.
Medical Representative: BAMS graduates who have good communication and marketing skills can work as medical representatives for pharmaceutical companies that manufacture or sell Ayurvedic medicines or products. They can also work as sales managers or executives for such companies.
Clinical Trial Coordinator: BAMS graduates who have knowledge of clinical trials can work as clinical trial coordinators for organizations that conduct clinical trials on Ayurvedic medicines or products. They can also work as data analysts or quality assurance managers for such organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions about BAMS Course
Q1: What is the difference between BAMS and MBBS?
A1: BAMS and MBBS are both undergraduate medical degree programs that qualify students to practice as doctors. However, BAMS focuses on Ayurveda, which is an ancient system of holistic medicine that uses natural herbs, minerals, diet, lifestyle, and surgical techniques to treat diseases. MBBS focuses on modern medicine, which is based on scientific principles and uses drugs, surgery, radiation, and other methods to treat diseases.
Q2: Is NEET compulsory for BAMS admission?
A2: Yes, NEET is compulsory for BAMS admission in most states and universities in India. NEET is a national-level entrance exam that tests the candidates’ knowledge and aptitude in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and General Knowledge. Some states and universities may also conduct their own entrance exams for BAMS admission, such as KEAM (Kerala), IPU CET (Delhi), BVP CET (Pune), etc.
Q3: What is the salary of a BAMS doctor?
A3: The salary of a BAMS doctor depends on various factors such as qualification, experience, specialization, location, type of employer, etc. The average salary ranges from INR 4 lakh to INR 6 lakh per annum. However, the salary can increase with higher studies, skills, and reputation.
Q4: Can a BAMS doctor do surgery?
A4: Yes, a BAMS doctor can do surgery according to the CCIM guidelines. However, the surgery performed by a BAMS doctor is limited to minor procedures such as incision, drainage, excision, suturing, etc., which are part of Shalya Tantra (Surgery) branch of Ayurveda. A BAMS doctor cannot perform major surgeries such as organ transplantation, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, etc., which require advanced training and equipment.
Q5: Can a BAMS doctor prescribe allopathic medicines?
A5: No, a BAMS doctor cannot prescribe allopathic medicines according to the Indian Medical Council Act 1956. A BAMS doctor can only prescribe medicines that are approved by CCIM under Schedule E(1) of Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. These medicines include