BHMS stands for Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery, a 5.5-year undergraduate medical degree in the homoeopathic system of medicine. It is the primary qualification for becoming a registered homoeopathic doctor in India and is regulated by the National Commission for Homoeopathy under the Ministry of AYUSH.
Homoeopathy is based on the principle of treating like with like, using highly diluted preparations derived from plant, mineral and animal sources. BHMS combines this philosophy with conventional medical subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathology and surgery, so graduates study much of the same foundational science as MBBS students.
- BHMS education and practice are now regulated by the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH), which replaced the Central Council of Homoeopathy on 5 July 2021
- Admission requires a valid NEET UG score, with a qualifying percentile of 50th for general candidates and 40th for SC, ST and OBC candidates
- The course remains 5.5 years, including a one-year compulsory rotatory internship
- There is no national bridge course converting BHMS to MBBS.
What Is BHMS and What Does the Course Cover?
BHMS, or Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery, is a 5.5-year undergraduate degree that trains students as registered homoeopathic physicians. It blends homoeopathic philosophy and materia medica with core medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology and community medicine. After a one-year internship, graduates can practise independently or pursue postgraduate study.
Homoeopathy works on the principle of treating like with like, using highly diluted preparations made from plant, mineral and animal sources to stimulate the body's own healing response. A BHMS curriculum teaches this philosophy alongside conventional medical sciences, so students gain a broad understanding of the human body and clinical care.
How Does BHMS Compare With MBBS?
BHMS and MBBS are both 5.5-year undergraduate medical degrees that include a one-year internship, and both produce registered doctors. The key difference is the system of medicine: MBBS trains allopathic doctors, while BHMS trains homoeopathic physicians. BHMS students study shared basics like anatomy and physiology but focus on homoeopathic materia medica and therapeutics.
Both degrees span five and a half years, include a one-year internship and produce registered doctors who may use the title Dr. A BHMS student studies anatomy, physiology and the use of clinical tools, much like an MBBS student, but is trained to treat patients with homoeopathic medicines rather than allopathic drugs.
MBBS: Eligibility, Course and Admission GuideRead →What Are the BHMS Eligibility Criteria in 2026?
To be eligible for BHMS, candidates must pass class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, plus English, scoring at least 50% in aggregate (40% for reserved categories). A valid NEET UG score is mandatory for admission to every recognised college. The minimum age is 17 years by 31 December of the admission year.
- Passed class 12 (10+2) from a recognised board
- Physics, Chemistry and Biology, with English, as core subjects
- Minimum 50% aggregate (40% for SC, ST and OBC categories)
- Valid NEET UG qualifying score: 50th percentile (general), 40th percentile (SC/ST/OBC), 45th percentile (general-PwD)
- Minimum age of 17 years by 31 December of the admission year
How Do You Get Admission to BHMS?
Admission to BHMS is based entirely on NEET UG, the single national entrance test for all medical and AYUSH courses. Candidates must qualify NEET at the prescribed percentile, then participate in centralised counselling conducted by AYUSH or state authorities. Seats are allotted on merit and category, across All India Quota and state quota seats.
- Appear for and qualify NEET UG at the required percentile.
- Register for centralised counselling conducted by AYUSH or the relevant state authority.
- Fill in college and category preferences for All India Quota and state quota seats.
- Attend counselling rounds where seats are allotted on merit and category.
- Complete document verification and admission at the allotted college.
What Is the BHMS Course Duration and Structure?
BHMS lasts five and a half years: four and a half years of academic study followed by a compulsory one-year rotatory internship. The academic phase is organised into structured parts covering pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical subjects. Students must complete the internship before they can register with a state board and practise as homoeopathic doctors.
| BHMS Overview (2026) | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 5.5 years (4.5 years academic + 1 year internship) |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English, 50% aggregate |
| Entrance Exam | NEET UG (mandatory) |
| Regulator | National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) |
What Does the BHMS Syllabus Cover?
The BHMS syllabus combines conventional medical sciences with homoeopathic disciplines. Early years cover anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and homoeopathic pharmacy, alongside the Organon of Medicine and homoeopathic philosophy. Later years add pathology, forensic medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, community medicine, materia medica and repertory, supported by clinical training and the final internship year.
| BHMS Phase (2026) | Key Subjects |
|---|---|
| First (1.5 years) | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Homoeopathic Pharmacy, Organon of Medicine, Homoeopathic Philosophy |
| Second (1 year) | Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Materia Medica, Organon of Medicine |
| Third (1 year) | Practice of Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Organon, Materia Medica, Homoeopathic Therapeutics |
| Fourth (1 year) | Practice of Medicine, Repertory, Community Medicine, Organon, Materia Medica |
| Fifth year | Compulsory rotatory internship |
What Are the BHMS Course Fees?
BHMS fees vary widely by institution type. Government and state-funded colleges are heavily subsidised, often costing only a few thousand rupees per year. Colleges admitting under All India Quota typically charge moderate annual fees, while private homoeopathic colleges and deemed universities can cost up to several lakhs per year. Always confirm current fees with the college.
| College Type (2026) | Approximate Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| Government / state-funded | Around Rs 5,000 - Rs 10,000 per year |
| All India Quota / aided | Around Rs 50,000 - Rs 2,00,000 per year |
| Private / deemed university | Up to around Rs 5,00,000 per year |
Which Are the Top BHMS Colleges in India?
India has many recognised BHMS colleges, including government, deemed-university and private institutions. Well-known names include the National Institute of Homoeopathy in Kolkata, Nehru Homoeopathic Medical College in New Delhi, and the homoeopathic faculties of Bharati Vidyapeeth and Dr DY Patil in Pune. Always check that a college is approved by the National Commission for Homoeopathy.
- National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata
- Nehru Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, New Delhi
- Bakson Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Greater Noida
- Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata
- Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College, Mangalore
- Bharati Vidyapeeth Homoeopathic Medical College, Pune
- Dr DY Patil Homoeopathic Medical College and Research Centre, Pune
- Government Homoeopathic Medical College, Bengaluru
- Smt Chandaben Mohanbhai Patel Homoeopathic Medical College, Mumbai
- Parul Institute of Homoeopathy, Vadodara
What Can You Do After BHMS?
After BHMS, graduates can register and practise as homoeopathic doctors, or pursue higher studies. The most popular postgraduate route is MD (Homoeopathy), a three-year degree with specialisations such as Materia Medica, Organon, Repertory and Practice of Medicine. Others choose MSc, public-health, hospital-management or research pathways, or work in clinics, colleges, pharma and government health programmes.
- MD (Hom) Materia Medica
- MD (Hom) Organon of Medicine and Philosophy
- MD (Hom) Practice of Medicine
- MD (Hom) Repertory / Case Taking and Repertorisation
- MD (Hom) Psychiatry
- MD (Hom) Paediatrics
- MD (Hom) Pharmacy
- MSc in subjects such as Clinical Research, Epidemiology or Medical Biochemistry
- MBA / MHA in Hospital or Healthcare Management
- MPH (Master of Public Health)
What Is the Salary and Career Scope for BHMS Graduates?
BHMS graduates can work as homoeopathic physicians, consultants, lecturers, researchers, pharmacists or medical officers in government and private hospitals, NGOs and clinics. Earnings vary widely with sector, location and experience. Entry-level salaries are typically modest, while established private practitioners and senior specialists can earn substantially more as their reputation and patient base grow over time.
| Career Profile (2026) | Role |
|---|---|
| Homoeopathic Physician | Diagnoses and treats patients using homoeopathic medicines |
| Private Practitioner | Runs an independent homoeopathic clinic |
| Medical Officer | Works in government or AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries |
| Lecturer / Researcher | Teaches in homoeopathic colleges or conducts research |
| Pharmacist / Quality Control | Works with homoeopathic pharmaceutical manufacturers |
Is There a BHMS to MBBS Bridge Course?
As of 2026, there is no national bridge course that converts a BHMS degree into an MBBS qualification. BHMS and MBBS remain separate degrees regulated by different bodies. Some states have, at times, allowed limited training in allopathic pharmacology for AYUSH practitioners, but this does not make a BHMS graduate equivalent to an MBBS doctor.
Proposals to create a formal bridge mechanism have been discussed over the years, but no national BHMS-to-MBBS bridge course currently exists. Students who specifically want to practise allopathy should plan for MBBS through NEET rather than relying on a future bridge route.