- BAMS is regulated by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), which replaced the CCIM in June 2021
- Admission is through NEET-UG, conducted by the National Testing Agency, with All India Quota and deemed-university counselling handled by the Ayush Admissions Central Counselling Committee (AACCC) under NCISM
- The course remains five-and-a-half years, including a one-year internship.
BAMS stands for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. It is one of the oldest systems of medicine and a professional undergraduate degree focused on Ayurveda, offered mainly in India and a few other South Asian countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh. Not every country recognises the BAMS qualification for medical practice.
The degree is awarded after a five-and-a-half-year course that includes a compulsory one-year internship. After registering with the relevant state board under NCISM, a BAMS graduate can practise as an Ayurvedic doctor. Graduates may also continue with postgraduate study, such as an MD (Ayurveda) or MS (Ayurveda).
BAMS is taught at hundreds of NCISM-permitted Ayurveda colleges across India, which include government, government-aided, private and deemed institutions. Today it functions as a complementary and integrative system of medicine, blending classical Ayurvedic wisdom with elements of modern medical science.
Some key facts about Ayurveda:
- Ayurveda is considered one of the oldest documented systems of medicine still practised today.
- Its roots trace back to the Vedic period of ancient India.
- It centres on natural herbs, diet and lifestyle, teaching the balanced use of nature for health.
- Modern BAMS education integrates traditional Ayurvedic principles with contemporary medical science.
- Ayurvedic treatments are generally gentle, though they should still be taken under qualified guidance.
What Is the Full Form of BAMS?
BAMS stands for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. It is an undergraduate professional medical degree focused on Ayurveda, India's traditional system of medicine. The programme trains students to diagnose and treat patients using Ayurvedic principles alongside elements of modern medicine, and graduates can register and practise as Ayurvedic doctors after completing the course.
The full form of BAMS is Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. It is designed to make students familiar with Ayurveda so they can use it in the treatment of patients. In BAMS, Ayurveda is combined with modern medicine, and students study a blend of both as part of the syllabus.
What Does the BAMS Course Cover?
The BAMS course combines classical Ayurvedic knowledge with modern medical subjects. Students study Ayurvedic philosophy, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, toxicology, surgery and Panchakarma, plus clinical training through classroom teaching, practicals, workshops and hospital postings. Sanskrit is taught throughout, since many foundational texts are in Sanskrit, helping students read original Ayurvedic literature accurately during their studies.
The structure of the course divides the academic part into three professional phases of one-and-a-half years each, followed by a one-year internship. Students learn both theory and practical skills, and the qualification prepares them to work as Ayurvedic physicians or to specialise further through postgraduate study.
Core subjects studied in BAMS include:
- Ayurvedic philosophy (Padartha Vigyana)
- History of Ayurveda
- Anatomy (Rachna Sharira) and physiology (Kriya Sharira)
- Toxicology and jurisprudence (Agadtantra)
- General medicine (Kaya Chikitsa)
- General surgery and para-surgical techniques (Shalya Tantra)
- Panchakarma and Rasayana
How Is BAMS Admission Done Through NEET?
BAMS admission in India is based on NEET-UG, the national entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency. Qualified candidates enter counselling: the Ayush Admissions Central Counselling Committee handles All India Quota and deemed-university seats under NCISM, while state authorities conduct counselling for state-quota seats. Seats are allotted strictly on NEET merit and category.
There is no separate BAMS entrance test. Candidates qualify NEET-UG, then participate in centralised counselling where seats are allotted on merit. The All India Quota and deemed and central university seats are handled by AACCC under NCISM and the Ministry of Ayush, while the remaining state-quota seats are filled by each state's counselling authority.
The BAMS admission process, step by step:
- Qualify Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
- Register for and appear in NEET-UG conducted by the National Testing Agency.
- The National Testing Agency declares the NEET-UG result and qualifying percentile.
- Participate in AACCC counselling (All India Quota / deemed) or your state counselling.
- A seat is allotted based on NEET merit and category.
- Report to the allotted college and complete final admission.
What Is the NEET Cut Off for BAMS?
BAMS seats are filled on NEET-UG merit, so the cut off is the NEET qualifying percentile rather than a separate BAMS exam. General-category candidates must reach the 50th percentile, reserved categories (OBC, SC, ST) the 40th percentile, and General-PwD candidates the 45th percentile. The qualifying score in marks changes slightly each year with difficulty.
Qualifying NEET only makes a candidate eligible; the actual closing cut off for a particular BAMS college is far higher and depends on demand, category and quota. Government and popular deemed colleges close at much higher scores than newer private colleges. The NEET qualifying percentiles by category are shown below.
| Category (NEET-UG 2026) | Qualifying Percentile |
|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 50th percentile |
| OBC / SC / ST | 40th percentile |
| General-PwD | 45th percentile |
| OBC / SC / ST-PwD | 40th percentile |
Which Are the Top BAMS Colleges in India?
BAMS originated in India, so most leading Ayurveda colleges are located across Indian states. Well-regarded government institutions include the Institute of Medical Sciences at Banaras Hindu University, the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda Jamnagar, government Ayurveda colleges in Maharashtra and Karnataka, and Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya Pune, all permitted by NCISM.
Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh have the largest number of Ayurveda colleges. The full list of permitted institutions is published every year by NCISM, so applicants should always confirm a college's current recognition before applying. Some widely recognised BAMS colleges in India are listed below.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
- Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar
- National Institute of Ayurveda (deemed), Jaipur
- Tilak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Pune
- Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University College of Ayurved, Pune
- Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved, Navi Mumbai
- Shri Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur
- Government Ayurved College, Nanded
- State Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Lucknow
- Colleges affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka
What Is the BAMS Syllabus?
The BAMS syllabus is taught across three professional years of one-and-a-half years each, followed by a one-year internship. It blends classical Ayurvedic subjects, much of it studied in Sanskrit, with modern sciences. The course is examined yearly rather than by semester, covering theory and extensive practical and clinical training in hospitals and skill labs.
A large part of the BAMS syllabus deals with classical Ayurvedic methods of treatment, much of it preserved in Sanskrit texts, alongside modern subjects such as anatomy, physiology and pathology. The syllabus is organised by professional phase rather than by semester, as summarised below.
| Professional Phase | Subjects (2026 Syllabus) |
|---|---|
| First Professional | History of Ayurveda; Sanskrit and Samhita; Padartha Vigyana (Ayurvedic philosophy); Rachna Sharira (anatomy); Kriya Sharira (physiology) |
| Second Professional | Rasa Shastra evam Bhaishajya Kalpana (Ayurvedic pharmaceutics); Dravyaguna (materia medica); Agadtantra and Vidhi Vaidyaka (toxicology and jurisprudence); Roga Nidana (pathology); Svasthavritta (preventive and social medicine); Charaka Samhita |
| Final Professional | Kaya Chikitsa (general medicine and Panchakarma); Shalya Tantra (general surgery); Shalakya Tantra (ENT, eye and dentistry); Prasuti Tantra evam Stri Roga (obstetrics and gynaecology); Kaumarabhritya (paediatrics); research project and clinical training |
How Much Are BAMS Course Fees?
BAMS fees vary widely by college type. Government Ayurveda colleges are inexpensive, often charging roughly INR 10,000 to 50,000 per year, because seats are subsidised. Private and deemed universities charge far more, commonly a few lakh rupees per year, so the full degree can range from modest amounts to several lakh rupees depending on the institution and admission quota.
Fees also depend on the college's reputation and facilities, and on whether the seat is secured through the government quota or the management quota. Private-college figures usually include tuition along with hostel and other charges, while government colleges remain the most affordable route into BAMS.
What Is the Duration of the BAMS Course?
BAMS is a five-and-a-half-year programme. It consists of four-and-a-half years of academic study, organised into three professional phases of one-and-a-half years each, followed by a compulsory one-year rotating internship. Only after completing both the academic phases and the internship is the degree awarded and the graduate eligible to register as a practitioner.
In short, the academic teaching takes four-and-a-half years and the internship adds one more year, giving a total of five years and six months. The internship is hands-on clinical practice that prepares graduates to work independently as Ayurvedic doctors.
What Is the Scope and Salary After BAMS?
BAMS graduates have growing career options beyond clinical practice. They can work as Ayurvedic doctors in government and private hospitals, run their own clinics, or join the pharmaceutical, wellness, medical-tourism and education sectors. Entry-level monthly earnings commonly range from around INR 20,000 to 50,000, rising with experience, specialisation through MD/MS, and reputation.
Earlier, BAMS graduates were limited to clinical practice or teaching, but the scope has widened considerably. Common career sectors today include:
- Government and private Ayurvedic hospitals and clinics
- Pharmaceutical and herbal-product companies
- Wellness, spa and medical-tourism industry
- Teaching and research institutions
- Government health programmes under the Ministry of Ayush
Beyond government and private hospitals, some of the companies that recruit BAMS graduates include:
- Patanjali Ayurved Limited
- The Himalaya Drug Company
- Dabur India Limited
- Baidyanath
- Emami Limited
- Charak Pharma
- Zandu (Emami)
- Hamdard Laboratories
Which Courses Can You Pursue After BAMS?
After BAMS, graduates can pursue higher studies to specialise or improve career prospects. The most common route is a three-year MD or MS in Ayurveda in fields such as Kayachikitsa, Panchakarma, Shalya Tantra, Dravyaguna or Prasuti Tantra, entered through the AYUSH PG NEET. Diplomas, hospital management and pharmacy-related programmes are also popular options.
Popular MD/MS specialisations after BAMS:
- MD in Kayachikitsa (General Medicine)
- MD in Panchakarma
- MD in Dravyaguna (Materia Medica)
- MD in Rasa Shastra evam Bhaishajya Kalpana
- MD in Kaumarabhritya (Paediatrics)
- MD in Roga Nidana (Pathology)
- MS in Shalya Tantra (General Surgery)
- MS in Shalakya Tantra (ENT and Eye)
- MS in Prasuti Tantra evam Stri Roga (Obstetrics and Gynaecology)
Diploma courses after BAMS:
- PG Diploma in Panchakarma
- Diploma in Ayurvedic Pharmacy
- Diploma in Yoga and Naturopathy
- Diploma in Herbal Medicine
What Is the Eligibility for BAMS?
To be eligible for BAMS, a candidate must pass Class 12 in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, usually scoring at least 50 percent (40 percent for reserved categories). The candidate must also qualify NEET-UG and be at least 17 years old by 31 December of the admission year, then secure a seat through counselling.
- Pass Class 12 in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology from a recognised board.
- Score at least 50 percent in PCB (40 percent for reserved categories; relaxations as per rules).
- Be at least 17 years old as on 31 December of the year of admission.
- Qualify NEET-UG and obtain a seat through AACCC or state counselling.
How Does BAMS Compare With MBBS?
BAMS and MBBS are both undergraduate medical degrees admitted through NEET, but they differ in system and competition. MBBS teaches modern allopathic medicine, has far fewer seats and higher cut offs, and is costlier. BAMS focuses on Ayurveda with some modern medical exposure, is comparatively easier to secure, and is generally cheaper, especially in government colleges.
| Basis (2026) | BAMS | MBBS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery | Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery |
| Medical System | Ayurveda with some modern medical exposure | Modern allopathic medicine |
| Admission | NEET-UG; comparatively easier to secure a seat | NEET-UG; far fewer seats and higher cut offs |
| Fees | Generally cheaper, especially government colleges | Generally more expensive |
| Duration | 5 years 6 months (including 1-year internship) | 5 years 6 months (including 1-year internship) |
What Are the Key BAMS Course Details?
BAMS is a five-and-a-half-year undergraduate course made up of three professional phases of one-and-a-half years each plus a one-year internship. Admission is through NEET-UG, the regulator is NCISM, and graduates work as Ayurvedic doctors. The table below summarises the full form, eligibility, fees, duration, job roles and typical salary at a glance.
| BAMS Detail (2026) | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery |
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 5 years 6 months (including 1-year internship) |
| Examination Type | Yearly (professional examinations) |
| Eligibility | Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology plus NEET-UG |
| Admission Process | NEET-UG merit, followed by AACCC or state counselling |
| Regulator | National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) |
| Average Fees | INR 10,000-50,000/year (government); higher in private and deemed colleges |
| Job Roles | Ayurvedic doctor, lecturer, therapist, Panchakarma practitioner, pharmacist, researcher |
| Average Salary | INR 20,000-50,000/month at entry, rising with experience |