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Ayurveda is a system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. Globalized and modernized practices derived from Ayurveda traditions are a type of alternative medicine. In countries beyond India, Ayurvedic therapies and practices have been integrated into general wellness applications and in some cases in medical use.

What is B.A.M.S. (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)?

BAMS full form is Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery. BAMS is an undergraduate degree programme that is designed to make students familiar with the concepts of Ayurveda and use it for the treatment of patients. BAMS incorporates Ayurveda with the concepts of modern medicines and students are taught a combination of both as part of the course curriculum.
Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine and traces its roots to Vedic times. It is based on the curative properties of herbs and its medicines are known for the natural elements that they contain.
Considered as an alternative method of treatment, the Ayurveda medicine system not only cures and prevents an ailment but also reduces the frequency with which diseases enter a human body. It utilises the self-healing system of the body.
Currently, this alternative method of healing is being accepted by people worldwide. Even the World Health Organisation has provided a worldwide forum for promoting traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda. Therefore, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) as a course has opened up many promising opportunities for students.

Required Skillset for BAMS 

BAMS is most apt for students who have a keen interest in the Medicine industry and would love to explore alternative methods of treatment. Students who aspire to build their career in the field of Ayurveda should have the below-mentioned skillset:

Eligibility Criteria for BAMS

• To pursue a BAMS course in Indian colleges/ universities, aspirants should clear Class XII in Science stream with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) subjects.
• In most cases, the minimum percentage that students require in Class XII to be eligible for BAMS course admissions is 50% to 60%. However, the minimum percentage criteria changes depending on a college/ university policy.
• Some universities may also have minimum age bar as their BAMS eligibility criteria.

Candidates who fulfil the above eligibility criteria have to appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and qualify it. Admission to BAMS course is through centralised counselling based on the NEET merit list.

Course Curriculum for BAMS

BAMS is a 5 year and 6-month long bachelor degree course. The course duration includes 4.5 years of academic sessions and 1 year of internship. The 4.5 years of academic sessions are divided into three professional courses of 1.5 years each. In the first professional course, students are taught about the following subjects:

• History of the Ayurvedic system
• Basic principles of Ayurveda
• Anatomy
• Physiology

In the second professional course, students are taught about subjects such as:

• Toxicology 
• Pharmacology 
• Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Science

In the third and final professional course, students are taught about modern medicine subjects such as:

• Modern anatomy
• Principle of surgery
• ENT
• Skin
• Obstetrics 
• Gynaecology
• Paediatrics
• Internal Medicine

Job Profile and Top Recruiters for BAMS

In the past, there were majorly two options available for freshly graduated Ayurveda doctors – higher studies or personal practice by opening a clinic. However, these days there are a plethora of job opportunities available for BAMS graduates in both public as well as private sectors. Some of the industries which students can look forward to making a career after clearing BAMS are:

Take a look at different job opportunities available for BAMS graduates below:

• Physician: Before students start with their own clinical practice, it is always advised to work under some senior practitioners to gain relevant experience. Along with regular practice under a practitioner, students can also opt for specialised practice (such as treatment for spinal disorders, skin diseases, etc) after gaining complete knowledge.     
• Teacher: If a student wishes to build his/her career in the field of teaching, it becomes necessary to complete post-graduation. For post-graduation, students can choose to pursue either MD or postgraduate diplomas in any subject of their choice. Once students have their post-graduation degree, they can join any government or private college as a lecturer.
• Manager: Students who wish to enter into the field of management can pursue courses such as Masters in Public Health (MPH), Masters in Health Administration (MHA), and MBA in Hospital and Healthcare Management. Such courses are in great demand and offer promising employment opportunities for students.
• Clinical Research Associate: These days many universities are coming up with different postgraduate courses in clinical research. Students can pursue such courses to secure a job as a Clinical Research Associate in the research units of different pharmaceutical companies.  
• Drug Manufacturer: Manufacturing of Ayurveda medicines and related products such as cosmetics is a booming business these days. To make a career in the field, students can choose to pursue courses such as MSc in Pharmaceutical Medicine and Diploma in Herbal Medicinal Manufacturing after the completion of the BAMS course.
• Health Supervisor/ Therapist: These days many international tourists look towards taking natural Ayurveda treatments in health resorts and spa centres across India. Tourists usually prefer natural therapies for problems like arthritis, obesity, migraine, premature ageing, skin diseases, high cholesterol, and diabetes. BAMS students can opt to work as supervisors in such health centres of various hotels and resorts. Students can also open their own health centre. 
• Medical Supervisor: This option includes working as a medical supervisor in companies that prepare Ayurveda medicines.

When it comes to hiring, government and private hospitals are the major recruiters for BAMS graduates. However, top recruiters that offer jobs to Ayurveda practitioners other than hospitals are mentioned below:

BAMS: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Can I do MD after completing BAMS?

A. Yes, you can pursue MD/ MS in the following disciplines after completing the BAMS degree: Agada Tantra, Ayurveda Samhita evam Siddhant, Dravyaguna Vigyana, Kaumarabhritya Bala Roga, Kayachikitsa Kriya Sharira, Mano Vigyana evam Manasa Roga, Panchakarma Prasuti evam Stri Roga, Rachana Sharira, Rasa Shastra evam Bhaishajya Kalpana, Rasayana evam Vajikarana, Roga Nidana evam Vikriti Vigyana, Shalakya, Shalya Swasthavritta, and Yoga.

Q. Which college is best for BAMS in India?

A. Some of the best Institutions for BAMS in India are Institute Of Medical Sciences (Varanasi), Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (Faridkot), Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (Nashik), Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (Wardha) and Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (Bangalore).

Q. What is the tuition fee of the BAMS course?

A. Fee for the BAMS course varies from institution to institution, however, the range of the tuition fee per annum is Rs 10,000 - Rs 1,00,000.

Q. Can I do BAMS if I did not study Sanskrit before?

A. Yes, you can. Sanskrit will be taught to you during the BAMS degree course. The subjects that you must have in Class XII to be eligible for BAMS are: Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Q. What is the duration of a BAMS degree course?

A. The total duration of a BAMS degree course is 4 years and 6 months plus one year of compulsory rotatory internship. The academic session is divided into three tiers, each tier is 18 months long,